Sealed with a kiss!

Sealed with a kiss!
Laura & Chris' Wedding at JCRaulston Arboretum

Monday, August 11, 2014

Alyson and Tom's Wonderful Wedding at Hudson Manor!

Alyson and Tom's wedding was Sunday August 3, 2014 in Louisburg NC at the lovely Hudson Manor and Estate. It is a long drive but with the road improvements that continue to be made, it is getting closer and closer. I've been doing weddings there since it opened about 10 years ago. The owner, Melissa Cogliatti, has really developed the property into a dream wedding venue.
The interior of the reception hall is ready for the reception. This building was not even there 10 years ago. Melissa has her own catering and bar staff and the food is wonderful.  Fallon's provided the florals.
Now there are three spots on the estate where the ceremony can be. The original outdoor Ceremony Garden in good weather, the Lake View Terrace which adjoins the reception hall and is covered, and the Chapel. Our wedding today was held on the Lake View Terrace because of the potential for rain.
This is the view of the terrace from the steps of the reception hall looking toward the lake and the chapel. 
This is the view of the reception hall from the terrace. It is large and well covered. When we have weddings here, the processional is from the reception hall so the wedding party does not get drenched.
 This pretty cake with the special characters on top was baked by Delicious Bakery.
 Their photographer, Chris Florio, provided the couple with the "unplugged" message!
The bride and her parents and bridesmaids are on their way from the Manor House where they get dressed and hang out until it is time to start.
 The footwear for the day is sneakers! (I did not get the memo!)
 
Following me are the groom carrying Tommy, their son, and his brother, Ken, carrying his son. They gave the kids to their grandparents to hold for the ceremony. They were very well behaved for 1-year olds!
 The wedding party and parents are in place and it is time for the bride! 
Reed brought in his beautiful daughter, Alyson, circled round and I stepped into to place to ask: "Who has the privilege of presenting this young woman, Alyson, to be married to this young man, Tom?" Of course he answered: "Her mother and I do."
 A kiss for dad and then we begin.
 The really fun part was telling their story. Not everyone had heard it. 
 Hearing for the first time what the other told me they loved in their partner. 
 The vows to each other. 
Behind the groomsmen is Taylor Pittman, our DJ for the day. Always love working with Taylor. The sound was perfect!

 The rings go on.....
In the closing blessing I ask the couple to look around at their loved ones who have come to honor them on their wedding day.
It was quite humid and Tom had a lot of perspiration that was just about ready to run down his face and so I mopped his face to get him ready for the kiss!
 And there it is.....the KISS! 
Alyson and Tom, congratulations on your marriage and I know your future together will be filled with happiness, Tommy, and more!
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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!


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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Amanda and Brandon Get Married at the Top of the Hill!

Amanda and Brandon were rather desperate when they came to see me on July 13th because their wedding was less than one month away on August 2nd, 2014 in the Great Room at Top of the Hill in Chapel Hill. I was so happy I was available and they were excited to be able to have a very personalized ceremony specific to them. We all agreed we would dig right in and start immediately on the ceremony. I sent them links to a ton of ceremony material and, true to their word, I got a first draft of what they liked and wanted shortly. It didn't take us long to put a fabulous ceremony together. We had our rehearsal the day before and ran through the logistics. Key to the success of this wedding coming together was Danielle Olcott, the event manager at Top of the Hill, and good friend of Amanda. Danielle went above and beyond helping Amanda pull everything together and directed on the day of the wedding. Thank you, Danielle, you are the best!
So, after the grandparents and groom's parents and mother of the bride were escorted in, the guys and I entered to the Clef Hangers' rendition of Carolina on my Mind--very appropriate since our couple are UNC grads and loyal Tarheels. They were both in ROTC at UNC. On fact, that is how they met!
Our beautiful bride was escorted in by her father, Benjamin, not without a few tears in his eyes!
And here we go! 
Victoria Park Florist did the pretty flower arrangements. Alex with A & A  Weddings was the photographer along with a second shooter, Beth, whom I had met before at a networking event. They had it covered! 
Loved telling their story. They contributed lots of good fun and everyone enjoyed hearing it! 
Pouring of the unity sand......
A closing blessing....
What we have all been waiting for....the pronouncement of marriage!
The sweet kiss to seal the vows!
And off into their marriage they go! 
Brandon and Amanda! You did it! It was beautiful and I know you are sooooo happy to be married and together forever! Congratulations!

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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!

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Monday, August 4, 2014

Last Minute Nuptials!

Last Saturday afternoon, August 2, 2014, my phone rang just as my husband and I were putting the final touches on the new pergola on our upper deck. It was Robbie calling to find out if I could marry him and Theresa. He said he was on his way to where he thought my house was and that they had two friends with them to sign as witnesses and besides, it was the 59th day since they got their marriage license and it was get married today or apply for a new marriage license. Needless to say, I was not dressed for a wedding and asked him to give me 45 minutes and he was happy to do so while I got presentable. So, at 2:00,  Robbie, Theresa and their friends Kelly and Robert were at my front door. They were all from the coastal area of NC and had apparently eloped to Raleigh!
 On such short notice I just used a simple "quickie" ceremony that I had on file. It is truly short and sweet!
It was beginning to spit a little rain so I suggested we go out on the deck under the new pergola to tie the knot. They loved the idea.  The crape myrtles made a pretty background for the nuptials. 
 "Do you promise........?"
 The legal moment!!
Robbie and Theresa, I don't know how you found me but I am glad you did. I wish you all the best forever!
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To contact me:
919-345-4608
Or leave a comment below!


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