Chris and Schuyler Marry in an Intimate Family Ceremony at Umstead Park

 It was a chilly March day for Chris and Schuyler's ceremony, but it was at one of my favorite spots.  The balcony of the rough stone shelter near the Reedy Creek entrance of Umstead Park.  And they were a joy to brighten the day.  Schulyer sent me these photographs that their photographer Erin Rizza took.  I thank them both!  Chris and Schuyler met in San Diego, where Chris is from, and from where his family traveled to be with them.  They had at most 30 people for their ceremony, just immediate family and close friends with a chair only for Schulyer's grandmother to be seated.  

 They have been together seven years, meeting when seeing one another across a crowded room.  The stuff of song lyrics.

 Madelyn, Schuyler's niece, was their flower girls.  She is only two so was primarily in the role to look cute and did that very well!  Schulyer's attendants were casual yet so together in the light pastels they wore and their bouquets of babies breath.

And Chris's attendants looked sharp yet casual.  I was so impressed with what this couple did on a small budget and with close friends.

 I enjoyed every moment.  Especially during the ceremony.

And Madelyn enjoyed every minute, too.

 Here is Schuyler's mom signing the license.  She and Chris's step-mother were the witnesses and I asked them to sign the license before the ceremony so that I wouldn't have to interrupt the congratulations after.  Then I sign the license after the ceremony is over.  This is the view off the balcony in that corner of Umstead Park.  It really is lovely.

Chris and Schuyler chose classic vows to exchange and then a Celtic hand-fasting, honoring Schuyler's Irish background, which included the words:  'Above you are the stars and below you is the earth.  Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light, and like the earth, a firm foundation form which to grow.'  This is a grounded loving couple.  I see only good in their future.

Everyone....

 then proceeded to a clubhouse to celebrate with Clyde Cooper's BBQ and cake, and much enjoyment. 

Schuyler and Chris went to the Bahamas for their honeymoon and while it rained on and off while they were there, they emailed me how much fun they had.  And they thanked me for everything.  I wish them much much joy and many happy years.