Carol and Erik Marry at Brier Creek Country Club With Love All Around Them

Erik and Carol were disappointed at first that they had to move their wedding indoors because of rainy cold weather this October.  But their ceremony was elegant and comfortable in this room at Brier Creek Country Club. As soon as they saw the room they knew that everything would be fine.   Riley MacLean was their wonderful photographer.  I've worked with Riley before and he and his assistant have a wonderful eye for what is just the right photograph.  I was so glad he was here because this room presented some lighting challenges that he was able to overcome.

Carol and Erik experience the divine through their relationships with the people in their lives who are close to them, and the room was full of friends and family there to wish them well, and to bless and support their marriage.

Their friend, Erika, gave the funniest liveliest rendition of Taylor Mali's 'Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog' that I have ever heard.  Everyone loved it.

Over the five years they've known one another they have spent more time together in those years than many couples spend together in a lifetime.  They work together and live together and yet this has brought them closer together than they ever thought possible.  

They've created a strong loyal partnership and a deep and abiding friendship.  We celebrate that, too, in their wedding.

A special part of Erik and Carol's exchange of vows was the Celtic Handfasting ceremony.  Carol had beaded their handfasting cord in the mauve and green colors of their ceremony and it was gorgeous.  I forget how many thousands of beads Carol told me was in it.

With each 'I will' response to the questions I ask them in the ceremony, I tie another knot in the cord, in essence 'tying the knot of their marriage' or 'binding their hands together in marriage.'

Here's a picture of their cord next to the vase that held Carol's bridal bouquet.

When Erik and Carol exchanged rings as a token and symbol of their vows, they said to one another, 'I give you this ring as a pledge of my love and as a symbol of our unity.'

After I pronounced the married with the words, 'You have formed your own union, in friendship, in respect for one another, and in love, and is it therefore my joyful task to pronounce that you are married,'  they shared a wonderful kiss.  My photographer friends ask me to tell the couple that a 3 second kiss is just about right if they want to get a good picture.  And they got a great one.

They're a dear couple and it was a joy to watch them celebrate their marriage in even those very first moments.  As a happily married woman myself who is still celebrating after thirteen years I relish the joy other couples find with each other.

Their mothers signed the marriage license.  Both lovely ladies.  Carol's mother also created her wedding program to look just like a Broadway playbill.  It was very creative and lots of fun.

My favorite picture of them is the first one on this blog, but I love the one below, too. Thank you again, Riley for finding just that calm after the rain to capture some lovely outdoor pictures, too.  Carol and Erik are special people, openhearted and kind.  I'm so glad their wedding was just what they wanted.  And I send them much love for many years of happiness.

To give credit to some other wonderful wedding professionals at their wedding:  The English Garden was their florist, and Eric Hodgden of All Around Raleigh DJ was their DJ for the reception and the ceremony music.  I've worked with Eric a lot, too, in one case where the bride hadn't chosen the music but left it up to him at the last moment and he was wonderful.  It's also a joy to work with him.  Their Maid of Honor, Beckie, made their cupcakes.  Wow!  What a huge and lovely gift for them.

Joseph and AnnMarie Wed at All Saints Chapel in Downtown Raleigh

The first time I talked to AnnMarie on the phone I was charmed by the laugh in her voice. She told me that she and Joe wanted an intimate ceremony focused on their love and their love of their families. They wouldn't be having a traditional wedding party, she said, but wanted to involve families more directly than other ceremonies they'd been to. Almost everyone would be coming from out of town. And since everyone there was important to both them, they didn't want to leave anyone out. These were the people they loved, standing up with them, hearing their vows and supporting them in their love.

I also felt another connection with AnnMarie. She's a middle school language arts teacher. My Sweetheart, Ruben, is a middle school science teacher. I know how hard middle school teachers work. They have to educate both the parents and the kids who, at that age, have much of their being occupied trying to figure what their body is doing to them. Middle school teachers have a calling that I respect big time. Joe's an engineer who has been in the US Air Force. They both have an integrity that shines through them.

When I first met them, I was delighted to know that I'd be the one marrying them. They'd met each other three years before when they lived in different cities but by Spring of 2010 not only they, but both their families were all settled in North Carolina. What an affirmation of closeness.

This would be a family affair. Even the pianist, Erica, is a good friend, offering her gift of music to their wedding. And her friend Alissa, was their volunteer coordinator, ensuring that the day's events ran smoothly.

Joe and Ann Marie decided to have their ceremony at All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh, and it seemed to fit them perfectly. It's such an intimate setting and has simple timeless beauty in each polished beam. Plus the location was perfect. Everyone could walk to the Cafe Luna for the reception. I offer these pictures of the chapel so you can see too how lovely it is and how it suited them.

All these wonderful pictures were taken by Robert Filcsik of Filcsik Photography. Aren't they wonderful! I'm so glad that Joe and AnnMarie will have these moments captured forever.

Here is looking from the back to the front where I'm standing.









Here is a picture looking to the back of the chapel.

Here is a picture from the balcony. An added bonus for the photographer. At a different wedding I did at this chapel, the photographer took a group shot from the balcony right after the ceremony.




Joseph escorted his mother into the sanctuary followed by his father, and Ann Marie entered with both her parents. Then we offered a prayer of blessing for AnnMarie and Joe and their new life together asking God for a loving and bountiful blessing on their marriage.


Joe's mother read a beautiful translation of the portion of Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians that talks about love. If you decide to have this read at your wedding, I suggest that you compare the translations to find the one you like. They are all lovely but can vary a lot. And isn't this a wonderful hat moment for Joseph's mom. We women don't get near enough hat moments so we have to make them memorable. Hers was great.


The woman who made AnnMarie's wedding dress made the tie that we used for the handfasting from the same material as the dress, with the same appliques. It was perfect. I loved how they drank in each moment in their ceremony, fully present to each other and to the day. With their good friends and families close by, they were surrounded by love and you could feel it tangibly.

Some times couples are so nervous that they aren't able to drink in the love and support that surrounds them. AnnMarie and Joseph could. They showed this too in 'the kiss.' I tell couples not to let it go too quickly or the photographer will miss it. Joe didn't lose his opportunity for a full on smooch with accompanying dip of AnnMarie in classic romantic grandeur. We all loved it, and AnnMarie loved it and was sure surprised.

I sense that this is a part of what they offer to the world in their callings and in the fullness of their love. I imagine that their lives will always have that same exuberance I saw on this day. I wish them much joy.

I never go to the reception, preferring to come home to my Sweetheart, Ruben, but I wanted to honor the other wedding professionals at the reception that helped to make AnnMarie and Joe's wedding just what they wanted it to be. Wedding professionals tend to love what they do. It makes them fun to work with and very good at what they do.

At the reception, the DJ was Patrick Cooke of PC productions, the cake was made by Sweet Memories Bakery in Apex, the florist was Renee Becker from The Flower Cupboard, and AnnMarie's makeup was by Make-up Art by Jenny.

When they got back from their honeymoon I got this great note from AnnMarie:

'Thank you so much for all that you have done for us! We feel blessed to have had you with us on our day. I am especially appreciative of your calming and guiding influence. I can't even put into words how reassuring the looks were that you gave us as we went through the ceremony. You really did transform the space into something sacred. It happened like magic. And that kiss! I tried to plan one out, but Joe told me, "No way!" He wanted to surprise me on that day! He sure did! LOL! '

May their lives be full of many such loving surprises. I have a hunch it will be.

Susan and Bob Light Up The Rand-Bryan House

Last weekend seemed to be the most glorious weekend of the Spring. But beaming even brighter on Saturday, April 10th, were Susan and Bob. All the way down from Maryland for a wedding among close family and friends, they were radiant in their happiness. I could feel it all around them. Susan's Uncle Joe escorted her down the aisle as they were greeted by cousins, siblings, Bob's grown children and Susan's aunt. Bob's brother-in-law, David, was his Best Man and Susan's cousin Rachel, her Maid or Matron of Honor.


The Rand-Bryan house in Garner is a wonderful location with all it's springtime glory shining in the windows. For a group of thirty guests, there was plenty of room for a seated lunch and enough room to dance to a jazz quartet. All these beautiful pictures were taken by a friend of the family who's also a professional photographer: Gary D. Knight. You can reach him for his services at: 919-661-6566 or garydknight@earthlink.net. For all of us who want our pictures fast, he generously emailed me these photos the very evening of the wedding.

For the words of wisdom to be said upon their marriage, Bob and Susan chose the words from 'The Prophet' by Kahlil Gibran that he wrote on marriage. They're so wonderful as is the whole book. I use Gibran's words on children for Baby Blessings and they're timeless, too.

Few know that Kahlil Gibran was Lebanese-American and Christian and lived in Boston and published his most famous book in 1923. He's considered the most widely read poet in history after Shakespeare and Lao-Tzu. If you don't now his words on marriage, Google them. They're lovely any time you read them. They never age. They certainly seemed to fit Susan and Bob who are wedding in mid-life filled with the grace and delight that love found anew brings out in us.

We did the Celtic Hand-fasting ceremony for their wedding, with a cord woven of three colors by Susan. They are blue, gold and white. It was lovely and just the right size. When you do the ceremony with the knots you must have enough cord. I like about 4 or 5 feet of cord so that I can tie the cord in the shape of infinity on your hands, then tie each knot easily.

These are powerful words of promise and binding, each said with consideration. I understand why this ancient ritual is still used. It holds power.

I got to say a beautiful blessing upon their marriage: "God, bless them with the inner gifts of trust, compassion, forgiveness, and truth that they may live and grow together in love and peace. Amen." It's an honor to even get to say these words.
After the ceremony there was time for pictures, followed by warm and funny toasts. (Who knows you better than your brother-in-law, lunch, and then the jazz combo and dancing.)

I wish I could have stayed to celebrate but a Saturday in April is a busy day for a minister who officiates weddings. So I could only wave good-bye as I dashed to the car to drive to Chapel Hill.

Bob and Susan are off to new adventures now. They promised each other their life together would never be boring. And I don't doubt that at all. I wish them lots of love and many blessings. As peers, we share an appreciation for each day that comes more easily with each passing year.

There's a sweetness to the realization that each moment is a joy to be savored with that special someone you love. I know they'll be doing just that.

Maggie and Kevin Light Up The Doubletree

Kevin and Maggie met in college when they lived across from each other in their sophomore year and began dating in their senior year. That was almost four years ago. During all this time their love has grown. They came to see me because they wanted a relaxing, 'not too serious' wedding that was family oriented and joyful since they're both very close to their families, and love that about each other. They're the first two to be married in either family so everyone was delighted to be invited to help them celebrate.

They thanked their friends and family on their wedding ceremony program and added these words just for their parents: 'We both admire and aspire to have the marriage that you have and hope that we can live up to all that you have taught us to be. We love you!'

Amy Acosta at The Doubletree Inn in Durham was masterful in making the adjustments needed to move the wedding indoors. She's always great to work with.
And Thanks to florist Lyn Graves from Fresh Affairs for his beautiful offerings.

Mitch Woodard of joe bunn dj company was great, attending to the careful timing and volume needed for this enclosed room Maggie and Kevin chose the Bridal Chorus from Lohengrin for their Bridal Processional and the Wedding March by The O'Neill Brothers for their Recessional. Couples have been asking me lately for suggestions of music so I'm paying more attention to make a note of what is played. I love how I'm surprised by the really lovely choices that I would never have thought of.

Kevin entered with his father, Gary, and with two brothers and a good friend standing up with him, there were hugs happening all through the ceremony, which was wonderful to see. Here Kevin is hugging Maggie's father after he escorted her down the aisle.

We'd planned for their wedding to be outside, but with the rain on October 24th it had to be moved indoors. But even inside, their smiles and joy lit up the room. We have Stacy Borelli from Swank Photo Studio to thank for these great pictures. She had a difficult job in this room, filled with guests, to get just the right pictures. These wonderful photos show that she skillfully accomplished it!


Kevin and Maggie chose the poem 'Love' by Roy Croft, read by Maggie's brother Andrew as part of the ceremony, which begins: 'I love you, not only for what you are but for what I am when I am with you.'

Right after they exchanged rings, they shared in the wonderful custom of Celtic Handfasting. They even invited their guests to participate in this custom with them in their own way. "If you're here today with your beloved or a dear friend or family member, please hold their hand now and know that these timeless words are also true for you. If those most special to you are not here today, please bring in to your mind and heart the love you share with them. They they too will be with us in spirit."

The power of the moment brought tears to many eyes.

Maggie and Kevin really savored their first kiss as husband and wife. I'm glad. Sometimes a couple kisses so briefly that the photographer doesn't have time to get a picture. I know that it's unusual to kiss in front of family and friends, but the day is celebrating your wonderful affection.



I very rarely go to a reception, preferring to come home and be with my own Sweetie, but I decided to investigate a little further about Maggie and Kevin's cake since it was made by Cinda Putnam, of Cinda's Creative Cakes, and she also did the fabulous cake for another couple I married this fall.

Sure enough, it was beautiful and topped, symbolically of course, by Maggie and Kevin's puppy Jacey. I know they wanted her to be a part of the wedding and here she is.









After Kevin and Maggie got back from their honeymoon, I received a wonderful note from her with these words, 'I am sure you noticed - but everything really "hit" me as I walked down the isle. I hadn't cried once all day but when the ceremony actually started - I was overwhelmed to say the least. I will never forget how calm and warm your smile was and it was you that let me know it was okay. I really can't thank you enough for that - and for the tissues :)

Many of our guests stopped me during our reception and commented on what a wonderful ceremony it was and how wonderful you were. it seemed to me that the ceremony was short but even then you definitely made a lasting impression on our guests and our families and I am so thankful to you for that.

Thank you so much for all of your help and guidance over the last many months in putting our ceremony together. I think it is truly amazing how you can guide a couple through the process and the result is something they put their hearts in to - which makes everything that much more meaningful and special on your wedding day.

Thank you again Robin for all of your help and support. You were a huge part in making our wedding day so special and we cannot thank you enough for that. Please keep in touch and if there is anything I can ever do for you - please just let me know."

It was a joy to be a part of Kevin and Maggie's wedding. They have a generosity of spirit that shines brightly, even on the rainiest of days.

Christine and Christopher October 17th at Jones Chapel on Meredith Campus

I love it when a couple makes their wedding truly their own. And Christine and Christopher did just that. From our first meeting in January until their wedding date on October 17th, it was a delight to work with them. (Thanks first to Wake Forest Portraits for these wonderful pictures. It was a joy working with them.)

They had a very modern romance, meeting while living on two different coasts of the US, having long conversations on the phone and racking up the frequent flier miles as they determined that this was the person they each wanted to spend their life with. Then, joyfully, two years on the same coast as they deepened their love to this day of wedding.

Christine's father, Donald, walked her down the aisle, but only after a a formal entrance of very happy parents, wedding party and their flower girl and ring bearer (brother and sister), all in ivory and red with black formal attire for the men and the one Groom's Woman. Christine carried a beautiful antique prayer book holder in her hand containing a book of prayer and a copy of the Old Testament, accomplishing her 'something old' as well as something meaningful and memorable.














Jones Chapel on Meredith Campus is elegant and stunningly beautiful. Janet Cherry, a professor at Meredith College played 'The Forrest Gump Suite' on the piano as special guests, the groom, and I entered. Then she played 'Benediction' on the organ as the wedding party entered. 'Benediction,' written by John Stevens, was arranged especially for Christopher and Christine by Christopher's brother, Cameron. Christine and her father entered to Pachelbel's 'Canon in D,' wonderfully sonorous on that beautiful pipe organ.

Christopher's father, Mark was his Best Man, and Christine's mother, Catherine, was her Matron of Honor. At the beginning of the ceremony, one family member from each family lit a red candle in honor of the family members who could not be with them this day, but who were still with us in spirit and love. Then Christopher's mother Reneé read 'The Art of a Good Marriage" by Wilferd Arlan Peterson.

Christopher and Christine included a Celtic Handfasting as part of their ceremony. The sash they used was from Christine's family tartan of the clan McLeod from her mother's side. We tied it in the shape of infinity binding their hands together, and blessing their marriage forever as we spoke the beautiful and timeless words of the handfasting.





I then removed the sash acknowledging that while it's impossible for them to be physically tied together all their lives, they will wear rings to symbolically honor the physical and spiritual ties they made this day.

I had the wonderful privilege of offering the blessing, 'Go now to walk the ways of the world together, and may your days be good and long upon the earth' after which they recessed to the wonderful Hogwarts Hymn from the Harry Potter movies - a shared favorite, and part of what brought them together.


They added some playful touches as they began their celebrating. Vern Bullock of Classy Transportation drove them to the reception in this beautiful ivory Excalibur, perfect for this beautiful fall day. And since Christopher and Christine had their wedding at 11 am, they had the whole day to celebrate.


They held their reception at the wonderful 1705 Prime in Raleigh. This picture shows Christine's mother and Matron of Honor making her toast to the couple. I love 1705 Prime because it's intimate and has a wonderful oval dance floor, bordered on one arc by a beautiful gray stone wall.




It also has room for cake, this one created by Cinda's Creative Cakes. The cake decoration is modeled after Christopher and Christine's invitation, bearing their monogram and copying its delicate scroll work.

I could go on and on about the fullness of love on this day for Christine and Christopher. I'm delighted that in their careful planning they created a spaciousness for their love to flow and breathe and be celebrated by all who touched their day. I was grateful to be a part of it.

And it was wonderful to hear from Christine after they returned from their honeymoon and got their pictures back with this thank you: "First I wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful job you did with our ceremony. It was absolutely perfect. It was so nice to feel relaxed up there and really feel the intimacy with Christopher. You took your time and really let us enjoy it all. We got several compliments from guests on what a wonderful job you did. You were so nice, made it easy from the beginning to put together such an important ceremony and were a great help at the rehearsal and day of. Thank you so much. I will treasure our ceremony always."

David and Andrea's Wedding June 27th

I performed a simple ceremony for David and Andrea on this quiet Saturday evening in a small ceremony at Yates Mill Pond in Raleigh, off Lake Wheeler Road.

The park let them use the small 4-row semi-circular amphitheater at no cost but they couldn't reserve the spot. So our small group of thirteen, made up of family and friends met in the parking lot and made our way down the short path to the amphitheater.


Andrea's father came all the way from Denmark to give her away.




David and Andrea had several milestones in the last three months. They were pregnant with twins and had just bought a house. After this final milestone of their wedding, they were going to rest up for the arrival of their twin girls. They hoped for a larger celebration after the birth of their girls but family and friends were joyful as we met the photographer and carried the CD player to the small private setting.

Andrea and David felt that fate had somehow guided them to each other. They met on Facebook here in NC but they found that they had been in the same place at the same time five times in their past up in the small town they both came from in Connecticut.
In this ceremony we celebrated both their commitment to each other with the beautiful ceremony of Celtic Handfasting, and we celebrated the new family they are creating with special words of welcome for their daughters.

It was a hot North Carolina muggy Saturday so they made sure that everyone had plenty of cold water around. Last pictures were taken on the bridge over the pond as everyone enjoyed a champagne toast before this loving group of family and friends went off to dinner at a nearby restaurant.

Gina McLean Photography provided the wonderful pictures for the event.