Aaron and Rachel Marry in May at The Cotton Room

I loved marrying Aaron and Rachel.  They are such fun!  And we had a special connection. My husband, Ruben, was Rachel's science teacher in middle school.  And they have a 100 pound yellow lab named Buddy.  Just thinking about him makes me smile.

Aaron and Rachel wanted a simple ceremony, wanted everyone to feel included, and wanted a ceremony centered on their love.  Easy and a joy to do.  And good professionals to work with, too.  

Michelle Allred of The Cotton Room was excellent as always.  Thank you to Kent Murray of Kent Murray Photography for his great photographs of the wedding.  Margaret Pender, of Victoria Park Florist was their florist, Sugarland provided their cake and Suzanne Bolt and Shelley Livingston were the violinists for their ceremony.  Kiley Holder of Cool Cats Entertainment was their fabulous DJ at their reception.

 The Cotton Room provides a wonderful blank slate for each couple to personalize.  I loved Rachel and Aaron's orange accents.  They made the room come alive.

 Rachel's sister, Kathryn and Maid of Honor, sang a beautiful piece a cappella amazingly and beautifully.  What a gift.  The piece she sang was the class Irish song 'Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms.'  I recommend it for any wedding.  Here is a Youtube clip from singer John McDermott.

I love how relaxed and present Rachel and her attendants look, and so lovely in those colors.

I think it was Rachel's father that took this picture at the rehearsal.  I love it.  It's a great memory of the joy I have in marrying couples, and this very special couple.  

I wish Aaron and Rachel many many happy years together!

Greg and Aura Wed @ The Millennium Hotel in Durham

Working with Aura and Greg was a treat from the start.  They met through a friend a year and a half ago and their romance blossomed from the beginning.  I could understand why.  Greg has a quiet dry wit and Aura is bubbly and warm.  They fit together well and know it.  Greg was raised as, in his words, an Army brat and is a professor of biology, and Aura was raised in the Philippines and in Boston and is an ICU nurse.  Both have children from prior marriages that are close in age and both have gone through life experiences which make them very appreciative of the love they have found together.  They're wonderful people who have rich experiences to offer in growing their shared love.


Their August wedding was on a Friday evening indoors so joyfully we were all comfortable.  The reception too would be right there so everyone was relaxed.  This photo is Greg and his best man as we waited for the processional.  They both looked so sharp!

I love what I do.  It's being a part of sweet people's lives like Aura and Greg, that makes my own labor of love really special.

They married at The Millennium Hotel in Durham near Duke University and Pama Rutledge, their coordinator was wonderful to work with.  This inner upstairs room was just right for their 60 guests.  Then the very next room was set up for the reception.  Ross Merle of Just Music was their DJ and he also provided the ceremony music.  He was great.  I loved that I heard the Gryffindor Theme from Harry Potter played while we were getting ready for the ceremony.  I appreciate how easy he was to work with, too.


Aura and Greg were joining two faith traditions so we very intentionally honored both noting that both their lives will be enriched in their sharing  from these diverse faith backgrounds.


Kent Murray of Kent Murray Photography from Hillsborough  was their photographer, and Edible Art Bakery in Raleigh provided their cake.


I loved meeting their three boys and seeing the love they and their extended family and friends shared.  They are richly blessed in love.  And I add my blessings to them for many many years of happiness.