Beautiful June Wedding at the Fish Pool at Duke Gardens for Colleen and Josh!

Josh and Colleen and I met last August to plan their ceremony for June 13, 2015 at the Duke Garden Fish Pool. When you choose your date in advance, what the weather will bring that day is a complete mystery other than knowing that it is likely to be hot in NC in June. We were really grateful that it was going to be a day free of rain, but little did we know the heat index was going to be 104 degrees! Yikes! 

The wedding party and vendors gathered early at the site and the guests trickled in. Here are some on their way down the hill from the pergola to the fish pool.

This is a view of the fish pool and the overlook beyond from the pergola. 

 Their videographer, James Ryan, was set up and I set up my sound system to amplify my voice.

 The musicians from Elegant Ensembles were tuning up. 

 The babies and their parents stayed in the shade. 

 Ready to begin the processional. 

 Best Man, Thomas, escorted in one of the grandparents. 

 The mother of the bride, Marcy, was escorted in. 

 Katie, our pretty Maid of Honor and sister of the bride, entered. 

 Josh's daughters Gabrielle, Ariel and Isabella entered next. 

Jennifer Ball, our tirelessly working wedding planner and director of Knot Your Average Events was beaming as she cued the bride and her father to enter. Good job, Jennifer!

 Standing at the threshold of her new life! 

 And down the steps they go! 

Colleen's mother, Marcy, joined Colleen and Paul as they stepped up in front of Josh and me. I then asked the question and both parents answered.

 Welcome, prayer, remembering loved ones.......

 Then I invited Josh's daughters to join us as Colleen shared some very special and touching words with them. 

 Group hug for this family officially born today!

 The story of Josh and Colleen's meeting, their attraction to each other, dating, romance and proposal came next. 

 Then I revealed to them what the other had told me in confidence that they loved about each other. 

 They read their vows to each other from my book where they were printed facing them. 

 Time to mop Josh's face a bit in preparation for the kiss coming up soon!

 I invited them to look around at their loved ones here to honor them on this day. 

 Then pronounced them husband and wife!

 Of course, the kiss! 

 That sweet "after-kiss" moment again! 

 Here they are, folks!

Colleen and Josh, congratulations! Thank you for inviting me to be part of your wonderful wedding. I know you two are so happy and filled with wedded bliss!

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Special Wedding at Home for David and Kelly!

David and Kelly were referred to me by another minister because he had double booked. I was happy to step in for him on Sunday June 7th, 2015 and officiate their wedding. The couple and I met one evening and talked about what they wanted. David confided in me that although they both had been married before, Kelly had never had a formal wedding ceremony in which she wore a wedding dress and got to walk down the aisle and he wanted to give it to her. So sweet!

So, they invited their friends and family to their backyard which had been decked out for the occasion. There was also a food truck parked on the street in front of the house poised to serve BBQ for the reception. David plays in a brass band and of course his fellow musicians were happy to play at his wedding without him!

Our Maid of Honor, Tamara, and Groomsman, Nathan, entered after David and I had walked in and taken our places.

David's son, Noah, and his sister, Zoe, come in next followed by flower girls Jaylyn and Elizabeth (Kelly's granddaughter).

 Kelly's dad, Graham escorted our lovely bride down the steps to the gazebo. 

I asked Graham "Who blesses and supports Kelly as she comes to join in marriage with David?" Of course he answered "Her family and I do." Then he was seated followed by our flower girls and ring bearer, Elliott.  Both Kelly and David were blessed in having their parents present for this occasion.

So Tamara, Nathan and Noah (best man) remained in the gazebo for the ceremony. I rotated around to speak to all the guests. I had brought my sound system to amplify my voice so everyone could hear.

 Someone is getting a good picture here! 

 One side of the backyard.......

The other side had a tent for shade. It was a warm day but not unbearable by any means, especially compared to the scorching heat later in June 2015. 

 Welcome, invocation, in memoriam, tribute to their parents and their children........

 Then I invited Kelly's aunt Ann to share a special reading which was a surprise: The One, author unknown.

After the wedding address, the vows and the ring exchange, we celebrated the Unity Wine Ceremony. 

 In tribute to David's Jewish heritage, he broke the glass after they drank of the Cup of Life. 

 This is the pronouncement.........

 The Kiss! 

David and Kelly, I am so happy for you! I wish you all the love, joy and peace in the world! 

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Classy Sassy Wedding for Rosie and Kermit in Kayelily's Wedding Garden!

Rosie called me on May 27th about having her wedding in my garden on June 5th, 2015. It was a Friday and I was available. So we started planning the ceremony. She knew she wanted the Unity Candle and Jumping the Broom.

The big day arrived and it was rain-free and beautiful! Rosie's dad, Isiah, escorted her down the aisle after her daughter Azia and son Martavius entered and took their places with Kermit and me. 

After a few words of welcome, we began with a prayer based on First Corinthians. 

We were so happy to have Rosie's parents, Rosie and Isiah, and Kermit's mother, Carolyn, with us. The ceremony included a blessing honoring them as well as Rosie's children and her baby grandson Kaeden (who became quite vocal during the ceremony!). We also recognized Kermit's father, Earl, who could not be with us.

 A few words on love and marriage........

 Then it was time for their vows......

 A few tears of joy were shed.....

 They exchanged rings......

 They each lit their candle from the Source or God candle to represent the Divine Spark within. 

 Then with their flames joined, they lit the Unity Candle symbolizing their marriage. 

 The pronouncement of marriage.....

 Rosie's mother placed the cinnamon straw broom in place for the jump as I explained the symbolism! 

 Great shot! Got them mid-jump! 

 Then the kiss! 

 Their new family! 

 "L-O-V-E"

Rosie had thought out all the photos she wanted. They brought Emily Pletcher of Darling Violet Photography with them to capture the wedding.

What a good looking couple! Rosie is beautiful in her wedding gown and, oh my goodness, Kermit is simply dashing in his white suit and fuchsia vest and tie. Wow--so distinguished! Congratulations, Rosie and Kermit! Enjoy wedded bliss then settle in to a happy and enduring marriage!

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To contact Kayelily:

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 919-345-4608

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