Christina and Matt Wed on Friday the 13th in Kayelily's Wedding Garden!

Christina and Matt were considering a courthouse wedding when they went on line and found my wedding garden. We met and it was a perfect solution for them. They were joined by their parents, Christina's grandparents and the couple's brothers on Friday April 13th of 2018.

The day was gorgeous--not too hot, not to cold and the azaleas were putting on a show. The birds were singing their hearts out too!

I joined Matt up front and gave the signal for Christina and her father, David, to enter from the family room.

It is such a happy day for everyone! 

The guests stood in their honor.

And here we go!!

A warm welcome to all and a sweet blessing for Christina and Matt.

Then I addressed their parents and told them how much Christina and Matt appreciate their love and support. 

I also recognized Christina's maternal grandparents who were our surprise guests. So happy they could be there. Then some words for their brothers too! 

Christina and Matt are expecting a child next month and so we included a blessing for the baby. 

They put their hands on the baby during this part of the ceremony.

Then I placed my hand on theirs to add another blessing for the baby. 

Then some words on love and marriage followed by their vows to each other. 

Christina and Matt are very creative people. They phrased their vows as poetry and it was amazing. 

A little humor here and there too!

Matt's parents and brothers are enjoying the ceremony.

Christina makes her sweet vows to Matt now. 

The meaning of the rings was next. 

Matt places the tiny little ring on Christina's hand as he says a few lines after me to her. 

Then it is Christina's turn. 

A few tears of happiness leaked down Christina's cheek although she claimed it was her allergies! 

After a closing blessing, I pronounced them married! 

Then I invited them to share a kiss, turned around and rang the bell and stepped out of the way!

Yay! Sealed with a kiss! 

Introduction of the newlyweds! 

Christina and Matt! Congratulations to you two and the baby! I am so happy you found me and gave me the honor of joining you in marriage. You are a great couple. I wish you the best always!

Andrea and Tony's Valentine Day Wedding in my Wedding Garden!

Andrea and Tony really did not like the idea of getting married at the Wake County Courthouse and I am so happy they found me and my wedding garden. Valentines Day February 14th 2018 turned out to be a lovely day with comfortable temperatures and overcast sky. 

This shot was taken earlier that morning when the sun was out. I put the garlands of white flowers on the arbor and blew the leaves and gumball thingies off the terrace. The cushions are on the benches and we are ready!

When our guests had arrived, they took their seats and Tony and I stood up front awaiting Andrea and her father's entrance from the family room.

Terry, father of the bride, proudly escorted his beautiful daughter down the aisle as the Bridal March played on the iPhone!

 Andrea's brother Jared is manning the music and taking photos. 

A view from the upper deck while I am paying tribute to Andrea's parents and her brother and thanking them for being with us on this momentous day.

They are expecting a little girl in March and so I included an "unborn baby blessing" in the wedding ceremony where I had them put their hands on their daughter and bless her.

 Then I placed my hand on her and gave her my blessings. 

 Time for some words on love and marriage and this grand thing called marriage!

 Then it was time for them to make their vows to each other. 

 Tony made his pledges to Andrea and placed the ring on her finger. 

 Then Andrea made her pledges to Tony and placed the ring on his finger.

 After a closing blessing for them, I pronounced them husband.......

 .....and wife!

 Then I invited them to share their first kiss as a married couple! 

 Cheering all around! 

 "We are married!" 

Andrea and Tony, thank you for giving me the honor of joining you in marriage. I wish you all the best and am looking forward to seeing a photo of your sweet little girl when she is born next month!! Congratulations!

Kensi and Jake Tie the Knot and Bless their Baby!

Jake contacted me by email about his and Kensi's wedding. They are expecting a baby girl in July and wanted to tie the knot before she was born. It is so sweet to include a blessing for the unborn baby as part of the wedding ceremony. The wedding day was June 24th, 2017--a hot day with threats of rain but it held off for this wedding!

When Dave and I arrived at their new home, everything was well-prepared and waiting for all the guests to get there.

Jake's mother signs the license as a witness. 

Thoughtful little touches. I could tell they had been hard at work creating them.

Kensi's mother signs the license as the other witness. She is originally from Honduras. 

The arbor awaits as the guests find their places.

These two guys sitting in the second row I happen to know and was quite surprised to find out that they are brothers of the groom! They both were servers at Vivo, one of my favorite restaurants in Raleigh. It was good to see them again and they had NO idea I was officiating their brother's wedding!

Jake and his best man and I take our places up front. I asked the guests sitting in the back to move forward! 

Everyone stands for the bride who is preceded by her children: Jorge, Nicole, and Sophia. 

And the ceremony begins.

Following a warm welcome to all, we bowed our heads in prayer.

I had some sweet words for Jorge, Nicole and Sophia on behalf of Jake and Kensi then we had a blessing for the unborn little girl soon to join this family.

The vows.....

Blessing of the rings.......

They placed their rings on each other's finger.

A closing blessing......

Kensi shed tears throughout the ceremony and I handed Jake a hankie to wipe her tears away from time to time!

The pronouncement of marriage!

Sealed with a kiss! 

At last it is done! 

I invited the guests to stand and join me in congratulating the newlyweds.

Everyone went back inside to cool off and enjoy the beautiful food! This is the table where the cake will go.

Posing with our photographer Ashley McCray.  (My hubby Dave took these blog pictures, not Ashley)

Evan and Dustin enjoying the celebration as we bid farewell to them.

Jake and Kensi, congratulations on your marriage and your new baby girl coming soon. You did a great job preparing for your wedding and I know you will be outstanding parents together. I wish you all the best!