Chelsie and Andrew Elope to Kayelily's Garden!

Actually, Chelsea and Andrew are having a big wedding in Ireland on May 25th but wanted to marry legally here surrounded by their families and close friends. And avoid the legal process of getting married in another country. They chose to come to my garden rather than to the courthouse to get married on May 12th, 2017 and I am so happy they did!

Chelsie was worried to death about the weather and rightly so. Storms were predicted the day of the wedding. But we were so lucky that the weather cooperated for their wedding and not a drop fell on us.

I told them I wanted them to hold hands during the ceremony--after all, they were getting married! 

I had written a short but very sweet ceremony for them based on what they told me they wanted. I suggested they include a Celtic handfasting ceremony since they were getting married in Ireland. She loved the idea and planned to use it in her ceremony in Ireland.

View from my upper deck.

After welcoming everyone followed by a short prayer and blessings for the parents, it is time for their vows. 

I wrapped the pretty lace handfasting sash that Andrew's mother had made around their clasped hands. Then I asked them to join their right hands which created the infinity symbol.

Making their vows......

Saying "I do."

Andrew puts the ring on Chelsea's finger which symbolically replaces the handfasting sash. 

Then Chelsea placed the ring on Andrew's finger while saying the words after me. 

I pronounce you husband and wife!!

A kiss to seal the union! 

Chelsie and Andrew, congratulations on your marriage and best wishes for your ceremony in Ireland in just a few days as I write this post!

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!