Raleigh Wedding Blog: Beautiful Wedding for Jackie and Stephen at The Umstead Hotel and Spa!

Jackie and Stephen went to high school together and have known each other for more than one-half of their lives. But, it was not until they went off to college and hung out with their friends when they came home that they gradually began to sense there was a little bit more than just friendship between them! So, four years ago they began dating and not soon after they both knew this was the person they were going to marry. Stephen proposed during a trip to Costa Rica in August of 2012 and they began planning their wedding which took place on September 28, 2013 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa--a gorgeous and elegant setting where all guests are treated like royalty!

And, speaking of the great staff, here is George Zellers, our sound man, and Kelley Ann Ward, our catering manager and wedding director! We were hanging out waiting for the guests to arrive and the photographer, Cara with f8 Studios, to finish with the wedding party photos.

Inside was this unusually colored cake of teal and brown. It was really quite stunning. Sweet Memories Bakery baked this up for our couple.

The ballroom was ready to go with uplighting and the beautiful florals by Tre Bella Florist.

Meanwhile, the Arioso Strings quartet was tuning up and ready to begin as the guests began arriving.

Stephen's parents, Kay and Jim, process in first.

Mother of the bride, Chom, was escorted in by her nephew Gee Won.

Stephen then walked down the aisle followed by his groomsmen.

The bridesmaids followed and now we are waiting for the bride!

Jackie was escorted in by her Uncle Ben who came for the wedding from Korea. Unfortunately Jackie's father is not living.

Jackie's dress was simply stunning and was so perfect for her!

We began with a welcome to everyone and a prayer.

This is where we are blessing and thanking their parents for their love and support.

This is where I told their story. Love doing this and having the guests enjoy it and laugh a little bit! This moment that is captured in the photo is when I was telling about the little white rabbit in Costa Rica that "led" Jackie to the pond where Stephen proposed. I was commenting to Stephen how well he set that up! Ha ha!