Jennifer and Billy Elope to Kayelily's Wedding Garden!

Jennifer contacted me on April 2nd 2017 about getting married on April 7th at 7 PM. She had other ideas for a location in Durham but that did not pan out and she was delighted to know she and Billy and their families and friends could marry in my garden. So we made it happen! 

The garden was in beautiful form and the poor confused azaleas had decided to put out their blooms. The confederate jasmine over the arbor also barely survived the several nights in succession of 20 degree weather but one strand was still green and after clearing off all the brown leaves and pruning it back, I think it will fill out again. I also added two "wings" which are actually the corners of an old gazebo I had which really make a nice backdrop to weddings.

Friday April 7th, if you recall, was very very windy as a cold front whipped through with 50 degree weather and with the wind, we were all quite chilly but persevered. You would not know from the photos how chilly it was!

So after waiting for about 15 minutes for Billy's sons to arrive, we gave up when we found out they had gotten lost and it would take them another 15 or more minutes to get there. And so the ceremony began.

After thanking everyone for being there including Billy's dad and Jennifer's mom and siblings, the couple exchanged their vows and rings.

Jennifer gets that ring on Billy's hand. This wedding is a "reunion" wedding. Seems that Billy and Jennifer knew each other as kids many years ago but went their separate ways. Then in 2014 they rediscovered each other and this time was the right time for love.

I was so happy to pronounce them husband and wife! Jennifer's sister is videoing it all! 

A lovely kiss as I rang the bell! 

So happy that you found each other again, Billy and Jennifer! Congratulations! I wish you all the best forever! 

Kathy and Allen Start the New Year with Their Wedding!

There is a kind of wedding that I just love doing. I call them "reunion weddings." And they are not that uncommon. I love the stories of how the bride and groom knew each other as kids then many years later reconnect. 

On February 20th of 2016, in my wedding garden, Kathy escorted her daughter, Stephanie, down the aisle with her grandson, Matthew. The following September Kathy contacted me to see if I would officiate her wedding to Allen in my garden on New Year's Day 2017 in my wedding garden. I was thrilled to do so! (See Stephanie's wedding here.)

Seems that she and Allen knew each other in high school when they were kids. They flirted with each other but never dated. They went their separate ways after high school for more than 40 years until they met again at a high school reunion. Finding themselves both single, the attraction was rekindled and blossomed into a soft comfortable kind of love they both wanted. 

The rain on New Year's Day dashed out plans for a wedding in my garden so we moved it to Stephanie's clubhouse in Cary. It was perfect. The guest list mushroomed too.

Here comes the bride! 

Kathy and Allen are on the left. in the center is Matthew, Stephanie's son, and his girlfriend. The sweet little girl is Riley, daughter of Josh, Stephanie's husband.

It was so good to see this family again. Riley was not quite so shy at this wedding! I straightened her collar. 

Allen and I took our places up front and waited for Stephanie, then her mother. 

Kathy was escorted in by her grandson, Matthew. 

Transferring Kathy's hand into Allen's. 

And the ceremony began. 

Asking Allen the vows to which he answered "I do."

Kathy's turn......

Now for the rings...

Kathy really enjoyed putting that ring on Allen's finger...

I loved pronouncing them married! 

That's the best shot of the very brief kiss that I got! 

The newlywed couple! Time to celebrate! 

Here is the whole family from the left: Matthew, Allen, Kathy, me, Stephanie, Morgan (Stephanie's daughter), Josh and Riley. Yay!

Great to see Josh and Stephanie again and hear that they are doing so very well. 

Allen and Kathy, congratulations!!  I am so happy you found each other again! I know you are going to be so happy together!

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!!