Sealed with a kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!
Laura & Chris' Wedding at JCRaulston Arboretum

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Amanda and Ryan Elope to my Wedding Garden!

Amanda and Ryan originally planned to go to a bed and breakfast in Asheville for their wedding but their time was running out to plan it from their home in Wilson so not wanting an impersonal courthouse wedding, Amanda contacted me. I was happy to work with them to set a date in December to have their wedding in my garden. They chose Monday December 8th, 2014 for their wedding and we started on the ceremony. Later they found out that both sets of parents could join us. 
December 8th turned out to be an overcast chilly day with high in upper 40s but thankfully not windy. Their parents had arrived earlier than the bride and groom and I asked them if we would do the wedding outside or inside and they all said it was up to Amanda. So, when Amanda arrived and was asked the question, without hesitation she replied "outside, of course!" It was not raining and everyone had on coats except the bride so she made the call. (Funny how brides can just numb out and transcend the chilly air. I have seen it so many times in the 16 years I have been officiating weddings.) I was fine with her decision as I had dressed in layers. Looking at these pictures you would never guess it was so cold.
Parents of the groom, Randy and Kathie. They traveled from Pikeville NC to be with us. The parents of the bride, Bill and Debbie, traveled all the way from Kenna WV. (Sorry I did not get a photo of Amanda's mother other than in the first photo with her head turned away from the camera!) The couple's friends, Julie (Amanda's best friend from college) and Jim (Ryan's best friend from college), who took photos, were the only other two guests so it was a small wedding.
 Ryan and I are ready to begin the ceremony! 
 Bill escorts in his lovely daughter!
Amanda and Ryan met almost 3 years ago on New Year's Eve of 2011 at the Trali Irish Pub restaurant and bar at Brier Creek and it was love at first sight.
 They have been inseparable ever since.
 Amanda and Ryan wanted to include a Parents' blessing for their parents.
 
A few words on love and marriage...... 
 "Will you, Ryan, give Amanda the best of yourself.....?"
 "Will you, Amanda, give Ryan the best of yourself......?"
 Talking about the meaning of the rings......
 "With this ring, I marry you and pledge my heart to you."
  "With this ring, I marry you and pledge my heart to you."
 A closing blessing...... 
 You are now husband and wife! 
 Nice!! 
And here they are! Congratulations! 
Amanda and Ryan, what a sweet wedding. It was perfect for you and I am so happy to have been the one to join you in marriage. I wish you all the love and happiness in the world!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
To contact me:
 919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


No comments: