Laura and Chris' Wonderful Wedding in the White Garden!

The day was September 9th, 2017 in the lovely White Garden at JC Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh. I had met Laura and Chris way back in January when they hired me to officiate their wedding. Little did I know how much fun we would have writing their ceremony. They are both creative and very independent thinkers to be sure! 

So I was really looking forward to this wedding and telling their story. They have known each other since college in New York State back in 2008. You could say that Laura pursued Chris until he caught her!

A little background on this lovely garden which has been pruned of heavy foliage that used to make it dark and mosquitoey.  It is light and bright now! And Like the bamboo screen behind it for privacy.

And they added a flagstone walk for the aisle.

Udeshi Hargett, our violinist, was already there when Dave and I arrived. It was good to see her again! We do lots of weddings together. 

When the guests were seated and everyone in the wedding party hidden from sight, I took my place.

Then Chris' best man, Eddie, escorted Laura's Grandmother Frances in, then joined me up front.

Chris escorted his mother Patty in. She was seated and he joined Eddie and me. 

Laura's sister and maid of honor, Melissa, then processed in down the aisle.

When Melissa was in place, Udeshi began the music for Laura and her mother Patty to enter. (Yes, both mothers are named Patty!)

Laura gazes around at all their guests as I welcomed them to this wonderful occasion.

There was a short prayer and remembrance of Laura's grandfather then a tribute to the couple's mothers. 

I had the best time telling their fabulous story! 

It was filled with humor and we laughed a lot, especially Laura who was enjoying hearing the tale of their love unfold.

Chris was having a pretty good time too. And so were their guests. 

Then I revealed to Laura what Chris had told me in confidence he loves about her, why he wants to marry her and what he is looking forward to in marriage!

Then it is Chris' turn to hear what Laura told me. 

I asked them to make their promises of marriage to each other by reading the words they had chosen from my book where I had printed them facing them.

Laura's vows to Chris.

Then I asked Eddie for the rings. And he handed me a packet of candy Pop rings. Another laugh. Then he handed me the little wooden box and the bottom fell out of it spilling Laura's ring onto the ground. She quickly retrieved it and handed it to me. Whew, glad it didn't roll under the gazebo!

Chris repeated the ring vows to Laura after me while placing the ring on her hand!

She did the same! 

And she held onto his hand for a few extra moments. 

I reached down and put my hand on theirs and made the pronouncement of marriage!

Time for the kiss!!

Hey, we did it! Married, at last!

They recessed down the aisle as everyone cheered. 

Another kiss for the photographer! (Their professional photographer was Bill Bolen with Thirteenth Moon Photography) Dave (my hubby/photographer) snapped this one for me for this blog. I love this shot!

Laura and Chris, what a joy it was to work with you to come up with such an amazing and humorous
ceremony then present it to your guests. A work of art and a legacy for you. I am so happy that you found each other and that you found me and gave me the honor of joining you in marriage. May you have all the best life has to offer and may your marriage be a grand adventure and may the force be with you!

The Spectacular Wedding of Suzanne and James at The Oaks at Salem!

Suzanne and James' wedding was simply spectacular and unforgettable. Suzanne is one of those brides who had a very detailed vision of her wedding day and she astutely brought it into amazing reality. She even had a surreal influence on the weather as well: at the rehearsal the forecast for the wedding day was 90% rain. When asked if she wanted to go ahead and "call" the wedding and have the ceremony under the tent, she declined. Sure enough, there was no rain on her wedding day! The big day was July 3rd, 2016 at The Oaks at Salem in Apex. 

The ceremony site was ready when Dave and I got there. They had a monogram made and placed the table with cross in front.

The floral arrangements and flower balls on each side, hanging jars and petals in the aisle are by Mews Design. 

Nifty little signs directing the guests. 

The catering staff, Catering by Design, is busy setting up the reception area in the tent. In the back ground you can see the barn that now belongs to The Oaks--more venue options! Congratulations to them for acquiring this adjacent property.

The guests have arrived and are mingling before walking around the pond to the ceremony site. 

GiGi's Cupcakes! 

Suzanne and James have a strong faith-based relationship. Instead of doing a "first look" they wanted to say prayers with each other before the ceremony. I just happened to be there when this took place. Suzanne was settled into her chair and closed her eyes. James (with his eyes closed) was lead into the room by his best man, Rusty, and manuevered into his chair. They joined hands and took turns saying prayers for their upcoming marriage. So sweet.

The reception area under the tent is vacated by the guests who have gathered across the pond for the ceremony. 

It was a warm day but with a nice cloud cover--wonderful for photography. 

Udeshi Hargett is busy playing her beautiful prelude music before the ceremony starts. 

Damien Maas is manning the video camera, just one of many video cameras including a drone. His video of this wedding is spectacular too! And if that was not enough, he DJ'd the wedding reception as well.

James and I lead the groomsmen into place in front of the guests.

The bridesmaids begin their long walk from the house around the other side of the pond. 

When they were in place, the bride and her father, Lou, began their trek. 

Lou takes his place after transferring Suzanne's hand into James' hand. 

The bridesmaids straighten Suzanne's dress and train. 

Here we go!

Such a pretty ceremony! We began with a warm welcome to all, a prayer and remembrance of those no longer with us, a blessing for their parents and a reading from Colossians, chapter 3.

Then I stepped out and related the story of how they met Memorial Day weekend of 2012 when Suzanne was visiting friends in Atlanta and went on an adventure called "shoot the hootch" (tubing down the Chattahoochee River for about 5 hours). They were instantly attracted to each other but knew living great distances apart was a big obstacle. Nevertheless, on a return trip to Atlanta a couple of months later, they reconnected and have never really been apart since and finally making it to Raleigh where they both now live.

There were many funny moments with laughter during the story. 

Then the things they they told me in confidence they love about each other are heard for the first time. 

The vows and rings were exchanged. 

After a closing blessing for the couple, I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple!

No problem following through on that invitation! 

They turned and faced their guests. 

Introduction of the newlyweds! 

The bride and groom lead their wedding party off to the side for photographs while the guests went around the other side of the pond to the reception. Our photographer was Missy Loves Jerry Photography.

Congratulations, Suzanne and James! You make the greatest couple--so in love and so dedicated to each other. I know you will have a long and happy marriage. I wish you the best always!
SaveSave