Short Notice Wedding in North Carolina - Lisa and Todd

The internet is very interesting... It can take information around the world in a flash or it can connect you with a next door neighbor. Todd and Lisa aren't exactly 'next door' neighbors but pretty close, living within a few miles of our retreat center. Like so many couples, Todd found my information through a google search.

Wedding planning was becoming stressful and he and Lisa really wanted to 'be married'. They wanted to marry quickly yet have a meaningful Christian ceremony. With only a few weeks planning we were able to have the wedding they desired.

The first photo Guy took was of the thermometer. 100 degrees... Definitely a wedding memory.

Todd and Lisa arrived in separate cars. He had seen the back of her dress but she was adamant that he not see the front. It was a very special moment as he lifted her veil.

It was very windy on Sunday, not a good day for an outdoor unity candle ceremony. I suggested that we move that part of the ceremony indoors. And they agreed the symbolism would be more meaningful if the unity candle stayed lit!

And..... I had a surprise for the newly married couple. Lisa had mentioned that she would like to share a cupcake after their wedding. I want 'my' weddings to be perfect so of course they had to have cupcakes! I laughed as Todd grabbed the last two on his way out the door.

And they may have arrived in separate cars... but they left in one. Off to begin their marriage with a little time alone...

Getting Married in North Carolina

June has always been a very popular month for weddings. This year is no different.. I was honored to have Beth and Randy travel to North Carolina for a June 1st wedding.

What a great way to start the month!

They wanted to do a fun picture after the wedding. A big 'High Five' to the new Mr. and Mrs....

Today (6/11) I received this wonderful email:
Victoria - Thank you SOOOOO MUCH for everything ... you and Guy made our wedding day absolutely perfect! Everything about it ... and everyone is so happy to see the amazing pics to get a glimpse into what it was like. I've even made a couple photo books for us and our parents.

We loved everything about our trip ... the wedding and time spent with you at RiverMist, the B&B we stayed at in Asheville, hiking at Dupont Forest, going out on a paddle boat on a lake, exploring Asheville and eating the most amazing meals ever. Perfect way to start our marriage ... which feels fantastic so far. We are slowly getting used to saying husband and wife (I still giggle every time I say husband:) and am working on the name change. We got the marriage licenses - thanks for sending that in so quickly.
We will definitely keep in touch ... and I've already sent your info to the daughter of a friend of my Dad's who's mom saw the pics and wanted to know more:) Hopefully we can send more great couples your way!
It was such a joy meeting you and so special and absolutely perfect to share our special day with you. Take good care and have a wonderful summer! Hugs, Beth and Randy

And to keep the month going, Amy and Tom arrived the next day for their North Carolina wedding.

We have such a fun time with the great couples who choose to get married at our retreat center. For most, they come here because they want to 'be married' without all of the stress of 'getting married'.

Take a look at this beautiful cross. Amy had asked if there was some way we could use it in the ceremony. Tom had made it for their dear friend, Eleanor, who sleeps with it at night. They were guarding it carefully until it could be returned to Eleanor.

And here's Glenn, our retired neighbor, who is kind enough to serve as a witness. Don't know what I would do without him!

Today (June 14th) I received this email:
Good morning Victoria,
Everyday last week you were on my mind. Sorry I did not write sooner. Everyone has been so happy to hear our news.They have loved all of the pictures. I want to thank you for everything. Tom and I have said over and over again that we would not change one thing about that day. So, thank you again for making it so special. Tom and I enjoyed spending that time with you and Guy and appreciate the way you opened your home and hearts to us. We will keep in touch and please know that I do think of you often. Thanks again! Amy

Private outdoor wedding in North Carolina - Rita-Marie and Paul Married

It's always exciting to finally meet the couples I have been working with. Many come from out of state and it's just not possible to meet ahead of time.

Rita is in graduate school at Chapel Hill and Paul... Well, that's a different story. He's in graduate school in Arizona. Thank goodness for the internet... Holidays and summers are spent in North Carolina.

Rita contacted me originally but then her mother called and asked that I provide flowers, a cake/sparkling cider reception and a cheese and cracker travel basket.

Rita emailed a photo of a bouquet she liked. Our local florist created this colorful bouquet.

Rita's friend made this beautiful headpiece. The photo does not do it justice...

Paul and Rita wanted to incorporate a handfasting in their ceremony. They decided to use a piece of white fabric and have it embroidered later, marking significant points of their marriage. A continual reminder of their journey together. Their parents were very touched by the ceremony.

Rita and Paul said the cake was much more elaborate than they expected. We removed the top layer and carefully packed it. Hopefully, it made the trip back to Chapel Hill. I told them if it didn't, it would be fine to freeze a couple of slices to share on their first anniversary.

A very happy couple.

I just love getting thank you notes... Look what arrived in my inbox this morning...

Hello Victoria, Whew! What a wonderful ceremony! I can not thank you enough for all the kind time and thought you put into our wedding ceremony at RiverMist. The location was perfect! In fact, it was more gorgeous and beautiful than pictures are able to capture. I loved the sound of the stream and your home was beautiful inside and out! You and your husband were very welcoming, which was a huge relief, since we were unable to meet before the ceremony. Even small weddings take alot of planning, yet I felt completely calm until you asked if we were ready to start. All of a sudden, I noticed the people watching and the camera and felt overwhelmed and shy! The relief of finally getting married in a way we loved, no longer worrying about details, we were able to relax. I had to keep myself from crying all during the ceremony! The reception was certainly a nice way to relax and breathe. That being said, an especially huge thank you to your husband, Guy, for capturing beautiful pictures with us smiling that my family and I can cherish. My ceremony and pictures were certainly everything I hoped for and more. Plus, the cake was delicious and made it home to Chapel Hill, along with my flowers! Many, many thanks!!!   Take care, Rita and Paul

Weddingmoon, aka Destination Wedding

There are various resorts widely known venues for destination weddings. All inclusive, wedding and honeymoon, all at the same location (and quite expensive).

Not everyone can afford, or wants to spend that kind of money… Many couples are finishing their education, buying a home, or saving to buy a home. Some want to delay their honeymoon because of work schedules or other obligations. And for some, who already have a family, a luxurious destination wedding is just not possible.

There are other options! Very convenient and affordable options. Why not consider renting a house/cabin/cottage and having your wedding, reception and honeymoon all at the same location… Need an idea?? We have a 2 bedroom riverfront (Broad River) cottage that we rent on a nightly basis. This is absolutely perfect for a simple elopement. However, the house is large enough, with plenty of parking, if you would like to include a few guests.

The cottage was updated Spring 2010, paint, carpet, tankless water heater, appliances and furnishings.
You can check out the amenities and rates by clicking here: UpRiver Cottage

Family Wedding at RiverMist

Karen contacted me months ago about having a small family wedding at our retreat center. She and Michael wanted a ceremony that included her children.

It was a very tender moment as the children 'gave their blessings' for Karen to marry Michael.

As you can see, it was a very happy day.

And.... the children were happy to play on the rocks after the ceremony was over.

Wedding at Hanging Rock State Park - Kim and Jake Happily Married

After lots of hugs, Jennifer, Tate and I parted ways. They were off to celebrate with their sisters (who were their witnesses) and I was headed to Hanging Rock State Park.

I had been in the area before but this was my first time in the park. It will not be my last. This place is absolutely gorgeous. I went directly to the shelter just to make sure I knew where everything was. There I found Jake and Autumn (their 20 month old daughter) 

After talking with Jake and admiring their decorations,  I headed to the cabin to meet Kim. As with many couples, we had not met ahead of time. Brides are very busy but I love to chat 'just a little'... It also gives me a chance to ask for the marriage license. (usually the bride is in charge of the license)

                       Kim and Jake had been busy getting everything ready for their wedding and reception. Don't let anyone tell you that you can't have a beautiful wedding in a public park. Everything was perfect!

Kim and Jake put a lot of thought into their wedding. This was a clever idea. Everyone was asked to place their thumbprint on the 'family tree'. What a great wedding keepsake!

And they were very wise... They wanted to include a unity candle but this can be 'tricky' with outside weddings. (you definitely wnat your candles to stay lit, at least until the ceremony is over...) Kim and Jake had a plan.. they lit their unity candle at the reception. Problem solved!  It ended up being a looong day and I arrived back at our retreat center at 7:00pm. And yes, by then I was a little tired. But so happy to know that I helped two couples make wonderful wedding memories.

Jennifer and Tate - Married at Thunder Hill Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway

May 1st, May Day, what a great day to get married! I knew Saturday was going to be a busy day traveling to two weddings but I knew they were both going to be very special... And was I ever right!

I left our retreat center at 7:00 am. Going down our driveway (about a mile long) I turned on my cell phone, GPS, iPod... opened my sunroof.... ready for a day on the road.

Jennifer and Tate contacted me several months ago about officiating their wedding. They were looking for a scenic spot somewhere around the Boone area. I suggested Thunder Hill Overlook, only a few miles from Blowing Rock. This is a very popular spot but I knew it wouldn't be crowded at 10:00am.

There is a meadow across the road which allowed us to have a very private ceremony. They wanted their feet planted firmly on the ground and not on concrete!

Jennifer told me that she was not the kind of girl who spent years planning her wedding. She definitely wanted to get married, just wasn't interested in the frills... Sometimes it's hard for family and friends to understand this and often feelings 'get hurt'.. Their families respected their decision, 'just be sure and take plenty of pictures'

I had a little surprise. I brought my HD pocket camcorder so their family will get to see the entire ceremony, thanks to their friend who videotaped their wedding.

Even a small wedding can be stressful and you can almost feel the tension leave once the couple are pronounced 'husband and wife'.

A little 'thumbs up' for the happy newlyweds!