Christine and Andy's Gorgeous Wedding at Brier Creek CC!

Christine and Andy fell in love when they were in high school many years ago in Long Island. Their love withstood long distance separation for many years until Christine finally migrated south to join Andy. Their wedding was a beautiful one at Brier Creek Country Club on October 12th 2018. Hurricane Michael blew through North Carolina the day before forcing our rehearsal indoors and fortunately the ground had dried out enough for our ceremony to be held in the lovely Jasmine Courtyard. Of course the curtains had been removed because of the high winds but I really like the way it looks without the curtains. Gregg Kennedy with Brides and Bouquets put up the beautiful floral arch for the ceremony and provided all the other florals too.

Jason Huggins, owner of Stylus, was our DJ. When I arrived he had an ear microphone for me and we did a sound check then he knelt down as if proposing! Not sure what he was proposing but my husband Dave snapped this photo of it. Jason always provides the best sound for me, brings a mic for me and I love doing weddings with him.

After the sound check we went upstairs into the ballroom where the reception would be. 

The Sweetheart Table is all decked out in front of the picture window looking down into the courtyard. 

GiGi's Cupcakes provided this display of fabulous cupcake with a cake on top for cutting. 

A unique cake topper for Andy and Christine! 

Rebecca Faulk of Red Bridge Photography was our professional photographer. Another professional photographer, Brian Mullins, was her second shooter--an amazing team of the best photographers in the area!

Robin Crew with Bayleaf Video Productions on the left and Rebecca on the right are getting some shots of the bride before the ceremony.

Every couple gets a very pretty keepsake certificate of marriage from me. 

Getting the marriage license signed. 

And now we are getting all lined up to process in on the sidewalk beside Deke's Grill. 

Andy and I processed in first along the side to the front of the pergola. 

Waiting for the parents.

Andy's parents, Stella and Vito, start their walk into the ceremony area. 

Then brother of the bride, Frank, escorts his mother Laura into the ceremony then returns. 

First couple are Autumn and Brandon.

Vinny and Jennifer

Frank and Nicole.

Melissa and Alex

Doug (best man) and Angela (maid of honor) enter.

Our beautiful Flower Girl--Krystyna!

She did a great job sprinkling the petals!

Time for our stunning bride and her dad, Frank, to make their entrance!

Down the steps while their guests are all standing in honor of the bride. 

They stopped in front of Andy and me and I asked Frank the question, he answered then placed Christine's hand into Andy's hand and everyone was seated.

A warm welcome to everyone who had traveled from near and far. 

Then we remembered those who were no longer with us. 

After surprising their parents with a sweet tribute, I got to tell Andy and Christine's wonderful story! 

Lots of good laughs too!

After their story, they got to hear what their partner had told me in confidence what he or she loves about them.

Andy got a bit tearful hearing what Christine told me. 

Christine loved what Andy told me too!

Time for the vows.  These first vows were funny questions to them. 

Then to the more serious vows during which they exchanged their rings. 

Andy placed the ring on Christine's finger. 

Then Christine placed the ring on Andy's finger which took a little struggle to get it on. Andy is sharing in the struggle!

A closing blessing for our couple came next then the big pronouncement of marriage moment!

I invited Andy to show us the kiss as I stepped to the side out of the photo of the kiss.

Oops! Dave missed getting a photo of the kiss! Angela hands Christine her bouquet and I presented them to their guests as husband and wife!

And out they go!

I know Krystyna had a good time!!

Parents of the bride followed by parents of the groom.

Our wedding planner/director was Shannon Carpenter with Magnolia and Pine Events. She did a great job and it was wonderful working with her and her team.

A big Congratulations to you, Christine and Andy!! What a wonderful wedding! I wish you the best always!

Lauren and Cade's Beautiful Wedding at The Merrimon-Wynne House!

Lauren and Cade met in 2006 when they were both students at the University of Florida. Their attraction to each other was immediate but at that stage of their lives they concentrated on their education and the relationship grew slowly and steadily. Now almost 11 years later, they have weathered the typical storms of relationships, Cade proposed, and they set about planning their wedding. Their wedding was July 1st 2017 at the historic Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh. It was a beautiful sunny day and a little on the hot side--typical for July in North Carolina.

After getting my microphone on and doing a sound check with Steve Stowe of BunnDJ Company, I paid a visit to the groom's room where all the groomsmen were congregated. There I got Cade's brother, Cody, signature on the marriage license.

They guys were all ready with boutonnieres pinned on their jackets and were joking around with each other--and me! There were 9 groomsmen plus 2 junior groomsmen!

Now to the Bride's suite where Lauren was getting a back and neck massage from one of her maidens! 

Lauren's sister, Allie, signed the marriage license for me.

Back downstairs the area for the guest book and gifts is ready.

A peek out the window at the ceremony site. 

I found a quiet spot to review the ceremony.

Photos of the couple on the old mantle.

The guests are being directed to their seats by our wedding planner/director, Lynn Scott with Happily Ever After. Heba Salama, our photographer and one of my former brides, is heading towards the guests.

Lauren and Cade love bluegrass music so they had this trio play for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Jason Jenning, our videographer, is getting set up. Jenn Aan, our second shooter is behind him. 

The sun is very bright and it is hot!

Lynn brings the processional line-up out the front door around to the ceremony site. 

I think Jame McKimmon would appreciate the beautiful weddings that take place in her old homestead although it has been moved from its original location to Blount Street and totally restored.

Cade's parents Doc and Diana, step forward.

I like that the groomsmen did not wear ties in this heat. Nevertheless, Cade pulled out his handkerchief to mop his face.

The whole wedding party! 

I headed in first followed by Cade and his groomsmen.

The bridesmaids and junior groomsmen are all in place and waiting for the bride. Once she is presented by her father, all the attendants will be seated except for the maid of honor and best man.

Heba is getting a great shot of Lauren and her father Barry entering. 

Lauren hands off her bouquet and her father answers my question then transfers her hand into Cade's while the guests and attendants are being seated.

Cade tends to be on the shy side but he is doing great and I see a little smile growing on his face!

Everyone was greeted and welcomed then we bowed our heads in prayer and memory of those no longer with us.  The florals on the arbor are stunning thanks to the couple's florist, Gregg Kennedy with Brides and Bouquets.

I stepped out from under the arbor to speak with the parents. This is a surprise for them--a tribute to their love and support of our couple throughout their lives. Brings some tears from the mothers!

Then I told the story of how Lauren and Cade met. The story was sprinkled with humor.

Cade is all relaxed now and enjoying the ceremony with Lauren who is so "in the moment" for her wedding. 

A humorous moment here!

More! The guests were loving it! 

And now to reveal what they love about each other!

Making their vows to each other. 

Everyone seems to be paying attention! 

Time for the ring exchange.

Lauren says the words to Cade as she puts the ring on his finger.

A closing blessing before the pronouncement of marriage.

Lauren is letting my words sink in for this pivotal moment while Cade watches her with a smile.

First kiss as wife and husband! 

Allie hands Lauren her beautiful bouquet and I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating our newlyweds.

And away they go--married at long last! 

A dash to the front porch to wait for the ceremony area to clear before coming back for pictures.

Cade and Lauren, you did it spectacularly! Congratulations to you both. With your dedication and love for each other, I know you will have a very happy marriage. I wish you all the best forever!