Emilie and Russell Wed at the Old Milburnie Fishing Lodge!

Emilie and Russel decided to have their wedding at the Old Milburnie Fishing Lodge in east Raleigh. They had been to a wedding there and they liked the casual style and beautiful lake setting. I met the couple there one day to take a look and choose the best place and orientation for the ceremony  because we actually had the rehearsal at Joyner Park in Wake Forest. 

The wedding date was Sunday November 3rd, 2019. This sign was placed near the start of the aisle. 

A very nice plaque to hang at their home!

Flowers by Henry was their florist and all the bouquets were lined up and boutonnieres were ready to be pinned on.

I was happy to help do the pinning! I have many years of experience doing that now! 

The cake and catering was provided by their dear friends and family.

Emilie pins the boutonnière on her dad's lapel. 

Emilie and Russel had thought of all the details and everything was in place. They provided a sound system into which I plugged my microphone.

Time to begin the ceremony. The guests have all been asked to take their seats and included many of the couple's grandparents. I entered and asked them to refrain from taking photos during the ceremony. Their photographer, Megan King, would be capturing how the ceremony looked.

Russel escorted his parents in then joined me up front. 

You can see that it was a beautiful day!

Emilie's mom was escorted in by her father, Emilie's grandfather. 

The attendants came in as couples then it was time for the bride and her proud father to make their entrance! 

A warm welcome to all followed by a surprise blessing for their parents. 

Then the story of how they met and fell in love! Emilie and Russel have known each other since they were teenagers and, in a sense, have grown up together. They are also evidence that school crushes and puppy love can survive and grow into a soft abiding love that lasts for life. 

After the story and secret paragraphs about what they love about each other, it was time for the vows.

They chose to include the Celtic handfasting ceremony with 7 ribbons of different colors and a vow with each one.

Then the ribbons were removed and replaced symbolically with their rings.

They make their ring vows. 

Russel places the ring on Emilie's finger.

Then Emilie places the ring on Russel's finger.

I happily pronounced them married after a closing blessing. 

Sealed with a kiss! 

Russel and Emilie, your wedding was so sweet and just perfect for the two of you. I loved working with you and co-creating your beautiful ceremony. I wish you the best of everything always!