Rebecca and Andy's Wonderful Wedding at the Brick & Mortar!

This was my first wedding at Brick & Mortar Events in downtown Clayton. It was an amazing place too. The downstairs is open space then there is a loft that wraps around 3 sides of the room.

Rebecca and Andy chose December 8, 2019 for their wedding date and invited a lot of guests. When I arrived the table with the Family Unity Sand Ceremony was set up in front of a drape with Christmas decorations. The cake table was also up front. 

"Together we make a Family" is on the shadowbox container that the couple and their children will pour the sand into during the ceremony. 

When I arrive for a wedding, the first thing I do is work with the DJ to get the sound just right for the ceremony. The couple and I have worked hard to create a wonderful heartwarming ceremony and it is important that everyone can hear. Our DJ was Harvey of DJHarvNation ENT. We were having some issue with the transmitter but we got it to work.

This lovely cake was baked by I Do Cakes NC. 

This is the view of the room from the front door. Directly ahead is the bar. The DJ was to the left. 

I went up to the loft to find my first witness to sign the marriage license. 

The tables were all set for the reception and during the ceremony the overflow crowd went up on the loft.

Everything is ready for the guests! 

The chairs downstairs started filling in. 

Pam Morgan was our Wedding Director and she kept things organized and flowing on time. 

I entered when it was time to begin and made the unplugged announcement requesting guests to put away their cell phones and cameras and truly be present with Rebecca and Andy. Aimee Sue, our professional photographer, is up front with me ready to capture the processional.

The grandmothers were escorted in first, then the parents. 

The bridesmaids were next. One by one. 

Morgan our maid of honor was the last before the bride. 

I invited the guests to stand for the bride. 

Rebecca was escorted in by her grandfather, Frank! 

He transferred Rebecca's hand into Andy's hand then the guests were seated as the couple turned and faced each other.

Morgan straightens Rebecca's train as I welcomed everyone followed by an opening prayer. 

Rebecca's children, Madison and Hayden, came forward for the Children's Blessing. Andy reads from my book to them--words telling them how much he loves their mother and them and that he is so happy they become one big family this day. (In this picture you can see the pretty bouquets made by Flowers by the Neuse.) 

After the children's blessing, I had the pleasure of telling the story of Rebecca and Andy. I usually say how destiny causes their paths to cross. Well, Rebecca and Andy's paths crossed twice because the first time the timing was apparently not right. The second time 10 years later, appreciating their good fortune, they were determined to make it work and they were very successful. A very good match for each other.

At this point they each got to hear what the other had told me they love about each other. So sweet. 

They make their vows to each other. 

Then they exchanged rings. 

Now for the pouring of the sand. Rebecca and Andy pour in half of each of theirs. 

Then Madison and Hayden took turns pouring in all of theirs. 

Rebecca and Andy blended the rest of their sand together as they poured it in. 

A closing blessing for our couple.

Then the big moment of the pronouncement of marriage. I invited them to celebrate with a kiss!

Their first kiss as husband and wife! 

Wow! We are married! I signaled Morgan to hand the bouquet to Rebecca then I introduced them to their happy guests!

Rebecca and Andy! Congratulations! It was a fabulous wedding and I loved joining you in marriage and working with you to create your amazing ceremony. I wish you all the best!!