Sunday, December 30, 2012

Darrow and Ryan - Happily Married

The beginning of forever for Darrow and Ryan.
 But wait, let's start at the beginning of their wedding day!
The ground was a little wet so Darrow got a quick ride on our golf cart.
Loved this photo!
 Holding on tight.
 Kissing photos are my favorite.
 Darrow and Ryan wanted a first dance so we stepped away and gave them a little privacy.
 We did sneak a few photos.
 Knowing that God has brought us together, 
I choose to walk beside you from this day forward. 
You put love in my heart and hope in my dreams. 
All that I am I give to you. 
All that I have, I share with you
Whatever the future holds, 
I will love you, 
stand by you, 
and be faithful to you 
for all the days of my life.
 The new Mr. and Mrs.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Bryan and Autumn Marry at RiverMist

Check out the smile. 
This groom could not stop smiling. No doubt he was here to marry the woman of his dreams!
And here's the lovely bride. Don't you love her headpiece?
 
Autumn and Bryan decided to walk together. 
We blessed their wedding rings using the four elements, earth, air, fire and water.
Looking to the future.
Smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.
  Autumn's friend requested a 'Dip' photo.
Bryan a true gentleman quickly took off his coat to warm his 'wife'.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Private Wedding - Elizabeth and Paul Marry in NC

Sometimes the weather just does not cooperate and couples prefer to get married inside our main cabin. We knew the weather was questionable and waited until the last minute to make a decision. Not only was it a little chilly, there was wind and rain. Elizabeth and Paul decided that it would be more comfortable marrying inside.
 Paul and I wait patiently as Elizabeth walks down the stairs.
After all the years, it's finally their day!
Smiles, smiles and more smiles.

The Prophet, Kahlil Gibran: "You were born together, and together you shall be forevermore. 
You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days. 
But let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the heavens dance between you. Love one another, but make not a bond of your love; 
let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your soul. 
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup. 
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf. 
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone. 
Even as the strings of a lute are alone, though they quiver with the same music. 
Give your hearts, but not into each other's keeping. 
For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. 
And stand together yet not too near together: 
for the pillars of the temple stand apart, 
and the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each others shadow."

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Fall Mountain Wedding in NC

Yes, for the most part, the leaves have fallen from the trees. From the photo it looks like a chilly fall day but looks can be deceiving. Saturday was a wonderfully warm day with the highs near 70. Still, this was a little cool for Geoffrey and Megan who traveled from Florida to marry in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Their guests came prepared with scarves and boots and they were needed once the sun went down.

Geoffrey and Megan chose a great location for their family wedding, finding their rental house through Vacation Rentals by Owners, I had time to wander around a little so I took a few photos before the wedding.

As you can see, the area was truly beautiful.
Look how clever. I love the framed photos. And here's another.
I noticed this folder. These guys were organized.
I was sitting on the sofa when Geoffrey started looking through the folder. He pulled out a slip of paper and gave it to the maid of honor with instructions. She was told to give the note along with a  'gift' to his bride. Unfortunately he did this after Megan had applied her makeup. Romantic groom, what are you going to do! Anyway, the gift was well received and after a few tears the makeup was reapplied. 
One more pre-wedding photo. Loved the cake!
And now the happy newlyweds.
All I want is to grow old with you...
To watch our life unfold,
Our dreams, one by one, come true.

All I want is to love you forever.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Famiily Wedding at RiverMist

Frank and Heather wanted an uncomplicated, stress-free wedding. Just the two of them and Heather's fun-loving daughters. What a pleasure to meet them and be part of such a special time.
Two flower girls who took their job very seriously.
Loved this photo of the shiny new wedding band.
The Kiss
And the reaction. Oh no... more kissing!
Frank is a VERY lucky man. Three women to love!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Lovebirds, Snowbirds - Pat and Bob Marry and Head South

 November 4, 2012. What a special day for a very special couple.

Pat and Bob have already shared many, many happy years together. They loved golf so for the past thirteen years they've been splitting their time between Florida and North Carolina so they could play year round. Health issues have slowed down their playing but they truly love living on the 17th green, watching the activity on the golf course.

It was getting cold in the mountains and it was time to head south. Just one thing left to do before the migration. Pat said she was ready to be Mrs....

There was a lot of activity when I arrived at their mountain home. Family and friends were busy preparing a feast. I had time to chat with Bob and Pat while everyone was bustling around. Bob told me they wedding rings had a special inscription, something they say to each other during the day. One will say, "I love you" and the other will say "Love you back". Once they told me that, I decided to incorporate the phrase in their wedding ceremony. A sweet, sweet touch. Not a dry eye in the house!

I had my small camera with me but only had a chance to take a couple of photos. Hopefully, their family (no computer stuff for these two) will send me a few more photos.
 
“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” ― Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

Monday, November 5, 2012

Wedding at Chimney Rock Park

If you've been to Chimney Rock you will recognize the photo. If you haven't been to the park this is the tunnel that leads to the elevator. There's always the option of walking to the top of the 'Rock' but the elevator is certainly the easiest route. During the short ride a staff member will provide park information and answer any questions.

The view from the top is awesome. It was a little foggy when I arrived but you can still see the beautiful mountain range.

 Even with the fog, the view of Lake Lure was beautiful.
The flag pole on top of Chimney Rock is a landmark. As you can see, it was a little breezy on Nov. 3rd, the day Julia and Josh became wife and husband.
Julia, Josh, their children, family and friends gathered in the concession area to prepare for the wedding.
Julia made her bouquet using a collection of brooches provided by their great-grandmothers. 
Julia and Josh wanted to involve their children as much as possible. The basket contained the supplies for a sand ceremony. 
And we had a very handsome ring bearer.
Time to celebrate!