Nicole and Brian's Spectacular Wedding at the Garden on Millbrook!

When Nicole and Brian and I met in March of 2018 to plan their wedding ceremony for November 9th of 2018, they lived in Long Beach, New York but planned to relocate to Raleigh near Nicole's family the summer of 2018. So they planned their wedding in Raleigh at the elegant Garden on Millbrook. 

When I arrived the tables were all set up for the reception. I love the lush green ferns on each table which were arranged by Brian's sister, Ashley. She did all the florals.

 From the DJ's station across the black shiny dance floor you can see the beauty of this venue. 

 Our bride and her attendants were relaxing before the ceremony while the guys were somewhere else. 

Their wedding was at 6:30 PM so we knew it would be dark. But this is what Nicole and Brian wanted so that is what we did. The lights were on and the arch in place. These are our photographers--Annie Watts and her second shooter.

 Straightening Brian's handkerchief. 

Ben Felton with East Coast Entertainment was our DJ. Little did we know when we posed for this photo the difficulties with the sound that were to come! We did a sound check and everything worked perfectly.

Marc who is the event manager at The Garden at Millbrook and I have worked together many many times. Always a pleasure to work with Marc. I can count on him to have everything organized and ready to go!

 Before the ceremony I found a quiet spot to go over the ceremony script one more time. 

 Marc is getting the guys lined up. The guests are all seated and we are almost ready to begin.

 Talking with Brian before we make our entrance into the garden. He is so ready to get married!

 This was the largest wedding party of any wedding I've ever done. Fourteen attendants on each side!

It was raining for our rehearsal so we rehearsed the night before inside. But the guys needed a little adjusting in their formation for everyone to see. So, I made a bold step and went over and helped them get into place.

 Gesturing to them to evenly space themselves. 

The fourteen bridesmaids and the flower girl processed in and took their places. Then Nicole was escorted in by her parents.

 The bride was presented, my question answered, then all the guests were seated. 

 Nicole and Brian turned and faced each other while our Maid of Honor, Lindsay, straightened Nicole's train.

This photo gives you an idea of how large this wedding party was! 

I began speaking but the sound was cutting in and out. Ben handed me a handheld mic but that did not work either. We do not know to this day why the sound cut out.

I then spoke as loudly as I could so the guests could hear me. I am sure the wedding party and at least the first row did. There is just no solution when this happens and I've learned to go with the flow.

And the ceremony continued with the story of how they met and fell in love. It is a good story with lots of humor. I love hearing all the laughter.

After telling their story and revealing to them what they had each told me in confidence they loved about their partner, it was time for the vows which they read to each other from my book. Brian went first.

 Then Nicole read her vows to Brian. 

 I wish I could remember what was so funny when Nicole said her vows but everyone cracked up! 

 And we continued........

 Then I called for the rings and explained their symbolism.

 Brian said his words to Nicole line by line after me as he placed the ring on her finger.

 Then Nicole put the ring on Brian's finger and said her words to him. 

 A closing blessing for our couple!

 I placed my hand on theirs and pronounced them husband and wife and invited Brian to kiss the bride! 

 Sealed with a kiss! 

 Our happy married couple! 

 The flash of the photographer's camera synced with Dave's camera and we got the full effect of the flash! 

Brian and Nicole! What a wonderful wedding despite the glitches. You rolled with the punches and had a wonderful memorable day that you will never forget! Thank you for choosing me to join you in marriage! I wish you love and happiness forever!

Brittany and Seth Tie The Knot at The Garden on Millbrook!

Brittany and Seth got married on November 4th, 2016 at The Garden on Millbrook in Raleigh. It was a beautiful day and a little breezy but comfortable.

The entrance of the venue features a grand piano on a striking black and white checkerboard floor. Always stunning.

The ballroom is expansive. The seating is set up around the dance floor and the DJ is set up on the wall with the arch decor.

Meet Ace, the beautiful chocolate lab that Seth has raised and trained since he was a puppy. Very well behaved and lovable.

The groomsmen and I are waiting for our cue to enter from the side door and take our places up front. 

Our flower girl, Kaydance, is ready to sprinkle some petals! 

Out of sight of the groom, our beautiful bride is waiting in the foyer with one of her bridesmaids. 

Outside the guests are taking their seats and our photographer Rob Miracle with The Pros is ready to capture the wedding images.

Time for the grandparents and parents to be escorted in. We are in the shade but our guests are facing the sun. 

Seth escorted his sweet grandmother in then stepped up beside me. 

The bridesmaids entered. Brittany's Maid of Honor is her mother. Kaydance makes her way down the aisle sprinkling the petals perfectly!

At this point Seth whistled for Ace who was with his handler in the back. Ace had the rings in a pouch hooked to his collar. Our canine ring bearer!

Seth detaches the rings and hands to the best man, Nate. 

Brittany's proud father, Edward, brings in his beautiful daughter to be joined in marriage to Seth. 

Ace then goes to sit with Seth's parents at that point while Edward transfers the bride's hand into the groom's. 

They face each other holding hands and I delivered a warm welcome to all followed by a prayer, remembrance of those loved ones no longer with us, and a tribute to their parents.

Seth is beaming at Brittany and she is smiling right back. What a joy to have made it to this moment! 

I stepped out from behind the couple to address the parents then I launched into the story of how our couple met and fell in love. They first met as freshmen at Millbrook High School 12 years ago.

They remained just classmates until their senior year. 

It was at a Halloween party at Brittany's that they realized they wanted more than just friendship and their relationship began. The rest is just history!

They each told me in confidence what they loved about each other, why they wanted to marry and what they were looking forward to in marriage. At this moment in the ceremony they are hearing what each other told me!

The vows were exchanged followed by the rings. 

They join left hands. Brittany helped Seth get the ring all the way on her finger. 

Then she placed the ring on Seth's finger. 

A closing blessing followed. The beautiful arch and flowers were furnished by Martha Mazur. 

The pronouncement of marriage is made and I invited them to celebrate their marriage with their first kiss as husband and wife..

They did not have any problems complying with my invitation! 

The Newlyweds! 

Ace joins them as they walk up the aisle into married life! 

Hey, we are really married now!

Brittany's mom, Susan, is escorted out by best man, Nate. 

I caught up with the couple for a photo of the 3 of us then my husband Dave (taking photos for this blog) and I headed out. Brittany and Seth, what a pleasure working with the wonderful couple you are. I love your decisiveness and having a clear vision. Makes my service for you so much better. I wish you the best life can offer forever and always!

I thank you also for the 5 Star review:
Reverend Kayelily was more than a pleasure to work with. She helped us build our ceremony and it turned out absolutely perfect. Kayelily's style of how she comes up with the personal stories is perfect. She will ask individual questions and surprise you the day of your wedding. Seth and I couldn't be happier with how our ceremony was presented. I would highly suggest the use of this reverend for any wedding. Kayelily was really open to our thoughts on religion and it is obvious to me she has a wonderful heart that is open to anyone's own way of thinking. Thank you Kayelily!