Mary and Marek's Beautiful Family Wedding in the White Garden!

Mary and Marek met and fell in love as kids in high school 11 years ago in 2008 and their love has endured--a testament that puppy love and school kid crushes can become true love and last a lifetime. They actually were engaged on Mary's 18th birthday in 2011 beginning an extraordinarily long engagement. It wasn't planned that way but life, college degrees, and careers just kept getting in the way of making wedding plans. But finally they made it a priority and booked the White Garden in the JC Raulston Arboretum for October 10th 2019. Then they met with me in June and we began writing their ceremony together. 

Upon arrival at the arboretum on the wedding day, I noticed a new addition to the garden--a bee hut! How adorable and I know the bees love it.

Aaron Prillaman was already there when Dave and I arrived. He was all set up and tuning the guitar.

A tribute to their loved ones who have passed on from this earth but surely were with us in spirit. They were especially missing Mary's mother Beth on this special day.

When the guests were seated I entered and took my place.

Marek escorted his parents, Milagros and Marek, in and then joined me up front. 

Mary's father Norm escorted in his beautiful daughter!

The English Garden provided the beautiful bouquet. 

Our photographer, Jennifer Outlaw of AO&JO Photography captured the presentation of the bride. Aaron Outlaw was videoing the wedding too.

They turned and faced each other holding both hands as I invited the guests to be seated and welcomed them all to this wonderful, long-awaited wedding!

A tribute to their wonderful parents was next. 

Then I launched right into their story and how they met. 

Marek was rather shy in school and Mary had to make a bold move to get him to ask her out and it worked!

For their engagement, Marek staged an elaborate "follow the clues" kind of game and at then end of which was Marek with ring and question. She answered yes, they cried tears of joy, then celebrated. 

Then I told Mary what Marek had told me in confidence he loved most about her and what he is looking forward to in marriage.

Then Marek got to hear for the first time what Mary told me about her love for him.

They had each written vows and kept them secret from each other. Marek reads his to Mary from my book here. Beautiful words for a beautiful woman.

With a little humor too! 

Then it was Mary's turn to read her vows to Marek.

The exchange of rings was next.

Mary places the ring on Marek's finger as she says words to him after me. 

They chose to have the Anniversary Box as their unity ceremony. It was inside the gazebo on my little table and I stepped back into the gazebo as they entered and placed their unshared loveletters to each other to be opened on their first anniversary.

Back to the steps for the closing blessing.

I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them married and invited them to kiss!

The first kiss was too brief so I got them to kiss again so Jennifer could get a good picture!

I invited their guests to stand and join me in congratulating Mary and Marek, now wife and husband!

Mary and Marek! What a wonderful couple you are. I am honored to have joined you in marriage. Thank you for giving me that honor. I wish you the best always!

A Fantastic Wedding for Megan and Brian at Market View!

Megan and Brian chose to have their wedding in downtown Raleigh at Market Hall in City Market. However, instead of having the ceremony inside, they decided to have the ceremony outside on the cobblestone street in front of the venue. All it took was getting the City of Raleigh to agree to close that little street. Wow! What a great idea. 

Their wedding was June 1, 2019--a beautiful day and not too hot. There was some shade from the buildings and trees too. First thing I did when I arrived was get my sound set up. 
Nicole with Premier Party Planners was our wonderful director. She and I have worked weddings together for many years and Nicole is a blessing! She is standing beside our DJ, Jim Unger, with All Around Raleigh DJ. He and I have also worked together many times in the past. Love this team of vendors! Sarah Lowder was our photographer and John Warlick our videographer. Here is a LINK to his wedding trailer video of this wedding.

Chatting with Tara, Nicole's assistant. Good to see her again and work with her too! 

Upstairs in the Bridal Suite, Megan and Brian had staged a First Look that took place earlier. So everyone was relaxing and staying cool. With them in their beloved labradoodle Annie who is our Flowerdog! What a sweet pup! They have been wonderful dog parents to her I could tell!

Here is the reception area all decked out and ready. See the purple uplighting by the DJ. 

The guests have arrived and taken their seats. 

A view from the back of the aisle. 

Getting Annie's flowers on for her entrance! 

It is time for me to enter and make the unplugged announcement asking the guests to put away their cell phones and cameras and truly be present with Megan and Brian during the ceremony.

Please unplug! 

Megan's grandparents enter and take their seats. 

Brian escorts his mom, Kitty, in. 

Close behind them are John, Brian's dad, and Annie!

Then Mother of the Bride, Judy, is escorted in by her son who circles back to join the groomsmen. 

Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen process in as couples. 

Finally it is time for the bride and her dad, Kevin, to enter. You can see the Cook Shack truck behind them. They catered this wedding. 

The English Garden furnished the pretty florals including the bouquets and boutonnieres. 

The guests stand for the bride and her dad. 

We began with words of welcome to everyone and thanked them from coming from near and far to celebrate this special day with Megan and Brian.

Then we remembered their loved ones who were no longer with us. 

I stepped out to address their parents and tell them how much their children love them and appreciate their love and support throughout their lives.

Now to tell the story of how Megan and Brian met at college and the journey of their relationship from then to their wedding day.

We laughed a lot and everyone enjoyed hearing the funny stories!

Then I revealed to them what their partner had told me in confidence they love about them and what they are looking forward to in marriage.

Then it was time for their vows. 

Brian read his promises of marriage to Megan from my book. 

Then Megan read hers to Brian. 

Time to exchange rings.

Megan puts the ring on Brian's finger.

I was thrilled to pronounce them husband and wife!

Sealed with a kiss!

Their guests are cheering them!

Yes, you can walk back down the aisle now! 

The wedding party and Annie make their exit.

Congratulations, Megan and Brian! What a fabulous wedding you had. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. You were great to work with and I love your story! I wish you the best always!