Sealed with a kiss!

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

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Conley and Adam's Spectacular Wedding at The Pavilions at Angus Barn!


When Dave and I arrived for Conley and Adam's wedding at The Pavilions at Angus Barn on September 12, 2015, our photographer's assistant had all the groomsmen with the groom assembled for photos while our photographer,  Katherine Miles Jones was with the bride and her maidens. It was an overcast day with rain threatening but it held off! Perfect lighting for photos--no squinting or shadows.
My first stop was to get to the ceremony site by the lake and get my mic plugged into the venue's sound system and do a sound check.
My view from the front facing the guests. This orientation is really different and I like it. The bridesmaids did not have to walk down the steps this way but instead walked down the sloping walkway in the back.
From the back of the ceremony area. I love the very simple, elegant pedestals of white flowers by A Watered Garden.
Our sound man, JP, with Hannah, our videographer's assistant. 
Our videographer, Philip James with Philip James Films
These huge arrows directing the guests into the ceremony area are a sheet of gold sequin-like disks on  adhesive paper to stick to the brick walk. Clever.
Chelsey Morrison with Gather Together is our planner and director for this beautiful wedding. She is going over some ushering instructions with the groomsmen before the guests arrive.
I snagged Colton, best man and brother of the groom, to do his legal duty of signing the marriage license. 
The Port City Shakedown band is all set up and readyfor the reception.
Inside the pavilion the tables and chairs are in place.
Gorgeous centerpieces.......
Ashley Cakes made this beautiful wedding cake.
And now it is time to get everyone lined up to enter. Chelsea cues the sound man and tells each couple when to walk. One set of Adam's grandparents, Mary and HC, had already walked in at this point.
Ann, grandmother of the groom, is escorted in by Toby. 
Nan, mother of the groom, is escorted in by her son, Colton, followed by Clay, father of the groom.
Jennifer, stepmother of the bride, is escorted in by Evan.
Gai, mother of the bride is escorted in by her son, Clai.
Adam and I make the long walk to the front of the guests. 
First couple is Caroline and Ricky.
Brittany and Burton
Brittany and Shaw
Rebecca and Jonathan
Taylor and Ryan
Virginia and Skula
Lacey and Clai
Suzanne and Evan
Megan and Toby
Greer, sister of the bride and our maid of honor, with Colton, best man
Luke and Drew, our ring bearers. They are Adam's cousins. They took their jobs so seriously! 
Waiting for the bride! 
Here she comes! Katherine is getting a photo while Chelsey's assistant Katherine holds the veil straight and Chelsey cuts across the grass to get to the ceremony site. 
Conley's proud dad, Jeff, loved this job! 
And he transfers Conley's hand into Adam's!
Here we go! 
After words of welcome, a prayer, and remembering those no longer with us, I got to step out and tell the guests Adam and Conley's story like they never heard it before.
They loved it. So did Conley and Adam! 
Then I revealed what they had each told me in confidence that they love about each other. 
Then it was time for the vows and the rings and a closing blessing.
I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them married! 
Adam, you may kiss your beautiful wife! 
After I introduced them as Mr. and Mrs., they headed off down the aisle! 
The photographer had them stop and kiss again!
C'mon, let's get to the reception!
 Conley and Adam, you are a wonderful couple! I am so happy that Chelsey connected us and that you were such fun to work with to create a fabulous ceremony. I got so many compliments, especially from your dad, Conley! And Adam! I wish you the best of everything!! 
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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!

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Sunday, September 20, 2015

Alecia and Eric Wed at Caffe Luna!

Alecia and Eric originally planned to have their September 12th, 2015 wedding ceremony at an outdoor location but a few months before the big day they changed their minds and decided to have the ceremony and reception at Caffe Luna downtown Raleigh. And it was a good thing because the weather was rather iffy for an outdoor wedding.
Their wedding was at noon so Dave (my husband who was assisting me) and I arrived about 11:30 AM. The reception area was ready.
Eric and his best man, Tyler, were sitting around waiting for the guests to arrive. 
When all the guests arrived and I had coaxed the ones sitting in the back to move forward, we were ready to begin. 
Eric and Tyler followed me in from the lobby to take our places up front. 
Then our Maid of Honor, Lauren, walked down the aisle. 
Then our beautiful bride made her walk down the aisle!
So we began with words of welcome to their friends and family members gathered in their honor.
An opening blessing was next followed by remembering those loved ones no longer with us. 
We also paid tribute to the parents who were present. 
They made their promises to each other then it was time to exchange rings. 
Alecia managed to get that ring on Eric's finger finally! 
Making the marriage legal with the pronouncement of marriage. 
We did not have a rehearsal so I told Eric before the ceremony that I did not want to see a "drive by" kiss! He was listening!!
I introduced them, the music began and Alecia and Eric stepped into marriage! 
I believe they were really really happy! 
Alecia and Eric, congratulations on your marriage. I am honored to have been part of your big day. It was lovely and simple, just what you wanted!
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To contact Kayelily:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!

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