Hannah and Deanna's Wonderful Wedding at Cedar Grove Acres!

On October 13th, 2017 Deanna and Hannah joined their hearts and their lives in marriage surrounded by the people most dear to them at an amazing wedding venue out in the country. Cedar Grove Acres is an historical farm in Creedmoor NC and the owners, Richard and Paula, have opened the gates for weddings. The many outbuildings provide lots of opportunities for creativity and Deanna and Hannah had so much fun taking advantage of this and letting their imaginations soar.

Pinning the boutonniere on Deanna so the pin does not show. 

Doing the same for Dustin, our best man. 

Then I visited Hannah in the bridal cottage. She was all dressed and ready. While I was getting Sara, Hannah's maid of honor, to sign the marriage license, I heard Hannah singing while Luke, her man of honor, accompanied her on the guitar. Hannah has a beautiful voice and she told me the song they were practicing was a surprise for Deanna at the reception later. I bet it evoked tears from Deanna!

Looking out over the fields where the cows were lying down napping, I guess!

I found a quiet space in the "tavern" to review the ceremony script.

The signature cocktail!

Heather Bonawitz with Paisley and Pearl Events was on board keeping everyone organized and on time. 

Nothing Bundt Cakes provided the cakes. 

This is the barn for the reception. The cakes and sweets are in place, the tables all set and ready. This photo above is the sweetheart table for our brides.

Joe Brower with Limitless Entertainment is all set up. I had plugged my receiver into his system earlier and done a sound check. You can see the ceremony area behind the barn.

The view from the barn deck. Brandi's Botanicals furnished all the florals.

Another area of the property with a fire pit and seating for later.

This is the catering barn with a buffet line set up outside. City BBQ was the caterer.

 Looks and smells delicious!

Guests and some wedding party folks were milling around before the ceremony waiting more guests' arrival.

The guests were being seated now.

I love all the furniture out on the lawn. Dustin, Deanna and I are awaiting the start of the procession.

So Heather gets us all lined up to process in.

Hannah's parents, Kelli and Denis enter first.

My turn!

Deanna and her mother, Kimberly, start their walk down the aisle. 

Luke processed in then Sara.

Then Hannah! 

As Hannah was walking down the aisle, Deanna started walking toward her.

They met in the middle and walked to the platform for the ceremony.

I invited the guests to be seated and gave them a warm welcome and thanked them for being there. 

Then an opening blessing for our brides.

The telling of the story of how they met and fell in love. They met in 2014 when they both worked at the same restaurant. Deanna was a line cook and Hannah a server while also attending school. To celebrate Hannah's graduation they took a trip to St. Louis in May of 2016. Under the arch, Deanna surprised Hannah with a proposal of marriage. And the wedding planning began.

They each get to hear what their partner told me in confidence about what they love about each other, why they want to marry and what they are looking forward to in marriage.

Then they made their vows of marriage to each other.

Hannah makes her promises to Deanna reading them from my book.

They exchanged rings.

They chose to do a tree planting unity ceremony which included the wedding party. First the brides placed soil around the tree.

Then the wedding party took turns watering the tree symbolizing the importance of friends in the relationship. 

Dustin makes sure it is well watered!

A closing blessing followed by the pronouncement of marriage. 

The brides seal their vows with a kiss!

Then a hug!

Time to celebrate! 

They dash down the aisle amidst the cheering of their guests.

Stopping for another photo opportunity!

Deanna and Hannah--you planned an amazing wedding and it came out beautifully! I adored working with you to get the ceremony just right and such a wonderful expression of your love and relationship. I wish you the best always!