Sealed with a kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!
Laura & Chris' Wedding at JCRaulston Arboretum

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Small Garden Wedding for Laura and Steve!!

Over 11 years ago, I was supposed to officiate Laura's first wedding. Some  unfortunate circumstances arose and I did not end up officiating her wedding. However, I never forgot her and what happened. One year ago, out of the blue, she called me. I was delighted to hear from her and she brought me up to date. Sadly her first marriage did not withstand the test of time, but from that marriage came her beautiful daughter, Savannah, so it was not all for naught. She echoed one of my strong beliefs that all things are lessons, even marriages that do not endure, and until we learn the lessons intended by the experience, we will repeat the pattern. It was immediately obvious to me that Laura had definitely "learned her lesson" and had grown by leaps and bounds in her personal and spiritual path. And in so doing, she had attracted to her a wonderful man, Steve, the love of her life, and she wanted me to marry them. I was anxious to meet with them on September 21st, 2013. Laura was so happy and it was very clear to me that she and Steve were a fabulous match. Hooray! So, we made all the arrangements for their wedding in my garden for this September 27, 2014.
The day was gorgeous. It was 10:00 AM and with Steve's parents and sister, Laura's mother and sister and her husband, and of course her sweet daughter, Savannah, gathered around us, the ceremony began. 
I think we are welcoming their family here. It was a very animated wedding! 
 They were so happy and jubilant!
Laura is a very unique being. She is part Mother Earth and part Fairy and very expressive. She is a delight to be around.  
 At this point Steve is saying some words to Savannah: "Savannah, thank you for opening your heart to me and sharing this incredible woman you call Mom. I want you to know how much I love your mother and that I would like to give you and your mom the kind of family that you have never had the chance to enjoy. I know that I will never be your dad, but I am so happy to embrace you as my daughter. I hope to someday earn your love and that you are happy to tell me and anyone who asks that you love me..."
Hugs all around! The photographers for the wedding were Laura's sister, Leigh Ann and her husband, Kevin. 
"Laura and Steve specifically chose the date of September 27th to formally join their hearts together because it was the week of the Autumnal Equinox also known as Mabon. Mabon bring day and night into balance. Harvested fruits and vegetables seem alive, yet are cut off from their roots. Leaves drop from the trees which look dead yet remain alive. This holiday relates to matters of balance and paradox. Contrasts reveal themselves through duality and polarity. The mysteries of Dark and Light, Earth and Sky, Female and Male, Flesh and Spirit, are all connected. The Equinox is a liminal time that draws power from being neither one thing nor another, and yet both." 
 They made their vows to each other. 
 Exchanged rings....
 To begin the Family Unity Sand Ceremony, Laura poured ½ of her sand in first.
 Then Steve poured in ½ of his sand creating two distinct layers. 
 Savannah pour in all of her pretty pink sand. 
 Steve and Laura then blended the remainder of their sand together! 
A very symbolic ceremony. The object on the left is a "desert rose." Leigh Ann explained to me that it is formed when lightening strikes the sand in the desert. Wow! 
 The closing blessing.....
 Get ready for the kiss! 
 I think/know that Savannah is a very happy girl! 
 Laura and Steve are pretty happy too! 
Laura, thank you for calling me and choosing me to officiate your wedding to Steve. It was my honor! I am so happy to see you so happy, and Steve and Savannah too. I know this marriage is going to be wonderful and I wish all of you all the happiness in the world!

On Laura's Facebook page later that day from The Umstead Hotel: 
MARRIED LADY!!!  The happiest I have ever been in my life!!!!!!!


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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!


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Sunday, September 28, 2014

Amy and Phillip Get Married at St. Mary's Chapel!

Last September I met Amy and Phillip when they came to see me about officiating their wedding on September 20, 2014. They had chosen to have their wedding at Long View Center downtown. We signed the contract and reserved their wedding on my calendar. Then a few weeks later I had to notify them that the Long View Center had been sold to a church that would not be offering the sanctuary to the public. I recommended several other chapels in downtown Raleigh that do allow non-members to rent out the sanctuary for weddings, including St. Mary's Chapel which is on the campus of St. Mary's School on Hillsborough Street. Their date was available and so they booked it right away!!
The sanctuary will hold about 175 guests. 
St. Mary's Chapel is over 150 years old and has been beautifully maintained through the years. It is a historic site in Raleigh. It was good to see their event manager, Jenny, again!
The floor plan of the chapel is a cross--a long center area with sitting alcoves on each side near the altar forming the cross piece. You can see the pipes of the old pipe organ on the left which can still be played. Our music for this wedding was provided by Kyle Scobie who plays the guitar and sings. 
Meanwhile outside the chapel, our photographers, Michael and Marcy of Michael's Memories were getting photos of the bridal party. Amy is posing with her mother, Maureen. The weather was perfect!
Back inside the chapel the beautiful stained glass windows overlook the altar area where the Unity Candle is set up. No real flames are allowed in the chapel these days so the battery operated ones are used.
 This must be the flag for the school which was founded in 1842. It is a residential school for girls. 
All the beautiful woodwork has been well-preserved.  These lovely flowers and the wedding bouquets were provided by Gregg Kennedy of Brides and Bouquets
With the bridal party hidden away inside the school, Phillip and his groomsmen are outside for their photos before they go wait in an area where they can watch the football game! They were happy about that! 
So, now it is time to begin. After the procession of the grandparents, parents and wedding party, Amy is escorted in by her brother, Chris. Sadly their father is deceased and we paid tribute to him in the ceremony. I did not get a photo of her but Amy's Aunt Tricia directed the wedding and did a fine job!
After the welcome and prayer, I asked the parents to stand for so they could be honored for all the love and care they have given Amy and Phillip through the years. Guaranteed to reduce the mothers to tears and this wedding was no exception.
 Amy and Phillip asked me to read a lovely poem by Cheryl J. Barclay entitled "The One." 
 And then I got to tell their love story.....
 Then what each one told me secretly what they love about the other......
 They combined the vows with the rings and repeated the words after me. 
 Then it was time to "light" the Unity Candle which they did while Kyle sang a special song.
 Before the pronouncement of marriage we closed with a prayer based on First Corinthians. 
 Then I put my hand on their joined hands and pronounced them husband and wife!
 Just missed getting a picture of the kiss, but close enough! 
 May I present to you for the first time, Phillip and Amy, husband and wife!
I could tell Phillip was happy the ceremony was behind them! He was a bit nervous but did just fine. The reception that followed was right downtown at Caffe Luna! I know they had a great celebration!
Amy and Phillip! It was a long time waiting to get to this wonderful milestone in your lives but it was worth it! Thank you for choosing me to officiate for you. It was great working with you both and I wish you the best of everything!

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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!


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