Annika and Brandon Wed at the Merrimon-Wynne House in Raleigh!

Annika and Brandon's wedding was on Friday June 17th, 2016 at the beautifully restored historic Merrimon-Wynne House in downtown Raleigh. It had been raining on and off all day. 

When I first arrived, I checked in with Sally Oakley, our wedding director. She did not know yet whether we would move the wedding inside or be outside.

So, Randy Bennett with Joe Bunn DJ Company, was on hand to plug my wireless mic into his system and we did a sound check in the drizzle.

The garden was absolutely beautiful with the pretty green artificial grass and the new Carriage House. 

Inside the Carriage House everything was ready for the reception. Randy's DJ station was all set up and ready to begin.

Inside the house, the mantels were display areas for old family photographs of the couple. Tre Bella was the florist for this wedding. 

The rain did not improve but steadily increased so the call was made to have the wedding inside in the parlor. All the guests except for the immediate family of the couple were standing for the ceremony. Sally has just sent in the maid of honor and gets Annika and her dad poised to begin their walk down the aisle flanked closely by their guests.

And here they come! At the end of the aisle, Annika and her dad stopped in front of me and Brandon and I asked: "Iver, as Annika's father, do you and her mother, Nancy, bless and support her as she comes to join in marriage to Brandon?" He replied "Yes, we do!" and placed Annika's hand into Brandon's hand and took his seat next to Nancy.

There were so many bridesmaids that they wrapped around the corner and down the wall. 

The groomsmen did the same!

After a welcome to all, a prayer and remembrance of those no longer with us, the tribute to their parents was given. We keep it as a sweet surprise for them. Since both their parents have intact happy marriages, the parents' blessing included thanking them for providing role models for Annika and Brandon. There were also a few humorous references to their parenting challenges such as "Paul, you tried to teach Brandon when to just 'shut his mouth' but that took a long time to teach!"

Annika and Brandon watch her parents as I said "Your marriage will serve as a model of equal partnership and friendship that Annika and Brandon will look to as the embark on their journey together."

Then I had the pleasure of telling the story of how they met and fell in love when they were both grad students at Duke. Brandon was diligent in pursuing Annika from the moment he saw her. Almost 3 years later Brandon proposed while on an outing for Annika's family for her sister's graduation in New York City. After telling the story, I then revealed their secret paragraphs about what they love about each other. A good bit of humor here!

Brandon reads his vows from my book. 

Annika reads hers to Brandon.

Brandon places the ring on her finger.

Annika places the ring on Brandon's finger.

After a closing blessing I joyfully pronounced them husband and wife!

Brandon made sure the kiss lasted long enough to get a good photo!

Introduction of the newlyweds! 

And they step into their new married life!

Brandon and Annika, what a pleasure you were to work with and your wedding was beautiful despite the rain imposed changes. What is important is that you are married and had a wonderful time on your wedding day! I wish you the best of everything!
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Tory and Zach Get Married at the Museum of Life and Science!

The Museum of Life and Science is a very popular wedding venue for couples who prefer a non-religious ceremony and I am happy to oblige. My belief is that the wedding ceremony should reflect the beliefs and personalities of the couple. The wedding is not about me, my beliefs or anyone else's. 

This wedding was on June 11, 2016. Of all things, I had two brides named Victoria that same day. That is quite rare. I was happy that this bride goes by her nickname of Tory so it helped me keep them straight!

Tory and Zach are both quite creative individuals. They met while in college in New Mexico. How fitting to have a wagon wheel for their ceremony backdrop. The cleverly designed burlap runners to define their aisle without people having to step on it and get it wrinkled and out of place. My small battery operated sound system is almost invisible but it enabled everyone to hear and enjoy the ceremony.

They had made fans of their programs and had photographs of their younger selves on display. 

This tree held signs of welcome and directions. 

Under the tent, the tables were set for the reception. Their DIY centerpieces were natural mosses and flowers. 

Clever way to generate kisses! 

Continuing on with the tree theme.......

The table with cakes on the tree trunk and the lovely wedding cake were made by the bride. 

They even made mobiles to hang from the ceiling of the tent!

Catering by Design were setting up when we arrived. 

Tory was outside inspecting the set up and I noticed the lights in her hair! They are the small LED lights and the battery pack is hidden in her hair in the back. So clever! I bet it really looked great when the sun set!

Back inside the Butterfly House lobby, everyone is ready and waiting to begin. Walker, our ring bearer, is more than ready!

I began the processional followed by Zach and his sister Jen who was his Best Woman!

After the bridesmaids and groomsmen entered followed by Walker, Tory and her father, Robert, came down the aisle.

Robert placed Tory's hand into Zach's hand and was seated. 

Everyone was welcomed. Many traveled a long way. Then we thanked Tory's parents for all their support throughout her life. Then we thanked Jen, Zach's sister, for all her support. She raised Zach after their parents died when Zach was a young teenager.

Their story was a lot of fun to tell. Zach was in a biology class and Tory was the teaching assistant for the class. They noticed each other right away but any contact was out of bounds. When that class was over, they ended up in three more classes both as students and they got closer and closer. Their relationship deepened and survived long stretches of being apart while pursuing their graduate degrees. Happily they both ended up at Duke!

Sharing their secret paragraphs with them for the first time! 

We incorporated the ancient Celtic tradition of binding a couple in marriage by handfasting. They made their own cord. As their hands were bound and forming the symbol of infinity, they read their vows to each other from my book. Then I released the cord and they placed the rings on their fingers which symbolically replaced the cord. Zach had actually made Tory's ring out of wood and metal. It was quite unique.

The official pronouncement of marriage!

The best part!!

They turned and faced their guests and I presented them as their photographer, Cassandra with FireRose Photography, captured the moment.

And away they go into married life!

The last I saw of them was inside the Butterfly House where Cassandra was getting some family photographs. Dave snapped this one of me with the couple. Tory and Zach, go forth in love, peace and happiness always!