Jennine and Steve are a very special couple for me. I loved working with them to create their unique wedding ceremony and since they did my Marriage 101 class, we got to know each other beyond the usual officiant/couple relationship. They are very compatible and I expect their marriage will be very satisfying and and enduring! I loved meeting their parents at the rehearsal and wedding as well!
Their wedding was at the
Cotton Room in Durham on Friday May 3rd, 2019. When Dave and I arrived the ceremony space was all set up. Christopher with
The Stem Studios was their florist and had decorated the arbor at the front for the ceremony.
Morgan Cadell was our absolutely spectacular photographer who gave me most of these photos for this blog. She was mutually impressed with how personal to the couple the ceremony was.
Before the ceremony. Jennine's father, John wanted to be sure he gave me the right answer when he presented the bride.
Our director with the Cotton Room, Heather, got us all lined up in order of entrance after all the guests were seated.
I was first to enter. (Photo by Morgan Cadell.)
Once I reached the front, I made the "unplugged announcement" requesting the guests put away their cell phones and cameras and allowing the professional photographer to capture the images of this moment. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
After the entrance of the grandparents, Steve's parents, Nancy and Steve, made their entrance! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Then Karen, mother of the bride, was escorted in by her son Kevin. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Then our groom, Steve, made his way down the aisle followed by his 5 groomsmen! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Steve's parents and grandparents watch as their son takes his place up front. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Our five bridesmaids processed in next, one by one. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Then it is time for our beautiful bride! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
The big moment! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
(Photo by Morgan Caddell)
(Photo by Morgan Caddell)
The couple turned and faced each other as I welcomed everyone for this milestone occasion. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
It was a full house and everyone was there out of love for our bride and groom. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
After a prayer, remembrance of loved ones no longer with us, and a tribute to their parents, I started telling the story of how our couple met. It was back in 2007 when they were both attending Elon University. Jennine was a track athlete and Steve a soccer player and their practices were at the same time in adjoining fields. They probably first met at a Soccer House Party one weekend. Jennine remembers Steve always being the life of the party, which is a quality she really liked about him because of his fun and friendly personality. And she admits, he was a pretty cute soccer player too. They became friends almost immediately and started calling each other “favorite girl” and “favorite guy.” And this continued for the next 3 years until Jennine graduated in 2010. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Then they graduated and went their separate ways until 2015 when they were both back at Elon College and reunited in a big way. They were both at the Fat Froggs Bar and Grill alumni welcome event and rediscovered each other. Steve spotted Jennine across the bar laughing and having a great time. He asked his friend and best man Brad what Jennine was up to. Brad told him she was living in Wilmington at which point Steve remembers saying “I didn’t know she was back in North Carolina, I always liked her; she is the type of girl you want to marry.” He made a point to go say Hi to Jennine and later did his best to set himself apart on the dance floor with her. After they were tired out from all the dancing they went to Cookout to get some milkshakes. When Jennine ordered first and said “I will take a Reese’s Cup and banana milkshake,” the exact order Steve had been getting for years, he knew it was meant to be. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Jennine fondly remembers that night and how fun it was to dance with Steve. Steve pulled out a dance move similar to the “fish and hook” and Jennine pulled out all her favorite dance moves, like the shopping cart and the running man. Jennine felt so comfortable dancing with Steve and remembers feeling really special when he danced with just her all night! At the end of the night, he asked for her number and she remembers thinking “I can’t believe Party Steve wants to hang out with me!” And from that moment on, they became a couple and have never looked back. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
They then heard what their partner told me in confidence about the characteristics they love in each other, why they want to marry and what they are looking forward to in marriage--for the first time.
(Photo by Morgan Caddell)
A few tears leaked from Steve's eyes as he heard what Jennine told me she loved about him. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
I pulled out my handy hanky and wiped away those tears. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
They exchanged vows and rings. (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
(Photo by Morgan Caddell)
After a closing blessing I had the great privilege of pronouncing them husband and wife and invited Steve to kiss the bride!
I quickly stepped out of the way as Steve went in for the kiss! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
Whoohoo! It is done! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
One very happy couple! (Photo by Morgan Caddell)
The couple and family exited to behind the draped area and the guests to the bar area for cocktails while the staff flipped the space for the reception as pictured above.
(Photo by Morgan Caddell)
I am packing up my microphone while our DJ Eric with
All Around Raleigh DJs gets the music going to for the reception. Love working with Eric. The sound for the ceremony was perfect--as usual!
Giving Jennine a hug and congratulations after the ceremony. So happy for them!
Jennine and Steve!! Congratulations on your marriage and a wedding superbly done! You are a fantastic couple and I have no doubt that your marriage will be happy, satisfying and enduring!
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