Shawn and Regan Find the Bright Spot in the Day for Their Wedding

This was the weather that greeted us at Snipes Farm on the mid-August day of Shawn and Regan's wedding.  The one thing that Regan really wanted was to be married outside.  So we all put our hopes and prayers together and watched as the clouds darkened, wondering if it was possible.  And amazingly, and joyfully, it cleared up enough, for long enough.

There is a wonderful huge tree near the bottom of the meadow at Snipes Farm that is a long treasured spot to hold a ceremony.  The tree seems to offer strength and roots and a center to the ceremony.  I loved how Shawn and his men looked dapper on this warm day, eschewing formality for comfort.

Shawn teared up when he saw Regan enter.  They are a delightful couple, cherishing each other, delighting in finding each other, relishing their love.

They met when Regan visited NC from CA to see cousins.  It was love at first sight and a hard parting but it didn't take long for Regan to come back for good. 

Thanks to our photographer Dana Dillahunt of Dana Dillahunt Photography from Greensboro for these wonderful images.  She captured the feel of the day and the love that surrounded Regan and Shawn beautifully.

 Their cake was designed by Lori at Simply Cakes.  And it was uniquely them.

 I've always loved how Snipes Farm can transform into such an elegant setting.  The yellows, Chinese lanterns and the twinkle lights were a perfect contrast to the stormy day.

 Regan and Shawn closed a love lock as part of their ceremony. Regan's mother bought the lock in Florence Italy when she heard of the custom of putting a lock on the Ponte Vecchio bridge and throwing the key into the Arno River so that you are destined to return to Florence.  For Regan and Shawn, their love lock means that they have given each other the key to their heart - for good and forever.

In our blessing I said, 'May the love that warms our hearts today and the love that flows between Shawn and Regan always be strong.'  They may not have had a sunny day but the strength of their love did seem to chase the clouds away. 

Here is a 5 minute clip of the video of their wedding.  Enjoy!  And thank you Adam Coker, from Authentic Explosure.

 I loved having Shawn and Regan in my life and wish them many many blessings! 

James and Lila Wed on a Beautiful September Sunday

On September 22nd we had a glorious Sunday.  On this weekend all the Sunday weddings were blessed with beautiful clear cool weather because the front had moved through the previous day and all the Saturday outdoor afternoon weddings were rained out.  Lila and James were blessed to have a Sunday wedding.  This was pretty crucial for them as you will soon learn.

We held the ceremony at Starlight Meadow in Burlington.  Jeremy and Sarah, the owners of Starlight Meadow, are great to work with.  They are comfortable with work to keep everyone else on an easygoing everything-working-fine keel, too.  I thank them so much for this.  It really works.  James and Lila are easy going, too, so this was a perfect venue for them.  They wanted a simple ceremony with a hand-fasting that would use the family tartan.  You can see the tartan in the picture of the ceremony above.  And then their Red-Tail Hawk would fly down to present the rings to the Best Man.  This was a real treat and the she performed her role perfectly.  Here is a short video clip thanks to their videographer, Armin Goetsch of Happy Tear Videos.

Next, much thanks to Liz Grogan of Liz Grogan Photography for sharing her pictures of their ceremony.  And of course thanks to James and Lila for giving permission to me to write a blog about their ceremony.

 James also requested a short ceremony.  In formal wear in the heat is never a joy for men.  Formal wear just doesn't breathe!  I assured James that they could have a lovely meaningful ceremony that wasn't long.  That's one of the reasons I create a script with a couple.  That way they know that all their desires for their ceremony will be honored.  

I am a bird person.  And I wonder if my name being Robin has anything to do with it.  We have a Senegal parrot and three parakeets that we love and we seek out bird watching opportunities on all our vacations.  So I was delighted to be able to share some time with this lovely bird.   James wisely had her at the ceremony site easily an hour or two before the wedding so she could get used to what was happening.  And I understand that she spent some time with guests after the ceremony, too.  She was rewarded with some chicken neck for preforming so well.  I could have watched her again and again.

Russell Meadows, of Russell Meadows Floral and Nature Farm, provided the flowers for their ceremony.  The gazebo never looked lovelier.  Once again an instance where the person's name matches their calling.  I love it when that happens and it seems to always bode well. 

 Lila and James had the starlit meadow for evening pictures and brought their own light with them.  They beamed in all their pictures.  It's easy to see why.

 For their processional they chose the Johnny Cash recording of 'Rose of My Heart.'  It fit them perfectly.

Thanks, too, to Maxie B Cakes in Greensboro who provided their cake, and Above and Beyond catering.  The food looked amazing.  And Bernard Goetsch of BG Photography was there as well capturing more wonderful shots that I hope to see soon, too.   

James and Lila were a joy to have in my life.  They were playful, joyful, and excellent communicators.  And now I'll always think of them and their love when I see a Red-Tail Hawk!  I wish them many many blessings!

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!

Michael and Sarah Marry at The Umstead on a Glorious Day

On June 1st I had the real pleasure of marrying Michael and Sarah at The Umstead Hotel and Spa.  They sent me their pictures in early August and, alas, I'm just now getting to their blog.  I traveled until mid-August and then proceeded headlong into September weddings.  But I didn't want to keep these wonderful pictures and this wonderful couple to myself.

They are just as genuine and open as their smiles.  They live in Maryland now but she went to UNC-G and he went to NC State so it was almost required that they marry in North Carolina.  

They met two weeks before he graduated from high school and their first kiss happened at his graduation .  They have been together for seven years and know the roads between Greensboro and Raleigh very well.

 They had a beautiful June day and thanks to Kevin Milz for taking these wonderful images for them to cherish.  One really nice thing about The Umstead is the ability to take pictures from above.  I want to also thank Watered Garden Florist for their gorgeous flowers, and Arioso Strings who are always a joy to work with. 

They are best friends, Michael loving making Sarah laugh.  He says it has always been easy and rewarding.  Sarah loving that he can still make her laugh until she can't breathe.  I have heard it said that the shortest distance between two people is laughter.

Michael chose the three stone setting of Sarah's engagement ring to represent their past, present, and future.  And I trust that they will have as wonderful a future together as has been their past, and certainly by these smiles, you can tell their present is a delight for them both.

Sarah and Michael told me that they can't wait to officially become a family  And now they are.

Sarah emailed me with these words:  'I hope you are doing well. Michael and I just wanted to say thank you for everything you did to make our wedding so special! You helped make our ceremony more beautiful than we ever could have imagined :)  All the best, Sarah'

It's always a joy for me to know that a couple loved their wedding ceremony and that it fit them perfectly.   I loved being a part of Sarah and Michael's lives at this special time and I wish them many many blessings.

Brian and Melissa Marry in a Sweet Ceremony in The White Garden at J.C. Raulston Arboretum

Sometimes the small weddings are the sweetest.  Melissa and Brian chose a Thursday night because they both could get that night off from work, and they both had the weekend off so they could even arrange a honeymoon.  They asked two dear friends to be with them, and these four lovely people, one of whom is Brian's cousin and their photographer, and I met at the J C. Raulston Arboretum White Garden in the early evening.

I loved how spontaneous and alive the moment was.  They didn't have time to get nervous and no one to get nervous in front of.  It was just us and they could just be themselves.  And they are both delightful people.

 I'm glad I always carry tissues, too.  In their ceremony was honored their families, who couldn't be present with these words:  'Love is best when shared with all those whose lives ours touch, especially with family and friends.  So we're lucky and blessed that love transcends time and place.  While Brian's and Melissa's families could not be here today in body to celebrate their marriage with them, they are present in love and in spirit and celebrate the love that Melissa and Brian have found with one another.  We bring them into this community of affection now, knowing that they are here in love.'  And joyfully, Brian and Melissa would be seeing their families, who live in Massachusetts, soon to share their joy with them.

 They chose the poem 'Love' by Roy Croft speaks to them of their love and reminds us all of what the journey of a loving marriage is about.

 Both Melissa and Brian are in helping professions and are compassionate and kind people.  They are the people who bend the world toward goodness by their work and their lives.  It was a joy and privilege to be there with them to celebrate their love.

 In their vows they chose the words:  'I want to live with you, just as you are.  You are my beloved and my best friend.  I choose you above all others as my partner, to share my life.  I promise to stand with you in times of joy, turmoil and grief.  I promise to be completely present with you.  I promise to speak and to listen, to inspire and to respond, to honor and tenderly care for you, to cherish and encourage you, through all the changes of our lives.'

Now whenever I hear the news in Durham and it refers to work, I think of them and send my hopes that they have many many happy years of loving together.

Robert and Kira Marry at The Carolina Inn Amid Much Joy

Robert and Kira had been dating for over 6 years, almost 7, when they married at The Carolina Inn on a lovely Saturday in early September of this year.  They are both scientists ('Chemistry' is the key word here.  You'll see a fun theme emerge at their reception.) and wanted an intimate and meaningful ceremony and I was delighted to help them create just that.

They had a large contingent of their family arrive from Oklahoma to experience our southern charm done so well by The Carolina Inn.

Thank you to Carrie Richardson Fry of Richardson Fry Photography for capturing the beauty of their wedding and their joy so thoroughly.  I suggest you visit her website to see larger versions of these images.  They're just wonderful.    Thanks to Sugarland for their sweets.

 This is their seating chart for their tables.  I loved it.

Robert proposed to Kira right after her PhD orals when they were celebrating them being completed.  She was really surprised.

 Their reception in the Old Well room.  Thanks too to Kailey Branham at A Southern Soiree!  She was so helpful in helping manage all the details of their wedding.  We were all grateful.

 Thanks to English Garden for their florals.

 Theirs was a fun, warm, loving, intimate ceremony.  They wrote their own vows and everyone was touched by their tenderness, warmth, and playful loving intention.

 Thanks, too, to Brian McGuire of McSound Productions for fabulous DJ work.

 They have a caring tender love and it shows.  And they will have a wonderful marriage.  That shows, too.   I wish them man years of loving and much love.

Kourosh and Lauren Marry at St. David's Chapel in Raleigh

It's been a long while since I've done a blog.  I traveled much of the summer then life picked up at a quick pace with many wonderful couples.  I wanted to make sure to take a special moment to honor Kourosh and Lauren in my life.  They were a delight, I loved getting to know them and to learn about their love for each other, their love for their families and friends, and their generosity to all who know them.

Some couples especially touch your life in a way that heartens your faith in the future.  Lauren and Kourosh were one such couple.

Thanks to Robyn of Robyn Van Dyke Photography for these wonderful pictures!  I so appreciate having them.

They both share a sense of humor and a deep sense of play, as you can tell by Kourosh's great smile as he's seeing Lauren in her dress for the first time.

Their wedding was held in gorgeous St. David's Chapel at St. David's School in Raleigh on May 10th of this year.  That ceremony was preceded by a Persian Ceremony on the same day.  They were very married by the end of the day!

I loved officiating their ceremony in this chapel because it felt spacious and wide open, like their love.   The chapel is so lovely.  You can see how unique it is with the seating to the side. 

They both come from closer families and both sets of their parents are still married.  Their parents are neighbors and their sisters are best friends, and excited to now be family.  Here is Kourosh shaking Lauren's father's hand.

 We had special words of appreciation for their parents and asked each family to affirm and support their choice of partners, which they did joyfully!  They are smiling at their parents at this moment.

 In their ceremony we offered these words: 'In the Persian and Christian traditions, marriage is a sign of God's intention for wholeness in all creation.  That creative purpose is still at work.  The joining together of two persons into one unique, intimate, and creative unity in marriage is therefor not only a symbol but also a demonstration of the well being, and the purpose of human society.  And so, marriage is truly a celebration of God's work in creation.'

 Thanks, too, to Michael McLamb at Fleurtations for these beautiful bouquets and floral arrangements.  It takes a unique skill to create flowers to enhance a large space.  These are wonderful.

In their vows they promised to continue to cherish their union, and I have no doubt that they will.

 We also had a salt covenant as a part of their ceremony to symbolize their binding themselves to one another in an unbreakable promise of friendship, honesty, loyalty and love.

 In our blessing we said that we all offer blessings that their love, joy, and friendship will be renewed daily.  May they play and love together for a lifetime!  I send them love!

Also making their wedding day special were Paul Harris, our organist at their wedding, the North Ridge Country Club where their reception was held, DJed by Mark McNally with Joe Bunn DJ, and Danielle Ettefagh created their cake.  You can find her at Pinterest and at Classy Kids Cooking.  I bet it was a labor of love.

Memorial Day Weekend Wonderful Weddings for Ryan and Elena, Warren and Dani, and Chris and Julie

I've mentioned that the Divine sends me only wonderful couples and this Memorial Day Weekend proved that true yet again.  I was so delighted that each couple's wedding could take place in the sunshine just as they planned it.

I have professional photographs for only one of the weddings so far.  As I get more photographs I'll add them to this post.  I find that if I try to get lots of pictures it scatters my energy when I really just want to center and be very present for the bride and groom.  That is my delight.

On Friday evening, I got to marry Ryan and Elena.  They've been together four and a half years and had to spend two years of that commuting between separate cities to be together.  That's a wonderful way to work things out in a relationship and to get really clear about what you both want.  I laud them for making it work for them.  They're a delight and the Carolina Inn Bryan Courtyard was the perfect place for their elegant intimate wedding.  Debbie Wrenn, who works with Angie Wright of Chic Details was a huge help in ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Below is a picture she took with my DROID of the ceremony and of our string musicians from Musica Music, who were excellent.  I look forward to having pictures from Neil Boyd Photography to add to these casual ones.

On Saturday afternoon I got to marry Dani and Warren who flew down from NYC with his friends and children to be with Dani's family for the occasion.  I loved creating their ceremony over email because they were very clear about what they wanted to express about their love for each other.  We created a beautiful ceremony to honor their love.  And it was my first time to officiate a wedding on the new Overlook patio at Duke Gardens.

They had about 30 people in attendance with a neighbor taking all the pictures.  It was a small intimate wedding and the Overlook is perfect for that.  And it was in the shade.

On Saturday evening I was back at The Carolina Inn to marry Julie and Chris.  Their photographer, Shane Snider, of Shane Snider Photography, was very generous in sharing these photographs with me.  Julie and Chris did a sweet thing after their ceremony - they released the rows themselves, greeting each person as they left the ceremony.  Below is the Hill Courtyard.  This setting is best on a quiet evening since the road noise from Columbia Street can be loud.  But it wasn't on this Saturday evening and it was even cool and comfortable.

 I love technology when it can bring grandparents who can't travel to the event!.. This makes a great picture. Julie and Chris live in Ohio and are delightfully laid back.  They were also in the good hands of wedding planner Sally Oakley and her assistant, Suzanne.  And everything went perfectly.

They both had those wonderful grins all the way through the ceremony.  They were soooo happy. They met in 2008 and knew at once they had found a kindred spirit.  They both love each other, their families and their dogs, and delight in the life they've created together.  And I am so happy for them, too.

And it's always good for me to hear from them that all is well.  I got this sweet email from Julie just a couple of days ago:  'We really did appreciate the amazing job that you did and cannot thank you enough!! '

All of these couples will add to the sum of joy in the world and that is a great gift in my life.   I, too, have the happiest of marriages, and I hope by my joy, and my delight for them, I have furthered them in creating theirs.  Blessed Be!