Charlotte and Corey Got Married at Highgrove Estates!

Corey and Charlotte's wonderful wedding was on Saturday May 12th, 2018 at the historic Highgrove Estates. A wonderful venue where I do many weddings. 

The staff is setting up wine and cookies on the table for the guests to enjoy on their way to the portico. 

Parents of the bride, Elizabeth and David, are dressed and ready. They told me when I arrived that the dry cleaners had given Elizabeth the wrong shirt (much too small) for Bill when she picked it up at the cleaners for the wedding. But this was not discovered until the wedding day and they had to scramble to find another dress white shirt for him in Fuquay-Varina. But they did---at quite a price but it was okay because it worked!

Magnolia leaves, real ones, for the name cards! 

They asked guests to take photos to put in the guest book. I believe these are instant cameras like the old Polaroids.

Cute little wooden dishes will be filled with s'mores to enjoy after the reception. 

A beautiful (and functional) addition to the Highgrove property. This outdoor fireplace is just outside the garden ballroom and the roof beams span the ballroom roof to the fireplace and are covered with clear corrugated fiberglass panels so if it rains, it is still functional. And a great place for small intimate weddings under cover on inclement days!

Another pretty cake by Sweet Memories Bakery! 

The garden ballroom is ready! 

Flanking the entrance to the ceremony area.

The portico is ready for the guests to take their seats. Adam Pitts Entertainment was their DJ and he plugged my receiver into his system and we did a sound check before the guests arrived. It is so important that the guests be able to hear the words of our carefully created ceremony! 

In the meantime I am reviewing the script and talking with some of the relatives of the couple. 

After the First Look, I re-pinned Corey's boutonniere which was wobbly. 

The guests began arriving and placing their gifts and cards on the table. 

Holding out until time for the ceremony. The weather was sunny and on the warm side, but not bad! 

Amanda Sheppard in the black dress is our Highgrove director. She is inviting the guests to take their seats because we are ready to get the ceremony started.

With all the guests cleared out, the mothers--Elizabeth and Virginia--visit a little bit. On the table to the right are brown paper bags, each one with a lottery ticket inside, as favors for the guests. So clever and thoughtful!

The wedding party is now downstairs and the guys hold a huddle for Corey as he is just about to leave bachelorhood!

Time for me to walk in first. 

Corey escorted his mother in then joined me. Sadly his father is deceased. 

Then Elizabeth is escorted in by Will. 

The bridesmaids and groomsmen processed in and took their places then our flower girl Dawn did a great job of sprinkling the petals before the bride entered.

Here comes the bride! Escorted in by her father, David. 

Charlotte's dress was very unique and stunning. The panels of her skirt overlay were hand-painted. The style was perfect for her. Charlotte is not your traditional bride and would never choose a traditional dress. This one was exactly right! That is Phil with Twenty-One Films, videoing this wedding.

The ceremony now begins. (Our professional photographer was Tim with Sayer Photography.)

I welcomed everyone and told them how much their presence was appreciated. Then there was a prayer and remembrance of loved ones no longer with us, especially Corey's dad.

Then I addressed the parents. It is always a surprise to them and evokes tears from the mothers. Virginia was no exception!

Then it was Elizabeth and David's turn to be paid tribute to. 

Time to tell the story! Charlotte and Corey have a good story with lots of humor. 

We laughed a lot! 

Then the big reveal of what they each told me in confidence they love about each other!

They said their "I do's" and then it was time for the rings.

They placed the rings then the Native American Wedding Blessing. 

I pronounced them married! Let's see that kiss, Corey! (As I quickly stepped aside!)

A dramatic kiss perfectly captured! 

Aw shucks! 

The sun was right in Charlotte's face as I presented them to their guests! 

Time for another kiss! Corey was happy to oblige! 

The beautiful couple!! 

Corey and Charlotte! Congratulations! Fabulous wedding! You did it so well and I am so honored to be the one to join you in marriage. Have a great adventure together!