Lucia and Seth's Fabulous Wedding at Melrose Knitting Mill!

Lucia and Seth met when they were both students at NC State. Their love of music led both of them to be DJs at the college radio station where they met and later fell in love. After graduation their careers took them west to California where they now live. But they wanted to get married in Raleigh where it all began. They chose the beautiful Melrose Knitting Mill for their wedding venue and set the date for March 31, 2018. They contacted me and we talked by Skype to plan their ceremony. 

Victorian Seasons was their florist and provided the florals. The draping is provided by the venue as well as the chandelier. The blue circular rug represents symbolically the circle of love Lucia and Seth stood in during the ceremony.

Daniel with Melrose behind the scenes stacking the Krispy Kreme donuts flanking this gorgeous wedding cake by Cake Dreams by Sally.

The "placeholders" are beautiful polished agate with the names in gold. Nice keepsakes for their guests. 

Outside and downstairs from the Mill is Mulino's Italian Kitchen the caterer for all weddings at Melrose. There I connected with Jessica Tilton, event manager and director for Melrose. It was a beautiful day.

Having done a First Look, the couple socialize with their wedding party while they wait for the guests to arrive and the ceremony to start. Dave and I went down to check with them and to get the witnesses signatures on the license.

Checking in with the musicians from the Bull City Syndicate Band who were providing the ceremony music. I brought my sound system to amplify my voice when there is no DJ.

A quiet moment alone to review the ceremony script. 

When it was time, I stepped out from the side curtain and took my place up front. Seth's parents, Al and Linda, processed in followed by Seth who escorted in Lucia's mother, Jennifer, then joined me up front. The first couple in the wedding party was Seth's brother and best man, Brett, and Sara, our maid of honor. Then Paige and Matt. Then Josh and Kate.

Now that the wedding party is in position, it is time for the bride and her father, John, to enter!

And down the aisle they go! Our professional photographer for this wedding was Samantha Floyd and her second shooter.

We began with a warm welcome to our guests. 

I stepped forward to surprise the parents with a special tribute from the bride and groom. Then I talked about what finding that special person in your life means. Following those lovely words, I launched into the story of how our bride and groom met and their lives to the present day. 

Daniel and Jessica are listening to the ceremony.

Then I shared with them what the other told me they loved about them. Lucia uses the hankie I handed her to blot some tears that leaked out!

After saying their vows to each other, it was time for the rings to be placed on each other's finger. 

Lucia's turn! 

We closed with words by Kahlil Gibran followed by the pronouncement of marriage and an invitation to share their first kiss as a married couple.

Oh happy day! 

Ladies and gentleman, may I present the newlyweds! 

Please stand and join me in congratulating Lucia and Seth, now husband and wife! 

The very happy couple! 

Sara and Brett exit    

Paige and Matt 

Kate and Josh 

Lucia's parents, Jennifer and John 

Seth's parents, Linda and Al

The guests were invited to go outside to the courtyard of Mulino's for cocktails while the ceremony space was being flipped for the reception and the couple took some photos.

Lucia and Seth! Thank you for allowing me to join you in marriage. Your wedding was so beautiful. I wish you the best forever!

MANDY AND JULIAN'S FABULOUS WEDDING AT BARCLAY VILLA!

Mandy and Julian's WEDDING day of March 18th, 2017 began with rain and on the chilly side. But, by 4:00 it was sunny and dry. BARCLAY VILLA  looked beautiful and pristine. 

 The gazebo was all hung with lovely florals by VICTORIAN SEASONS. 

 Turn around and see the castle behind us with the Juliet balcony. The skies were clear! 

 The gazing pool was clear and beautiful. 

Julian and Mandy did a first look with their photographers (Darrell and Kristin McDavid) from D.C. and then ascended to the Juliet balcony for a romantic pose!

 SUGAR EUPHORIA baked a beautiful wedding cake for Mandy and Julian. 

 They honored Mandy's Aunt Karen by dedicating the cake to her! Sweet! 

 A pose with Kathy Lusk with PINK LILLIE PLANNING. Always great to work with Kathy. 

The guests were arriving and the sun was going behind the castle to cast us in shade for the ceremony. Perfect. 

 Eric with STYLUS was our DJ. Thank you, Eric, for the microphone and the perfect sound! 

Here we go! The parents have been seated and now the wedding party starting with Julian and me followed by our groomsmen, then our bridesman and maid of honor.

 Mandy and her father make their entrance assisted by Kathy and her assistant. 

 And down the aisle they go! 

 And so the ceremony began with a warm welcome to all the guests who came from near and far. 

 Then we paid tribute to their parents and Mandy's stepparents. 

I loved telling their story! They met when both were living and working in D.C. From their first meeting they knew they had something special.

Eventually they got a place of their own together in Virginia. Julian who had never had a dog before, became friends with Mandy's fur child, Aurora, and was converted into a dog person.

Julian surprised Mandy by proposing on June 12th 2015 on the beach at Virginia Beach.  Then they moved forward with relocation to North Carolina in 2016 and planning this wedding. And here they stand together on their wedding day!

I am telling Mandy what Julian told me in confidence that he loves about her and what he is looking forward to in marriage. (The sun was right in my eyes!)

 Then Julian heard what Mandy loves about him and why she wants to marry him. He loved it.

Mandy heralds from Irish descent. Julian's mother was born in England. So it was fitting that they included the Celtic handfasting ritual. The cord represents their love.

 While their hands were bound in love, they said their vows to each other. 

 Julian placed the ring on Mandy's finger. The rings symbolically replaced the handfasting cord. 

 Mandy slid the ring on Julian's finger with some difficulty but she finally got it all the way on! 

 Their friend, Jan, presented the Apache Wedding Blessing to close the ceremony. 

 I pronounced them husband and wife! 

 The Kiss! 

 That "after-kiss" moment of realization! 

 Directing the guests around to the front of the castle for cocktail hour. 

Mandy and Julian, your wedding was fabulous and I am so happy the weather cooperated. So beautiful. I loved working with you to create your ceremony which fit you so perfectly. Thank you for choosing me to officiate for you!  I wish you the best of life forever!