Michael-Anne and Michael's Surprise Wedding!

Michael-Anne and Michael's wedding was a surprise for their guests! They had gathered to celebrate their engagement at Michael-Anne's parents' home in Louisburg and enjoy a barbecue dinner. Michael-Anne and Michael had met with me a few weeks earlier and booked me as their officiant for their wedding planned at St. Mark's Chapel in Raleigh in October. Then Michael came up with the idea of surprising the guests at the engagement party on September 22nd 2018 and Michael-Anne loved that plan. They called me and I was able to do it! It was my 4th wedding of the day but the timing worked out perfectly.

This cake is a lot bigger than it looks in this photo! Made by a friend of the bride's mother. 

Michael-Anne's mother is a collector of everything mermaids. They are everywhere! 

The table with the Family Unity Sand Ceremony components are ready for the ceremony on the deck. 

Because this was a surprise wedding, we had difficulty pulling the guests away from their barbecue dinner to come around to the deck for the big announcement.

Finally with everyone in place for the ceremony we began. After making the surprise announcement that the guests were here to witness not an engagement but a wedding, I welcomed them all then we had an opening prayer.  Here I am addressing their kids and telling them how important they are in this marriage we celebrate today. Michael's daughters are Grace and MacKenzie and Michael-Anne's son is Tyler. 

After a few words on love and marriage, I invited them to share the vows they had written for each other. 

Michael went first. His words were so touching. He put a lot of time and thought and emotion into his promises of marriage to Michael-Anne.

Then it was her turn. She also had very touching things to say to Michael with her heartfelt promises to him. 

Then it was time to put the rings on. I began with some words on the meaning of the rings. 

So they placed the rings on each other's fingers after saying their ring vows after me. 

For the unity sand ceremony they each poured ½ of their sand into the container making 2 layers. 

Then each child poured all their sand into the container one at the time. MacKenzie went first. 

Then Tyler followed by Grace. 

The bride and groom then blended their remaining sand on top to complete the ceremony. 

I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple!

Dave missed the kiss but look at the happiness on their faces! 

Michael-Anne and Michael, you did it! It was a great way to get married and avoid all the fanfare and formality. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. I know you will be very happy and wonderful parents for your blended family. All the best!

Anita and Seth's Family Wedding at Ashley Park!

Anita and Seth were such a great couple to work with for their wedding ceremony in which we included their children. It took place on September 22nd 2018 at Ashley Park apartment complex in Brier Creek. They also did my Marriage 101 course and we got to know each other quite well. It was a pleasure to see these two people so much in love and willing to make their marriage the best possible!

They thoughtfully provided a doormat for me to stand on so I would not sink into the ground! 

The kids came in first--Mary (Seth's daughter) and Deen (Anita's son) entered first. 

Then Gena (Seth's daughter) and her brother Bryan (Seth's son) came in together. 

Anita was escorted in by her son Kyle who flew in from out West to be with them. 

Kyle takes charge of his younger brother during the ceremony. 

We began with a welcome to all the guests who were gathered together on the other side of the sidewalk.

Then a sweet prayer. 

We remembered their mothers and Seth's father and other family members present for this sweet occasion. 

Then I addressed the children and told them how loved, special and important they are in the marriage we celebrate today.

I gave a brief synopsis of how Seth and Anita got to this moment in time and welcomed them into the unparalleled promise called marriage. Then they exchanged their vows and rings.

The Family Unity Sand Ceremony was next. Seth and Anita each pour ½ of their sand into the container making two layers representing them as individuals.

Then Gena poured all her sand in.

Bryan poured his in.

Kyle added his to the container. They used measuring cups as individual containers of sand. 

The two little ones, Deen and Mary who had poured their sand in earlier, watch as Anita and Seth blended their sand in for the final layer uniting this blended family.

I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple! 

Presenting them to their guests. 

Anita and Seth! I loved our work together! You are a great couple and I know you are so happy together--finally living in the same place with your kids under one roof. Bless you!