Nick and Jess Mary Under the Sunflowers at The Angus Barn

 On Labor Day weekend I had the great pleasure of marrying Nick and Jess at The Angus Barn Pavilion.  I'm so blessed. The Universe only sends me the most wonderful couples.   Jess and Nick had known each other 4 years by the wedding day after meeting as graduate students at Duke.  They are close to their family and friends and have fun with all of them.  They wanted a fun, participative wedding honoring the people they love, acknowledging that they are joining their families and asking their family and friends for their support throughout their marriage. 

The Angus Barn site couldn't have been more lovely for their wedding.  A special Thank you to Cade Bowman of Cade Bowman Photography for these superb photographs.  They are as clear and bright as the couple and capture their exuberance so well.  And thanks to Ashley Whittington, the coordinator with Angus Barn.  I've worked with her many times and she always does her job with style, grace and professionalism.  In the picture below Morgan and Hannah, Jess's niece and nephew, do their part to make the ceremony special.  In addition to carrying down the rings, Morgan did something that was a first in my wedding experience; as he finished walking down the aisle he hand delivered a note to Nick from Jess for his eyes only.  Nick read it quickly and you could tell it touched his heart.  It was a lovely gesture.

The Angus Barn has the dilemma of being close to the airport with the noise of airplanes taking off and landing easily heard throughout a ceremony.  I always just pause and let the noise die down, but Nick and Jess had a wonderful idea to help shift this from an annoyance to a joy.  On the stand with their programs they put a sign that said, and I paraphrase, 'It is said that the number of planes taking off and landing during Jess and Nick's wedding will determine the number of curly headed children they will have.'

Nick and Jess chose one of my favorite quotes by Madelaine L'engle to include in their ceremony, 'Ultimately two people who love each other must ask themselves how much they hope for as their love grows and deepens, and how much risk they are willing to take.  ...  It is indeed a fearful gamble.'  The quote goes on to speak of love that is participation, not possession, ending with... 'When love is not possession but participation, then it is part of that co-creation which is our human calling.'

 Nick and Jess have lots of siblings so their wedding party was a family affair, too.  We included a special thank you to Jess and Nick's parents and siblings saying that without their love and support, this marriage would not, could not be possible.  In the ceremony Jess's Uncle and Godfather read with great tenderness the 'Blessing of the Hands.'  Then I ended the final blessing upon Jess and Nick's wedding with 'May you have happiness and may you find it making one another happy.  May you have love and may you find it loving one another.'  I have no doubts that this couple is well suited in heart and spirit to do just that.

Here is their wedding party after the ceremony.  It includes Jess's three sisters and Nick's three brothers.  

 I didn't stay for the reception, preferring always to come home to my own husband so I had to rely on the fabulous pictures that Cade took.

I'm always impressed how the pavilion can transform to this elegant space, filled with life.

 Kelly Odom Flowers was the florist who created Jessica's bouquet and all the other flowers at the wedding.  Arioso Strings provided beautiful classical selections for the ceremony.  They are both wonderful professionals.

I got this thank you from them after their wedding:  'Thank you so much Robin - we had a fantastic honeymoon that capped off just an amazing weekend with friends and family. It was everything we hoped it would be. Thank you for your part in making our day so special, Jess.'
Thank you Universe, and thank you Nick and Jess.  I couldn't ask for a better way to spend the holiday than at your wedding!