It is the second time around for Kristen and Kyle and they knew they wanted a small intimate wedding surrounded by their dearest friends and family. They chose the sweet historical
St. Mark's Chapel on the Mordecai campus downtown Raleigh. The date was November 24th, 2018. I suggested that they hire my good friend and colleague
Kevin Seifert to be their photographer and they did. All the photos in this blog post are by Kevin and they are outstanding!
Kristen's friend, Lynn Timberlake, did the flowers and served as our director. Kristen also designed a very nice wedding program for the guests.
Don Williams provided the prelude, processional and recessional music for the ceremony.
Sharing a few laughs with Kyle and guest before the ceremony.
Meanwhile Kristen was getting ready in the old post office building around the corner.
When it was time, Kyle and I entered and took our places up front.
Then it was time for Kristen's entrance.
As planned, Kyle walked down the aisle to Kristen and together they came forward to be married.
The wedding ceremony began with words of welcome to all attending and how thankful the couple is to have them with them on this beautiful occasion. An opening prayer and remembering those no longer with us followed.
A view from the loft while I am thanking the families of the couple. Special thanks to Kristen's son, Nathaniel, from Kyle.
We also recognized Kristen's father and her stepparents.
Then I talked about how our couple met and fell in love and their adventure from that day to this day.
I had asked each of them in confidence to tell me what they love about each other, what they are looking forward to in marriage and the "big reveal" came next in the ceremony.
They both have a great sense of humor and that came through in their words about each other.
Unexpectedly Kristen leaned over and gave Kyle a kiss on the cheek. Even though it doesn't show in the pictures, he was pretty nervous and instinctively she knew that would calm him.
Then he got to hear what Kristen loves most about him. It started out as
".....you are like sprinkles, you make everything better!"
Blotting a few tears that rolled out of Kyle's eyes!
They made their vows of marriage to each other and then exchanged rings.
Kristen makes her vows to Kyle.
After a closing blessing, I pronounced them married and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple.
As the tears were flowing, I introduced them to their guests.
While their guests stand and cheer, I am reaching behind Kristen to grab her bouquet on the table behind us.
And out they go, so happy to be married at last!
Before the guests exited, I invited them all to the front so Kevin could get a photo of everyone.
After the guests left for the reception in the Visitor Center across the street Kevin took the couple for some photos on campus.
This magnificent red tree makes a stunning backdrop for our couple!
Kristen and Kyle! Congratulations on your marriage and welcome to wedded bliss! I had so much fun working with you and delivering your ceremony. You are a great couple and I wish you the best always!
