Kristen and Chris's Wedding at Highgrove!

I met Kristen and Chris in June of 2008 to plan for their wedding ceremony on May 23, 2009 and they knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding--simple but elegant! They worked diligently to have a wedding that expressed the two of them. They wanted a short ceremony and that's what they put together from my ceremony material. They wrote secret vows to each other that they heard for the first time on their wedding day.

Neither Chris nor Kristen is a slave to tradition! Kristen did not want her bridesmaids to have to buy special dresses for her wedding and so she had them each get a dress of their choosing in some shade of green. She was delighted when her good friend, Sana, selected a print dress. Sana read a popular poem by ee cummings during the ceremony. By far, she was the best reader at a wedding that I have ever experienced. She really put feeling into her voice, paused at just the right places, and had everyone's rapt attention. Thank you, Sana! Back to the bridesmaids dresses: I was really taken with the maid of honor, Nadia's, dress so here is a photo of it. It was so unique and looked like it had a beautiful green blossom on it. I took a good look at it after the wedding to see how it was made. The groomsmen all wore their own suits but they all had the green striped ties. Chris wore comfortable canvas shoes with rubber soles! The wedding cake was simple but elegant--no frills! I don't know who made the wedding cake though because I forgot to ask.

Their DJ was Bethany of All the Right Grooves out of Charlotte. I have worked with Bethany before and she is really really good and so accommodating and helpful. I plugged my receiver and microphone into her system and the sound was perfect. Angela of Highgrove was our director. She has done so many weddings that everything goes like clockwork and I really appreciate that. Highgrove in Fuquay Varina is a picturesque setting for a wedding and one of my favorite venues. Christobal Perez of Azul Photography was there to record this wonderful wedding and it was a pleasure to work with Chris again. Kristen and Chris decided to see each other before the ceremony so all the photos of them together were done before the ceremony started. I will be visiting his blog to view his photos of this wedding. His pictures are always great. Kristen is a beautiful woman and as a bride she was drop-dead gorgeous. Ginger Mulliins did her hair and make up. Ginger's expertise as a make-up artist and hair stylist is unrivaled and Kristen's hair for the wedding was incredible.

With the guests all seated and waiting and the bride and groom anxious to get the ceremony over with, Angela got the wedding party and parents lined up and cued us in. Chris was escorted in by his parents. Kristen was escorted in by her mother and stepfather. The ceremony began with a warm welcome to all and remembrance of those loved ones who could not be with us. We had a tribute to their parents then Sana read "I Carry Your Heart With Me." The couple made their heartfelt vows to each other and exchanged rings. I made the pronouncement of marriage, they kissed and out they went and it was over in probably less than 15 minutes--just what they wanted. They were ready to relax and have a fun time with their guests. Kristen and Chris--you did it! Congratulations!