A Carolina Inn Wedding for Tracy and Jovan!

Tracy grew up in North Carolina; Jovan was born in Macedonia but grew up in California. They both attended colleges in Chicago where they met and fell in love. Jovan finished school first and landed a job in Switzerland. Shortly thereafter, Tracy went to visit him and landed herself a job there as well. So, that is where they live today. After getting engaged (a funny story we included in the ceremony), they decided to marry at the Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill on April 10, 2010 and so the planning began. I met with the two of them and Tracy's mother, Linda, in December to discuss their vision of their ceremony and make it happen. Via email, Tracy and Jovan and I worked hard on their special ceremony filled with their "story" and lots of their brand of humor until we had the perfect ceremony for them. The rehearsal was the day before and we got all the logistics down pat...except the ring bearer (age 2)!

Jovan's parents, Pandora and Pavle, entered as part of the processional. What a delightful couple! I so enjoyed speaking with them. They flew in from California for the big day.

Naum, our ring bearer, did not quite understand his role in this gathering of so many people from far and wide. His mother finally escorted him down the aisle so he can say years from now that he walked down the aisle at his Uncle Jovan's wedding! He was so adorable!

Enter our lovely bride flanked by her parents, Ken and Linda. After they transferred her hand into Jovan's, the ceremony began.

The Bryan Courtyard at the Carolina Inn is a wonderful setting for a wedding and I have done so many there I have lost count! The leaves on the big tree shading us was a bit skimpy on leaves for the wedding I performed here last weekend but now a week later all the green had leafed out. (Wonder what it will look like at next Saturday's wedding. I shall see and so will you all when I blog that wedding a week from now!)

We honored their parents with a Parents' Blessing. The couple read their vows to each other from my book and exchanged rings.

The couple chose to include the Wine and Chocolate Ceremony in their ceremony. The wine represents any bitterness they might encounter in the future whereas the chocolate represents all the sweetness. They partook of both the wine and the chocolate as part of their commitment to each other and their marriage.

And now the pronouncement of marriage! The big climax of the ceremony after which they get to kiss in front of everyone! Did not get a photo of Jovan and Tracy's kiss, darn!

It is time to pose for the pictures now while the guests go enjoy cocktail hour. No matter though, glasses of champagne are on the sidelines for the newlywed couple. Jovan and Tracy, it was such a delight working with you on the ceremony and then getting to tell all your guests your "love story" with all your clever humor scattered throughout. You are an amazing couple and I know you will go far together. I wish you all the best!

Our Vendors

First and foremost, the Carolina Inn where I love doing weddings and the staff is so efficient and professional. Thanks, Julie and Ashley, for handling your parts behind the scenes. 

Then there is Angie Wright of Chic Details and her assistant, Debbie Wrenn, doing all the wedding planning and directing. Tracy and Jovan were so wise in choosing Angie to handle all the details, especially since they were living on another continent! It was a pleasure working with Angie again and many thanks to her for recommending me to Tracy and Jovan.

Of course this magnificent cake literally dripping with chocolate is by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories. How perfect for Jovan and Tracy! 

Steve Stowe of Joe Bunn DJ Company was our very capable sound man handling the ceremony music and DJ-ing  the reception. Here we are discussing the music for the recessional and the last thing I will say in the ceremony which is his cue to start the music. 

The florist for the wedding was Purple Puddle. 

Last but not least, Christopher Ferrer, was quietly moving around everywhere getting some great photos as usual. It was good to see you and work with you again, Chris.