Melanie and Ian live in Indiana while attending grad school but Melanie's home town is Chapel Hill. They chose the stunning Forest Theatre on the UNC campus in Chapel Hill. For a July wedding the weather turned out to be perfect despite the forecast for rain.
Amanda Scott, their fantastic wedding planner with A Swanky Affair, introduced me to Melanie and Ian via email because she thought we would be a good fit--she was right. Amanda and I have done many weddings together and enjoy working with each other. Although the couple and I did not meet in person until the rehearsal we had a lot of fun putting just the right ceremony together.
Tre Bella Weddings, their florist, had set up a lovely arbor draped with beautiful greenery and flowers. It was perfect for the setting.
A view of this Shakespearian-like amphitheater from the top.
The entrance to the theater.
The groomsmen and I are now down on the stage level hidden from view by one of the stone walls.
The guests are still arriving.
Ian escorted his mother in with his dad following behind.
Then Ian took his place on the stage.
Melanie's brother, Andrew, escorted their mother down the steps to her seat then took his place with the groomsmen.
The music changed and I invited the guests to stand in honor of our beautiful bride!
"Paul, do you support Melanie in her decision to marry Ian and form a new family which becomes part of your family?" He answered "Yes, with our blessings." Then he placed Melanie's hand into Ian's.
All were seated and the bride and groom took their places in front of me.
After a welcome to all and a tribute to their parents, I launched into the story of how they met and fell in love.
Theirs is a great story and not without a good bit of humor along the way.
I stepped back and revealed to each one of them what their partner had told me in confidence what they love about them and what they are looking forward to in marriage.
They chose to have the Celtic handfasting ritual and spoke their vows to each other while their hands were bound by the ties of love.
Then I asked for the rings and Melanie and Ian shouted "Ziggy" as he was released from the top of the steps to come to them! He was so adorable!
Good boy, Ziggy!
I pretended to take the rings from Ziggy (he did not have the real rings, the best man did and he had already slipped them to me).
Then Ziggy was taken into custody by this bridesmaid.
The exchange of rings after the cord was removed. The rings symbolically replaced the cord.
As part of the closing blessing, I invited Melanie and Ian to look around them and feel the love from their guests.
I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss!
I quickly got out of the way so the photographer could get a good photo of the kiss!
Presentation of the newlywed couple!
We asked the guests to remain in their places for a group photo while the bride and groom and wedding party filled in the aisle!
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