A Rainy but Beautiful Wedding for Jenn and Sean!

Jenn and Sean live in Bothell, WA so they are used to rainy days. Jenn's parents live in Franklinton, NC so they chose to have their wedding at The Sutherland in Wake Forest on September 26, 2009,hoping for clear weather. They contacted me in January 2009 and we made all the arrangements via email and US mail for me to officiate their wedding. Then, when they were in Raleigh in March 2009, we met for the first time. They are a delightful couple and so well matched for each other! Sean told me they met on Match.com and clicked with each other on their first date and have been together ever since.

Rain prevailed the afternoon and evening of Jenn and Sean's wedding but thankfully they had the huge tent on the Groom's Terrace where the reception was to be held as a wonderful Plan B. So, we set up there for the ceremony instead of in the Walled Garden. The guests sat at tables and the parents and Sean's two aunts had places of honor in a row of chairs up front. Jenn's dad, Nelson, proudly escorted her in when it was time.

Here Daddy is handing over the bride to the groom in the customary fashion. However, we no longer say "who gives the bride..." as that implies possession, but instead "who blesses and supports the bride..."

Jenn's Maid of Honor is her good friend, Sheri. Sean's Best Man is his brother, Brian. Jenn's brother, Mark, served as the usher. Their wedding guests came from all across the country!

The Groom's Terrace at The Sutherland has a partial wall around it and with the sides of the tent down, there is a beautiful backdrop of nature for our ceremony and the reception. In these photos you cannot see that a fine mist of rain is falling.

The new Mr. and Mrs. on their way out among the guests. It is time to take photos now while the guests enjoy a cocktail hour.

The rain let up and we were able to get some great photos outside on the front steps. This overcast condition is excellent diffused light for photos--no shadows, no squinting! Jenn and Sean, you are the best! You were so delightful to work with and you created a beautiful ceremony for your special day. I loved working with you and am honored to have officiated your wedding. I wish you happiness forever and ever!

Our Vendors:

Many thanks to Ashlee Adams, our Director for this wedding and one of the owners of elegant The Sutherland historical estate! Everything went so smoothly and we have you and your mother, Gayle, to thank for all your expertise and know-how! It is a pleasure to work weddings with you.

Mitchell's Catering provided drinks and refreshments. Bill Allen was on hand supervising his capable staff.

Lenny Fritts of Touch of Class DJs was on hand to provide the music for the reception. When he arrived and found out that the ceremony had been moved to the reception area, he had his system up and ready for me to plug into as soon as I arrived. Lenny, you are great and I love working with you--but you already know that!

Brian Mullins was our photographer. Brian's photographic skills and his eye for a great shot are excellent. I will definitely check out his blog for photos of this wedding. Thanks, Brian--great working with you again.

Ginger Mullins, yep, Brian's wife, does hair and make-up and "beautified" the ladies for this wedding. I did not get to see her though as she had already finished and left before I got there.

Our ceremony music was provided by musicians assembled by Mary Greiner of Musicians Booking Agency. Evelyn, second from the right, is frequently in these quartets and it was good to work with her again!

This fabulous cake was created by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories. Not only do these cakes take first place, they taste wonderful!