I was honored to officiate the wedding of Ashley and Bryan on April 7th, 2018 at the wonderful
Prestonwood Country Club in Cary NC. Ashley and Bryan were so much fun to work with and I love their story and sense of humor. It was truly a wonderful wedding in all ways.
Kevin Seifert, a friend and colleague who is also a professional wedding photographer met me there to take these photos for my blog. The couple's professional photographer was
Emily Alane Barefoot and I know she got some really terrific photos of this very stunning wedding and reception too.
After setting up my microphone with our DJ,
Collin Yarborough, and doing a sound check to make sure the sound was perfect, I sought out the two witnesses the couple had designated to sign their marriage license. First was their Maid of Honor, Lauren, also sister of our bride.
Then I caught up with the groomsmen and got brother of the groom and best man, Sean, to sign as a witness. (I do not sign the license until after the wedding and make the marriage legal.)
They did a First Look and more photos then before the guests began arriving were hidden away from sight in the boardroom. Here our wedding director, Victoria Schuch with
Sally Oakley Weddings & Events, and mother of the bride, Connie are making their way down the hall.
Bryan peeks in for another glimpse of his beautiful wife-to-be!
Meanwhile the guests are arriving and choosing their place cards, signing the guestbook, and looking at the photos.
Someone is admiring their photo with their beloved pooch!
The groomsmen and the fathers are sequestered together to wait. Bryan adjusts his dad, Marty's tie.
I made sure that the Father of the Bride, Ralph, had a secure boutonniere.
Kevin gets a sneak peek at the guests from the top of the steps before the processional. The beautiful flowers were provided by
Tre Bella florists.
Victoria cued Collin to begin the processional music, sent in the parents, then it was time for Bryan and his groomsmen to follow me in to take our places up front followed by the bridesmaids.
Then Ralph proudly escorted Ashley down the aisle!
One of the jobs of the Maid of Honor is to "fluff" the bride's dress and train. Lauren retrieves the train from the aisle and makes it look nice for the photos!
A stunning setting for a wedding! The beautiful staircase in the background with light streaming in the window is perfect!
I handed the hankie I brought to Bryan who dried the tears that rolled down Ashley's cheeks.
A welcome to all the guests was followed by a prayer and some scripture verses.
Then I stepped out and greeted the couple's parents and invited them to stand. This was a surprise to them. On behalf of their children I thanked them for all their love and support of our couple all their lives.
The parents were seated then it was time to tell the love story of Ashley and Bryan!
There were lots of funny times in the story. Their many friends had tried to match these two up, knowing they would be a good match, but both Ashley and Bryan thwarted their attempts. Finally they were matched up online and consented to meet each other. And from that first meeting on they were smitten with each other.
Talking about all the trips they've been on...
I'm not sure that the parents had heard all of this before!
Finally Bryan succeeded in surprising Ashley with a proposal on a weekend trip to Lake Gaston with their friends.
Hearing their secret paragraphs from each other for the first time. Humor here too, of course!
They made their vows to each other........
Then exchanged rings........
Following a closing prayer, I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife, then invited Bryan to kiss the bride as I quickly stepped aside!
I had told Bryan to make sure the photographer could get a good photo of the kiss.........
And so he did!
Presentation of the newlywed couple!
The very happy couple and their exuberant guests! The guests were invited into the lounge area for cocktails while the couple and wedding party and parents assembled in the ballroom for more photos.
Congratulations all around!
Bryan embraces his new mother-in-law!
The veil was quickly removed and Ashley's hair touched up by her maidens!
Sweet congratulations to Ashley!
While some photos were going on, the staff at the country club were preparing for the cake to be brought in.
Here it comes to the top of the steps. Careful, guys!
A gorgeous wedding cake by the pastry chef at the club!
Victoria helps light the many candles as the ballroom is transformed into the reception area.
Congratulations, Ashley and Bryan, not only on your marriage but also on pulling off a gorgeous wedding ceremony and reception. I wish you the best forever!
