Erica and Rick Marry at The Biltmore Village Inn

Erica and Rick wanted a beautiful and romantic location for their elopement. The Biltmore Village Inn was a perfect choice. I have officiated several weddings at the Inn and it’s always a pleasure to return.

Like many couples, they wanted a wonderful wedding memory without any stress. After a few emails, we had the ceremony finalized and it was just a matter of waiting for the date. Well, almost… Since they were from another state, they had to make a quick trip to North Carolina to obtain their marriage license. I understand it was quite an adventure and took a little longer than they expected. However, this was much better than arriving on Good Friday and finding the county offices closed.

Their original plan was to get married, with the Inn providing the witnesses. When good friends, Matt, Shannon, and their daughter Karlee, found out about the wedding they decided to drive to Asheville to join the celebration. This worked out perfectly. They served as the witnesses and Matt was a great photographer.

About a week before the wedding Erica emailed to see if it was possible to have a Dove Release. I told her it was no problem for me and gave her the phone number of Asheville White Dove Releases. Arrangements were quickly made. We had a plan.

We began the ceremony with ‘surprise’ reading of ‘You are My Everything’ from Erica to Rick. This set the tone for the rest of the ceremony, which was personally prepared. At Erica’s request we ended the ceremony with a reading from the book of Ruth, "Entreat me not to leave you or to return from following you; for where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God.”

 

After the pronouncement it was time for the Dove Release. Julia read a lovely poem before the newlyweds released the white doves from the wicker basket.

Everyone smiled as we watched the doves flying home together. White doves mate for life, the perfect symbolism. 

Bob, the owner of the Inn had a special surprise for Erica and Rick. Chocolate covered strawberries are always a treat. What a great way to start a marriage!

Wishing Erica and Rick much happiness as they travel through life together.