Erinn and Kelsey's Fun Wedding at Top of The Hill Great Room!

Erinn and Kelsey were high school sweethearts who grew up into adulthood together.  Unlike some couples whose high school romance faded away, Erinn and Kelsey persevered together throughout college and their relationship is even stronger today. Kelsey staged a dramatic proposal in April of 2017 and they set their date of November 18, 2018. They are a fun-loving couple and TOPO was the perfect choice for their wedding venue.

After checking in with their DJ, Jeff Brown--A Bride's DJ--and getting a sound check, I ventured to the back bar where the wedding party (14 people) were hanging out before the ceremony. The couple had done a first look and were having fun being with all their friends too.

Back to the great room to meet our wedding artist, Dan Nelson and his lovely wife Nancy (on left speaking to the DJ). Dan was set up in the back of the room next to the DJ's table.

He paints with both hands at the same time!

 He takes a break from painting to enjoy the ceremony. 

The basic composition is in place. 

This is the finished painting. It is really beautiful. Visit his website to see all the wonderful paintings that Dan creates! 

Time for everyone to get lined up to process in. Laura with TOPO was our wedding director.

The parents were escorted in first and there are empty chairs up front for the wedding party to sit in after the bride is escorted in.

After the parents were escorted in, Kelsey and I took our places up front. Our photographer, Brandi Leigh, stands at the end of the aisle to get photos of the wedding party as they enter.

One of the"flower boys" has successfully made his way down the aisle! 

Bride's attendants are typically a mix of men and women in contemporary wedding ceremonies.

Here you can see the groom's side! 

Erinn's father escorts her in and down the aisle.

I am pointing to Erinn's bouquet for Emily (maid of honor) to take. Then I asked her dad a question, he answered and placed Erinn's hand in Kelsey's hand and took his seat as the attendants also took their seats except for the maid of honor and best woman.

And so I welcomed everyone to this wonderful occasion and told them how thankful our couple was to have them with them on this special day.

We remembered those no longer with us and honored their memory. 

Then I stepped out front and addressed their parents to pay tribute to them. 

Then I told the story of how Erinn and Kelsey met in high school and their journey from that day to their wedding day.

They've been together since they were teenagers so the story spanned a few years, through college, getting jobs and finding themselves.

There were some funny stories along the way and our guests enjoyed some good laughs. 

Next was hearing what their partner told me in confidence they loved about them!

Time for the vows and the ring exchange.

After they placed unshared loveletters in their Anniversary Box and a closing blessing, I pronounced them married and invited them to kiss!

The guests were cheering them on! 

Finally! 

Happy to be husband and wife! 

Erinn and Kelsey, congratulations! What a fun wedding. I loved all the laughter and celebration. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage!

A Beautiful Family Wedding for Amy and Chuck at St. Mark's Chapel!

Amy and Chuck wanted a small family wedding that included their parents and children without a lot of fanfare so they wisely chose the sweet historical St. Mark's Chapel. The date was Saturday September 2nd, 2017. The guests enjoyed a champagne toast after the wedding then headed for Second Empire for a dinner reception.

Fresh Affairs was their florist and did a beautiful job decorating the chapel. The greenery garlands are spectacular.

Those gorgeous orchids were amazing! I love the plaque above the flowers and the lighted wire balls flanking the altar chest. On top are the bottles of colored sand and the unity container for the ceremony.

 Their musicians were these very talented ladies with Arioso Strings! Always beautiful music!

 Discussing the order of the processional and recessional cues. 

St. Mark's Chapel was moved here from Chatham County many years ago. It is a historical landmark on the Mordecai Campus owned by the City of Raleigh.

 Brandi Leigh, their photographer, was doing pre-ceremony shots of the couple on the campus. 

 I invited the guests to take their seats inside the chapel and enjoy the beautiful music.

Devon, Amy's 14 year old son, Sebastian, their 5 year old son together, and Gabrielle, Chuck's 11 year old daughter, are excited to be part of the ceremony.

This is the sweet ring dish engraved with their names and date with the rings attached. Sebastian will hold this for us.

 Gabrielle (she prefers "Elle") is holding her "bouquet" of stunning orchids!

 Look at the beautiful pearl necklace Amy is wearing that goes in the front AND the back! 

 I pinned on the boutonnieres. 

 Sebastian inspecting the ring dish! 

 Amy is ready! 

She entered the chapel as the guests stood in her honor and Chuck met her in the aisle and escorted her up onto the platform.

 And so we began with words of welcome, a prayer, a tribute to their parents. 

 On Chuck's behalf I spoke to Devon telling him how happy Chuck is to have him as his son. 

 Then words from Amy to Gabrielle telling her how happy she is to have her as her daughter!

 A few words about how they met and fell in love. 

 Then it was time for them to make their vows to each other. 

 The exchange of rings was next. 

 Amy had to help Chuck get the rings all the way on her finger!

 Time for the Family Unity Sand Ceremony. Chuck and Amy each pour in ½ of their sand as individuals. 

 Devon pours all his sand in the container.

 Then it is Elle's turn.

 And now Sebastian does a good job getting his sand in the container!

 Amy and Chuck poured their remaining sand on top signifying the unity of this family.

This is the resulting sand sculpture!

As part of the closing blessing, I asked Amy and Chuck to turn around and feel the love of their families surrounding them. 

 The pronouncement of marriage that legally joins them in marriage!

 Sealed with their first kiss as husband and wife!

 Amy's dress caught on the pew but thankfully it did not tear. I loved her dress, jewelry, and shoes! 

 A new family is officially born! 

Amy and Chuck--great wedding! The details were so well thought out--just as I expected they would be! You are a great couple and have a wonderful blended family. Congratulations!