Iris and RJ's Wedding at the JC Raulston Arboretum!

Iris and RJ decided to have their wedding ceremony at the JC Raulston Arboretum and their reception at Caffe Luna on June 10th 2017. The day was beautiful and when Dave and I arrived, the 75 chairs were in place. 

They wanted to have the ceremony in the White Garden facing the pergola rather than the gazebo. 

Amy Kortus, our harpist, set up in a shady spot near the guests where she could see everything. 

Alex, our best man, prepares to sign the marriage license as one of their witnesses.

After the guests are seated, we get lined up on either side. First in is RJ's grandmother and his father, Richard who was lined up on the other side. They met in the middle and went to their seats.

You can see the others lined up on the other side. Our director, Christine, is in the middle cueing them when to walk. With her is Regina, one of our photographers with 1000 Words Photography.

After the parents of the bride processed in, the bridesmaids and groomsmen walked toward each other, met in the middle then entered down the aisle.

Meeting in the middle.

The bridesmaids were all lined up and the ring bearers were with Gabby, our Junior Bridesmaid.

Iris' sister, Holly, starts her procession, was met by Alex and entered.

Gabby wrestles with ring bearers Ryker and Sawyer to get them down the aisle despite the distraction of the guests while Maili, our flower girl and daughter of our bride, awaits with Karsten who is being very good!

Everyone made it  and now the kids are shifted into position to await our bride and groom. 

Waiting for the music to change for the bride and groom. (Kevin, with 1000 Words Photography, is ready to get a good shot of the bride and groom as they approach.)

Christine cues the music and then cues Iris and RJ to begin walking toward each other as I turned on my microphone and invited the guests to stand.

RJ got to the aisle first and awaits his beautiful bride! 

Closer and closer!

And so the ceremony began. There was a welcome to all their friends and family who had traveled from all over the place. Then the poem "Touched by an Angel" by Maya Angelou followed by recognition of their family members and remembrance of RJ's mother who was with us in spirit.

Then their story! In 2014 Iris was looking for a bass player for her band. So happened RJ is a bass player so a mutual friend introduced them. Although it was strictly business for Iris, RJ had been led to believe by his friend that there was a more romantic reason for them meeting. The friend in the long run was right because it was not long before they began dating and then officially became a couple. And, as they say, the rest is history!

Iris and RJ said their vows to each other while reading them from my book. 

Iris went first.

Then RJ.

The vows were sealed with their rings as they repeated lines after me to each other. 

A closing blessing from the Native American tradition.

I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to enjoy their first kiss as husband and wife.

Excellent!

I presented them to their guests and away they went! 

Holly, Maid of Honor, and Alex, Best Man followed. (Richard, RJ's dad in the black suit, waits his turn.)

Then the next couple.

And the next!

The last couple then Gabby and Maili without the children who had been intercepted by their parents!

Rudy and Lori, parents of the bride, exited then Richard and his mother. 

Iris and RJ, congratulations on your marriage and for putting together a great wedding! I hope it exceeded your dreams! I wish you all the best forever!