A New Year's Eve Wedding for Sara and Geoff!

This time of the year is not high wedding season and wedding ministers get a break from the fast and furious schedule of weddings in the high season months which here in NC are April, May, September and October. I am always delighted to officiate weddings on New Year's Eve and could tell you some fun stories about them--another time. Sara and Geoff planned to marry at the Carolina Inn on New Year's Eve. They chose New Year's Eve to start their new life together. They both attended UNC which is where they met 11 years ago. Since graduation Geoff had served in the military and spent most of his time in foreign countries for the years since then and they were really looking forward to getting married and being together. So, on that cold windy evening 150 of their friends and family gathered in the comfortable and elegant Hill Ballroom to celebrate their marriage. Weddings at the Carolina Inn are always so special. Saundra Carmichael was the wedding director in charge. She was working for Tracy Adams of Adams and Events because Tracy had another wedding that day in Clayton. It was a pleasure to work with Saundra and she kept everyone on schedule and we were ready to go at 8:00. Terry Lillich of Carolina MediaStar was the photographer. He is a lot of fun to work with and I always enjoy doing weddings with Terry.

The couple decided not to have any attendants so I walked in first followed by Geoff escorting in his mother. Sara was escorted into the ballroom by both parents. They transferred her hand into Geoff's and the ceremony began with a welcome to all. Geoff's friend, Anthony, presented a reading "It seems wherever we go..." then Sara's close friend, Mary Katherine, shared with us the words from the Tao Te Ching "Always Return." Then I shared with the guests the "tale of Sara and Geoff"--the humorous story they wrote of how they met and fell in love. After they had a few good laughs, I asked all the guests for their blessing of the marriage to which they enthusiastically responded "We will!" Geoff and Sara wrote their own vows to each other and heard them for the first time at the wedding. It was quite touching and there was a bit of choking up and sniffling but no tears fell. They exchanged rings and after a closing blessing, I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss. And they did--many times among all the applause and cheering of their friends who were so glad to see them married--finally! The guests departed for the Old Well room for the reception where RubberBand was playing.

The wedding party and I hung back for photos. It was really a great wedding!
Marty and I packed up the sound system and headed back to Raleigh. Happy New Year and I wish you all the best, Sara and Geoff!