Olga and William's Fabulous Weddng at The Umstead!

William and Olga planned such a beautiful and elegant wedding on Tuesday June 1, 2010 at the prestigious hotel and spa, The Umstead. Olga is from Russia and had a definite vision for her wedding day and she brought it to fruition. William wanted Olga to have whatever she wanted. These two are so in love it shows all the time! From what William told me, he was smitten with Olga and her incredible beauty from the moment he laid eyes on her. He pursued her and now they are married! Here is the story of their wonderful wedding!

This is the incredible altar that was constructed by Fresh Affairs and draped with the fluffy flowers and hanging leis of small orchids. It was simply breathtaking!

So, here is how it looked before the guests arrived. See the fountain in the lake showing through? The forecast was for rain but it was holding off for us.

The lighting was perfect for photography and this is Kevin Milz, our photographer, on the left, speaking to his assistant using the tripod. Kevin was just featured in the Southern Bride & Groom June Newsletter. He does a lot of weddings at The Umstead and it is always good to work with him again.

Our musicians, provided by Arioso Strings, are all set up and ready to go with a large market parasol behind them in case they need to duck under it for cover. No need, though. It stayed dry.

The reception room was all ready to go. Fresh Affairs continued the beautiful fluffy flowers here too. I wish I had asked what they were but they were really busy getting ready when Marty and I arrived so I did not want to interrupt.

Here is the gorgeous wedding cake by Sweet Memories, of course. The DJ for the reception was Randy Bennett with Joe Bunn DJ Company.

The Umstead staff is so professional and so efficient. Our wedding director and person in charge is Ami Wheeler, above, talking to Gary, the sound man. We work together all the time and so setting up has gotten into a familiar routine.

The guests have arrived and are seated. The musicians are playing and when Ami cues them to start the processional music, we will start up the stepping stones. Leading the procession are Olga's parents, Michael and Victoria. Michael will be coming back to escort in the bride. William and I are next, then the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

The best man is William's brother, Russell. He is escorting in Elena, the maid of honor.

All four of these lovely girls are William's daughters. Starting down the aisle with Keith is Kristen, followed by Emerson and Tony who is Olga's brother.

The flower girls are Katlyn and Camryn. They seemed to be as smitten with Olga as their father!

Here comes the bride! Her gown and bouquet of white orchids were exquisite! She was beaming!

William and Olga really loved the Wooden Wedding Box ceremony and wanted to include it so we did. They had ordered a beautiful wooden box engraved with their names and date on it. Here is a link to the site that sells them. These are the words "William and Olga, I have asked you as a couple, to find a strong wooden box that will hold two bottles of wine and two wine glasses. In addition, I have asked each of you to write a letter to one another, expressing your thoughts about all the qualities that you love in one another. A lovingly hand written letter is one of the most romantic and sentimental gestures possible, and this very personal form of communication will preserve all the thoughts and emotions that you are experiencing during a very exciting time in your relationship. I requested that under no condition were you to read each other’s letter, and that you were to seal them in individual envelopes and put them in the box with the wine and glasses. On your first wedding anniversary, I invite you to open the box, pour each other a glass of wine and read the other’s letter to you so you can remember how madly in love you are with each other; and pass this custom along in your family as an example of true eternal love! I now ask that you take a key, and lock the box."

Exchanging rings here. The pronouncement of marriage is coming up!

Need I say more?

 After the guests left the garden for the reception, we posed for some photos. We are so happy the rain held off and Olga and William are so delighted to finally be married. I wish you both a very happy and satisfying marriage and all the happiness in the world!