Lisa and Brian Have a Wonderful Time at Their Wedding

Lisa and Brian are as much fun as in this picture.  And at the same time they are thoughtful people who have had to overcome some challenges and have grown a lot in their love and in  who they are individually and as a couple in the accomplishing of that.  There was much to celebrate in their ceremony.  I love working with couples who are wise in knowing that marriage is a journey, not a destination.  So their wedding was a delight for everyone there.

 The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh was perfect for the urban feel that they love and for their casual crowd, many of whom had come from where they lived before in Pennsylvania.  I loved all the music they chose for their processional.  It set a lovely tone and was just them:

      Landon Pigg – 'Falling In Love In a Coffee Shop' for the family processional,

      Matt Wertz – 'I Will Not Take My Love Away' for the men's entrance,

      Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova - 'Falling Slowly' for Lisa's attendants,

      The Piano Guys – 'A Thousand Years' for Lisa's processional.

 Lisa and Brian introduced me to a German Toasting Glasses and the story that goes with it.  They both drank at the same time from the cup and if you want to know the old story, more a legend, that goes with it, then call me. They accomplished the goal for a happy marriage - to both drink without spilling a drop.

 After the ceremony they took advantage of all the wonderful night sites Raleigh has to offer.  Thanks to Tara Doring of Adoring Events and Photography for these fabulous shots!  Thanks to her mother, Teresa Doring, also of Adoring Events and Photography for her excellent Day of Coordination. Marsha Snyder of MEWS Floral Designs created their flowers. And Marcus Ward of Morse Entertainment was their wonderful DJ who also managed their ceremony music.  All excellent professionals.

Brian and Lisa cherish the life they have built together, both very different people from very different backgrounds, however both with the same goals and a true appreciation of what each one brings to their life together.  And their life with Max, their four-footed family member who is a joy in their lives and who has helped them work as a team in new and often unexpected ways. 

In our blessing of their marriage, I said, "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."  And I add, bless them with much joy.  In their thanks to me they said, 'you were the component that made the wedding about our marriage not just a party. I don't know if we could ever repay you for what you helped us do on that day! Thank you so very much from the bottom of our hearts!'  It was a joy and a privilege to celebrate their love with them.  And it's a joy to remember it today.

Brad and Sarah Marry at Snipes Farm in October

 It was still a warm Fall Saturday in early October when Brad and Sarah married at Snipes Farm Retreat in Chapel Hill.  They have such a wonderful expanse of lawn upon which to perform ceremonies.  Under this big Oak (?) tree is a favorite spot with couples.  I've been officiating ceremonies here for 18 years and they are a steady favorite venue for those who want a spacious setting that lends itself to your personality and your touches.

Rebecca Ames of Rebecca Ames Photography was their wonderful photographer and shared these pictures (with Sarah and Brad's permission) with me.  She and I had the pleasure of working together twice in October.  I was really impressed with her ability to capture the loving spirit of each couple.   You can see Marilyn Wienand, of Carolina Harp, at the harp behind us in a further photograph, too.  I've worked with her many times over the years and she is always a joy.

One of the young men carried a bird's nest, the second, younger one carried a sign that said, 'Here Comes The Bride.'

 Sarah and Brad wanted a casual wedding and the setting, their attire, and the presence of the children helped ensure that.  Brad and Sarah are both down to earth comfortable people they wanted everyone else to be comfortable, too.

In the ceremony we  spoke a little about Sarah and Brad's journey to their wedding day with these words: 'From that first moment when Sarah knew she loved Brad’s sense of humor and cheesy jokes, and Brad was blown away by Sarah’s infectious laugh and show stopping smile, they have been growing their love toward this day of commitment to each other in marriage. 

They cherish the life they have created with Kye, Finn and Maisey, as well as you, their family and friends, by their side.  They delight in each other’s company, whether it’s going to the grocery store or on a Caribbean cruise.  As long as they are together, they’re happy. 

From different places, geographically and otherwise, they’ve learned and grown in their own understanding of themselves and each other.  They have found a home in each other – both figuratively and literally.  We celebrate their new home with them on this occasion, too.

They look forward to growing old together, sitting on their porch in a rocking chair, loving then as they love now – fully, completely, unconditionally.'

 With their exchange of rings, I said, 'Love freely given has no beginning and no end.  Love freely given has no separate giver and receiver.  You are each the giver and each the receiver.  May your ring always call to mind the freedom and the power of this love.'

Other wonderful professionals who made their wedding a delight were Lenny Fritts, of Lenny Fritts Touch of Class who was their DJ, Marsha Snyder or MEWS Designs who was their florist, and Beau Bennett of Beau Catering in Durham who catered their food.  It sure smelled good!

Sarah and Brad have fostered a dog and adopted a cat and so their family has grown.  They are generous hearted loving people.  It was a delight to marry them and I wish them many many blessings!

David and Ashley Marry in A Small Intimate Ceremony at The Carolina Club

Thank you to Ashley and David and to their photographer, Beth Ely of Beth Ely Photography,  for these sweet pictures of their wedding at the Carolina Club at the UNC Alumni Center on UNC campus.  The small well lit room provided an elegant setting for their small intimate wedding with about 35 guests including the wedding party.  They wanted a relaxed day and not to be the center of attention.  I loved the way they included their seven nieces ages three to twelve.  You don't see their pictures here but they were all enjoying their roles as junior bridesmaids  and flower girls.

They started out the ceremony with 'Here Comes the Sun' by The Beatles, and 'Stolen' by Dashboard Confessional.  I love all the new music I get to hear in weddings!  

 We began their ceremony with the words, 'Marriage is the joining of two lives, the spiritual, physical and emotional union of two human beings who have separate histories, separate destinies.'    Ashley and David have begun the wonderful journey of allowing another person to inform and enhance their own life.  I experienced them as a thoughtful couple, considerate of each other and a couple who cherishes their families and friends.

 We pronounced them husband and wife for life.  And for them it felt just right.  I wish them all the happiness in the world as they create a beautiful marriage and a wonderful life.  

I'm always grateful to work with excellent professional, so I want to let you know who they are, too.  Ashley and David's flowers were provided by Marsha Snyder of MEWS Designs, and Matt Kanon was an excellent classical guitarist that I'm happy to recommend to anyone.  Thanks, too, to Nicole McMillen of Premier Party Planners for her excellent coordination efforts.