Mary and Marek's Beautiful Family Wedding in the White Garden!

Mary and Marek met and fell in love as kids in high school 11 years ago in 2008 and their love has endured--a testament that puppy love and school kid crushes can become true love and last a lifetime. They actually were engaged on Mary's 18th birthday in 2011 beginning an extraordinarily long engagement. It wasn't planned that way but life, college degrees, and careers just kept getting in the way of making wedding plans. But finally they made it a priority and booked the White Garden in the JC Raulston Arboretum for October 10th 2019. Then they met with me in June and we began writing their ceremony together. 

Upon arrival at the arboretum on the wedding day, I noticed a new addition to the garden--a bee hut! How adorable and I know the bees love it.

Aaron Prillaman was already there when Dave and I arrived. He was all set up and tuning the guitar.

A tribute to their loved ones who have passed on from this earth but surely were with us in spirit. They were especially missing Mary's mother Beth on this special day.

When the guests were seated I entered and took my place.

Marek escorted his parents, Milagros and Marek, in and then joined me up front. 

Mary's father Norm escorted in his beautiful daughter!

The English Garden provided the beautiful bouquet. 

Our photographer, Jennifer Outlaw of AO&JO Photography captured the presentation of the bride. Aaron Outlaw was videoing the wedding too.

They turned and faced each other holding both hands as I invited the guests to be seated and welcomed them all to this wonderful, long-awaited wedding!

A tribute to their wonderful parents was next. 

Then I launched right into their story and how they met. 

Marek was rather shy in school and Mary had to make a bold move to get him to ask her out and it worked!

For their engagement, Marek staged an elaborate "follow the clues" kind of game and at then end of which was Marek with ring and question. She answered yes, they cried tears of joy, then celebrated. 

Then I told Mary what Marek had told me in confidence he loved most about her and what he is looking forward to in marriage.

Then Marek got to hear for the first time what Mary told me about her love for him.

They had each written vows and kept them secret from each other. Marek reads his to Mary from my book here. Beautiful words for a beautiful woman.

With a little humor too! 

Then it was Mary's turn to read her vows to Marek.

The exchange of rings was next.

Mary places the ring on Marek's finger as she says words to him after me. 

They chose to have the Anniversary Box as their unity ceremony. It was inside the gazebo on my little table and I stepped back into the gazebo as they entered and placed their unshared loveletters to each other to be opened on their first anniversary.

Back to the steps for the closing blessing.

I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them married and invited them to kiss!

The first kiss was too brief so I got them to kiss again so Jennifer could get a good picture!

I invited their guests to stand and join me in congratulating Mary and Marek, now wife and husband!

Mary and Marek! What a wonderful couple you are. I am honored to have joined you in marriage. Thank you for giving me that honor. I wish you the best always!