Raleigh Wedding Blog

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

The Bradford Hosts the Lovely Wedding of Carolyn and Aaron!

Carolyn and Aaron's wedding on April 11, 2015 was the first wedding for me at The Bradford--a wonderful new wedding venue located in New Hill. It may seem far away but it is a straight shot down Hwy 1 South and does not take long from downtown Raleigh. The sisters Dana and Courtney of C&D Events made their dream come true by building this lovely house specifically for weddings and it just opened last fall.

I met Carolyn and Aaron for the first time at the open house gala for The Bradford last fall although we already had scheduled a consultation. They loved the idea of including their love story and what they loved about each other in the ceremony.

From the wedding at The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh, Marty and I zoomed down to New Hill and enjoyed seeing the property in the process of getting all decked out and final touches. This is the reception area next to the ballroom. For outdoor weddings, they have a couple of very nice spots.

The Goody Box in Morrisville provided this beautiful cake. Beau Catering provided the delicious food.

The Bradford provided all the flowers.

Inside the house was the table holding the bridesmaids' bouquets.

Meanwhile, upstairs in the office over the ballroom, I found the guys and had Aaron's brother Isaac sign the marriage license for me.

Dana and Caroline, her assistant for the day, doing last minute things like taking the dog bed and placing it at the foot of the Mother of the Bride's chair for Izzie!

Meet Izzie, beloved fur baby of Carolyn and Aaron, held by one of Carolyn's brothers. She has a sock cover to protect her foot recovering from an injury. No matter, she prefers being held!

Getting the parents lined up to process in, Aaron's parents--Patricia and Russell, followed by mother of the bride, Carolyn escorted by her sons--and carrying Izzie.

Then it is the guys and I next. They were pumped and ready for this wedding! Our very capable and helpful DJ for this wedding was Josh with Island Sound and I thank him for his expertise!

Now for the lovely maidens!

More!

Pretty "glitter" girls, Lindsey and Olivia--Smile, girls! (They sprinkled glitter instead of flower petals!)

Wait for me---Maid of Honor Yolanda rushes in!

And now for the bride!

Carolyn looked simply gorgeous. I love the big floppy flower on her head anchoring the veil.

Caroline straightens the train.

Daddy Warren lifts the blusher veil and I helped smooth it back to look good in pictures!

Our lovely ladies!

Our good looking men! Blessing of the parents.

Their story generated a lot of great laughter. Carolyn and Aaron really love humor and they had plenty to share with me to include in the ceremony. Aaron is such a good sport--most of the humor was poking fun at his shyness and how long it took for him to propose!

Let's exchange the vows and rings now.

They spoke the traditional vows after me line by line as they put the rings on their fingers.

Lighting of the Unity Candle.

Aaron grabs a look at all the guests!

The pronouncement of marriage!

Yeah! Great kiss, Aaron!

Hallelujah!

And they flew out in a blur!

The wedding party congregated in front of the house for photos by Three Little Birds Photography.

Congratulations, Carolyn and Aaron! Your wedding was delightful and I hope it fulfilled all your dreams. I am so happy you found each other and gave me the honor of joining you in marriage!

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Monday, April 20, 2015

Liz and Johnny's Wedding--Another Beautiful Wedding at The Stockroom!

I was delighted that Liz and Johnny chose me to officiate their wonderful wedding at The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh on April 11, 2015. We had to deal with the Rock'n'Roll marathon preparation on Fayetteville Street but the wedding went off without a hitch!

Although Heather Miller of Eclectic Sage was their florist and event planner/director, she told me that Liz, her mother and friends did most of the beautiful decor like this pretty arch flanked by the topiaries with a heart-shaped wreath in the middle. Heather and her assistant--her mother Deborah-- directed the wedding and were in charge of making sure the whole wedding celebration went smoothly and they did a fabulous job! It was fun working with Heather again and with her mother for the first time. They are a good team.

In the mid to late afternoon, the sunlight streams in from the west facing windows.

The view from the windows reveals the pretty lanterns with battery operated candles inside.

Joe with Top Notch Entertainment was our DJ. The sound was wonderful!

Heather did these beautiful bouquets.

Heather told me she thought these dried hydrangeas came from Liz's mom's yard. She must have been drying them for a year getting ready for this wedding.

The shoe and the shawl--a vintage look!

Liz and Joe had a calendar made with photos of themselves which the guests were asked to put their name on their birthdate. Clever.

I told Johnny's mother that he reminded me of Josh Groban! She didn't know who that was!

Instead of placecards, they had these cute little pots of succulents for the guests to take home with them.

A young guest found his birthdate and is signing his name!

So, ready to begin with the seating of Johnny's grandparents followed by Liz's father and stepmother.

After the wedding party processed down the aisle, Liz and her mother, Anne, made their walk down the aisle.

Johnny's mother, Carmen, joined Liz and her mother at the end of the aisle so when I asked the question, both mothers could respond. She had taken her seat by the time this photo was taken.

Welcome to all.

A prayer......

The story of how they met in 2011 and what attracted them to each other.......

then how their relationship progressed leading to this, their wedding day.

The big reveal of what they each told me they loved about each other.....a sweet moment which led to some tears from Liz!

The exchange of rings......

They read their vows to each other from my book while placing the rings.

Liz's turn to say her vows and put the ring on Johnnys finger...

A few more tears for which I produced a hankie to dry her cheeks!

Pronouncing Liz and Johnny wife and husband and inviting them to kiss!

Great kiss--I think they had been practicing for this moment!

That sweet "after-kiss" moment.

And here they are! Husband and wife at last!

What a great couple! Liz and Johnny, congratulations on a great wedding and a wonderful beginning of your marriage! My best wishes for a wonderful life together!

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