Wedding at Taylor Ranch

If you're looking for a wedding venue that can accommodate a large number of guests I strongly suggest you consider the Taylor Ranch. I just can't tell you how nice these folks are. Since I couldn't take photos, the wedding coordinator snapped a few with my iPhone.

Here I am with Steven, waiting patiently for his bride, Danielle.

Here comes the bride.

It was a chilly day. 

I'm sure Danielle and Steven had thoughts of the cruise ship waiting for them in Charleston!

This fingerprint family tree was a clever way to recognize everyone who attended their wedding.

Private Wedding in North Carolina

It's been a fun wedding weekend which began on Friday with a secret elopement. And for the record, just like Vegas: what happens at RiverMist, stays at RiverMist. Well, kinda sorta. I'll write a little about the wonderful couple who allowed me to be part of a very special time.

Take a look! This was our first wedding on our new covered bridge. We're still working on the 'cosmetics' and landscaping but I couldn't wait. This was the day, this was the time.

I'm still working out the logistics but I loved this symbolism. As the bride and groom made their promises they were facing upstream, looking to their future, full of hopes and dreams.

But back to the couple who traveled quite a distance to marry here. The short-notice wedding was planned quickly. I receive a lot of request from couples planning an elopement that will take place in the future, sometimes as far as a year in advance. Now, this was a true elopement. There was a new dress, a marriage license and two people very much in love. Nothing else mattered!

Well, there may have been some new shoes, for the bride anyway.

How I wish I could show you the smiling faces.

For now, you'll have to use your imagination. But I will always remember these two and the look on the groom's face when he saw his bride for the first time.

Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Small wedding - BIG love

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...  

But wait.... I'm getting ahead of myself.

You know, sometimes you wake up and you just know it's going to be a good day. Today was one of those days. Full of adventures and surprises!

Just a few weeks ago I was at the NC coast enjoying the wonderful salt air. And today, I was enjoying the beautiful scenery in our mountains.

If you're not familiar with the Blue Ridge Parkway, you don't know what you're missing. I made a quick stop at an overlook to snap this photo on my way to the Boone area.

Also, have you ever wondered where  Christmas trees come from? Our mountains are famous for their beautiful trees.

What a lovely morning. I had plenty of time and truly enjoyed the ride. Until..... I came upon a one lane bridge. I travel all over the state and officiate a lot of weddings in the mountains and I remembered this bridge.

 

Hum.... bridges are not my favorite thing. And especially one lane bridges without side rails. I took a deep breath. At least it wasn't a long bridge. But then.... there was another one.

 

Things were getting a little weird. I remembered this bridge. A strange déjà vu experience. I couldn't remember when but felt like I had been here before. Oh well, I didn't have time to think about this, I had to find the location for a wonderful small family wedding. Kristen had contacted me recently and was planning a short-notice wedding. I was looking forward to meeting her and Jordan, her childhood sweetheart.

I was happy and on the right 'trail'. I still couldn't shake the feeling that I had been here before. Imagine my surprise when I walked up to the door and was met by Randy. I had been here before! July 2010 when I officiated Randy and Kristina's wedding. It all started to make sense. Kristen was their daughter. I was so excited to be part of a second wedding for this great family.

And now here's a photo to go with those gorgeous blue shoes. And doesn't Jordan look handsome in his uniform!

This was truly a special day that all of us will remember. From their ceremony:

The vows that you have spoken now become your guide and your bond to each other, giving you strength to weather even the most challenging times and an inward serenity that comes with the knowledge that for the rest of your lives, your love, friend and partner will always be at your side.

After spending a little time with their family, these lovebirds hit the road to Camp Lejeune, where they will make their home. What adventures these two will have.

Wedding at Spring House Farm

What caption do you use for a photo like this? "Brian and the catch of his life" or "The one that didn't get away". There are so many possibilities.

Whatever the wording you can just tell Karen and Brian have fun together.

It was a wonderful solemn ceremony but afterward Brian had to enhance his wedding attire for a few photos. His love of fishing was evident and everyone was laughing after the ceremony. A large bass jumped during the ceremony and Brian was proud that he did not turn to look at the 'splash'.

No doubt he was happy to marry Karen. However, he was a 'tad' excited to do a little fishing during their honeymoon at Spring House Farm. 

The Cottages of Spring House Farm is a wonderful location for a private wedding and 'The Promise' by Tracy Chapman was a perfect song for Karen to make her entrance.

Remembering
Your touch
Your kiss
Your warm embrace
I'll find my way back to you
Please say you'll be waiting

Together again
It would feel so good to be
In your arms
Where all my journeys end
If you can make a promise
If it's one that you can keep
I vow to come for you
If you wait for me 

And what a beautiful bride! No wonder Brian kept smiling.

And here's the happy family. Karen, Brian and Conan.

And here's Conan getting a kiss from the bride!

Conan was so handsome and well-behaved.

He deserves his own picture. He was certainly dressed for the occasion.


This song was played during the unity candle ceremony and I'm sure will always have special meaning.

"When Soul Meets Body"  by Death Cab by Cutie.
And I do believe it’s true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
But if the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Where soul meets body.
  
No doubt, Karen and Brian will have a love-filled future together. Soul met body.

Dreams Come True - Shannon and Shawn are Married!

Yesterday was a normal day for most people, going about their daily routine. Not so, for Shannon and Shawn. It was the day they had been dreaming of. It was their wedding day. Life will never be the same!

When they arrived, Shannon immediately gave me a big hug. I knew it was going to be a very special wedding, full of love and maybe a few tears….

I wanted to include a photo of the back of Shannon's dress. Since we are not a wedding venue with a 'fixed' schedule, there's always time to lend a hand. Shannon had asked me earlier if I would help her get dressed since the back of her wedding gown required lacing. This was fun and gave us a little time to chat while Guy kept Shawn occupied. My husband is quite a storyteller and never at a loss for words.

The two couldn’t stop kissing before the ceremony began.

It was obvious they were so much in love and so happy to finally have their day.

And look at our modern groom. Wedding vows on his smart phone. Don’t think for one moment that this was done in haste. Shawn had written a beautiful tribute to Shannon and made promises to last a lifetime.

Shawn was holding on tight. He found the love of his life and was not about to let her go.

A Blessing for their marriage.

Yes, Shawn you can finally kiss your bride!

And now, the happy couple is on their honeymoon at Lake Lure. Shawn was hoping to take advantage of our beautiful spring weather and play a little golf. Shannon, not yet a golfer, will be happy to ride along with her hubby.

Nothing but happiness ahead for these two!

Spring Break

What crazy wonderful weather we've been having lately. Actually it's been really warm all winter, not a good thing for the area ski resorts but most people have been pretty happy with our mild winter. With weather well into the upper 70's and low 80's I had to make a quick trip to the coast. Well, maybe not quick... I've been here two weeks now traveling the SC and NC coast.

My first stop was at North Myrtle Beach. It's still hard for me to say that. It will always be Ocean Drive to me. Anyway, look in the center of the photo. People swimming in the ocean. We checked and the ocean water was 58 degrees!

I spent most of my first week visiting with a dear friend from college days. We reminisced about the good old days and wondered where the years have gone. We took a day trip to visit Bonneau Beach for 'all you can eat' steamed oysters. And we did!

After a restful week, I headed north to visit my daughter who lives near Morehead City. I enjoy visiting Atlantic Beach, NC and usually stay in a condo. This time I decided to check out a family owned motel, SeaHawk Inn and Villas.

The best part.... rope swings and hammocks overlooking the ocean....

Here's what I do best at times like this. It was wonderful spending time with my daughter and relaxing. She is a special needs teacher and I think the break was timely for her as well.

After a few days and some great meals with my family I decided I would end my 'spring break' with a trip to my favorite beach, Topsail Island. This is where I will be spending the next few days before returning home to start a busy spring wedding season.

If you haven't been to Topsail Beach, take my word for it, it is BEAUTIFUL. This is a photo of the sound. (don't you just love camera phones?)

There is a nice public access with a park bench or you can walk around the island to the ocean side. It was so peaceful here today, just me and the birds.

I don't think you would find a pretty view than this one right outside my bedroom window.

I've been coming here since the early 70's and the beach has certainly changed. Hurricanes have hit the North Carolina coast hard, particularly this barrier island.

And in case you're wondering what's happening on the wedding side of things. Here's a sneak peak at the covered bridge my darling, wonderful husband is building.

I don't want to rush him but I can't wait to see the finished project. The style and color will match our main cabin so this will make a very unique location for wedding ceremonies.

Enough of this computer stuff.... it's time to head to the beach!

Touchdown - Randy and Janice Marry in NC

I just love it when couples incorporate their personalities into their wedding ceremonies.

When Janice first contacted me about officiating their wedding she mentioned they loved football. What she meant was they 'LOVED’ football. What a delight to have been part of such a special time.

She and Randy are both firefighters who share a love for each other, and for football. This was a second marriage for each of them and they wanted something simple that was personal and included Janice’s son, Luke.

Even though this bride and groom were not wearing formal wedding attire their wedding was very special, a day they will always remember.

 A photo says so much. No words needed!

What a great family. Luke enjoyed being the 'camera man' and took his duties seriously. He was videotaping while my husband took the still shots.

And even though it was a little chilly and windy we did manage to take a few photos outside.

I found an article on the internet and didn’t think it was appropriate to include it in the ceremony but I did print a copy for them.

Here’s a portion of the article:

Wouldn’t it would be nice if marriage came with a playbook like football? 

What makes a successful marriage is a little more difficult. Human emotions are involved and what works for one couple may not work for another couple. Sometimes we hurt the one we love. Sometimes we want to stay in for the entire game. Other times we want to walk out before the final score. Sometimes we just want to sit on the bench and wait to see what happens.

It takes Commitment, Respect, Trust and Communication. A successful and happy marriage takes all players working together as a team for a common goal. 

Wishing you many years of happiness and Super Bowl victories!

TOUCHDOWN

Janice and Randy

February 22, 2012