When Nicole and Brian and I met in March of 2018 to plan their wedding ceremony for November 9th of 2018, they lived in Long Beach, New York but planned to relocate to Raleigh near Nicole's family the summer of 2018. So they planned their wedding in Raleigh at the elegant
Garden on Millbrook.
When I arrived the tables were all set up for the reception. I love the lush green ferns on each table which were arranged by Brian's sister, Ashley. She did all the florals.
From the DJ's station across the black shiny dance floor you can see the beauty of this venue.
Our bride and her attendants were relaxing before the ceremony while the guys were somewhere else.
Their wedding was at 6:30 PM so we knew it would be dark. But this is what Nicole and Brian wanted so that is what we did. The lights were on and the arch in place. These are our photographers--
Annie Watts and her second shooter.
Straightening Brian's handkerchief.
Ben Felton with
East Coast Entertainment was our DJ. Little did we know when we posed for this photo the difficulties with the sound that were to come! We did a sound check and everything worked perfectly.
Marc who is the event manager at The Garden at Millbrook and I have worked together many many times. Always a pleasure to work with Marc. I can count on him to have everything organized and ready to go!
Before the ceremony I found a quiet spot to go over the ceremony script one more time.
Marc is getting the guys lined up. The guests are all seated and we are almost ready to begin.
Talking with Brian before we make our entrance into the garden. He is so ready to get married!
This was the largest wedding party of any wedding I've ever done. Fourteen attendants on each side!
It was raining for our rehearsal so we rehearsed the night before inside. But the guys needed a little adjusting in their formation for everyone to see. So, I made a bold step and went over and helped them get into place.
Gesturing to them to evenly space themselves.
The fourteen bridesmaids and the flower girl processed in and took their places. Then Nicole was escorted in by her parents.
The bride was presented, my question answered, then all the guests were seated.
Nicole and Brian turned and faced each other while our Maid of Honor, Lindsay, straightened Nicole's train.
This photo gives you an idea of how large this wedding party was!
I began speaking but the sound was cutting in and out. Ben handed me a handheld mic but that did not work either. We do not know to this day why the sound cut out.
I then spoke as loudly as I could so the guests could hear me. I am sure the wedding party and at least the first row did. There is just no solution when this happens and I've learned to go with the flow.
And the ceremony continued with the story of how they met and fell in love. It is a good story with lots of humor. I love hearing all the laughter.
After telling their story and revealing to them what they had each told me in confidence they loved about their partner, it was time for the vows which they read to each other from my book. Brian went first.
Then Nicole read her vows to Brian.
I wish I could remember what was so funny when Nicole said her vows but everyone cracked up!
And we continued........
Then I called for the rings and explained their symbolism.
Brian said his words to Nicole line by line after me as he placed the ring on her finger.
Then Nicole put the ring on Brian's finger and said her words to him.
A closing blessing for our couple!
I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife and invited Brian to kiss the bride!
Sealed with a kiss!
Our happy married couple!
The flash of the photographer's camera synced with Dave's camera and we got the full effect of the flash!
Brian and Nicole! What a wonderful wedding despite the glitches. You rolled with the punches and had a wonderful memorable day that you will never forget! Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage! I wish you love and happiness forever!
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