Janice and Luke Dodged the Rain for their Wonderful Wedding at Duke Gardens Pergola!

In October of 2001 I married Jennifer and Ted at Duke Gardens. Almost 9 years later on May 23, 2010, I married Jennifer's sister, Janice, and her fiance, Luke, at Duke Gardens. It was a family affair! Janice contacted me in June of 2009 and told me she wanted me to officiate. We handled everything through the mail and email then started on their ceremony without ever meeting. Of course I had met Janice back in 2001 at her sister's wedding but did not meet Luke until the rehearsal. Jennifer was her sister's Matron of Honor and Ted was Luke's Best Man and it was spectacular to see them again since I had not seen them since their wedding and found out they have two adorable children, Reagan and Parker, whom I got to meet at this wedding!

They also told me that the violinist on the left, Galen Tim, whose string trio was playing for Janice's wedding, was the ring bearer in their wedding in 2001~ small world! Obviously in 9 years he has grown in to a very talented young man. His group is called Melos String Ensemble.  The other two musicians are Daniel Boney and Steve Chung. They played wonderfully!

This is Jennifer being cued in by Christine, cousin of the bride, who was drafted to serve as our wedding director as well as be a reader. She did a fantastic job as both! Thanks, Christine! 

Melissa Kay of Melissa Kay Photography was our wedding photographer. I thought this was a great shot of her and the wedding party waiting for the bride's entrance! Go see this wedding on Melissa's blog here.

 Janice was escorted in by her mother, Gloria. Isn't Janice's wedding gown stunning?

When Janice appeared on the steps from the lower level, Luke stepped down to the bottom of the pergola steps to meet her and Gloria.

Gloria transfers Janice's hand into Luke's and mother and daughter kiss a symbolic good bye.

Christina read "Marriage Means Being In Love for the Rest of Your Life" by Chris Ardis. Then I read from First Corinthians Chapter 13. We paid tribute to the parents and remembered those who could not be with us this day. We also included the story of how Luke and Janice met and fell in love (funny story), moved from Ohio to North Carolina and are starting a new chapter in their lives.

Janice is saying her vows to Luke while placing the ring on his finger.

Time for the big pronouncement of marriage followed by the ...............

 KISS!!

And now they are Mr. and Mrs. at last! Everyone is applauding as they make their way down the steps. 

And out they go so happily married to start their new life together as husband and wife. It is a thrilling moment! 

After the guests have departed to the Doris Duke Reception Center for the reception, we return to the pergola to take some pictures. Luke and Janice, what a great couple you are.........I wish you all the best in the world!

This is the reception setting before the wedding. The bride and her sister and bridesmaids were hanging out here staying cool. Fresh Affairs did these beautiful floral arrangements. 

I thought this was a most beautiful and unusual presentation of a cupcake wedding cake and top layer. Sugarland Bakery did a great job. Triangle Catering was doing the food which I know was delicious as always.

Fireside December Wedding for Lesley and Zach!

Lesley and Zach had hoped for a balmy winter day for their wedding day on December 19th and on the Monday before, it looked like there would be a high of 53 with a clear sky. It was a go for an outdoor wedding but the forecast changed drastically by Wednesday and the weathermen were calling for a "wintry mix" on Saturday. The wintry mix really happened during their rehearsal on Friday and left the grounds at Snipes Farm in Chapel Hill lightly covered by snow which was still there on the wedding day. But we were warm and toasty inside the old dairy barn that has been restored into a casual and spacious atmosphere for special events like weddings. I have done many weddings at Snipes but this was the first one I have done indoors.

Here is a photo of how it looked before the guests arrived.

Lesley looked so pretty in her winter white wedding gown as her dad escorted her in.

 

  The bright winter light streamed in from all around, lighting up the ceremony. The bridesmaids drove up from Atlanta the day before and had on plum and black outfits that were perfect for a winter ceremony.

Lesley's bridesmaid, Cindy, delivered the poem "I Like You" by Sandol Stoddard Warburg with gusto and great feeling, so much so that the guests and I applauded her performance. So many times I have seen great readings at a wedding fall flat when the reader does not do a good job or is scared to speak in public or lose their composure. Cindy was a pro!

And so now they are husband and wife! Zach surprised Lesley and me by memorizing the words he had written to Lesley and did a fantastic job of speaking them perfectly!

Lesley and Zach, you are all sunshine together and your winter wedding was fabulous! I know you will have a sweet and fulfilling marriage.

I found out before the wedding while admiring their wedding program and guest book that Lesley is a cartoonist. Here is a cartoon she drew for their guest book! Maybe she will be famous someday! She also designed their very attractive wedding program.

 Matthew Kanon provided the music for our ceremony. He is a wonderful classical guitarist and we have worked together on many occasions. He knows my cues without even telling him now. It was good to see you again, Matt.

Simply Cakes made the colorful tiers of cupcakes for the wedding. Our photographer was Melissa Kay. This wedding is on her blog right now so go here to see the professional photos of this terrific couple and their wedding. Some of the photos show the snow still on the ground. Durham Catering catered the reception. Roger Snipes was on hand at the rehearsal and the wedding to make sure we had everything we needed. My thanks to Roger for rescuing my microphone case which I forgot and had to come back and retrieve! Snipes Farm does not have a website but Roger can be reached at (919) 929-3454.