Elena and Daniel Wed at Sitti!

Elena and Daniel are a wonderfully matched couple. Both are independent people who think outside the box. And so for their wedding they did not want the traditional wedding setting or ceremony but did want to celebrate their marriage with family and close friends. They discovered the lower level of Sitti, an authentic Lebanese restaurant carved out of a historic old building in downtown Raleigh on Wilmington Street.  And so the date of November 21st, 2015 was settled on and they met with me on September 15th and we began creating the ceremony they envisioned.

Dave and I arrived and found our way downstairs. This sign at the bottom of the steps greeted us.

 Since there was not much room to stand around in, most of the guests had taken their seats. 

 This pretty cake was ready! 

The programs were in place. 

A table for memorabilia held gifts and family photos. The lace on the table was brought by Daniel's mother as part of a family tradition. The lace had been taken from the wedding veil of Daniel's grandmother many years ago!

Daniel and his mother, Virginia, pose for a picture. The suit that Daniel is wearing is the same suit his father, Brian, wore on his wedding day.

Breaking from tradition, Elena and Daniel saw each other before the wedding. 

When all the guests had arrived and were seated, the parents took their places up front. Then the couple joined us to begin the ceremony. There was not much room to get around and take photos and the light level where we were standing was not very bright but Dave, my husband and roadie, did his best to get some photos of the ceremony.

Following a welcome to everyone, a simple prayer, remembrance of loved ones not with us, was the parents' blessing where we honored their parents. Both of their parents have happy marriages that have stood the test of time. Elena's parents, Deirdre and Peter, were married  on September 11, 1986 in Rockville Centre, NY. Daniel's parents, Virginia and Brian were married on January 17, 1979 in Brockport NY where they still live. Elena's parents have since relocated to Cary NC.

Included in the ceremony were the words to a song by Billy Joel that is very dear to Elena and Daniel that match their love for each other--"Just the Way You Are."

Then it was time for them to exchange vows as I asked them a series of questions to which they each answered "I will."

Elena's dad was holding her ring and Daniel's mom had Daniel's ring which they handed to the couple as they exchanged ring vows.

 After a closing blessing, I pronounced them husband and wife and invited Daniel to kiss his wife! 

 And so he did! 

Presenting the newlywed couple to their guests!

Congratulations, Elena and Daniel! I trust your wedding fulfilled your vision. It was lovely and I thank you for allowing me to join you in marriage! I wish you an enduring and happy marriage like your parents have created!

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Ann Marie and Ken's Wonderful Wedding at Sitti!

Ann Marie and Ken introduced me to a new venue--the enclosed courtyard behind Sitti and Gravy--two side by side restaurants at the corner of Hargett and Wilmington Streets in downtown Raleigh. I never knew this space existed.

Their wedding day was November 15th, 2014 and you may recall that was a rather unseasonably chilly weekend. In fact the high that day was 46 degrees, if that! They rented outdoor heaters and because the space was protected from the wind, it was fairly comfortable. Up front you can see that Victor with All Events DJ Company, is already set up for the ceremony. His assistant, Serg, was also there.

 The pretty floral arrangements were provided by Teacup Florals. Always bright and colorful! 

The view from the "stage" area to the rear of the courtyard where the entrances from Sitti and Gravy are on the right. 

The outdoor bar area that backs up to the restaurants. 

On the wall across from the restaurants is a spacious area that has been carved out for receptions. Sitti was providing the food for the reception.

Their wedding planner and director, Karen Harmych, and I are deciding to move the floral arrangements back a little to give the couple and me more space for the ceremony.

 This pretty wedding cake was provided by Cake Couture Boutique. 

When it was time to begin, the best man, Joe, and groomsman, Pat, and I processed in. Ken escorted his mother Sandra and father Kenny in and then joined us. Then the two bridesmaids, Debbie and Laura followed. 

 Ann Marie was escorted in by her mother, Margie.  Videoing the wedding was Wilkie with Hayzen'sProductions. Our still photographer was Bridget McEnaney. 

The ceremony was about 20 minutes long. Ken and Ann Marie were very diligent in providing me the details of their love story and what they love about each other which was woven into the ceremony. The guests were sitting on the edges of their chairs listening.

A block away there was some kind of festival and a rather loud band began playing during the ceremony and because there was no roof on our courtyard, the sound came right into our space. Thankfully I was miked and Victor pumped up the volume so everyone could hear the words of the ceremony.

Ann Marie and Ken are really enjoying this! And Ann Marie, like every other bride I know, is oblivious to the chilly air! 

Like many modern couples these days, Ken and Ann Marie were matched up by an online dating service. Ken spotted her profile first and liked her witty text and cute picture. She responded to his initial note and they began chatting online. A few days later they decided to meet in person. Ann Marie was delighted to find that Ken is a very patient and generous man with a sweet disposition. He even waited an hour for her when she was late for their first date. And then he was surprised when she gave him a hug at the end of the date. It did not take long for them to get serious and officially become a couple. Although it was a challenge, they managed to find time to be together despite the fact that he lived in Raleigh and she in Carrboro and worked different shifts. In fact, Ken was sleep-deprived during the first part of their relationship until Ann Marie moved to Raleigh and changed to a day shift. He was most grateful to get some sleep!

 I am telling Ann Marie what Ken told me about what he loves about her and why he wants to marry her. 

 And now Ken gets to hear why Ann Marie loves and wants to marry him!  

They exchanged vows and rings. The rose ceremony has been around for many years. Ann Marie just loved the words and the symbolism. Their mothers presented them with roses which they then exchanged.

The rose is considered a symbol of love and a single rose always means "I love you." The roses were their first gifts to each other as husband and wife and I asked them to choose a special place in their home where they could place roses for each other on special or ordinary occasions and when they could not find words to express their feelings, words that could be "I'm sorry" or "I am hurting" or "I forgive you." The rose left in that spot meant "I still love you."

 Then I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss. 

 The kiss followed by a sweet little giggle by Ann Marie! 

"Dear family and friends, it is my distinct honor to now present to you for the first time, Ken and Ann Marie, husband and wife!"

And they step into their new marriage! 

Ann Marie and Ken, you are meant for each other! I am so happy that you found each other and fell in love. Thank you for giving me the honor of joining you in marriage! I wish you all the best forever!

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 919-345-4608

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