Shiyi and Oliver's International Wedding at Second Empire!

I met Shiyi and Oliver in October of 2018 to talk about the ceremony they envisioned and my services as their officiant. They chose to have the Sweet and Simple Ceremony with secret paragraphs. Their wedding was set for December 22nd 2018 at Second Empire in downtown Raleigh. Kevin Seifert with Love Every Moment was our photographer and furnished all the photos for this blog post.

The ceremony was in the Atrium downstairs. It is bright and light. Oliver and I make our entrance.

The venue was all decorated for Christmas this time of year. 

After Oliver and I were in place, Shiyi's father Chen, escorted his lovely daughter down the aisle. 

They made their way down the aisle as the guests stood in their honor. Everyone was so happy!

The transfer of the bride's hand into the groom's hand with the blessing of her parents. 

And so we begin with a warm welcome to all especially their parents. 

Oliver's parents traveled from Germany and Shiyi's parents from China for this special occasion. 

They met in 2017 while working in the same lab. It was not long before they fell in love. 

Now to reveal what they told me in confidence--what they love about each other, why they want to marry and what they are looking for in marriage.

Oliver makes his vows to Shiyi.

Shiyi wipes away a little tear that escaped from Oliver's eye!

Time to exchange the rings.

Oliver places the ring on Shiyi's finger as he says "With this ring, I marry you." 

Shiyi says the same to Oliver as she places the ring on his finger.

Now for the Wine Unity ceremony.

Before the ceremony I had combined wine from each of their heritages into one container. During the ceremony I poured the blended wine into glasses for them to drink from.

And they interlocked their arms and drank the wine!

A closing blessing before the pronouncement of marriage and the invitation to kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!

Introduction of the newlyweds!

I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating them.

So it is done and they take the next step in their new adventure--marriage!

A change of clothes into the traditional Chinese costumes for the reception and some photos.

Shiyi and Oliver, congratulations! Great wedding for a great couple. Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage. I wish you the best always!

Kristen and Kyle Tied the Knot at St. Mark's Chapel!

It is the second time around for Kristen and Kyle and they knew they wanted a small intimate wedding surrounded by their dearest friends and family. They chose the sweet historical St. Mark's Chapel on the Mordecai campus downtown Raleigh. The date was November 24th, 2018. I suggested that they hire my good friend and colleague Kevin Seifert to be their photographer and they did. All the photos in this blog post are by Kevin and they are outstanding!

Kristen's friend, Lynn Timberlake, did the flowers and served as our director. Kristen also designed a very nice wedding program for the guests.

Don Williams provided the prelude, processional and recessional music for the ceremony. 

Sharing a few laughs with Kyle and guest before the ceremony. 

Meanwhile Kristen was getting ready in the old post office building around the corner. 

When it was time, Kyle and I entered and took our places up front. 

Then it was time for Kristen's entrance. 

As planned, Kyle walked down the aisle to Kristen and together they came forward to be married. 

The wedding ceremony began with words of welcome to all attending and how thankful the couple is to have them with them on this beautiful occasion. An opening prayer and remembering those no longer with us followed.

A view from the loft while I am thanking the families of the couple. Special thanks to Kristen's son, Nathaniel, from Kyle.

We also recognized Kristen's father and her stepparents. 

Then I talked about how our couple met and fell in love and their adventure from that day to this day. 

I had asked each of them in confidence to tell me what they love about each other, what they are looking forward to in marriage and the "big reveal" came next in the ceremony.

They both have a great sense of humor and that came through in their words about each other. 

Unexpectedly Kristen leaned over and gave Kyle a kiss on the cheek. Even though it doesn't show in the pictures, he was pretty nervous and instinctively she knew that would calm him.

Then he got to hear what Kristen loves most about him. It started out as ".....you are like sprinkles, you make everything better!" 

Blotting a few tears that rolled out of Kyle's eyes!

They made their vows of marriage to each other and then exchanged rings. 

Kristen makes her vows to Kyle.

After a closing blessing, I pronounced them married and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple.

As the tears were flowing, I introduced them to their guests.

While their guests stand and cheer, I am reaching behind Kristen to grab her bouquet on the table behind us.

And out they go, so happy to be married at last!

Before the guests exited, I invited them all to the front so Kevin could get a photo of everyone.

After the guests left for the reception in the Visitor Center across the street Kevin took the couple for some photos on campus.

This magnificent red tree makes a stunning backdrop for our couple! 

Kristen and Kyle! Congratulations on your marriage and welcome to wedded bliss! I had so much fun working with you and delivering your ceremony. You are a great couple and I wish you the best always!