Shannon emailed me last April about officiating hers and Drew's wedding on October 31st, 2014 at
The Cookery in Durham. She told me that they are both non-traditional and wanted a ceremony that was not too lengthy. (Their ceremony was about 15 minutes.) They wanted the ceremony to be light-hearted and filled with promises and commitments that are important to them. I love a couple who have a vision of their ceremony so we can co-create exactly what they want. The ceremony was limited to their families with a reception to follow to which their good friends were invited.
The big day arrived and although it was Halloween, that was not their theme at all. They hired a band--Groovetown--and one of the guitarists played for the ceremony.
The Cookery is an old building that has wonderful exposed brick and wide open spaces. It was formerly the Durham Food Co-op and has been transformed into a state of the art kitchen and entertainment venue, particularly great for weddings. Of course they provide the food for the venue so you don't have to hire a caterer. This is the second wedding I have done there this year.
Looking down from the loft to the windows that face out onto West Chapel Hill Road. I can actually see the top of my car which was parked out front!
On the right wall there is a big blackboard where a couple can display any message they like. I love the lighted initials!
This is the adjoining tented patio to the side of the building. This is where the other couple's ceremony was last
wedding.
The stairway leading up to the loft where the ceremony took place. The cake was provided by a friend of the bride, Beth.
Tre Bella did the florals. Sarah Morris served as their day-of-coordinator and wedding director. I have known Sarah for several years when she worked at a venue in Raleigh and it was great to work with her again. Sorry that we did not get a photo of her!
This is the wall in front of which we will stand for the ceremony.
Shannon is escorted in by her father, Scott.
The guests are standing in her honor as they float down the aisle!
Drew's stepfather, John, is his best man. Our maid of honor is Shannon's sister, Megan.
Shannon and Drew especially wanted to pay tribute to their mothers, Susan and Ann, which was a sweet surprise for with. We also remembered Drew's father in memoriam.
Their love story is a really good one. They knew each other as children when Drew would visit his friend David who lived in Shannon's neighborhood. He had a crush on Shannon and would persuade David to scooter down to the cul-de-sac where she lived so he could try to see and talk to her. But they went to different middle and high schools and colleges following their own paths. At various times they ran into each other but it was not until 2012 after they both graduated from college and lived in Raleigh that they "met again" for the last time. This time the sparks that had been there all along began firing and they soon became a couple. They bought a house and adopted their furry friends, Leonard, then later, Richard. In April of 2014, Drew proposed. Shannon wasted no time planning this sweet wedding and here they are--getting married!
They said their "I do's" and exchanged rings then we closed with a blessing followed by the pronouncement of marriage.
I don't know if this shot is before or after the kiss!
A glancing shot as they speed down the aisle!
Arm in arm together!
Drew and Shannon, I hope your wedding was everything you dreamed of. I loved working with you and making your ceremony perfect for you. I received many compliments from your guests so we know they had a great time. I wish you all the best!
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To contact me:
919-345-4608
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