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!

Michael and Brittany Marry on St. Patrick's Day at 1705 Prime in Raleigh

I couldn't be more pleased for Michael and Brittany!  My husband and I sat next to them at the DPAC performance of 'Avenue Q' and I liked them immediately.  It was a Yelp event and that meant we had even more in common.  They're a wonderful couple who enjoy having fun and who treat each other with love and affection.  That I got to marry them was a real bonus.


I was glad their day was a glorious one in this mild winter we'd been having.  The first perfect Saturday for an outdoor wedding.  Thank you first to Tonya, of Poprock Photography for these wonderful shots.  She was a joy to work with, has a classy style, and definitely fit in with the spirit of the wedding.

The steps of 1705 Prime (part of Rocky Top Catering)  provided a lovely backdrop, and Brittany's aunt, a cellist, and members of the NC Symphony orchestra graced us with beautiful music.  Thanks, too, to Lenny Fritts, who is always a wonderful DJ to work with, and a consummate professional.  He provided the music for the reception and the amplification for me for the ceremony.


Jennifer Carlin, the events coordinator at 1705 Prime, did a great job, too.  I am so appreciative when their is supportive staff provided by the venue.  It makes all the difference in making sure not only the big needs are taken care of but that the small needs are, too.  Everyone breathes a little easier.  And that's important for enjoying a wedding.


Brittany and Michael wanted a ceremony that was warm and loving, that was about them and their love.  They both are close to their families and it showed.  Brittany's two sisters were her attendants and Michael's four brothers were in attendance and giving him the playful teasing only close brothers can give. 


Brittany made special bouquets for herself and her sisters with jewelry included with the natural flowers.  It was really stunning and I'd never seen it done before.

Michael didn't lose the opportunity for the BIG KISS and pulled it off with style.  But first, there was a veil to contend with.

I don't know who provided these lovely confections but I'll have to ask.  They are really gorgeous.

1705 Prime has a wonderful wood dance floor inside with a very intimate feel for the restaurant. 

I think it's one of their best features.

The wedding party after the ceremony, just moments from celebrating.

In their wedding blessing I said, "We wish for you joy - a joy that makes you laugh out loud.  A joy that lights your eyes and fills your soul, and a joy that shouts to the world of your happiness with one another."  And indeed I wish that for them - for every day of their lives.

Ross and Beth Light Up The Day at The Brier Creek County Club

I loved Beth and Ross's wedding.  They are such a wonderful couple, playful, kind, considerate.  And that showed so much on the day of their wedding when there was a problem and their wedding coordinator didn't show up.  I will always be indebted to their DJ, Lenny Fritts because, between us, we filled in the gap and everything went smoothly, and there were about 7 attendants on each side as well as formal seating of Ross and Beth's parents.  Lenny Fritts was wonderful!


This is a picture I took of Ross's father's formal wear.  It's not the tartan plaid for their Scottish clan but it came close.  And indeed he looked debonair!  This is the only picture I took.  These other pictures were taken by our wonderful photographer, Leah Charbonneau Photography! Thank you, Leah!  Also, all Beth and Ross's flowers were by Tre Bella Florist.

It was a very hot Memorial Day weekend but The Brier Creek Country Club is a wonderful setting for looking cool when it's not.  Beth and Ross created a wonderful ceremony that was personal and warm.  I loved their Declaration of Intentions and offer it to you:

Ross, do you take Beth to be your wife,
Knowing in your heart that she will always be your friend,
Your partner in life, your one true love.
On this special day, do you give to her
In the presence of your friends and families
Your promise to stay faithfully by her side as her husband
In sickness and in health, in joy and in sorrow
As well as through the good times and the bad.

Do you promise to love her without reservation, to honor and respect
her
To provide for her needs the best that you can
To protect her from harm
To comfort her in times of distress
To grow with her in mind and spirit
To always be open and honest with her
And to cherish her as long as you both shall live?

Answer: I do.

In the Preface to their Vows we wove what was important to them in saying, 

'You are each marrying your best friend.  To give yourself in love to the person you have set your heart upon is a great moment in life.  Your lives and doubly enhanced in the sharing of them.  You appreciate the goofy playful side of each other, and love the daily life you share together, the simple pleasures shared with each other and your families.'

Then they spoke their own vows making us all laugh as they vowed to love in each in spite of supporting different football teams and other personal quips.  Amid all the lovely formality, theirs was a fun playful wedding that represented them perfectly.  As Beth goes back to teaching this fall and Ross begins law school, I wish them all my best for a wonderful life!

When they got back from their honeymoon, I got this note:
Robin, We just wanted you to know that we both truly appreciate you. Everyone still talks about our ceremony and you. Our wedding would not have been the same without you in it! THANK YOU!!

I thank them, too.  They were a delight.