Jen and Steve's Fabulous Wedding at North Ridge Country Club!

On December 18, 2012, I received an inquiry from Jen about officiating her wedding on May 25, 2013.  That popular date would normally have been filled months in advance but for some unforeseen reason had not been booked on my calendar. I know now that the Universe had been holding it open so I would have the wonderful opportunity to meet and join Jen and Steve in marriage. They live and work in the DC area but since Jen is from Raleigh, the wedding was here at the lovely North Ridge Country Club. Jen mailed the completed contract and check to me right away and we met when she was home for Christmas later on that month. Then we got started  creating their ceremony. I did not meet Steve until the rehearsal. He was perfectly content to let Jen do all the wedding planning and was, in his words, "keeping his head down low!" But, we got to know each other by email in the process of constructing their story for the ceremony.

The afternoon of the rehearsal was beautiful but quite windy and thankfully it calmed down some for the wedding. The temperature was extremely pleasant and the setting was gorgeous. Amanda Alberico, the event manager with the club, was so helpful and skilled in managing this event and directing the wedding.

It is my policy to arrive at the wedding one hour before ceremony start time. I set up my sound system and did a sound check while the musicians were tuning up.

Mary Block and her fellow musicians are Arioso Strings, always professional, always play beautifully, always a treat!

Fresh Affairs did the florals outside and inside the ballroom. Gorgeous. Note that the sun is creating a speckling of shadows and bright spots in the garden area.

 Love the silver gray  color scheme with the lavender up-lighting. 

The cake is by Simply Cakes. Susan, mother of the bride, added the flowers to give it the final touch. Also, this cake knife has special meaning and has been used to cut many wedding cakes. Engraved on it are the names and dates of marriage of Jen's family, now including Jen and Steve's.

Marty caught a good one of the guys standing around waiting to begin. On the left is Steve's father, Fred, and on the right is Jen's father, Bob. Steve is in the middle, keeping his head low!!

It was a full house! Some guests thought they would have to stand until I sent one of the groomsmen over to point out some empty chairs on the "groom's side." (These days it is rare to have "sides" except for the first and sometimes the second row reserved for family members.)  Robin Lin was their photographer and she had another great wedding photographer, Stacy Borelli, with her as second shooter. They had this event well covered!

Notice the guys are checking in with their cell phones before turning them off!

The grandparents and parents, bridesmaids and flower girls are getting lined up and ready to go.

Mother of the Bride, Susan, was escorted in by her son, Bobby, brother of the bride, and he returned to bring in the two ring bearers!

Next are the bridesmaids and flower girls! Jen is a nanny, and the flower girls, Ava and Sadie, are the two little girls she takes care of. They were so excited!

Bobby brings in his two year old twins, Danny and Ben. They had the real rings in that box too. There was special significance to this.  Steve proposed to Jen while they were visiting Bobby and his wife and their children, by handing the box with the engagement ring in it to Ben (I think) to give to "Jen Jen." And he did! So we just had to do that again for the wedding!

Our beautiful bride escorted in by her beaming father, Bob. He even left a 5 Star review of my services on weddingwire.com and wrote on my Facebook page: The service was perfect and heartfelt by all. What a sweet man and wonderful father! 

I did not realize until I looked at these photos that the sun was shining right in Jen's face!

 A strong breeze would come and go! 

 Mopping up a few leaks from Steve's eyes!  

Steve and Jen, what a wonderful wedding! I will never forget it. Loved everything about it and especially getting to know the two of you! I wish you a very long and happily married life! When you have babies, bring them to Raleigh and let's do baby blessing ceremonies!

Samantha and Shawn's Beautiful Wedding at The Pavilions at Angus Barn!

Samantha and Shawn met one day in February of 2006 when they were both students at UNC. They were instantly attracted to each other and have been together ever since for the almost 6 intervening years. They finished their undergraduate degrees, Shawn law school, and launched their careers--Samantha is a school teacher and Shawn an attorney. Shawn loves Samantha for her exceptional thoughtfulness and unconditional positive regard for people. He is also happy that she is willing to accompany him fishing on Jordan Lake or watching sports. Samantha loves that Shawn is so romantic, keeps her laughing, and often will surprise her with his "seize the moment" spontaneity although it sometimes drives her crazy because she is used to being organized and following a schedule!

Their wonderful wedding was at the prestigious and spacious Pavilions at Angus Barn which is set on a beautiful lake with lovely landscaping and amenities. I love doing weddings there. The date was October 8, 2011 at 5:00.

They wisely hired Megan Brewer Gillikin (center, above) who owns A Southern Soiree to help them plan their wedding and direct it. I know Megan well because I officiated her wedding in May of last year to Jason. She is really good at what she does, loves doing it, is so fun to work with, and I can count on her to have every detail handled. She had her summer intern, Michelle, with her at the rehearsal and wedding to assist her. Pictured above on the left is Kelly Joslin who is in charge of the weddings at The Pavilions and a joy to work with. Thanks, Kelly and Megan!

Mitch Woodard with Joe Bunn DJ Company was our very capable DJ for the ceremony music and the reception. Mitch and I have worked many weddings together and he has the routine of plugging my mic into his system down to a fine science. Thanks, Mitch, the sound was perfect!

Wayne, owner of Swank Cake Designs, a well known wedding cake bakery around here, was putting the finishing touches on this gorgeous cake!

A clever way for guests to commemorate their presence was to leave their fingerprints on this lovely drawing of a tree. There were different shades of green ink pads to choose from. This will make a very unique piece of art to grace the couple's home.

When the guests were seated, we started the processional. First the grandmothers and parents were seated by our groomsmen who returned to the line-up to come in with me. Then our cute little flower girl and ring bearer  who made it all the way with assistance! Then the Father of the Bride proudly escorted in our exceptionally beautiful bride -- quite a long walk which makes an elegant entrance!

Samira, Maid of Honor, presented a reading of "The Art of Marriage" by Wilferd Arlan Peterson.

 

Shawn and Samantha read their vows to each other. Their promises of marriage were very touching: 
“I choose you to be my partner and best friend for life.
You accept me for who I am, and I accept you just as you are.
I trust you and respect you, and cherish every moment we are together.
I promise to love you with all of my heart.
I am committed to you and will never take our love or friendship for granted.
I promise to bring out the best in you, as you do in me.
I promise to make you smile and to support your dreams, forever and always.”

"Please accept this ring as a symbol of my love and the promises I make to you today."

As Shawn and Samantha joyfully recess down the aisle they are closely followed by their fabulous photographer, Robin Lin! Robin and I have also done many weddings together and she is so good at what she does. She had a second shooter, Penny Noelle Fuller, and even a third shooter, Sara Jane, with her for this wedding so I know she got exceptional coverage of Samantha and Shawn's special day. Tre Bella did the beautiful floral arrangements for the arbor, the bouquets and boutonnieres, and the centerpieces.

Fabulous wedding, Samantha and Shawn! I feel so honored to have been a part of it. Your love for each other is so evident and I know you will have a very rich and full marriage. I wish you all the best!