Raleigh Rose Garden Wedding for Rachel and Derek!

Rachel contacted me in January to plan hers and Derek's wedding the weekend of her graduation in the doctoral program at NC State while her family would be in town. Her parents live in Louisiana. Derek's folks hail from Sanford. We met and they looked at my garden for their wedding ceremony then their guest list grew too large and they decided on the lovely Raleigh Rose Garden for their ceremony venue on May 7, 2016 with lunch reception to follow at Mia Francesca Trattoria in North Hills. I had told them about Mia Francesca having a private room and they checked it out and loved it. It also served as our back-up in case of adverse weather which thankfully did not happen.

As you can see, the weather for their wedding day was spectacular. It was sunny and comfortable. I set up my portable battery operated sound system first thing.

They had a guest table and asked the guests to sign a puzzle piece and displayed photos of their family weddings--along with water bottles.

When everyone had arrived and the pre-ceremony photos were taken, we began the ceremony. Their ceremony was the "sweet and simple" style ceremony. After words of welcome to their guests, I explained the ring-warming ceremony and started the box with the rings circulating. 

Then we had a sweet blessing for our bride and groom followed by remembrance of those loved ones no long with us. Then words of gratitude for their parents.

We included a brief history of the beginning of their relationship and what attracted them to each other. 

 Their friendship blossomed into love and they crafted a life together for the next 4 years. 

 They had each written their own vows to each other and read them from my book to each other.

 Derek went first and surprised himself by getting a little choked up. Then Rachel read her vows to Derek. 

 They joined left hands for the ring exchange. 

 Derek placed the ring on Rachel's hand while repeating a few lines after me. Then Rachel did the same.

 A closing blessing then the pronouncement of marriage and invitation to kiss! 

What a joyful moment!  

 That is a drone!

 Our photographer, Chris Groch, also does drone photography. This is getting quite popular too. 

 Chris launches the drone while I got all the guests to gather together for a group photo by the drone! 

 Here it comes! (Sounds like a swarm of bees!)

 We all waved to the drone! 

Safely back on the ground!

Rachel and Derek, you planned and executed the sweetest wedding! It fit you both so perfectly and I am honored to have been a part of your day. And thank you for your generous gratuity! I wish you all the best forever!

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