Ali and Tom chose the beautiful
Fearrington County Inn and its landmark barn for their glorious wedding. The ceremony took place in the Garden Terrace and the reception in the spacious barn.
Before the ceremony Dave wandered around the village and got some great photos of the grounds.
This is the entrance to the barn with the place cards ready for the guests to pick up and find their table after cocktails on the patio in front of the barn.
Their band is setting up on the stage. The tables and chairs, place settings and centerpieces are ready. When you have your wedding at Fearrington, they furnish the wedding director (Gilda McDaniel), the florist, the cake, and the catering. The only separate vendor needed is for music and make-up.
On this overcast day the famous "oreo cows" are taking it easy.
And they also have "oreo goats!"
A great metal sculpture hangs on the barn!
The beautifully appointed Garden Room is where the wedding party gathers after the ceremony for champagne, the signing of the license and for photos nearby while the guests enjoy cocktail hour in front of the barn.
Before the ceremony the bride and her maidens get ready and relax in the bridal suite and the groom and his guys hang out in the Red Room. When it is time to get ready for the processional, Gilda moves the groom and me to the restaurant waiting area and the bride to another spot out of sight while the groomsmen and bridesmaids get lined up. Here are Tom and I in the waiting area just outside the Garden Terrace where the ceremony will be.
Arioso Strings quartet have begun the prelude music and are ready to swing into the first number for the processional when Gilda cues them.
The guests are seated. The fire is burning brightly and warmly! Ready for the processional to begin.
First in are the grandmothers of the bride.
Then Tom's parents, Jackie and Bill.
Colleen, mother of the bride, is escorted in by Vance.
The music changes and Tom and his groomsmen and I enter around from the side and take our places up front.
Bridesmaid Lindsey processes in.
Then Leigh.
Then our Matron of Honor, Mary.
Our two sweet little flower girls made an impressive entrance and could not have done a better job!
Mary intercepts them and directs them to their seats for the ceremony. I know she is so proud of them!
It is time for the bride and her father!
Steve and Ali make their way to the Garden Terrace.
Gilda (in the red coat) watches the perfectly timed entrance while her assistant straightens Ali's train.
Once the bride was presented and the guests seated, we began with a warm welcome to all then a prayer and remembrance of loved ones not with us. Then a surprise tribute for the parents of the couple. Always touching!
Ali and Tom's story of how they met and fell in love was fun to relate and I could tell the guests were having a great time. I brought the story to the present time including telling the guests about how Tom proposed on the land they have chosen to build their dream house on. Then it was time for the "secret paragraphs."
This is the sweet moment in the ceremony where the bride and groom get to hear for the first time what the other told me they love about them and what they are looking forward to in marriage. Ali hears first.
Now Tom's turn to hear what Ali told me.
Our esteemed photographer was
Dennis Kwan from Hollywood where he photographs celebrities and destination weddings. Dennis and Tom grew up together in Ohio and Dennis was more than happy to come to NC and capture the images of his childhood friend's wedding. His very tall too!
And now for the vows.
The best man, Jonathan, handed me the rings.
Tom says the words after me as he places the ring on Ali's finger.
Then Ali reciprocates as she places the ring on Tom's finger.
I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first kiss as husband and wife!
They were a little shy about this at the rehearsal but must have practiced afterwards!
The kiss is always followed by this amazing moment when the reality that they are married sinks in.
I couldn't see his face but I think some lip color must have gotten on his lips so he is wiping it off for the photos that come next!
The presentation of the newlywed couple to their guests with an invitation to stand and join me in congratulating them!
And here they go--stepping into their new life as a married couple!
Outside the Garden Room, Dennis has assembled the wedding party for photos. Happy group!
Tom and Ali! Great wedding! Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. I loved working with you to create the perfect wedding ceremony and then delivering it to you and your guests! I wish you all the best forever!
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