Shannon and Michael Wed at St. Mark's Chapel!

Shannon and Michael tied the knot on September 8th, 2017 at the historic St. Mark's Chapel on the Mordecai campus in downtown Raleigh. The sweetest chapel for the sweetest couple! 

Michael's two sons were part of the ceremony and got to pour their sand together with Shannon and Michael's symbolizing the family that was officially born on this wedding day.

Fresh Affairs provided the floral spray and the lighted wire balls flanking the altar chest and the bride's bouquet and the boutonnieres. 

Meanwhile the guests were arriving and Michael and Shannon were greeting them having had their photos taken earlier.

Their photographer was Brian Mullins, one of the best in the area, who was accompanied by his second shooter, Rebecca. They were setting up family groups in front of the chapel.

This little guest was all decked out with orange glasses to match his orange suspenders! 

When it was time, we shooed the guests inside the chapel and got ready to process down the aisle. Shannon is poised at the bottom of the steps to ascend and make her entrance when cued.

Michael, his sons and I entered first, then Shannon. Michael met her in the aisle and escorted her in. 

I placed Shannon's bouquet on the altar chest and they turned and faced each other. Matt Kanon, our guitarist, on the right is winding down the music.

We welcomed everyone to this wonderful occasion followed by a prayer and remembering those no longer with us.

I invited their parents to stand while we gave them a big tribute for their love and support of our couple.

Then it was time to recognize Michael's two boys, Jordan and Zack. I read some sweet words to them from Shannon.

A few words about love and marriage.

They exchanged their vows. 

Then I gave them the opportunity to say some personal words to each other not having gotten Shannon's email that they had decided to leave this part out! So they were not prepared and we all had a good laugh about that!

They said "I love you" to each other and that was perfect!

Giving Michael the ring to place on Shannon's finger.

He said the words after me to Shannon as he placed the ring on her finger. Then she placed the ring on Michael's finger with the same words.

Time for the pouring of the sand.

Michael and Shannon each pour in a layer of their sand. 

Jordan and Zack came up and poured their sand in one at the time. Michael held the funnel to make sure all the sand got inside the central container.

A closing blessing was next. 

Then I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first married kiss! 

And so they did! 

I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating the couple!

Then we assembled the guests on the altar for a group shot by Brian who was in the loft. 

The sand sculpture.

Congratulations, Shannon and Michael! What a sweet family wedding. It fit you so perfectly and I am so honored to have joined you in marriage. Best to you always!