Nicole and Brandon chose to have their wedding at
The Bradford, a beautiful all-in-one wedding venue in New Hill, just right down Hwy 1 from Apex.
I love the natural elements of this attractive sign.
On display on the mantel inside was this sweet engagement photo. Their photographers were Joey and Brook with
Urban Bloom Photography out of Winston-Salem.
Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate for an outdoor ceremony and tentless reception. But, The Bradford can handle any weather issues with finesse. Catering was by
Donovan's Dish.
Their florist was
Bushel and Peck. Love the garlands of leaves and flowers on the tables.
The sweetheart table!
Now this is really impressive!
Gigi's Cupcakes provided all these wonderful sweets and the presentation was amazing!
So, the ballroom was all set up for the ceremony. Afterwards the guests exit back into the manor house for cocktails while the staff place the chairs around the tables in the reception tent.
Dean Garris was there to video their wedding. We have done quite a few weddings together and he always has a microphone for me to wear so that he can get every word of the ceremony and choose what fits into the video perfectly.
HERE is a link to Nicole and Brandon's wedding video preview!
Meanwhile Dana, one of the owners of
The Bradford, and I are trying to figure out how to get the loveletters of the couple to each other to fit into the box with the wine. It was a tight fit and we wanted to put the letters into envelopes.
Mission accomplished. The Anniversary Box ceremony is a wonderful unity ceremony within wedding ceremonies. The couple write loveletters to each other about all the feelings they are having during this exciting time the day before the wedding without sharing and give to me to hand to them during the ceremony to place in the box and close the box. Then I invite them to open the box on their first anniversary, pour each other a glass of wine, and read their letters from each other. Have a conversation about their wedding day and the year that has passed by. Write another love letter to each other and seal without sharing. Place the old letters and the new letters and a new bottle of wine into the box and repeat on every anniversary. Eventually Nicole and Brandon are going to have to either scale down the size of the bottle of wine or just omit it because their letters will fill up the box.
Up to the third floor where our gorgeous bride and her ladies are hanging out in the bridal suite.
Back down to the second floor to speak with Brandon and his guys. Everyone is ready for the ceremony to begin!
Ashley Vause of
Ashley Vause Events was in charge of this fabulous wedding. We think that this is the first wedding we have done together and it was a pleasure! She's having a baby soon but the weddings go on! Brandon's mom is listening in as we chat about the wedding.
The guests have arrived and Ashley gets us lined up to process in while her assistant went up to retrieve the bridal party.
After the last bridesmaid took her place, I invited the guests to stand to honor the bride.
Nicole and her dad floated down the aisle and came to a stop in front of Brandon and me.
Our DJ,
All Events DJ, faded the music and I asked "Who gives their love and support to Nicole as she comes to join in marriage with Brandon?" Mike answered "Her mother and I do" then shook Brandon's hand and placed Nicole's hand into Brandon's hand. Then all the guests were seated.
The ceremony we had written together began with a warm welcome to everyone thanking them for being present for this momentous moment in Nicole and Brandon's lives.
An opening prayer was followed by remembrance of their grandparents who were not with us.
I stepped out to ask their parents to stand.
At this point we paid tribute to the parents and told them how grateful the couple is for all their love and support all their lives. Usually brings tears from the mothers too!
And now for the story of how Nicole and Brandon met and fell in love.
There were many humorous moments and everyone had some good laughs.
Nicole and Brandon have been together since 2013 and the adventure from the day they met to their wedding day reflected their love and their great sense of humor!
Here I am revealing to Brandon what Nicole told me she loves about him and why she wants to marry him. Then Nicole heard for the first time what Brandon had told me about loving her. Again, more humor and laughter!
They exchanged their vows and joined left hands to put the rings on each other.
Placing their letters in the box. I had warned them that it would be tight but Brandon managed to get the box closed.
A closing blessing for our couple.
The big moment when I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss!
So happy to be married at last!
I presented them to their guests and the music began!
What a joyful moment!
Brandon and Nicole! What a great couple you are!! I am honored that you chose me to join you in marriage and appreciate all your hard work with me to create your amazing ceremony. I know you are so happy to be married. I wish you all the best!
