A Beautiful Family Wedding for Amy and Chuck at St. Mark's Chapel!

Amy and Chuck wanted a small family wedding that included their parents and children without a lot of fanfare so they wisely chose the sweet historical St. Mark's Chapel. The date was Saturday September 2nd, 2017. The guests enjoyed a champagne toast after the wedding then headed for Second Empire for a dinner reception.

Fresh Affairs was their florist and did a beautiful job decorating the chapel. The greenery garlands are spectacular.

Those gorgeous orchids were amazing! I love the plaque above the flowers and the lighted wire balls flanking the altar chest. On top are the bottles of colored sand and the unity container for the ceremony.

 Their musicians were these very talented ladies with Arioso Strings! Always beautiful music!

 Discussing the order of the processional and recessional cues. 

St. Mark's Chapel was moved here from Chatham County many years ago. It is a historical landmark on the Mordecai Campus owned by the City of Raleigh.

 Brandi Leigh, their photographer, was doing pre-ceremony shots of the couple on the campus. 

 I invited the guests to take their seats inside the chapel and enjoy the beautiful music.

Devon, Amy's 14 year old son, Sebastian, their 5 year old son together, and Gabrielle, Chuck's 11 year old daughter, are excited to be part of the ceremony.

This is the sweet ring dish engraved with their names and date with the rings attached. Sebastian will hold this for us.

 Gabrielle (she prefers "Elle") is holding her "bouquet" of stunning orchids!

 Look at the beautiful pearl necklace Amy is wearing that goes in the front AND the back! 

 I pinned on the boutonnieres. 

 Sebastian inspecting the ring dish! 

 Amy is ready! 

She entered the chapel as the guests stood in her honor and Chuck met her in the aisle and escorted her up onto the platform.

 And so we began with words of welcome, a prayer, a tribute to their parents. 

 On Chuck's behalf I spoke to Devon telling him how happy Chuck is to have him as his son. 

 Then words from Amy to Gabrielle telling her how happy she is to have her as her daughter!

 A few words about how they met and fell in love. 

 Then it was time for them to make their vows to each other. 

 The exchange of rings was next. 

 Amy had to help Chuck get the rings all the way on her finger!

 Time for the Family Unity Sand Ceremony. Chuck and Amy each pour in ½ of their sand as individuals. 

 Devon pours all his sand in the container.

 Then it is Elle's turn.

 And now Sebastian does a good job getting his sand in the container!

 Amy and Chuck poured their remaining sand on top signifying the unity of this family.

This is the resulting sand sculpture!

As part of the closing blessing, I asked Amy and Chuck to turn around and feel the love of their families surrounding them. 

 The pronouncement of marriage that legally joins them in marriage!

 Sealed with their first kiss as husband and wife!

 Amy's dress caught on the pew but thankfully it did not tear. I loved her dress, jewelry, and shoes! 

 A new family is officially born! 

Amy and Chuck--great wedding! The details were so well thought out--just as I expected they would be! You are a great couple and have a wonderful blended family. Congratulations!