Elizabeth and Miguel Elope to WRAL Azalea Garden!

Elizabeth and Miguel and their parents wanted a more special wedding than for them to just to go to the courthouse and get married in a standard ceremony by magistrate. Elizabeth found me on line and contacted me right away. By email and texts, we discussed location, date and time, and the ceremony she had in mind. She loves the WRAL Azalea Garden and although their wedding date of March 29th 2019 was a week or two before the azaleas bloomed, it is a beautiful setting for a small family wedding. I sent her a proposed wedding ceremony script based on what she told me she wanted and she and Miguel made their edits and we were all set. The wedding day could not have been more beautiful! 

Both sets of parents and siblings and friends gathered on a grassy spot near the parking lot. It was flanked by many tulips in full bloom. We decided to stand in front of a large flower bed for the ceremony so that the background of their wedding photos would be a natural setting. Elizabeth's father, Mike, walked her "down the aisle" to where Miguel and their mothers, Andrea and Macarena, stood with me.

I asked Mike who loved and supported Elizabeth as she came to join in marriage with Miguel. He answered that her mother and he did.

Elizabeth gave her dad a big hug then turned to join hands with Miguel in front of me. 

I welcomed everyone and thanked them for being there for Elizabeth and Miguel. Then we had a sweet and simple prayer followed by a blessing and honoring of their parents.

Miguel and Elizabeth met almost exactly 5 years ago in March of 2014. The attraction was instant and they found they had the same values and interests. They soon became inseparable.

There were a few words on love and marriage and I wish I could remember what got us laughing here! It must have been one of the children sitting on the blanket watching. They were so cute!

Then it was time for them to make their promises of marriage to each other. 

They both answered "I always will" to my questions and it was time for the rings. 

Miguel placed the ring on Elizabeth's finger as he recited the words after me line by line. 

Then Elizabeth did the same as she placed the ring on Miguel's finger. 

We closed with a blessing for the couple then it was time to pronounce them husband and wife.

I placed my hand on theirs and began.

Elizabeth and Miguel, by the love that has brought you here today, by the vows you have exchanged and by the integrity of your commitment in the presence of your loved ones and in the presence of God, it is my distinct pleasure to declare that you are now husband and wife.

Miguel, you may kiss the bride!! Then I quickly stepped out of the way. 

Miguel was most happy to do so!!

Elizabeth and Miguel! Congratulations on your love and marriage. I hope you are enjoying wedding bliss and have settled into a wonderful marriage! I wish you the best always!

Pop-up Wedding for Johanna and Jared in my Wedding Garden!

Johanna and Jared thought they would have to marry at the Detention Center (magistrate weddings on weekends are there instead of at the courthouse) but their friend Angelica was on the ball and called me at the last minute found me and my garden. So that same day, on May 30th, 2016 in the late afternoon, they were joined in marriage surrounded by their closest friends and family.

It was a very simple elopement ceremony because of time constraints. 

But we did it and they are happily married. 

Johanna and Jared, thank you for giving me the honor of joining you in matrimony! I wish you all the best.

Maha and Sidney Have a Wonderful Family Wedding at Home!

Maha called me on November 6th to see if I could marry her and Sidney on Wednesday November 11th, 2015. They had planned to marry at the courthouse but had just found out that was a holiday (Veterans Day) and the county offices were closed. We were both delighted that I was available to officiate for them and so we began planning the ceremony.

Originally their wedding was going to be just the two of them and their two witnesses. With the setting changed, the wedding began to mushroom into a more formal and well attended event! This is the great room of Sidney's home in Wakefield Plantation. The sunlight was streaming in.

 The sand ceremony was all set up for the wedding. 

 Maha's brother, Samir, has the honor of escorting our beautiful bride into the ceremony. 

The sun makes really interesting patterns in the room as Maha and Sidney turn and face each other for the ceremony.

Time to welcome everyone present. Sidney's parents, Ruth and Denny, drove up from Georgia to be with us. Sidney's sister, Angelia, and his two daughters, Holly and Haley were with us as well. Maha's two sons, Mohammed and Samer, and her sister, Noha, were present as well.

 They included the family unity sand ceremony and invited all members of their family to participate. 

 Sidney's parents pour.......

 Maha's sons pour.......

 Their sisters pour.....plus more.

The blended sand showing the unity of this new family.

 Then it is time for them to exchange their vows and the rings. 

 "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife!"

 They are so happy for this day! 

 It is really real! 

 Presenting the newlyweds!

Maha and Sidney, thank you for finding me and allowing me to join you in marriage. I wish you love, peace and joy!

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A Wonderful Fall Wedding at The Old Well on UNC Campus for Holly and Chris!

It was a beautiful Wednesday afternoon in November on the campus of UNC when I first met Holly and Chris to officiate their wedding at The Old Well. They chose to marry on November 11th, 2015, exactly five years to the day since they met on this campus.  Originally it was going to be just me and two witnesses but Chris' parents and his daughter, London, were able to come. They arrived at The Old Well first. Dave and I found parking and walked across the campus from Franklin Street to wait for our couple who were out taking photos with their photographer, Renee Sprink. 

And we spotted them making their way down the street. Can't miss the bride in her beautiful wedding gown! She greets London who was such an excited little girl. 

Holly and I had made all the arrangements for me to officiate and we had created the ceremony they wanted by email. And now we decide where to stand.

The Maid of Honor helped get Holly's dress arranged and London joined us on the steps. 

I invited the few guests to gather close and we began the ceremony! 

Holly and Chris wanted a Christian ceremony and so we included scripture quotes and two prayers. 

They chose traditional vows and ring exchange words. 

Holly places the ring on Chris' finger and says her vows to him. 

The pronouncement of marriage! 

Everyone cheered when they kissed!

And kissed again! 

That sweet moment of realization! 

Hugs for London! 

Sweet moment! 

Holly, Chris and London, congratulations on your new official family. I am honored to have joined you all together. My best wishes for you for a wonderful new life and very happy marriage!

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To contact me:

Email me

919-345-4608

My Website

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Facebook

Or leave a comment below!

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