Melissa and Kevin's Sweet Wedding at Caffe Luna!

I met Melissa and Kevin last February when they came to see me about officiating their wedding on September 4, 2011 at Caffe Luna in downtown Raleigh. I could tell right away that they were a very well-matched couple and knew what they wanted in their wedding as well as in their lives. Melissa is a CPA and her ability to be detail-oriented made sure they had all bases covered for their wedding. One smart move on their part was to hire Shawn Schindler of Your Special Day to be their wedding planner and director for their wedding.  When Dave and I arrived for the wedding, Shawn had everything under control and looking beautiful! Dave and I set up my sound system and did a sound check.

We looked around for the cake and ran into Wayne of Swank Cake Design there delivering and setting it up. Gorgeous--as usual!

Across the room was this fabulous candy bar by Cinda's Creative Cakes which was set up by her husband whom we had seen the day before at the Washington-Duke Inn wedding.  See blog post below.

 I greeted Craig and Tim with Arioso Strings and we went over the cues.

 

This is the beautiful mahogany (I believe) door that Parker Kennedy, owner of Caffe Luna, had custom made and installed in the archway recently. Before the doors were here the archway was open and we had to pull a screen behind me to block the view into the reception area during the ceremony. This door is a perfect backdrop! 

When all the guests had arrived and it was 4:00, Shawn had the wedding party assemble outside the front door of the restaurant for the processional. Kevin and I entered after the parents were seated. 

Melissa and Kevin chose not to have any attendants stand up with them so Melissa was the next one to enter, escorted by her father.

"Who has the privilege of presenting this woman, Melissa, to be married to this man, Kevin?" Her father answered: "Her mother and I" and everyone was seated. Melissa has a boot on her right leg and usually walks with crutches. (She had an injury to the nerve in her leg when she was a teenager and cannot walk unassisted.) She was determined to ditch the crutches for the ceremony and I was delighted to see her walk so well with her father and Kevin as support.

Melissa and Kevin created a simple but sweet ceremony. We had a touching tribute to their parents and remembered her aunt's birthday that day along with several anniversaries that were also celebrated that day. 

Then it was time for their "story" which I loved sharing with everyone. They liked it too. I could tell by their attentiveness and laughter. Then it was time for vows and ring exchange. 

Immediately following the pronouncement of marriage we included the glass breaking ceremony to pay tribute to Melissa's Jewish heritage.

Kevin was prepared to smash that glass on the first stomp and he sure did as we all shouted "Mazeltov" which means congratulations and good luck! 

And then of course, the kiss! 

"Honored guests, family and friends, it is my distinct honor to present to you Kevin and Melissa, husband and wife!"

Kevin quickly stepped to Melissa's right side and out they went!

 

Kevin and Melissa, congratulations! I know you will be so happy and enjoy being married. May all your dreams come true!