Reecha and Heath's wedding was originally scheduled for September 15th 2018 but Hurricane Florence blew in and changed their plans. They postponed to December 8th. The weather was cold and snow and ice predicted for later in the evening but the wedding was on no matter what!
A view of the gazebo where weddings in good weather are held.
Inside the ballroom, I check out the sand ceremony set up and make sure it is ready.
Heath and Reecha have known each other since middle school and went to high school together. They never dated but had a little crush on each other but nothing came of it. They graduated, went their separate ways to live their lives and raise their families. These are their high school photos for the 1980s!
Everyone was getting dressed and hanging out in the lodge. The guys were downstairs playing pool and snacking while the women were upstairs getting ready.
The place was beautifully decked out for Christmas. Would you believe I've done a wedding in this room many years ago?
Meanwhile back in the ballroom, the guests are assembling for the ceremony. Reecha's heritage is Indian and there are many guests dressed up in the traditional garments of this culture.
(Our wedding director for this wedding was Jennifer with
Vision Events. The photographer was Brandon with
Southern Love Studios. Our DJ was Randy Bennett with
BunnDJ Co. The videographer was Elijah with
Morgan Scott Films and the florist was
Specialties Florals and Events. Rose Hill does their own catering.
The wedding party and I processed in then it was time for Reecha and her father to enter!
Purple was their color. Everyone is standing for the bride.
They make their way down the aisle and I asked her father Ravi who blesses and supports Reecha as she comes to join in marriage to Heath. He of course answered that he and her mother did and everyone was seated.
We began the ceremony with a warm welcome to all followed by a prayer and remembrance of loved ones no longer with us.
A special surprise tribute to their parents was next.
Then I turned to their children who were in the wedding party and told them how important they are in the marriage we celebrate today.
The story--fast forward more than 20 years from high school graduation. Heath, single again, began browsing around on Facebook and found Reecha's page. He looked around to see how her life had gone since high school. He loved looking at photos of her and her kids. He sent her a Friend request and wished her a Happy Mother's Day for the next two years. She friended him back but it took her 2 years to start a conversation. They found themselves in similar situations and the Facetiming, texting, messaging commenced. Four months later they met in person. It was instant attraction and the feeling of being home again. But, he lived in Florida and Reecha in Raleigh so they endured a 4½ year long-distance relationship. He proposed on her birthday in 2017 and the wedding planning began in earnest!
I asked them each to tell me in confidence what they love about each other and what they are looking forward to in marriage. During the ceremony I revealed to the other what their beloved has told me.
Time for their vows and the exchange of rings.
Heath places the ring on Reecha's finger.
They each poured in their sand then each of their children came forward and poured in their container of sand creating one big happy family.
A closing blessing then I pronounced them married and invited them to share their first kiss as husband and wife.
Sealed with a kiss!
Married at last!
So happy for them!
My friends Rubin and Pam were their guests. I had no idea that they had known them since high school!
The sand sculpture in a glass brick with all their names on it.
Our cute little flower girls who finally can dance and sing without being shushed as they were during the ceremony! So adorable!
Reecha and Heath! Congratulations! It was a long time coming and I am so thrilled to have joined you in matrimony! I wish you and your family all the best forever!
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