Karen and Leon Wed at Brier Creek Country Club!

Karen and Leon's wedding came up rather suddenly! They had booked Sullivan's Steak House for their reception but needed a nice place for the ceremony with about 30 guests. They contacted Doranda at the Brier Creek Country Club and fortunately she had availability for their wedding Saturday March 16th 2019 at 3:00 PM since they were having their reception elsewhere. It all worked out beautifully!

The wedding day was so pretty and comfortable. The Jasmine Courtyard was all set up for the wedding. 

There was no rehearsal so Leon and I were going over the logistics of the processional. 

His two sons, Jordan and Kendall and granddaughter joined us to find out what they needed to do. 

We are waiting for Doranda to signal us when to start walking down the aisle. 

And here we go!

Taking our places up front before their kids process in. 

Jordan and Danielle and his daughter enter first. 

Then Kendall and Ariana.....

Karen's brother, Andre, was proud to escort his beautiful sister down the aisle. 

All the guests are standing in her honor. 

We started with a welcome to all thanking them for being there, followed by a prayer. 

I invited their kids to please stand. 

Karen and Leon had prepared words for me to speak to each other's children on their behalf. 

Such a sweet surprise for them. 

I gave a brief synopsis on how Leon and Karen's paths had crossed 11 years earlier and how their friendship gradually evolved into an enduring love that neither of them had experienced before.

Leon had told me in confidence what he loved about Karen, why he wanted to marry her, and what he was looking forward to in marriage. Karen is hearing the words for the first time in the ceremony.

Leon's turn to hear for the first time what Karen had told me about her feelings for him. 

A few words about how our past experiences serve to shape us into the people we become which leads us to each other like stepping stones.

Leon reads his vows to Karen from my book. 

Then Karen reads her vows to Leon. 

Time to exchange the rings. 

Leon placed the ring on Karen's finger as he said "With this ring, I thee wed!"

Karen's turn to do the same! 

A closing prayer with the words of the Canticle of Love from the United Methodist Hymnal. 

I was delighted to pronounce them wife and husband and invite them to share their first married kiss! 

Didn't get a picture of the kiss but this is the hug that followed! 

Oh, Happy Day!!

Leon and Karen, what a beautiful, sweet family wedding surrounded by your loved ones. I am honored that you chose me to join your hearts in marriage! I wish you the best forever!