Victoria and Thomas Wed at The Glenwood!

Victoria and Tom's wedding was in the lovely garden courtyard of The Glenwood (now closed). Also the home of the Women's Club of Raleigh off Glenwood Avenue. The wedding was at 5:15 PM on November 11, 2018.

JD Silverthorne was their DJ and he and I were conducting a sound check in this photo. 

Inside the building I found this custom made photo booth! 

The guests are beginning to arrive. JD and his sound equipment are hidden behind the hedge from the guests. It was quite chilly that afternoon as the sun started to set.

Aneesa Gaines with Harmony Weddings was our director. Her assistant, Ellie--pictured here, got the mothers and bridesmaids assembled just inside the clubhouse and ready to process into the courtyard.

I have a long sleeve tee shirt and leggings on underneath the dress and jacket for warmth! 

I entered first to make the unplugged announcement for the guests to put their cell phones and cameras away. Then JD began the processional music.

The guys came in, then the bridesmaids. They had shawls awaiting them on the chairs in the first row. 

Everyone stands for the entrance of the bride and her parents. 

The bridesmaids have donned their shawls now! 

The ceremony began with a warm welcome to all and remembrance of those no longer with us. 

Then I paid tribute to their parents and began telling the story of how they met and fell in love. 

It was a good story and everyone was enjoying it as the sun slowly set around us. 

They heard for the first time what the other had told me about what they love about each other and are looking forward to in marriage.

Then Victoria's sister and sister-in-law shared a reading called "Love" by Roy Croft. 

It was getting pretty dark as Victoria and Thomas exchanged their vows. 

And then their rings.......

I pronounced them married and invited them to kiss!

A very happy moment and a bit of flash here!

And they step into the next chapter of their lives--marriage!

Tom and Victoria! You did it! Great wedding and we made it through the chill and the rapidly approaching darkness! What a pleasure it was to work with you and join you in marriage! I wish you all the best forever!

Meena and Matt Wed at The Glenwood!

Meena and Matt initially planned to have their small intimate wedding in my wedding garden on September 5th, 2018 but it was later moved to The Glenwood where they could have the ceremony and reception in the same location. They hired Jordan Zemonek to photograph the wedding and she kindly sent me these photos for this post. Thank you, Jordan!! 

 I was delighted to officiate for Meena and Matt in the sweet garden area that has been created for weddings. The Glenwood is a wedding venue operated by Irregardless and leased from the Women's Club of Raleigh.

 When the bride was ready, their families took their places in the garden. Then Matt and I entered.

 Meena and her father, Mike, made their entrance into the garden. 

 The guests were standing in her honor!

After Mike transferred Meena's hand into Matt's hand, he was seated with the guests and the couple and I stepped up into the front of the gazebo.

 We began with words of welcome to everyone and then a sweet prayer. 

I addressed their parents and told them how thankful Meena and Matt were for their love and support all their lives and to have them present on this special day.

 They loved including the poem about two trees growing so closely together they seem to be one. 

 Some words of love and marriage that reflect their beliefs and aspirations. 

 It was then time to exchange their promises of marriage. 

Matt places the ring on Meena's finger and said his ring vows to her. 

 Then Meena said her ring vows to Matt and placed the ring on his finger. 

 We had a closing blessing then I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss.

The newlywed couple! 

The gazebo in the garden faces the sun and it was 95 degrees. All three of us were dripping with perspiration by the time the ceremony was over.

Meena and Matt, congratulations on your marriage. I am so happy for you. It was my honor to join you in marriage and I wish you all the best in life!