Shannon and Drew Wed at The Cookery!

Shannon emailed me last April about officiating hers and Drew's wedding on October 31st, 2014 at The Cookery in Durham. She told me that they are both non-traditional and wanted a ceremony that was not too lengthy. (Their ceremony was about 15 minutes.) They wanted the ceremony to be light-hearted and filled with promises and commitments that are important to them. I love a couple who have a vision of their ceremony so we can co-create exactly what they want.  The ceremony was limited to their families with a reception to follow to which their good friends were invited.

The big day arrived and although it was Halloween, that was not their theme at all. They hired a band--Groovetown--and one of the guitarists played for the ceremony. The Cookery is an old building that has wonderful exposed brick and wide open spaces.  It was formerly the Durham Food Co-op and has been transformed into a state of the art kitchen and entertainment venue, particularly great for weddings. Of course they provide the food for the venue so you don't have to hire a caterer. This is the second wedding I have done there this year.  

Looking down from the loft to the windows that face out onto West Chapel Hill Road. I can actually see the top of my car which was parked out front!

On the right wall there is a big blackboard where a couple can display any message they like. I love the lighted initials!

This is the adjoining tented patio to the side of the building. This is where the other couple's ceremony was last wedding.

The stairway leading up to the loft where the ceremony took place.  The cake was provided by a friend of the bride, Beth. Tre Bella did the florals. Sarah Morris served as their day-of-coordinator and wedding director. I have known Sarah for several years when she worked at a venue in Raleigh and it was great to work with her again. Sorry that we did not get a photo of her!

 Our guitarist from Groovetown! 

 This is the wall in front of which we will stand for the ceremony. 

 Shannon is escorted in by her father, Scott.

 The guests are standing in her honor as they float down the aisle!

 Drew's stepfather, John, is his best man. Our maid of honor is Shannon's sister, Megan. 

 The photographers for this wedding were Rachel and Seth with Blue Barn Photography. 

Shannon and Drew especially wanted to pay tribute to their mothers, Susan and Ann, which was a sweet surprise for with. We also remembered Drew's father in memoriam.

Their love story is a really good one. They knew each other as children when Drew would visit his friend David who lived in Shannon's neighborhood. He had a crush on Shannon and would persuade David to scooter down to the cul-de-sac where she lived so he could try to see and talk to her.  But they went to different middle  and high schools and colleges following their own paths. At various times they ran into each other but it was not until 2012 after they both graduated from college and lived in Raleigh that they "met again" for the last time. This time the sparks that had been there all along began firing and they soon became a couple. They bought a house and adopted their furry friends, Leonard, then later, Richard. In April of 2014, Drew proposed. Shannon wasted no time planning this sweet wedding and here they are--getting married!

They said their "I do's" and exchanged rings then we closed with a blessing followed by the pronouncement of marriage.

 I don't know if this shot is before or after the kiss!  

 A glancing shot as they speed down the aisle! 

Arm in arm together! 

Drew and Shannon, I hope your wedding was everything you dreamed of. I loved working with you and making your ceremony perfect for you. I received many compliments from your guests so we know they had a great time. I wish you all the best!

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Carolina Inn Wedding for Blair and Greg!

Blair and Greg's wedding was Saturday December 28, 2013 at the wonderful Carolina Inn! 

The Inn was still aglow with their usual stunning Christmas decorations and so warm and welcoming. It is a joy to officiate weddings here. So I was quite happy when the couple's officiant found out she was not going to be able to officiate for them and sent them my way. They were a delight to work with and so very creative despite Blair's arduous medical school curriculum and Greg's demanding work schedule. But all in all, together we created a wonderful ceremony for this momentous occasion.

Cinda's Creative Cakes baked this beautiful cake and it was in place for the reception in the Old Well Room.

Tre Bella provided the beautiful floral arrangements and the wedding bouquets. 

The music for the reception was provided by the Groovetown Band. Their guitarist played for the ceremony. It was very pretty.

Our wonderful wedding coordinator and director, Tia with Erin McLean Events, is speaking to our reader, Emily. That is Jason, one of our photographers with Michael Moss Photography in Asheville. The couple asked me to announce when I entered for the guests to put away their cell phones and cameras so that they could truly be present with them as they made their vows to each other.

Greg and I entered first followed by the seating of the parents and the maid of honor. 

Blair and her father, Bob, made their grand entrance. Blair's elegant wedding gown was simply perfect for her! 

Bob transferred Blair's hand into Greg's and she gave Dad a little kiss. 

And so the ceremony began--a warm welcome to all, an opening blessing, a tribute to their parents, and remembrance of those loved ones no longer with us physically.

Their friend, Emily, shared the words of Roy Croft's poem "Love" and did a wonderful job of projecting her voice so all could hear.

And then it was time for their story. I loved the opening line and so did our guests: "Greg and Blair met the old fashioned way--she picked him up at a bar!" It got everyone to laughing and the rest of the story brought more chuckles too.

They met almost exactly 2 years ago in Chapel Hill at Top of the Hill and Greg wasted no time inviting Blair to a New Year's Eve party. Blair cancelled her other plans and went with him--probably one of the wisest decisions of her life!

The relationship was long distance between Chapel Hill and Arlington VA until Greg found an opportunity to relocate to Chapel Hill. They quickly adopted their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Wally.

Greg proposed in December of 2012 and Blair wasted no time saying "yes!" 

Being a very decisive woman, she just as quickly chose the Carolina Inn, the photographer, the florist and her beautiful dress. 

And now they hear for the first time what they each told me in confidence they loved about each other! 

They exchanged their vows and rings. 

We closed with a blessing and the pronouncement of marriage.

Of course then the kiss! 

The quick exit to go spend the first few minutes of their marriage in private until time for photos. 

Greg and Blair, what a pleasure to work with you and be a part of your big day! It was simply stunning. All your careful planning and originality paid off big time. I am so happy for you and wish you the best of everything!

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To contact me:

mailto:kayelily@aweddingminister.com

919-345-4608

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