May 2009 Weddings Continued

Here's more about Mandy and Josh's ceremony on May 23rd at Haywood Hall in Raleigh.

They spoke the following words of the giving and receiving of rings with great tenderness: With this ring, I marry you. May it encircle your finger as my love does your heart






Mandy and Josh chose a beautiful pronouncement for their marriage which included a blessing: May the blessing of life, the joy of love, the peace of truth, the wisdom and strength of spirit, and the grace of God be your constant companions now and always. With the joy and blessing of all present here, I now pronounce you husband and wife.









All their planning and hard work had come to fruition. They were married!

Everybody sighed and relaxed into the celebration ahead. Thanks again to Tom Edwards of New Image Studio.



On May 23rd I also had the privilege of performing the marriage ceremony between Keith and Petra at noon at the J.C. Raulston Arboretum in Raleigh right near Meredith Campus. What a lovely couple and what a stunning location. They chose a small open glade with a gazebo that was just the right size for their about 35 friends and family.

Petra comes from Eastern Europe so has not seen many American weddings. It was a treat to help her find what she felt would express her and Keith's love in all the ceremony offerings I've gathered over the years.

She and Keith met three years ago and have a very romantic relationship so they wanted a ceremony which honored the delight and surprise of finding each other. They felt that the description of love as 'friendship caught fire' suited them.

The day was a warm one. We planned the ceremony as best we
could to keep them in the shade during the ceremony so that they could concentrate on each other. After the ceremony they got a much needed vacation in Miami. Then upon returning I got this wonderful email message.

"We would like to thank you for the emotional and beautiful ceremony, the unforgettable moments you gave us and the romantic words you created for us. We enjoyed it so much! Thank you!"
May stayed busy and ended with another beautiful note. Ashley and Giovanna declared their wedding vows at her parents home in Bahama on May 31st at 7:00 PM

They planted a rosemary bush as part of their ceremony to symbolize the growing of their love. They had the dirt, the pot, the rosemary and even wet wash cloths to wipe their hands after they were finished. We had walked them down to this lovely side lawn with an accordion and mandolin sounding just like a Florentine serenade. Then after the ceremony we greeted them with bubbles (you can see them in the picture!) before we walked back to the house.

It was in the cool of the evening and a beautiful and fitting ceremony for them. I love it when couples ask for what they want in their ceremony. Then I can help make it happen!