Halloween Wedding at Second Empire!

Sonia and Jonathan wanted to get married on Halloween! I met with them and her mother, Anne, on May 26th when the wedding site was not yet determined. Several places were under consideration but they decided that Second Empire would work very well. Second Empire is an upscale restaurant located in an historic mansion on Hillsborough Street in downtown Raleigh. I have done many weddings there and they are all elegant events! Sonia and Jonathan put their own touches on the ceremony that they felt reflected their beliefs. They wanted to include the Celtic handfasting ceremony and Sonia made a beautiful handfasting cord for the occasion. It was made of dark red cording with silver charms and beads interspersed.

On October 31, 2008, we all gathered in the parlor and Sonia's father, Rene escorted her in and transferred her hand into Jonathan's hand and the ceremony began with a warm welcome to all. We paid tribute to their parents and remembered loved ones who could not be with us. I presented a wonderful passage they chose from The Velveteen Rabbit. They exchanged their vows while their hands were bound with the beautiful handfasting cord. Then they exchanged rings and I pronounced them married. They celebrated with a kiss and I presented them to their guests. We adjourned to the front of the house for photos. Amanda Byrne was the photographer with whom I have worked several times and it was good to see her again! Sonia and Jonathan's wedding cake was really unique and they commemorated their Halloween wedding by having Batman and Batwoman grace the top of their wedding cake! Never seen that before! I am sure they had a fun reception after I dashed off to do a couple of rehearsals for weddings on Saturday. Congratulations, Sonia and Jonathan!