Christina and Erik are a delightful couple! I enjoyed getting to know them during my Marriage Optimization course they took. They wanted to double-check their compatibility and be sure they were beginning their marriage with a firm foundation in relationship skills. I might add that their instincts that they were very compatible were right on!
They chose to have their wedding at the
King's Daughters Inn in Durham on November 8th, 2014. It is a lovely old historic building that has been used for many purposes through the years including a retirement home for old ladies! You can read all about it on their website. For the past 6 or so years it has been a venue for weddings and other events. They have suites where the families and guests can stay, a dining room, and a large lower level for a fun reception. It is very homy and comfortable. When Marty and I arrived, our photographer--Ashley with
Story Photographers--had their families and wedding party assembled for photos in the front of the inn.
Our sweet little flower girls, Adalyn and Caroline, were eager to make their walk down the aisle.
This is a very interesting collection of information about our couple for the guests to read!
Erik poses with his father, Frank, in the center, and his Uncle Tony on the left.
Strawberry-Kiwi jam or Blueberry-Peach for the guests to take home......
The two mothers--Dory, Erik's mom on the left, and Terri, Christina's mom on the right who might have just heard some surprising news!?
Erik's parents are ready to enter first.
Erik, his best man--Bolton, and I follow mother of the bride's entrance.
Our Maid of Honor, Sara, enters, followed by our flower girls!
Then our beautiful bride makes her entrance from the doorway at the back of the room. I asked the guests to stand in her honor.
As she began walking down the aisle, Erik began walking toward her. They met in the middle and walked the rest of the way down the aisle together to be joined in marriage. Love that symbolism!
The parlor is such a pretty and soft setting for these small intimate weddings. The acoustics are fabulous without any amplification.
The light from the windows behind us render us back-lit so without a good strobe light on my camera, the photos are a bit dark. I know Ashley got some fabulous pictures with her professional equipment!
After the welcome, a tribute to their families and remembrance of Christina's father who unfortunately had passed away in September, Erik's sister Amanda read a sweet poem. Then it was time for the story! Erik and Christina met at a speed dating event and both felt an attraction which resulted in their first date a few weeks later. From then on they became inseparable. They felt so comfortable together and Erik was good at planning adventures for them from seeing live comics, to visiting museums and historical places and zoos, to snuggling on the couch with their good friend Netflix! They took a trip to New York for Christina to meet Erik's family and not long after that, Erik surprised Christina with a proposal during a trip to the Biltmore.
I stepped back behind the couple to reveal what each had told me in confidence about what they love about their partner and are looking forward to in marriage. The tears started flowing for Christina and she grabbed the not-very-absorbent handkerchief out of Erik's breast pocket before I could hand her a much more absorbent hankie I always carry for that purpose. Everyone was laughing at this point.
A few more tears as Erik put the ring on her finger and repeated after me:
"This ring is a symbol of my love, my promise to you, and a sign that from this day forward, you will be surrounded by my love."
Christina said the same words to Erik and placed the ring on his finger.
Then it was time for them to place their love letters to each other into the lovely wooden box that also holds a bottle of wine that they are to open, pour each other a glass, and read the letters for the first time on their first wedding anniversary so they can remember how madly in love they are with one another. And, pass this custom along in their family as an example of true eternal love.
The pronouncement of marriage.....
The kiss and the "after-kiss" moment that is always so sweet as their wedded state is really sinking in!
And away they go!
Christina and Erik, finally you are married and can live happily ever after! You are a wonderful match and with your determination, compatibility and understanding of each other, I know you will have a fulfilling and enduring marriage!
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