Jessica and Bradley - Together, Forever.

Doesn't this photo just make you want to see their smiling faces?

Although January 22^nd ended up being a typical winter day, cloudy and cool, hearts were melted as these two exchanged their wedding vows at our retreat center.

I had really been looking forward to meeting Jessica and Bradley. There was no doubt that they were very much in love and wanted to have a ceremony that reflected their personalities. I truly enjoyed helping them design a ceremony, that according to them, was perfect!

No traditional wedding march for this bride. When I asked Jessica about special music, she said that she always wanted to walk down the aisle to the song Hymn by all female string quartet, Bond. We don’t have an ‘aisle’ in our main cabin but she walked down the stairs from our upstairs bedroom, escorted by her father. To be honest, she was such a lovely bride, I’m not sure anyone heard the music.

Even though it was the middle of winter, this happy couple stayed outside for quite a while taking photos. Family and friends watched from inside as people were popping in and out to have their photos taken. I took these photos from inside with my iPhone.

 These two have many wonderful photos of their wedding day.

One happy family!

 That's right Bradley, this woman 'has your back'. And she's not about to let go!

Bride's Choice Award

Once again, I have been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award!

The esteemed annual award recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, my selection was based on its reviews from past newlywed clients.

This award is given to the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Rev. Victoria Hutchins for her continued professionalism and commitment.”

A BIG thank you to all the couples who have allowed me to be part of their wedding celebration!

"Penguins" Marry in North Carolina

The weather might have been a little cold on Friday the 13^th but it was perfect for two ‘penguins’ who decided to get married at our retreat center. Some might consider this an unlucky day but it’s obviously a very lucky day for these two.

Jamie contacted me about a week ago. Chad, was coming home from Afghanistan and they had plans to marry as quickly as possible. I don’t know the details but their original venue cancelled at the last minute and she was looking for an alternate location. I was excited and couldn’t wait to meet the happy couple…

Once they arrived I offered several options for their ceremony. Although inside, by the fireplace, was appealing I just couldn’t keep these ‘penguins’ inside.

 And here's THE kiss!

 What a gentleman. Chad quickly gave Jamie his jacket. Later she told me that he insists on opening doors for her. His comment, 'Chilvery is not dead'.

And I just have to include this photo. There are Jamie's 'nine store shoes'. My husband didn't understand at first but I knew exactly what she meant. She had been in nine stores looking for the perfect shoes!

Penguins mate for life.
They stick together through sickness and adverse weather. 

Of all the penguins, these two are now together for life.

New Year's Eve Wedding

The last day of the year began a new life for Kristin and Xander as they exchanged their wedding vows at RiverMist.

It was very important to include Kristin's sons and they had the honor of escorting their mother.

 And here's the eager groom, waiting to see his bride in her beautiful gown.

We included several special elements in Kristin an Xander's ceremony. The first was a unity candle ceremony. So often you hear that you can't do this for outside weddings. Well, as you can see, we had no problems.

Kristin was curious about including a handfasting as part of their ceremony. I emailed her several options and she and Xander had the opportunity to choose one that suited their personalities.

After vows were exchanged, they held each others rings while I offered a blessing.

 To conclude their ceremony, they took their first communion as husband and wife.

Married!

 And I must include this photo. Kristin's bouquet was sitting on our dining room table before the ceremony. In the excitement, it was left behind.

What a wonderful way to say goodbye to one year and hello to the rest of your life!

Handfasting Ceremony

Jasmine wanted to get married on November 11^th. When she contacted me I told her the only time I had available would be 7:00 pm. Since she had family traveling, she decided to get married at noon the next day. It was a good decision because the weather was much nicer on Saturday.

Here's a photo with her father. It's finally time!

 

As part of the wedding ceremony, Jasmine and Brennan wanted to include a handfasting, which has Celtic origins. Handfasting is often associated with paganism but can easily be adapted for Christian and other religious traditions. I have many samples and am always open to other possibilities. For their ceremony, colored ribbons were tied as specific promises were made.

 We can only accommodate a few guests but that will soon change when our wedding bridge is complete. (more on this later)

After the ceremony everyone went inside to enjoy cake and sparkling cider.

Jasmine order the cake topper from Etsy.

 I wish you could see the detail. The doves are inserted in a small base and looked lovely on the cake. Jasmine plans to display the doves in a shadow box. What a nice wedding memento.

After the cake was cut it was time for the wedding toast. With smiles and a few tears, their families wished them much love and happiness!

11/11/11 Weddings

What a day! I have no idea how many couples chose today as their wedding day but I’m sure it was staggering. On Monday I had several phone calls from frantic people trying to find a wedding officiant. 

I had been booked for months and was surprised that so many couples waited until the last minute. Then I realized that the courthouse would be closed for Veteran’s Day. Many couples had been planning on a simple civil ceremony and were busy trying to find someone to marry them. 

My day started out with a wonderful ceremony. Two people who had been in love for 25 years chose today as their wedding day. They did not tell anyone of their plans but before arriving they had already mailed announcements. What a nice surprise for their family and friends.

 And then, another lovely couple came to our retreat center. I would not normally schedule several weddings on one day but this was a very special day and I tried to accommodate as many couples as possible.

Tricia and Rick traveled from across the state to get married at our retreat center. They arrived yesterday and had time to drive out to meet me and look around our center. It was a pleasure meeting them and made me even more excited to be part of their wedding day.

 Don't they look happy!

In the afternoon I headed to Lake Wylie for a beautiful (windy) ceremony. For Priscilla and Rody, 11/11/11 held very special meaning and it was very important that they begin their married life on this day. Although it was a little chilly, their ceremony was beautiful and very love-filled. (And the weather wasn’t too chilly since they drove away in a convertible with the top down!) Hopefully, I will have more photos to post soon.

And what a wonderful way to end a special day, with Rosemary and Sytse tying the knot. 

Yes, they really did tie the knot.

Tanya and George Marry at RiverMist

It was going to take more than a flat tire to keep Tanya and George from getting married on November 4^th. And although their wedding day started out with a minor difficulty, it ended up being the wedding of their dreams.

When we started planning their wedding ceremony Tanya told me that she did not want a traditional wedding ceremony; she wanted something very individual and unique. (the wheels started turning…)

I offered some suggestions and she and George decided on several different elements. It was time to put the ceremony together…

George had difficulty with the cuff links and his dad was happy to give him a little help.

 And here's the handsome groom, having his own 'photo shoot'.

We began with a Handwashing Ceremony to signify washing away the past and starting with a ‘clean slate’. After washing their hands, Tanya and George dried each other’s hands with tenderness.

When I mentioned ‘Tasting the Elements’ Tanya immediately said that she wanted to include this as part of the ceremony. Tanya and George dipped their fingers into the bowls containing salt water, lemon juice, tonic water and honey. They placed a small amount on the tip of the other's tongue as I explained the symbolism.

After personal vows to each other, Tanya and George made promises to their daughters. We concluded with a covenant of salt ceremony. Once blended, the covenant can only be broken when the individual grains of salt can be retrieved.

 We never know what the future holds but looks like these two will hold on tight!

Here's a portion of an email I received from Tanya.

You have changed our lives, my life and I will be forever grateful to you for all you've done to make my wedding the best moment of my life. Thank you Victoria. I love you!

 

Does life get any better?