Barbara and Wolfgang's Fabulous Wedding at the Siena Hotel!

I felt so privileged to be part of Barbara and Wolfgang's wonderful wedding. One of the perks of being a wedding minister is getting to hear the stories of how couples met and fell in love. Barbara and Wolfgang's story is certainly amazing. They were both born and grew up in Austria. They came to the US to work as young adults. They both ended up working in the Triangle area of NC but never met each other. They are both highly intelligent and responsible people who established their life paths before pursuing love and marriage. When they were ready they both signed up for e-Harmony and that is how they met! And they are so perfectly matched! Their compatibility just emanates from them. (As an aside, I have noticed of all the couples who have taken my Marriage Optimization course, those who were matched up by e-Harmony have been incredibly compatible in all areas. This has convinced me that e-Harmony does a very thorough job matching people up. Better than all the others around because others I have worked with who met through other online matching services do not match up as well. Although Barbara and Wolfgang did not take my Marriage Optimization course, I have no doubts that their core values are the same--and that is the key to a happy and satisfying partnership.)

The wedding took place on October 17, 2009, at 6:00 in the evening in the Il Palio Ristorante of the Siena Hotel in Chapel Hill--an elegant venue for a small wedding. Before the wedding, Wolfgang and I rendezvoused in the bar area where I got the marriage license from him and tucked it into my ceremony book. He was ready to get on with the wedding!

After Wolfgang's parents, Wolfgang and I entered and took our places, Barbara and her father entered the room from the side entrance and walked down the length of the aisle. She took it very slowly and I could tell she really enjoyed the glory of it all.

The altar area was the far end of this room which was filled with about 70 friends and family members.

I stood out in front of the couple to speak directly to the guests. You can see our harpist, Marilyn Wienand, on the left and Shane Snider, our photographer on the right clicking away. The couple were particularly fond of the wine and chocolate ceremony I sent them so they included that in their wedding. They each drank wine which represented both life's bitterness and sweetness. Then they ate chocolate representing the sweetness and fullness of life, savoring every bite.

This was taken just after the kiss. Look at that expression on Barbara's face. She was relishing every moment of her wedding ceremony!

Posing for photos afterward in the lobby.

Not only did Barbara's father come all the way to the United States from Austria for this special wedding, but also Wolfgang's parents, on the left. Present were also other family members and friends who made the trip from Austria to be with these two on their wedding day.


Wolfgang and Barbara, I am so glad you found each other! You are a match made in heaven and I wish you all the happiness in the world!

Marilyn Wienand of Deerhollow Music was accompanied by Kim Allemang, flautist. The harp and flute duo are fabulous and Marilyn and Kim play often together. I love to hear their music and enjoy doing weddings with them.

Shane Snider was our photographer for this wedding. He must have taken a zillion photos...but that is the secret to his award winning photographs. Be sure to check out his blog for the professional photos of this lovely wedding. Always a pleasure, Shane.