We began with the seating of Doug's grandparents by his brother, Jason, also the best man. Jason then joined me where I was waiting on the Bride's Terrace and we entered and took our places. Then Doug's parents escorted him in and stood with him while the Matron of Honor, Kimberly, processed down the aisle in her pretty blue dress. Then Kimberly's daughter, Morgan, came down the aisle scattering flower petals.
The music changed and I asked everyone to stand for our beautiful bride escorted in by her parents. They floated down the aisle and stopped up front. To begin the ceremony, I asked Kim's parents "Who presents the bride in marriage?" and Doug's parents "Who presents the groom in marriage?" Then, in unison, their parents responded "She/He presents herself/himself and we happily share in her/his decision." At that point they were seated as the bride and groom stepped up onto the raised terrace to join me and the Matron of Honor and the Best Man.
At one point in the ceremony when I was giving the Parents' Blessing, I noticed that there was a large wasp slowly climbing its way up the back of the bride's dress. The Matron of Honor saw it too--a worried grimace on her face. Rather than hoping he would fly away before he stepped from the dress onto Kim's skin at which point she was sure to commence screaming, I decided I must take action! So, when I finished the sentence, I paused and carefully swatted him away with my hankie! Thankfully it worked and we did not see him again. Whew!
The pronouncement of marriage!
Now married!Photographer Craig Carpenter was the first to congratulate them!
After the wedding party recessed, the guests assembled around the front of the manor house for a group shot taken from the balcony. Then I got a shot of the three of us. Kim, when she was told after the ceremony what I had swatted, assured me that she would definitely have screamed if she had felt that wasp crawl onto her back! Kim and Doug, I wish you all the best! All your hard work paid off in a beautiful wedding!
Isn't this an amazing cake? It says "Be Married" "Drink" "Eat" and was prepared by the talented pastry chef with Mitchell's Catering who provided all the food for the evening.
This is Bill Allen. He and David Casteel, principals of Mitchell's Catering, were on hand to make sure everything was taken care of with precision. I had never met Bill before although I have done many weddings which were catered by Mitchell's. I happen to know his wife, Dottie, who is on the wait staff at Outback's at Stonehenge so it was good to finally meet him.
Here I am with Ashlee Adams. She and her mother, Gayle, are the owners of The Sutherland, a gorgeous historic estate in Wake Forest. They have done an amazing job renovating the estate and landscaping the grounds. There are many places on the lovely and well manicured lawns, gardens and terraces for weddings from very small to very large. Every time I am here for a wedding it looks more and more beautiful as all the plants have matured and walks have been put in. The Walled Garden where this wedding ceremony took place is actually covered in artificial grass. That is so wonderful because when it rains, no stepping in mud puddles, ruining your shoes, or sinking of heels into the ground! They have also recently added speakers and a sound system to provide music for weddings if there are no musicians or DJs. The Groom's Terrace is on the other side of the house and this day it was covered by a huge tent, just in case it rained during the reception. It was also our Plan B in case it rained for the ceremony--a nice back-up plan at The Sutherland. Rubber Band was setting up to play for the reception when I arrived. It is always a delight for me to officiate weddings in this special place.
It was good to work with Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios again. He is a lot of fun and does such amazing work. I see a few photos of this wedding on his first page but he has not gotten around to doing the blog yet but keep checking! Thanks, Craig.
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