Lori and Wes wanted a small, simple, yet tasteful ceremony. There would be under forty people at their ceremony. There would be no attendants, no rehearsal and they would be going to Costa Rica for their honeymoon. They had also just bought a house together and moved so their lives had been full to the brim. I was glad that the Spring weather cooperated and that the pergola at the Sarah P Duke Gardens in Durham was in full bloom. It fades so quickly and Lori and Wes caught the moment exactly right on April 10th.
Wes and I entered from the top steps and walked down the steps until I was one step up and he was at ground level. This created a more intimate ceremony appropriate to the feel they wanted to create. Here Wes and I are watching Lori enter on the arms of both her parents.
In their ceremony we remarked how grateful they are that life, in its mystery, led them to each other and that they got through those first dates to discover the love that was theirs to find.
They had met at a professional group in Raleigh and it took just a bit of time for them to really see all the wonderful facets of each other, and how much they were growing through knowing and appreciating each other. Love does find us in amazing ways and places, especially if we're open to it. They are both people with kind and generous hearts, which meant that hearts were also full to spilling over during the ceremony.
They requested a group picture of everyone right after the ceremony, and with forty people, it was fairly easy to comply. Then their wonderful photographer, Penny Noell, whisked them off for other great photos, like these below, before they went on to the Millennium Hotel in Durham for their reception.
A treat to add is that Lori's mother made their beautiful (and Lori says tasty) wedding cake. As a baker who has made professional wedding cakes before, I was quite amazed. Especially since they're from out of town. Try making this in someone else's kitchen!
In a recent email to me, Lori said: 'Wes and I are, indeed, having a wonderful time. :) I'm thankful every day that he found his way into my life.'And I'm glad I could be there for such a special moment in their life.
Rich and Elle are delighted to find each other. You can see that in every interaction they have. And their families and friends are delighted, too. You could see that in the laughter and easy banter at the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony.
And what a ceremony it was. I've never had quite such a musical set of people. We were lucky that April 10th was such a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding at The Aqueduct Conference Center in Chapel Hill. And it was just perfect. I'm especially glad since Rich's friends and family from England were all there in force and our Carolina Blue sky did us proud. Out of town folks stayed at the center, too. Julie Hamilton, the Event Coordinator at The Aqueduct, could not have ordered better weather had she been able to.
The best of these wonderful pictures are taken by their photographer, Michael Moss. My favorites are both the first and final pictures of this blog. He also took the picture of their sand ceremony. That final picture is especially stunning and full of grace. I'm sure Elle and Rich will cherish it forever.
Rich and Elle are both fun, smart, and have the same sense of humor. They love that they can be all the way from silly to serious together without judging each other. And they're both caring and thoughtful people who communicate genuine respect for the others' opinions. I'm glad because I think they really enjoyed their wedding and this foundation bodes well for their marriage.
Elle's mother and sister sang a truly wonderful a capella rendition of 'Amazing Grace' that touched us all. Elle's brothers sang 'I'm Yours' and their friend Alex sang 'Brand New Day.' Musical interludes at a ceremony can feel forced but not this time. These songs were touching, relevant, heart felt, classy, and were beautifully done. Add to this the wonderful ceremonial processional and recessional music of Twin City Trio of Elegant Ensembles.
Elle's Aunt Annette offered us the poem 'Why marriage' by Mari Nichols-Haining, and Rich's Aunt Janet read that wonderful piece about love from Captain Corelli's Mandolin by Louis De Bernieres speaking of lasting love being both an art and a fortunate accident.
Elle and Rich wrote their own vows to each other, too. Then they each ended their vows with classic vows that were the same. I love the combination of one's own words followed by the timeless words of love that anchor one in the eternal understanding of love and commitment. Then you have both the personal and the classic in your ceremony.
Rich and Elle shared a sand ceremony which was just right for the mood and the symbolism. We blessed their marriage with these wonderful words of reflection: "Oh how our hearts are filled with great happiness on this day. Richard and Danielle have come together here in love, pledging their lives and hearts to one another. ...Help them to be sweetheart, helpmate, friend, guide and together, may they meet the cares and problems of life more bravely." It's a longer blessing in total, with more wonderful words.
We ended with 'Bless this wedding day and this couple as they go forth together.' I add my blessing to that again. It's been fun that Elle are I are now friends on Facebook. I love hearing their news as they start their married life together.
On Saturday, May 8th I had the pleasure of presiding over Jason and Sam's wedding. It was the culmination of many months of careful and very creative planning. I was so impressed by their embracing all the opportunities that this public declaration of their love offers. The above is one of photographer Ann Hathaway's wonderful photos.
Sam is a 6th grade English teacher and her imagination showed in the beautiful chuppah that she and her friend, Christel batiked with an image of the tree of life. Its structure was designed by Sam's father Karl and Jason, using Cedar trees cut from the woods at her parent's home. Here's a better picture of how wonderful it was.
Here is their invitation in the same rich imagery and colors. Ignore the line next to Jason's name. That's where I blocked out their last names for my scan. I'm sorry that the colors don't show up more vividly on this image. It's really elegant and is has 'Shell Artistree' on the back, which I assume in the manufacturer. I hope they frame it. I can't bear to throw it out.
They were married in The Cotton Room in downtown Durham. It was another 'blank canvas' for them to fill. The room was light filled and airy with sections set up for every need - sofas and cocktail tables for before and after the ceremony, ceremonial space and tables for the dinner afterward - all in lovely champagne color linens.
The only downside that I found with this location was the sound of the air conditioning system. I was so glad that the musicians and I had microphones so that we could be heard. But best of all was Michelle who is with The Cotton Room and who expertly coordinated all that we needed for the day.
I was delighted that Sam and Jason sent me these images taken by guests at their ceremony. Photographer Amy Hathaway took the official photographs and I've noted those for you. She was wonderful getting shots of all the special artistic touches that Sam and Jason brought to their day.
Jason and Sam met through mutual friends in January of 2008 when they talked for 4 or 5 hours at that first meeting. They love to travel and Jason proposed when they were on a trip to San Francisco. (Smart man. San Francisco is such a romantic city.) And they're going to British Columbia on their honeymoon.
When I first met them, they were exploring the book 'If The Buddha Married' by Charlotte Kasl, which they highly recommended it. I'm glad that writing this blog has reminded me to get a copy for myself.
Jason and Sam loved the wonderful spiritual exploration into their relationship that it prompted. They were drawn to the symbolism of the tree of life, not in the traditional sense but as a symbol of roots, shelter, and connection. How trees are full of beauty - Aspens, Birch, Oak, Tulip Poplars - , changing in each season, and how they are tied to the earth, how they house birds, and shelter us.
Sam and Jason honor their roots, both spiritual and familial and knew that this gathering would be special in all the different branches of their lives it would draw together for this one day.
They're reflective and joyful people, in touch with the layers of meaning which add texture and strength to our lives and our relationships. They told their guests that their relationship had made them realized the sacredness of the marriage ceremony and how they are growing and evolving as people and as a couple already in their lives together.
They are meant for each other and they were radiant on their wedding day.
I love the vows they said to each other:
'I take you as my partner, loving and respecting the amazing person that you are, and the person you will become. I promise to treasure our commitment and to honor our relationship and family as most important. I will support you in your dreams and be your life long companion. I will remember to appreciate you daily and I will try to be the strength when times are difficult. I love having you as my best friend in this adventure together. And I will cherish every day we have together, sharing the sweetness of our life.'
We were all smiles after that ceremony. You can see it in the final photo, which was taken by Ann Hathaway. Their ceremony had such a rightness to it. I was delighted to be a part of it and I wish them all the happiness in the world.
It's impossible to describe Andre and Renee's wedding on May 1st at their home without mentioning their animal companions who they love like children. I love this about them. I have my own inter-species romance with our Senegal Parrot named Mango. I understand how our furred and feathered friends expand our world, keep us humble, teach us how to love, and remind us how to take things in stride. In the picture above, we're looking at the meows that Chessy Pete is making from the window of the house during the ceremony.
And here is Cheezy Pete looking back.When we gathered for Andre and Renee's wedding at their home, their animals were very much included.
It was important for Renee and Andre to include their parents in spirit, too, even though Andre's parents had passed on and Renee's parents weren't able to be with us.
I loved this about their ceremony and their hearts. As a minister you learn how to create and honor sacred space. Andre and Renee had an intuitive understanding of both the power and the presence of that intention and created it beautifully in their front yard for their ceremony. Here are pictures of Andre and his family, here is memory and spirit.
Here are pictures of Renee and her family.
Though, too, her three sisters were very much there in person. 
I love seeing sisters together. Having two sisters myself, I know how the relationship most often softens and becomes closer in adulthood as you let go of childhood resentments and can once again laugh with the people with whom you've shared almost your whole life. It was fun to see them together enjoying each other in their quirks, gifts, and graces.
Pan, short for Pandora, and her friend played classical fiddle music on the porch. It was gentle and had a soft sweetness just right for this front yard intimate ceremony. You can find her on my musicians vendor page.
Emmet, Renee's 10 year old yellow Lab, walked Renee down the aisle, his attire complete with tie to make the occasion formal.
And Renee is carrying one huge stunning hydrangea blossom as her bouquet from a bush that is now planted in their yard. It worked beautifully.
Andre and Renee are, they're proud to state, two very different people. Two different people who've found how to relish new perspectives on life through loving each other. And in their loving they've found that happiness comes when we don't require the other to fit any mold but to wholly and joyfully be themselves.As I left them on their wedding day they were just getting the party going. I knew that it would go on, in some way or another, for the rest of their lives.
There were lots of friends who helped them create their special day. First of all there were their friends from The City Tap in Pittsboro, where they met. And their cake was from Sugarland in Chapel Hill. And they had whoopy pies from Larry's Famous Cheesecake in Pittsboro. Their fabulous food was from Angelina's Kitchen also in Pittsboro.
And their rings were from Creative Metalsmith's in Chapel Hill.
Here's a final picture taken of them at The City Tap. They have a wonderful community of friends who helped them celebrate.....and continue celebrating.
What a blessing!
Living as I do in Hillsborough, I feel lucky that I can officiate weddings in both Raleigh and Greensboro. That is how Alina and Aaron found me. I had the privilege of marrying them on April 16th at The Proximity Hotel. They were navigating a long distance relationship at the time, Aaron living in Utah and Alina living in Greensboro.
Alina and Aaron's wedding was scheduled for mid-April and her move to Utah in early May. A busy time, especially when you add in family traveling from Michigan, Canada, and Romania to be with them for their wedding.Their ceremony was held on a small balcony at the hotel with the small family dinner afterward in a banquet room right off the balcony.
They wanted a simple ceremony which was a testament to their love and commitment to each other. And they wanted to make sure it wouldn't be stern in tone. It was a treat for me to assure them that stern wasn't my style at all. Alina's mother doesn't speak much English so we had the ceremony translated into Romanian for her. It was sweet to see her following the words of the ceremony in her text with tears flowing down her face as we celebrated the amazing grace of Alina and Aaron's love for each other.
It was a windy day and we struggled a little to light the unity candle. But it stayed lit long enough for us to pronounce the symbolism complete. The Proximity had done all that they could to help us with the wind, even setting up this beautiful screen to shelter the candles. Then when the screen threatened to blow down, a staff member at The Proximity hid behind the screen during the ceremony to hold it in place. They were wonderful. I try to move out of the way so that photographers can get the couple kissing without my head in the picture. But in this case, our photographer, Rob Brown, a colleague of Alina's, included all of me in the shot. I knew from Alina and Aaron that they felt so blessed to have found each other. It was a special treat to be able to perform their ceremony and witness their joy and gusto in this kiss.
They chose well. You can see it in their consideration for each other. I wish them all joy possible in the wonderful adventure of a well loved life.
The first time I talked to AnnMarie on the phone I was charmed by the laugh in her voice. She told me that she and Joe wanted an intimate ceremony focused on their love and their love of their families. They wouldn't be having a traditional wedding party, she said, but wanted to involve families more directly than other ceremonies they'd been to. Almost everyone would be coming from out of town. And since everyone there was important to both them, they didn't want to leave anyone out. These were the people they loved, standing up with them, hearing their vows and supporting them in their love.I also felt another connection with AnnMarie. She's a middle school language arts teacher. My Sweetheart, Ruben, is a middle school science teacher. I know how hard middle school teachers work. They have to educate both the parents and the kids who, at that age, have much of their being occupied trying to figure what their body is doing to them. Middle school teachers have a calling that I respect big time. Joe's an engineer who has been in the US Air Force. They both have an integrity that shines through them.
When I first met them, I was delighted to know that I'd be the one marrying them. They'd met each other three years before when they lived in different cities but by Spring of 2010 not only they, but both their families were all settled in North Carolina. What an affirmation of closeness.
This would be a family affair. Even the pianist, Erica, is a good friend, offering her gift of music to their wedding. And her friend Alissa, was their volunteer coordinator, ensuring that the day's events ran smoothly.
Joe and Ann Marie decided to have their ceremony at All Saints Chapel in downtown Raleigh, and it seemed to fit them perfectly. It's such an intimate setting and has simple timeless beauty in each polished beam. Plus the location was perfect. Everyone could walk to the Cafe Luna for the reception. I offer these pictures of the chapel so you can see too how lovely it is and how it suited them.
All these wonderful pictures were taken by Robert Filcsik of Filcsik Photography. Aren't they wonderful! I'm so glad that Joe and AnnMarie will have these moments captured forever.
Here is looking from the back to the front where I'm standing.
Here is a picture looking to the back of the chapel.
Here is a picture from the balcony. An added bonus for the photographer. At a different wedding I did at this chapel, the photographer took a group shot from the balcony right after the ceremony.
Joseph escorted his mother into the sanctuary followed by his father, and Ann Marie entered with both her parents. Then we offered a prayer of blessing for AnnMarie and Joe and their new life together asking God for a loving and bountiful blessing on their marriage.
Joe's mother read a beautiful translation of the portion of Paul's 1st Letter to the Corinthians that talks about love. If you decide to have this read at your wedding, I suggest that you compare the translations to find the one you like. They are all lovely but can vary a lot. And isn't this a wonderful hat moment for Joseph's mom. We women don't get near enough hat moments so we have to make them memorable. Hers was great.
The woman who made AnnMarie's wedding dress made the tie that we used for the handfasting from the same material as the dress, with the same appliques. It was perfect. I loved how they drank in each moment in their ceremony, fully present to each other and to the day. With their good friends and families close by, they were surrounded by love and you could feel it tangibly.
Some times couples are so nervous that they aren't able to drink in the love and support that surrounds them. AnnMarie and Joseph could. They showed this too in 'the kiss.' I tell couples not to let it go too quickly or the photographer will miss it. Joe didn't lose his opportunity for a full on smooch with accompanying dip of AnnMarie in classic romantic grandeur. We all loved it, and AnnMarie loved it and was sure surprised.
I sense that this is a part of what they offer to the world in their callings and in the fullness of their love. I imagine that their lives will always have that same exuberance I saw on this day. I wish them much joy.I never go to the reception, preferring to come home to my Sweetheart, Ruben, but I wanted to honor the other wedding professionals at the reception that helped to make AnnMarie and Joe's wedding just what they wanted it to be. Wedding professionals tend to love what they do. It makes them fun to work with and very good at what they do.
At the reception, the DJ was Patrick Cooke of PC productions, the cake was made by Sweet Memories Bakery in Apex, the florist was Renee Becker from The Flower Cupboard, and AnnMarie's makeup was by Make-up Art by Jenny.
When they got back from their honeymoon I got this great note from AnnMarie:
'Thank you so much for all that you have done for us! We feel blessed to have had you with us on our day. I am especially appreciative of your calming and guiding influence. I can't even put into words how reassuring the looks were that you gave us as we went through the ceremony. You really did transform the space into something sacred. It happened like magic. And that kiss! I tried to plan one out, but Joe told me, "No way!" He wanted to surprise me on that day! He sure did! LOL! 'May their lives be full of many such loving surprises. I have a hunch it will be.
On Sunday, April 11th at 1:30 pm, Chris and Tim got married! It was a quiet ceremony but I'm sure even the heavens noticed the great joy of it.
Most of these wonderful photographs are by Craig Carpenter of Luster Studios. He has a way of capturing fleeting moments that will never occur just the same again and that now will stay in your heart forever. You can see lots more great shots of Tim and Chris's wedding on his blog. There were lots of friends with cameras too, and Tim's uncle, J, Eric Morris, got one of the sweetest, (but then there were many sweet) photos of the day. I've attributed it to him below.
We also thank Tamara Davis of Cherished Moments for her fabulous planning, and Teri Freeland-Jones of Floral Alternatives (919- 395-9887, tfreela@bellsouth.net) for her beautiful floral arrangements and petals. John Schodtler, a very talented bagpiper, at abagpiperforhire@hotmail.com piped the guests into their seats and the bridal party into the ceremony. He lent just the right air of formality to the setting.
Tim and Chris reserved the shelter with a fireplace and a quiet sunny corner balcony overlooking the woods in this secluded corner of Umstead Park at the Reedy Creek entrance. It's a perfect place for a ceremony for perhaps 30 to 40 people. (This is my photo before the wedding. Not a stellar shot but I want you to see how perfect the site is.)
Here's Craig taking a picture after the ceremony of Tim and our bagpiper, John. This is inside the shelter (A wonderful backup location and a great place for photographs.)
Tim and Chris chose a beautiful poem called 'A New Beginning' by Gwen Frostic to celebrate the spring of their love in this the most glorious weekend of the spring of the year.
They also chose a wonderful small poem by our prolific author, Anonymous, called 'True Love.' It goes: '
True love is a sacred flame that burns eternally, And none can dim its special glow or change its destiny. True love speaks in tender tones and hears with gentle ear, True love gives with open heart and true love conquers fear. True love makes no harsh demands, it neither rules nor binds, And true love holds with gentle hands the hearts that it entwines.' It was a pleasure to read.
When Chris called me to learn about my services we felt a kinship. Our life paths were similar in that we needed to find the self before we could know, and celebrate finding our true love. Not too long ago I ran across the quote on a bride's Facebook page that I had married: 'The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you you love, well, that's just fabulous.' This applies to Tim and Chris, and it was a joy to celebrate their clear choice and clear hearts.
A special part of their ceremony was the Celtic Handfasting ceremony with a hand-fasting cord made by their good friend. They did the full ceremony with the knots made which bind them as they make their promises.It's easier as the cord gets shorter. At first, I was trying not to whap them in the heads with my hands. Luckily I didn't.
This is the picture Tim's uncle took and it says 'Happily Bound' under the photo. You can see his blog of the event at, http://restedtraveler.blogspot.com
After the pronouncement, we blessed their marriage with both the Apache Wedding Prayer and the Irish Wedding Blessing, which goes: 'May you always have enough happiness to keep you sweet, Trials to keep you strong, Success to make you eager, Friends to give you comfort, Wealth to meet your needs, Enthusiasm to look for tomorrow, and a growing love to make each day better than the day before.' Their delight was contagious, and their laughter after the ceremony was full and rich.
The reception was, I'm sure, great fun. I wish them great happiness, more great fun, and the great adventure of a wonderful marriage.
I thank Craig for this wonderful picture of me at Chris and Tim's wedding in my Emerald green stole. I always glow a little from the privilege of celebrating a marriage such as this. The stole added to the glow and Craig added his magic with the camera. Thanks, Craig!
Wes and I entered from the top steps and walked down the steps until I was one step up and he was at ground level. This created a more intimate ceremony appropriate to the feel they wanted to create. Here Wes and I are watching Lori enter on the arms of both her parents. 
They had met at a professional group in Raleigh and it took just a bit of time for them to really see all the wonderful facets of each other, and how much they were growing through knowing and appreciating each other. Love does find us in amazing ways and places, especially if we're open to it. They are both people with kind and generous hearts, which meant that hearts were also full to spilling over during the ceremony.
They requested a group picture of everyone right after the ceremony, and with forty people, it was fairly easy to comply. Then their wonderful photographer, Penny Noell, whisked them off for other great photos, like these below, before they went on to the Millennium Hotel in Durham for their reception. 
