Sealed with a kiss!

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

Thursday, September 22, 2016

A Wonderful Wedding for Muffy and Adam at The North Carolina Museum of Art!

I met with Adam in January about officiating his and Muffy's wedding at the NC Museum of Art on July 30th, 2016. She could not be at our meeting and although we had planned to meet later, I did not meet Muffy in person until their rehearsal. But, I got to know them both pretty well during the ceremony creation process! They chose the Bells & Whistles ceremony with their story and secret paragraphs.
Morgan Greer is the event manager at the museum and we have done many weddings together. I thank him for sending Adam and Muffy my way. At our rehearsal the day before, the weather was swelteringly hot and muggy and the same was expected on the wedding day. Morgan decided to allow the wedding to be inside the Classical Gallery, a first and probably only time. Typically at the museum your wedding can be outdoors or in the old museum building. We were delighted with his decision, not only for ours and the guests' comfort but the stunning setting!
The pedestals of flowers were strategically placed to shield the guests from a nude statue wielding a bat you will meet later! 
In the reception area, this gorgeous contemporary cake by Cinda's Creative Cakes was on display. 
A Watered Garden provided the florals for the wedding--pedestals and flowers, centerpieces, bouquet and boutonnieres.
Their photographer, Amber Hatley, was getting photos of the reception in the museum restaurant, Iris.  Elijah with Morgan Scott Films was our videographer. Here is a trailer video of their wedding
The guests have arrived and are milling about in the area where cocktail hour will be. 
The guests are directed to be seated for the ceremony and we got lined up and Morgan cued us in.
After everyone was in, Muffy and her dad, Albert, made their way to the gallery where the guests awaited.
Muffy is wearing the most beautiful soft gray wedding gown. The bright flowers just pop against it. 
The guests are standing in honor of the bride!
It was a full house with standing room only! The music for the processional and recessional was provided by violinist, David Binanay.
Muffy and Adam turned to face their guests while I told their story. It was full of laughter and fun! 
I loved it when the guests laughed at all the right places! Muffy is cracking up. 
They are trying to keep straight faces! 
Their secret paragraphs were so sweet.
I am telling Adam how much Muffy appreciates his being such a great cook! 
As they exchanged their vows, the statue with the bat seems threatening! 
The vows had a couple of funny lines in them too. 
Adam said his words and placed the ring on Muffy's finger. 
Wait! The ring goes on his left hand! 
A closing blessing........
The moment I pronounced them husband and wife!
The guy with the bat is watching the kiss! 
Adam makes sure we all get a photo of this kiss! 
May I present to you for the first time...........
Now married!! 
Muffy and Adam, I was thrilled with your wedding. Your guests were fabulous and really "got into" the wonderful ceremony we created together. Thank you for choosing me to be your officiant. I wish you the best forever!

Erin and Preston Wed at Barclay Villa!

Jennifer of Jennifer V. Event Design sent Erin and Preston my way last January because they did not have an officiant for their wedding on August 6th, 2016 at Barclay Villa in Angier. I love working weddings with Jennifer! So I met Erin and Preston in February and we started planning their ceremony.  
When Dave (my husband and photographer) and I arrived, the first thing was to hook up my wireless ear microphone into All Event DJ's system and do a sound check. Victor makes that a snap!
The view of the house from the gazebo. 
Inside there was purple uplighting to go with the plum, lavender and ivory color scheme. Cinda's Creative Cakes provided the cupcakes and a cake for cutting by the couple.
Victor and his assistant that I believe he is training go over the events for the evening. 
Sitting inside in the cool air are Preston's Grandmother all dressed up in her wedding duds! Love the hat! 
The house is full of period pieces like this cute little guy on the staircase rail. 
Up in the bride's dressing room, Jennifer and her assistant check in with Erin. I was there getting the license signed.
On our way back downstairs we see the parlor where guests can gather later. 
Time to get in line for the processional! 
Preston's mom, Priscilla, is escorted in by his stepfather, Ricky. 
Lynn, mother of the bride, is escorted in by Erin's cousin. 
Time for me to bring in Preston and his groomsmen. 
We await the bridesmaids. 
First to process in is Lindley. 
Then Maid of Honor, Caitlin.
Our flower girl, Erica, enters. 
Now for the bride's entrance! 
Erin's father, John, proudly escorts his beautiful daughter down the aisle. 
Erin was beaming!
The transfer of hands is done and John takes his seat with Lynn. 
Poor Preston is right in the sun! 
I wish I had thought to step back a few steps and get him out of the sun but I didn't. 
I loved sharing the story of how they met and fell in love.
And the proposal story!
Our great photographer, Michelle Gunton, is getting some good shots. Cateringworks was our caterer and also did the florals. 
They exchanged their vows.
Preston is being such a good sport with the sun in his face!
They exchanged rings.
A closing blessing.
The pronouncement of marriage! 
The first kiss as a married couple! 
And off they go into their new married life! 
Congratulations from the guests on their way out!
Erin and Preston, I am so happy that Jennifer sent you my way. It was my honor to join you in marriage and work with you to create your sweet ceremony. I wish you all the best forever!
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