Becca and Sten's Wonderful Wedding at The Umstead!

Becca wrote me last November: "We plan on an outdoor, non-denominational, simple ceremony. We are a non-traditional couple (I'm Chinese, he's Swedish), and would like a nice, simple ceremony." I met with them shortly thereafter and found out that they are a fun-loving couple who wanted their wedding to be an expression of them and their families. They had chosen the date of June 20th and their wedding site was the elegant Umstead Hotel and Spa. One thing they definitely wanted to do was walk in together instead of the traditional entrance of the bride escorted by her father. Sten has two daughters, Nea and Klara, ages 11 and 14, who wanted to be their father's "Groomsmaids!" They were so excited about the wedding and looked so adorable in dresses that Becca bought for them while on a trip to the East. Becca wanted her good friend Barry to be included as well. He came all the way from California to be her "Man of Honor."

Who would have expected the temperature on June 20, 2009 to be hovering near 100 degrees! Thankfully Becca and Sten had put together a 10 minute ceremony from my material. I know all their guests were most grateful for the brevity! They chose to have a Chuppah covering the ceremony area although neither are Jewish. I was grateful for the shade!

Here they come!
The deed is done, the couple are married
and it is time to have some fun and get cool!

Becca and Sten were so happy to be married at last!

Here is the newly joined family, Klara, Nea, Sten and Becca with Barry, the Man of Honor!
From the ceremony: "May you live together in delight and discovery; may you teach each other what you know about living; may you learn from one another what is best about life; may you find fulfillment in the new family you have chosen to become, and continued friendship, affirmation and love in the families you now join."

Becca and Sten, congratulations to you and your family!

We had the family unity sand ceremony which included Nea and Klara.

Becca and Sten chose to have a red table runner with markers for all their guests to sign and write notes to them. The color red was chosen because it means good luck and prosperity to honor Becca's Chinese heritage.

These cakes are gorgeous. I am not sure but I think they were done by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories as she usually does all the wedding cakes at The Umstead. The red groom's cake is especially striking with the bright red icing.












Becca found the most unusual wedding program-fan combination. It was color coordinated with her yellow, gold and orange theme.

Ami Wheeler is the Social Catering Manager, at The Umstead. Ami is an experienced wedding director and has been in the wedding industry for many years. With her expertise weddings at The Umstead flow along flawlessly. Whatever a bride and groom needs for their wedding she will get it for them. At the rehearsal I heard her offer to go get the sand for Becca and Sten's sand ceremony. Here she is getting the sand ready for the ceremony. The Umstead is truly one of the most, if not THE most, upscale locations for a wedding in the Triangle area. The hotel and spa are simply elegant beyond words and the service is above and beyond. You cannot ask for a more luxurious wedding site!

Our photographer for the wedding was Shane Snider. He has won so many awards for his photography that he is in great demand for weddings around here.

Joe Bunn was our fabulous DJ for the ceremony and the reception. Can't go wrong with Joe!