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!

Nick and Lora - What a Joyful Wedding

 Lora and Nicholas married at the pergola at Duke Gardens on May 19th.  They planned it all way from Wilmington and created an amazing ceremony.  Then, after pictures, they are their families and guests celebrated at The Stockroom in downtown Raleigh.  

Thank you to Megan Gielow of Lime Green Photography for these wonderful photographs.  And thanks to harpist Marilyn Weinard of Carolina Harp for her wonderful renditions of the 'Hornpipe', 'Dreams of Spring,' and 'All You Need is Love'  on the harp.


While we'd only planned by phone, Lora and Nick let their personality shine in our conversations.  They'd known each other for 10 years, dating a little in high school and never forgetting.   But only finding each other later and really getting serious in 2005.  Still very much in love, now was the perfect time to marry.

Nick and Lora were so thoughtful of their guests and I so appreciated it.  It was a hot muggy NC summer day.  The hottest we have had so far this year, and this water was a gift to all.  I had to include a picture, it was so refreshing!

I also have to laud their common sense.  Notice how the attendants aren't wearing their suit jackets.  Much more comfortable.  And don't they look sharp.

Lora's father walked her up the steps from the direction of the fish pond with lots of bystanders just watching.  As I remember it was family day at the gardens besides being a pretty day so it was even more crowded.

Lora and Nick wrote their own vows and we all smiled at their playful, loving, and tender words.

She vowed to trust him, he vowed to be worthy of her trust, she vowed to always appreciate the little things, he vowed to leave her unexpected notes to make her smile.  She vowed to kiss him goodnight.  He vowed to kiss her each morning.  And there was more that I won't tell you now but that are equally endearing from a couple who know each other very well.

Please take a moment to look at all of Megan's photographs.  Not only does she capture this very loving couple in their element, but she shows how Duke Gardens is at it's best when embracing love.










Catering Works was Lora's florist with this fragrant rose bouquet.

And this picture really fits them.  I'm glad they have that one to remember to lavish love upon each other all their lives.

Here is the sweet note that I got from them after they returned from their honeymoon:  'Robin-

The wedding was so perfect, and you played such a wonderful role in that. You have such a sweet smile and disposition and it reflected throughout the ceremony.  Our guests had wonderful comments about you and the ceremony in general. The reception was gorgeous as well, and went so smoothly. We just got back from Disney and had a great time. ..... Will be in touch soon, but thank you once more.    -The Calos'

They were a delight in my life.  I feel so blessed in the couples I meet and marry.  What a joy!