Blue Ridge Parkway Wedding

Are you sweltering in the summer heat? Well, let me just make you jealous. I’m sitting by a KOA cabin in Boone under a shade tree with a nice cool breeze. No air conditioning, slept with the windows open last night. I talked to my husband and the temperature at our retreat center was 105 about an hour ago.

Although it is hotter than usual here, I’m lovin’ this mountain weather!

 The wedding I officiated yesterday turned into a bit of an adventure. I knew the location was Lump Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway and I expected a ‘lump’. I hadn’t given much thought to getting to the top of the ‘lump’.

It was not a bad walk at all. Luckily, I had walking shoes (actually sandals) and changed into my dress shoes after reaching the top. Definitely worth the walk. Beautiful views! I'm sure the photographer got some great shots and hope to have some to post soon.

 

Here's a photo from the top of the summit to the parking lot

When I arrived family and friends were busy carrying chairs and coolers to the top.

Rachel and Al were well prepared and I'm sure their guests appreciated their thoughtfulness.

There were hiking sticks, parasols and hand held fans. And best of all…. plenty of ice cold water.

Al and I discussed some last minute details and I took possession of the marriage license. (a must before the wedding). After meeting with Rachel I headed up the hill to check out the actual location.

A permit was required and the park limited the number of guests. However, additional guests were waiting at the reception site to welcome the newlyweds.

Here’s Rachel’s niece getting ready. Cutest flower girl! She and Eli (Rachel and Al’s son) were pulled in a wagon decorated with flowers.

It’s not everyday you see the groom and best man with hiking sticks!

Thanks to today's technology, we had lovely music playing while we waited for the bride to arrive.

The work and planning was over. It was their day, it was their time. Rachel and Al made promises to each other, promises to last a lifetime. 

We passed their wedding rings among the guests so each person could offer their personal blessings and prayers.

And here's the happy family! 

After some photos Rachel and Al headed to the La Quinta Inn for their reception. At the Inn they met a lovely couple celebrating their 41^st wedding anniversary. This happy couple offered some advice on marriage and challenged Rachel and Al to beat their record. 

Since they did not have a first dance at their wedding forty-one years ago, Rachel and Al invited their new friends to join them on the dance floor. After which they shared wedding cake and toasted to many, many years of happiness. A chance meeting, now a wonderful wedding memory!

And from their wedding ceremony:

Marriage is a foundation…a seed of love that grows deeper each day. Because of your love, you will change most remarkably. Allow the changes to flower in you and know that they are leading you to a place where, separately and together, you are becoming more than you were before. For it is love, true love, that is the true gift of marriage.

Best wishes to the happy couple! 

The Things We Do For Love - July Wedding at Chimney Rock State Park

Sunday July 24th is certainly a day I will remember for a long time! Hopefully I will have photos to post soon. I took just a couple with my iPhone. 

 

Like many areas, we have been experiencing a heat wave. Last Friday our thermometer reached 114 degrees. Now even if it's off a little, that is still hot. Last Friday was also the day I was stuck in traffic on I 85 for 3 1/2 hours with the car thermometer reading 103 degrees. Not fun. 

Yesterday, with all the heat, I was a little concerned about the walk to Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park. It's been a dry summer as you can tell from the lack of water flowing.

Thank goodness, Josh and Whitney were smart and planned for a 10:30 ceremony. I arrived at the park around 9:30, wanting to get a head start and give my sweat time to dry before everyone arrived at the waterfall. The walk is not normally too bad and luckily there was a breeze.

I'm always concerned when a hike is involved and remind everyone to bring plenty of water. While walking the trail, I had to stop a couple of times to catch my breath. I was looking so forward to the cold water I had packed in my bag. It was my incentive to keep moving. When I arrived at the base of the falls, I placed my bag on the picnic table ready to reward myself. Imagine my surprise when I could not find my water. I was mumbling to a park guest that I couldn't believe that I had left my water behind. The kind hearted soul offered me some from his bottle. I declined his offer but it's always reassuring when strangers come to your rescue.

The area is so beautiful. The breeze quickly dried my perspiration and I was ready when the wedding guests started arriving. And lucky for me, they brought extra water. Josh and I chatted a bit while we waited for Whitney's parents to arrive. Once everyone was in place, it was time for the wedding.

"We have gathered here, surrounded by the beauty of nature, to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony."

Like many couples Josh and Whitney wanted a ceremony that focused on love. They chose several Bible passages to be included.

"As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you: abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."

Whitney and Josh made promises, exchanged rings and celebrated with family and friends. Now they are enjoying their first days of married life.

I will admit I was happy to get home and change clothes. Often, my husband, Guy, just shakes his head at me. After a wedding that requires physical effort he usually tells me 'you know you don't have to do this'. Sometimes I think that means, 'you're getting too old to do this'. He is a wise man and chooses his words carefully! It's not that I have to do it but I can't not do it. I know, I know, terrible grammar. Double negative but it makes my point.

I was a little tired yesterday but did get to try out my new pedometer. And after a little nap in the air conditioning I was good as new! Now... waiting for the next adventure.

Cheryl and Brian Get Married in North Carolina

Tonight is the night.
It's the creation of that land of eternity.
It's not an ordinary night,
it's a wedding of those who seek Love.

July 16 was not an ordinary night. For Cheryl and Brian it was a night of memories with promises made under the full moon. 

 

Like so many couples, Cheryl and Brian have families living in other states. Planning a wedding that could include everyone was nearly impossible. So they decided on a private wedding ceremony and will celebrate later with family and friends.

Cheryl and Brian wanted to include a ring blessing, using a special heart shaped stone they found on a trip to Yellowstone. They also wanted a way to symbolize the love and support of their family. They chose two stones near the ceremony site which will be presented to their mothers at a later date.

It was a perfect night for a unity candle.

And here’s the happy couple with their best man and maid of honor.

 

 And Cheryl just had to get in the water.

 

 What a fun couple. Check out their champagne glasses!

Happily Married!

Best wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs.

Shirley and Mike Marry at RiverMist

Dreams do come true! A few days ago I had the honor of blessing the marriage of two best friends.

Shirley and Mike contacted me about six months ago. They found my information over the internet and wanted to come visit our retreat center. They immediately decided that our river house was perfect for their family wedding. So perfect, in fact, they booked the house for four nights. (turns out that wasn’t enough and they added another night!) And they are already talking about returning next year for their anniversary.

The wedding took place on Friday evening and lucky for us there was a break in the heat wave we had been experiencing. There had been showers throughout the day but the rain held off long enough to get the dock beautifully decorated.

Everyone gathered around at the appointed time.

Here comes the bride!

And here’s Mike, watching his future wife walk toward him. It was finally time. The wait was over.

Shirley places the ring on Mike's finger as she makes her promises:

Mike, you are the love of my life and you are my very best friend. I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and my commitment to you. Just as this ring has no ending, neither has my love for you. I pledge to share with you my heart, my life an my love, from this day forward.

 Those who God hath joined together, let no man put asunder.

 After a few family photos, it was time to celebrate!

A nice candid shot. Yes, it's true we are finally married!

 

All I want is to love you

For the rest of my life....

To wake up every morning

With you by my side,

Knowing that no matter what happens

I’ll be able to come home

To your loving arms.

Shirley and Mike left a wonderful note in our guest book. I truly love what I do and it's an honor to be part of such a special time

Victoria and Guy, RiverMist is truly an amazing place. When Mike and I began to plan our wedding we wanted our wedding to be outside with family and friends. RiverMist provided us with a beautiful and peaceful place that we could get married and share our special day with our family and friends.

The moment Mike and I pulled up at the cabin we knew that we had found our place. Victoria was so helpful in helping us to plan and work through all the details. She kept close in touch through emails. She was very prompt to answer any questions we had. She provided us with many resources as she helped us to personalize our ceremony. She was very reassuring and was willing to share her wedding supplies with us.

As our wedding day got closer she stayed in touch to see if we needed anything. When we arrived at the cabin she had everything ready for us to decorate.

On the day of our wedding Victoria and Guy were very professional. The ceremony was absolutely perfect! Guy, you did an amazing job capturing our special day with pictures. Mike and I will cherish these pictures forever.

Victoria and Guy, you have a special place in our hearts. We look forward to coming back each year and spending our anniversary here. The five days we spent here, relaxing and fishing, were awesome.

The two of you are truly amazing and what you have created with RiverMist will be forever with us. We look forward to returning again soon to enjoy RiverMist and the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere it provides. Thanks for everything again. May God bless you both! Shirley and Mike

Waterfall wedding in NC - Pearsons Falls

Well, my day started off with a smile. I received this wonderful email:

Hello Victoria!  We are back in Florida and settling in.  John and I want to thank you so much for everything!  Our ceremony turned out wonderfully and just as we had imagined.  We weren't familiar with the local waterfalls and you couldn't have suggested a more beautiful location.  The weather was perfect (no rain) and much to our surprise we had the Falls all to ourselves.  Thank you also for helping us create our own personal vows and for creating the ceremony as a whole. 

It was so sweet of you to think about our 3 daughters by giving them the heart shaped stones to remind them of our stone toss and of our special day.  They loved them- they added them to the gem collections that they obtained during a gem mining trip we took when we were there.  Please, also give your husband a huge thank you for us as well.  I know that he doesn't usually go out on location with you so it was an extra bonus to see him there and for him to be kind enough to bring his camera along!!  We can't wait to see his photos! 

June 29, 2011 was a day that neither of us will ever forget!  Thank you for sharing it with us and for helping us make it so special!  Sincerely, John & Rebecca

I will have to start off by saying June 29^th was a hot summer day. But the sweaty walk and the bug bites are now a thing of the past and what we have left are wonderful wedding memories.

When Rebecca first emailed me she had a vision of what she wanted for her wedding day. It took some effort and coordination but from her email I know she and John had their dream wedding.

Rebecca made her entrance, walking behind her daughters who were blowing bubbles for her arrival.

Because of the circumstances I was not able to meet Rebecca ahead of time. It was a pleasure to finally meet her face to face.

The wedding vows were very personal and kept as a surprise until the day of the wedding. Look at their faces. 

Rebecca promised to ‘sit through the never ending episodes of House and to act as excited when you play Justin Bieber songs for me’.

And John concluded his vows by promising ‘to spend today and all of my tomorrows, with you.  To infinity and beyond..’ Wedding vows don’t have to be totally serious and it’s always fun to add some personal touches

And what a wedding memory. The first married kiss in front of a beautiful waterfall. 

Wedding at 1927 Lake Lure Inn

When Melissa and Jake were considering the 1927 Lake Lure Inn for their wedding they asked my opinion. I love officiating weddings there and am always happy recommend the Inn. It is perfect for any size wedding and the staff is always very professional and attentive. There are rooms and cabins for the guests, several locations for the actual wedding ceremony and a wonderful restaurant for the reception. It couldn’t be any easier.

When I arrived on June 24^th everyone was busy getting ready. Melissa and Jake had chosen the private garden for their ceremony which was perfect. 

We began with a prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen

During the ceremony Jake's sister, Shelley read scripture from Paul's letter to the Corinthians and Jake's brother, Matthew, read the Prayer of St. Francis. It is always a nice touch when family members participate in the ceremony.

 

And I have to post a photo of THE kiss!

Sarah Whitmeyer was the photographer and I highly recommend her. It was obvious she had a passion for her work. Here are just a few of her beautiful photographs.

 As you can see, Lake Lure provides wonderful opportunities for photographs. 

Here is a portion of an email I received from Melissa, 'I couldn't be happier. Friday was the BEST day of my life. I married my best friend. I still cannot believe how blessed I am to have found him'. 

The looks on their faces say it all. Love is a wonderful thing!

Love is in the Air – June Weddings in NC

Can you feel the love?? June has always been a popular month for weddings. 2011 is no exception. I’ve had the pleasure of officiating three weddings so far this month and have several more scheduled. Hopefully, I will have some photos to post soon.

If you’re reading this and planning a wedding I would like to offer a little advice. Choose your officiant wisely. I’ve heard quite a few horror stories lately. Mostly, ministers cancelling at the last minute. However, there was a couple who ended up leaving the minister’s office with the bride in tears. 

Seems he didn’t approve of their lifestyle and emphatically stated that he saw no hope for their marriage. This was three days before their wedding. The groom’s father contacted me because the couple was distraught and wanted to find another minister. Not bragging, well maybe a little, I stepped in and it was a beautiful wedding full of joy and happiness.

Finding the right minister requires a little effort, especially if you are planning a destination wedding. It may not be possible to meet ahead of time but if you choose an experienced minister everything can be planned through email and phone calls.

Several websites offer the opportunity for couples to post reviews. Here is a recent review posted by a couple I married in May.

Victoria is absolutely amazing to work with. I felt as if I had been friends with her forever. She responded promptly anytime I had a question. We met in person over coffee to get better acquainted. She was definitely on top of it all. She sent me a note the week prior to our wedding to remind me of a few things. Our ceremony couldn't have been more perfect. Everyone commented on how wonderful she was and how did I find her. And after our ceremony I went back to her earlier email which had a wonderful list of how to change your name and which accounts to change that I hadn't even thought of.

Absolutely Wonderful.

I always appreciate hearing kinds words from couples I marry. Michael and Sharon chose Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock for the wedding. What a great location. The mountain laurel was in full bloom and the weather was perfect. And you can tell from their faces that is was a very special day.

 And remember, whatever you do, have fun. It's your wedding day. Make it special.