Laura and Chris' Wonderful Wedding in the White Garden!

The day was September 9th, 2017 in the lovely White Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. I had met Laura and Chris way back in January when they hired me to officiate their wedding. Little did I know how much fun we would have writing their ceremony. They are both creative and very independent thinkers to be sure! 

So I was really looking forward to this wedding and telling their story. They have known each other since college in New York State back in 2008. You could say that Laura pursued Chris until he caught her!

A little background on this lovely garden which has been pruned of heavy foliage that used to make it dark and mosquitoey.  It is light and bright now! And Like the bamboo screen behind it for privacy.

And they added a flagstone walk for the aisle.

Udeshi Hargett, our violinist, was already there when Dave and I arrived. It was good to see her again! We do lots of weddings together. 

When the guests were seated and everyone in the wedding party hidden from sight, I took my place.

Then Chris' best man, Eddie, escorted Laura's Grandmother Frances in, then joined me up front.

Chris escorted his mother Patty in. She was seated and he joined Eddie and me. 

Laura's sister and maid of honor, Melissa, then processed in down the aisle.

When Melissa was in place, Udeshi began the music for Laura and her mother Patty to enter. (Yes, both mothers are named Patty!)

Laura gazes around at all their guests as I welcomed them to this wonderful occasion.

There was a short prayer and remembrance of Laura's grandfather then a tribute to the couple's mothers. 

I had the best time telling their fabulous story! 

It was filled with humor and we laughed a lot, especially Laura who was enjoying hearing the tale of their love unfold.

Chris was having a pretty good time too. And so were their guests. 

Then I revealed to Laura what Chris had told me in confidence he loves about her, why he wants to marry her and what he is looking forward to in marriage!

Then it is Chris' turn to hear what Laura told me. 

I asked them to make their promises of marriage to each other by reading the words they had chosen from my book where I had printed them facing them.

Laura's vows to Chris.

Then I asked Eddie for the rings. And he handed me a packet of candy Pop rings. Another laugh. Then he handed me the little wooden box and the bottom fell out of it spilling Laura's ring onto the ground. She quickly retrieved it and handed it to me. Whew, glad it didn't roll under the gazebo!

Chris repeated the ring vows to Laura after me while placing the ring on her hand!

She did the same! 

And she held onto his hand for a few extra moments. 

I reached down and put my hand on theirs and made the pronouncement of marriage!

Time for the kiss!!

Hey, we did it! Married, at last!

They recessed down the aisle as everyone cheered. 

Another kiss for the photographer! (Their professional photographer was Bill Bolen with Thirteenth Moon Photography) Dave (my hubby/photographer) snapped this one for me for this blog. I love this shot!

Laura and Chris, what a joy it was to work with you to come up with such an amazing and humorous
ceremony then present it to your guests. A work of art and a legacy for you. I am so happy that you found each other and that you found me and gave me the honor of joining you in marriage. May you have all the best life has to offer and may your marriage be a grand adventure and may the force be with you!