Lauren and Bryan live in Baltimore. She grew up in North Carolina and her parents live in the Triangle. The couple and I met via Skype in December of 2018 to plan their wedding ceremony that would take place on September 1st, 2019 at the beautiful
Highgrove Estate in Fuquay Varina.
The pergola is ready with the new chandelier. The florals were provided by
Flowers on Broad. It is a stunning venue with a view of Lake Laurel in the background.
On the table at the pergola is the Anniversary Box with a bottle of wine into which the couple will place loveletters to each other to be opened for the first time on their first anniversary.
For their guest book they had their guests sign a plaque that will be displayed in their home.
As the guests arrive this sign announces the couple's wedding.
When the guests were seated, I entered first and asked them to put away their cell phones and cameras and be with Lauren in their hearts during the ceremony without the distraction of technology.
Aaron Prillaman was our classical guitarist for the processional and recessional.
Jocelyn and Ryan Photography were their professional photographers.
Weddings by LDF were their videographers. Britnie was our Highgrove director.
After the parents and the wedding party entered and took their places in the pergola, I invited the guests to stand for the entrance of the bride.
The father of the bride, Joe, answered my question and placed his daughter's hand into Bryan's then carefully backed up and made sure he did not step on the bride's train as he went to his seat on the front row.
After the presentation of the bride, I welcomed all the guests--family and friends most dearest to the couple and thanked them for being with us on this special day.
Then we had an opening prayer.
Next I stepped out and spoke directly to their parents. It is a surprise tribute to them and usually invokes a few tears!
Then I began telling the story of how Lauren and Bryan met 5 year ago in Las Vegas while doing an internship with Zappos. I looked over at Bryan and perspiration was dripping down his face. Yes, it was quite hot this Labor Day weekend! I always carry a hankie in my book to remedy that situation so I started mopping his face with my hankie.
I continued with the story of how they went back to their separate universities but kept their relationship going long distance until Lauren finally moved to Maryland to be with Bryan.
I handed my hankie to Bryan so he could keep the sweat at bay!
I wrapped up the story with the proposal in the Dominican Republic.
I told Lauren what Bryan had told me in confidence what he loves about her and what he looks forward to in marriage.
Bryan gets to hear what Lauren told me she loves about him and what she is looking forward to in marriage.
Some words on love and marriage leading into their vows of marriage and the exchange of rings.
Bryan places the ring on Lauren's finger as he makes his promises of marriage to her.
Then Lauren makes her vows of marriage to Bryan and places the ring on his fingers.
They place their love-letters into the box with the wine to be opened on their first anniversary.
A closing blessing for the couple.
I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first kiss as husband and wife!
I quickly moved out of the way and they sealed their vows with a kiss!
I presented them to their guests and then they began their journey out of the ceremony and into their new chapter of life--marriage!
Bryan and Lauren, your wedding was amazing! I loved working with you and creating your very special wedding ceremony and delivering it to your guests as well as joining you in marriage! I wish you the very best forever!
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