Private wedding in North Carolina

It took a little planning and a few plane trips but this handsome groom finally made it to North Carolina to marry the woman of his dreams. Yes, we're talking long distance. Almost 10,000 miles. Even though he and Beth were separated by an ocean their hearts were always connected.

Let's grow old together, beginning with today. Let's work slowly with each other and build a relationship that we can both enjoy being a part of. Let's share love and understanding that neither of us is perfect; we both subject to human frailties. Let's hold each other close and whisper through the night, pledging our love, honoring our commitment.

Taken from poems by Denise Braxton Brown and Peggy Wrightsman

Beth and Anthony included a handfasting as part of their wedding ceremony.

The wrapping of  hands symbolizes the bringing together of your two hearts in a marriage of strength and unity. 

Above you are the stars and below you is the Earth.

Like the stars, your love should be a constant source of light

and like the Earth, a firm foundation from which to grow.

 May your hearts be joined always to each other, as your hands are now.

 Vows were made to their children, promising to create a family together. Then each child was presented with a gift as a physical reminder of the promises made.

 It is a wonderful thing when dreams come true!

Let's grow old together and look back on life and smile.