Sonya and Matthew's Reunion Wedding at Barclay Villa!

I love "reunion weddings!" That is what I call weddings of couples who knew each other as kids, went their separate ways and then reunited many years later usually at a high school reunion! They are the sweetest weddings. It is like true love triumphed! Sonya and Matthew's wedding is a reunion wedding. 

They chose Barclay Villa for their sweet wedding on December 17, 2016. 

The villa is all decked out for the holidays.

Not often do I catch a cake maker delivering and touching up the wedding cake but I spotted Ashley of Ashley Cakes and got a photo of her just as she finished with the beautiful cake she made for Sonya and Matthew.

And here it is--stunning! 

Traditional poinsettias on the steps...The florals were furnished by Dragonfly Florists.

Matthew was so ready to marry Sonya. We hung out in the hallway waiting for the last of the guests to arrive so we could get started.

Here is a last minute guest all decked out for Christmas. We could even call her Ms. Santa Claus in her pretty red outfit with the white fur. Love it!

Our DJ for this wedding was Eric Hodgden with All Around Raleigh DJ, one of my very favorites to work with. He is waiting for Jennifer of Jennifer V Events to give him the signal to start the music. Brandon Hume of Southern Love Studios was our photographer.

Here we go!

They chose to have no attendants. Sonya was escorted in by her son Nicholas, a very handsome young man with a happy grin on his face. And just look at that beautiful princess wedding dress!

Everyone was seated and the couple faced each other holding hands. 

After welcoming everyone, we began with a prayer followed by remembering those no longer with us on earth. But their love will always be felt and we knew they were with us in spirit.

Then we recognized their children who are all grown up. 

Matthew and Sonya knew each other in middle school and high school and were even in the same homeroom for 6 years! They never dated but definitely were aware of each other. The timing apparently was not right yet. The reconnected many years later after attending several high school reunions.

Unbeknownst to Sonya, Matthew has been in awe of her since they were teenagers. He always wanted to date her but was overwhelmed by her gorgeousness and thought she was out of his reach!

Sonya is so happy to be marrying the kindest person she knows and her best friend. She loves how Matthew spends time together with their families and friends and what a blessing he is in her life.

They made their promises of marriage to each other and then Matthew placed the ring on her finger. 

Even though it was a winter day and not particularly warm inside, Matthew had beads of perspiration on his forehead. So I took my hankie and mopped his face, telling him that getting married was hard work. And, we were getting close to the kiss.

Then Sonya placed the ring on Matthew's hand and said her promises to him line by line after me. 

Some tears began leaking out of her eyes so I took the hankie and mopped her face too. By this time we were all laughing along with the guests.

After a closing blessing for them, I placed my hand on theirs and made the pronouncement of marriage.

A wonderful kiss!

It was my privilege and my delight to present to the guests the newlyweds, together at last! 

They were such a happy couple. I loved joining them in marriage. 

Sonya and Matthew! Congratulations! I am so happy that you found each other again and found true love at last! What a wonderful story you have. I wish you the best always!!

Erin and Preston Wed at Barclay Villa!

Jennifer of Jennifer V. Event Design sent Erin and Preston my way last January because they did not have an officiant for their wedding on August 6th, 2016 at Barclay Villa in Angier. I love working weddings with Jennifer! So I met Erin and Preston in February and we started planning their ceremony.  

When Dave (my husband and photographer) and I arrived, the first thing was to hook up my wireless ear microphone into All Event DJ's system and do a sound check. Victor makes that a snap!

The view of the house from the gazebo. 

Inside there was purple uplighting to go with the plum, lavender and ivory color scheme. Cinda's Creative Cakes provided the cupcakes and a cake for cutting by the couple.

Victor and his assistant that I believe he is training go over the events for the evening. 

Sitting inside in the cool air are Preston's Grandmother all dressed up in her wedding duds! Love the hat! 

The house is full of period pieces like this cute little guy on the staircase rail. 

Up in the bride's dressing room, Jennifer and her assistant check in with Erin. I was there getting the license signed.

On our way back downstairs we see the parlor where guests can gather later. 

Time to get in line for the processional! 

Preston's mom, Priscilla, is escorted in by his stepfather, Ricky. 

Lynn, mother of the bride, is escorted in by Erin's cousin. 

Time for me to bring in Preston and his groomsmen. 

We await the bridesmaids. 

First to process in is Lindley. 

Then Maid of Honor, Caitlin.

Our flower girl, Erica, enters. 

Now for the bride's entrance! 

Erin's father, John, proudly escorts his beautiful daughter down the aisle. 

Erin was beaming!

The transfer of hands is done and John takes his seat with Lynn. 

Poor Preston is right in the sun! 

I wish I had thought to step back a few steps and get him out of the sun but I didn't. 

I loved sharing the story of how they met and fell in love.

And the proposal story!

Our great photographer, Michelle Gunton, is getting some good shots. Cateringworks was our caterer and also did the florals. 

They exchanged their vows.

Preston is being such a good sport with the sun in his face!

They exchanged rings.

A closing blessing.

The pronouncement of marriage! 

The first kiss as a married couple! 

And off they go into their new married life! 

Congratulations from the guests on their way out!

Erin and Preston, I am so happy that Jennifer sent you my way. It was my honor to join you in marriage and work with you to create your sweet ceremony. I wish you all the best forever!
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