Christmas Bells Ring for Kelsey and Daniel's Beautiful Wedding!

Kelsey and Daniel love Christmastime so they picked a wedding date of December 8th, 2018 and chose Market Hall in downtown Raleigh for their venue. 

The day was cold and snow was predicted later on but for their wedding, the bad weather held off!

The wall was draped and of course a Christmas tree was their "altar." Next to the tree is my little table with a bell on it which would be part of the ceremony. 

 Whitney Davis with C&D Events was our wedding director. She had everything under control!

Our team of photographers with Cor Photography are ready for the processional.

I entered first followed by Daniel and his groomsmen.

The bridesmaids then entered one by one and too their places. Time for our Bride!
  (All the photos above were taken with my camera. All the photos below except for the last one, were provided by our professional photographers for which I am so grateful!)

 Kelsey and her father, Mike, float down the aisle!

  All the guests are standing in her honor.

I don't remember what was so funny but he answered my question, placed Kelsey's hand in Daniel's, then joined the guests who were taking their seats. 

 A surprise tribute to their parents!

 Then to tell their story from the day they met to this, their wedding day.

 Good humor in their secret paragraphs from each other!

 Saying their vows.

 Exchanging rings.

I had found the Celtic Bell Ceremony earlier in the year and thought it would be really appropriate for their Christmas-themed wedding so I adapted it as follows:

Kelsey and Daniel’s favorite season of the year is Christmas and so it was an obvious choice to have their wedding this time of year.  At Christmas we hear the joyful sounds of bells ringing and well-wishing.  Bells have long been associated with weddings as their joyous tones announce good tidings and are said to bring good luck. Bells are also commonly used to get attention, as a signal or an announcement of a significant event. Kelsey and Daniel have chosen to include the Celtic Bell ceremony that reminds us not only of the happiness they share today but also of the practice of compromise inherent in strong marriages.  

Daniel and Kelsey, on behalf of all gathered here, I ring this bell in celebration of your marriage which begins today. (officiant rings bell) I give this bell to you now and ask you to give the bell a hardy ring while thinking lovely thoughts about each other and happy thoughts of your future life together. (couple rings bell)

Keep this bell in your home to remind you of your wedding day. When arguments arise, put this bell to its best use as an attention-getter. One of you should ring the bell to call a truce. The familiar sound it makes should remind you of your wedding vows and conjure up the happiest memories from this day and help you resolve your differences with love and compassion.

 I pronounced them married and invited them to share their first kiss as husband and wife.

 Sealed with a kiss!

 Presentation of the Newlyweds!

 I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating them!

 Another kiss!

 The deed is done! Time to celebrate!

The wedding party! 

Kelsey and Daniel--great wedding! So happy you chose me to join you in marriage! Thanks for being a great couple and working with me to create the ceremony you dreamed of. I wish you all the best always!