One of the most beautiful places in all the Triangle for weddings is Duke Gardens amphitheater. On September 6, 2009, the place was at its summertime peak but the leaves on the trees were giving just a hint of fall colors. Mark and Susan planned a fabulous wedding and all their hard work came together to fulfill their dreams!
Mark is Jewish; Susan is Christian. They wanted an interfaith ceremony that blended the traditions of both faiths. Although I officiate many Jewish/Christian interfaith ceremonies and include all the customs, I do not speak Hebrew and the Rabbi I frequently co-officiate interfaith weddings with was not available this Labor Day weekend. Fortunately Mark was able to persuade a good friend and fellow doctor at Duke Medical, Ed, to be our Hebrew reader and cantor. Ed did a super job. In the photo above, Ed and I lead in the groom and his groomsmen.
Here comes our beautiful, radiant bride in her gorgeous wedding gown. Susan chose to walk alone from the reception center to the steps of the amphitheater.
Mark met her at the steps and escorted her into the "altar" area. They both loved this idea when I suggested it to them. (BTW, you can click on each of these photos and a larger image will come up.)
Mark and Susan had originally planned on only about 50 guests but the final guest count was near 90! All their friends and family were happy to come to their wedding and celebrate with them. What a beautiful Chuppah.
It turned out to be a windy day. Although the lovely breeze felt refreshing, it wreaked havoc with the Unity Candle lighting! But, with my helping shield the flames with my hand, we finally got it lit and this photo is testament to that feat!
I'm giving Mark the thumb's up here for successfully breaking the glass as we all shouted "Mahzel Tov" which means good luck and congratulations in Hebrew!
And now for the big kiss. I didn't think they kissed long enough the first time so I made them kiss again! They did not mind at all and the guests loved it. That is Ed on the right grinning and ready to give the benediction in Hebrew as I followed in English.
Here is the now married couple on their way out of the ceremony amidst applause and cheers.
At the rear of the amphitheater is a little private garden nook for the bride and groom and photographer to retreat to for some time alone before the group photos.
Back at the ceremony site after all the guests have departed to the visitors' center for the reception, Susan was thanking me for giving her the hankie during the ceremony when the tears started leaking and her nose too! I always carry a hankie with me for the bride and groom. I collect recycled fancy hankies for just that purpose!
I think Susan just said something really funny but I can't remember what!
Here is the wedding party. The young lady on the far left is Becki, Mark's daughter, and the young man on the right side is his son, Daniel. Their mother passed on many years ago and I could tell they were so happy that their dad had found such happiness with Susan.Our Vendors:
We could never have had such a smooth flowing wedding without Barbara Clark of An Elegant Affair. Mark and Susan hired her soon after contracting with me and she was on the job rounding up and coordinating the vendors and designing the wedding program. Thank you, Barbara and Sally, her assistant!
This is one of the most spectacular and unusual wedding cakes I have ever seen! New on the scene is the cake baker, Miel Bon Bons, Patisserie & Confiserie, out of Carrboro. I am looking forward to seeing more of their unique creations in future weddings.
Mark and Susan dine out frequently at Four Square, that very fine restaurant in Durham, and they offered to cater their wedding although they normally do not cater. I broke down and tasted one of the hors doerves and it was sooo delicious! This is Brandon Carr, the Maitre D'Hotel, serving champagne to the new Dr. and Mrs.!
We were graced with lovely music by the Stalberg String Trio. During the prelude a wonderful soprano soloist, Angelyn Bethel, treated us to Mozart's Alleluia.
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