CARA AND BRAD'S FABULOUS WEDDING AT THE UMSTEAD!

I've known Cara who owns f8 Photo Studios for many years. We have done at least 20 wedding together, probably more. I love arriving at a wedding and seeing her as the photographer. So I was so thrilled when she and the love of her life, Brad, asked me to officiate their wedding. The wedding was Friday March 9th, 2018 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa--one of the most prestigious places in the Triangle for weddings.

So what was the first thing we saw when Dave and I arrived for their wedding??? Well, you can't keep a great wedding photographer down. Although James Walters was the photographer Cara engaged to photograph her wedding, Cara could not keep her hands off her camera. So here she is photographing Brad while James (and Dave with my camera) photograph her doing her thing!

Getting in really close here. I think she is really sneaking a kiss with her hubby to be at this moment! 

Yep, that laugh and that "cat who swallowed the canary" grin on her face tells me that it was a kiss! 

I guess Brad has gotten used to being her "subject!" He was such a good sport. 

And there she is getting a photo of the wedding site before the sun goes behind the building and the guests arrive.

The day was a bit chilly--temps in the low 50s--with a little breeze blowing. But the grass was so lush and green and the florals by The English Garden were perfect for their small family wedding.

Nathan of Oak City Films videoed the wedding and put a microphone on me to capture the words of the ceremony. Randy Bennett with Bunn DJ Company was our wonderful DJ and furnished my sound.

James Walters of Walters and Walters--the official photographer for this wedding. James and I do many weddings together too.

Amanda with The Umstead is our director for this small wedding. She was all ready to direct the processional. 

The folks in the processional are assembled inside the lower foyer from which we process into the courtyard. Brad's daughters: Ashley, Julia and Brooke are ready.

And so we began. Brad's parents, Lynn and Johnny, entered with their granddaughters. 

Then Cara's mother, Colleen, is escorted in by her son, Max. 

My turn! 

Brad's turn! 

Brad's brother and best man, John, escorts in Cara's sister and maid of honor, Taylor. 

And now I invited the guests to stand for the entrance of the bride. 

Cara and her father, Craig, make their trek down the aisle.

And so the wedding ceremony began as the sun slowly set behind the hotel. 

After a warm welcome and an opening prayer, it was time to for the children's blessing and the parents' blessing. 

Here I am addressing Brad's daughters and telling them how much Cara and Brad love them and how important they are in their marriage. I had special very sweet words from Cara for them.

Then I addressed their parents and thanked them for all their support of Cara and Brad. 

Then on to their love story! It was quite comical because Brad and Cara have a great sense of humor and they are fun-loving people who are so thrilled to have found each other. The proposal that Brad staged on a Disney Cruise that Cara arranged for the whole family was truly a surprise for Cara who had gotten wise to his former attempts to surprise her.

And they are so suited for each other. They took my compatibility inventory which confirmed what they knew in their hearts--they are meant to be together.

After their story, I revealed what they had each told me in confidence that they love about each other and what they look forward to in marriage.

I welcomed them to the unparalleled promise that is marriage.

Brad read his vows to Cara from my book as he placed the ring on her finger. 

Cara reads her vows to Brad and placed the ring on his finger.

After a closing blessing, I placed my hand on them and made the pronouncement of marriage--pinnacle moment!  And, invited them to share their first kiss as husband and wife!

Yay! Married! Two kisses! 

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

And they danced down the aisle! 

And danced! 

The family returned to the foyer and guests went to the herb garden for cocktails.

Brooke is so happy to have a new mommy and ran over to give Cara a big hug! So sweet! 

Cara and Brad, I am honored to be the one to join you in marriage! So happy for you. Thank you for choosing me and working with me to create your unforgettable ceremony. You two are the best!