Allie and Ben met when they were freshmen in high school 14 years ago. They are each other's first love and have shared all the experiences of growing up together, graduating high school and college together and now have tied the knot of marriage together. Their wedding was a beautiful day at
The Oaks at Salem--October 27th 2017.
They met with me last January and began putting together all the details of their wedding day.
The reception area under the tent on the terrace was all set up and the guests were mingling before being invited to walk to the other side of the lake for the ceremony.
The beautiful wedding garden area.
David, Allie's father, needed his boutonniere secured and I was happy to make that happen.
Then two of the grandmothers needed a little help with their corsages.
Joslin, on the right, is our venue director and she cues us when to begin the long walk around the lake.
The grandparents went first, then I followed and made the "unplugged announcement" to the guests to put away their devices and truly be with Allie and Ben during the ceremony.
Our DJ and Videographer is
Damien Maas. Always a pleasure to work with him.
The two videographers with tripods and our photographer, Krista with
Six Foot Photography are ready to capture the procession of parents and wedding party and finally Allie and her dad..
Ben escorts his mother, Kathy, in followed by his dad, Steve.
Unfortunately, the sun was right in our faces at 5:00 that day!
Here come the bridesmaids and groomsmen!
Finally the children and the last bridesmaid made their way to the ceremony.
Our little ring bearer decided it was time to sit down and our flower girl was in awe of all the guests watching them.
The children were handed off to grandparents at the front and then we were ready for the bride to enter.
And so Allie and her father make the final stretch where he answers my question and places Allie's hand into Ben's. Then he is seated along with the guests.
Lauren, our maid of honor, reaches around to retrieve hers and Allie's bouquets after fluffing the bride's train.
And the ceremony begins with a welcome to all and a prayer.
Then we remembered those no longer with us.
At that point I stepped out front and for a surprise tribute to their parents. Always a sweet and special moment in the ceremony.
Telling the story of how they met and fell in love, all their adventures and Ben's surprise proposal. Such fun and laughter!
Then it was time for them to hear what their partner told me in confidence about why they love each other, want to marry each other, and what they are looking forward to in marriage.
Meanwhile our little ring bearer had to get up and move around. As long as he had his pacifier and his grandparents and great-grandparents keeping an eye on him he was just fine!
And now it is time for Allie and Ben to make their promises of marriage to each other which were printed in my book facing them.
Ben reads his vows to Allie first.
Then Allie reads hers to Ben.
To seal the vows they exchange rings. Ben goes first and puts the ring on Allie's finger while saying a few words after me.
Then Allie places the ring on Ben's finger while saying the same words to him.
After a closing blessing, I placed my hand on theirs, made the pronouncement of marriage and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple.
Yay!
They turned and faced their guests, the maid of honor returned the bouquet to the bride, and I presented them to their guests.
Meanwhile Damien cranks up the drone which will fly overhead and get a video of the whole scene.
The guests were asked to remain in their seats but to stand and turn around for the video with the bride and groom positioned up front. Great shot! Can't wait to see the video!
Ben and Allie! Great wedding! I hope it fulfilled all your dreams of your big day. I loved your wedding ceremony and I think your guests did too. I am honored to have been a part of your big day and to have joined you in marriage. I wish you the best always!
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