Julianna and Bobby Make their Vows in Kayelily's Wedding Garden!

I have known Julianna's grandmother, Rita, since at least 1993. (See photo of the two of us below.) When Julianna told her that she and Bobby planned to marry, Rita sent them to see me. They wanted a large formal wedding in 2009 but had not found the site and therefore could not set the date. Julianna recently graduated from West Point and she and Bobby both serve in the military, so it was quite a challenge for them to travel to the Raleigh area and look at wedding venues. They kept me posted on the places they looked at but I could tell they were becoming rather frustrated doing this long distance. So, I suggested that they consider what other couples in the military have done and that is to have a small private wedding now and then plan a large celebration later on next year. I invited them to use my wedding garden as their venue. They liked this idea and chose 10/18/08 for their wedding date. They had about 20 guests, some who flew in from great distances to be with them, especially Julianna's father. Her mother and Rita planned the decorations and a champagne toast to follow the ceremony.

The wedding guests and wedding party converged here, got all set up, and Julianna changed into her lovely bridal gown. When she was ready, Bobby and I took our places in front of the arbor and Julianna was escorted in by her father. She was a beautiful bride--and so tall--over 6 feet! (Again, I felt like a midget!) We had written a sweet ceremony in which the couple's parents were recognized and thanked for their love and support. They said their vows to each other and exchanged rings. Then I pronounced them married and they kissed as their family and friends cheered! The champagne toast followed as everyone crowded in on my deck. After getting the license signed and taking some pictures with the happy couple, Marty and I left them to continue celebrating whle she and I went to the third wedding of the day.

Julianna and Bobby, congratulations; I wish you all the best and I will see you next year at your BIG wedding!