Wedding Destination - North Carolina

September will always be a special month for Jen and Brett. They both celebrate their birthday in September and now they have another reason to celebrate... their wedding anniversary. 

And it will be so easy for Brett to remember his wedding anniversary. Their wedding took place on his birthday!

Here's the groom setting up his cameras. If I remember correctly he had four cameras so their ceremony was filmed from every angle.

Brett didn't want to miss one single smile. And trust me, this bride was smiling!

The planning was over. Today was their day.

Blessing their wedding rings with water.

 

A unity sand ceremony is a great way to symbolize the coming together of two lives.

And a 'first' toast as part of their wedding ceremony.

Time to kiss!

And smile some more!

Marriage Means Being In Love for the Rest of Your Life - by Chris Ardis

Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It's laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you're apart. It's getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It's the realization that there is no one else in this world that you’d rather be with than the one you're married to. It's thinking of new things to do together; it’s growing old together. Marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.

Wedding at Blowing Rock, NC

So... doesn't this just look like a fun wedding! Well, take my word for it, it was!

When I arrived at the Broyhill Park in Blowing Rock, Robert was very busy coordinating the last minute details. He said that he had been at the park since early in the morning and believe me, his hard work had paid off. Everything looked beautiful.

We had a chance to chat briefly then I told him to continue with his work. I wandered around and took a few photos.

The area around the gazebo is very private. 

Which was perfect for the ceremony, and reception. 

Isn't this cake lovely? I am always amazed a the creativity of wedding cakes.

I love the signs displayed beside the gazebo. 

Robert and Kellie thought of everything.

And speaking of the Bride and Groom and creativity. Kellie told me that their wedding was taking on a 1920's theme so I thought I would have some fun with their photos.

This personalized shadow box was a unique twist for the sand ceremony. The monogramming was very prominent once the sand was added.

As the ceremony began, Kellie walked alone, toward the gazebo. The plan was for Robert to meet her halfway and escort her to the gazebo. Everything went according to the plan. However, Robert was in bit of a hurry and actually 'sprinted' toward his bride. And... he managed one last 'single' kiss before they proceeded to the gazebo.

Their wedding vows were heartfelt and very tender. I have the privilege of seeing the facial expressions as wedding vows are exchanged. It is always touching.

An excerpt from their wedding vows:

And I will never take for granted how lucky I am

To have found my best friend, soul mate,

and love of my life in you.

 

One last photo of the new Mr. and Mrs. 

And now some photos from the newlyweds. I love it when couples remember to send me a few photos.

 

Miranda and Chuck are Married!

Like so many couples, Miranda and Chuck love the water and couldn't think of a more suitable location for their wedding.

Water has long been considered by many as the source of life… Water is in and around all of us and is also a symbol of the human spirit –always in motion, never ceasing, only taking new forms… 

Every element of creation needs water to grow and thrive, to even survive. Water nourishes us, cleanses us, comforts us, renews us.

It is no surprise that many couples choose to marry beside (or standing in) a body of water. In ancient times couples were often married near some sort of water source such as a lake, river or holy well, because it was believed to be favored by the gods. 

 

 Miranda and Chuck wanted a small wedding surrounded by a few family members. Here's Chuck getting some advise from his mom.

And here's the gorgeous ring he gave his bride.

 

    The smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

     Knowing that God has brought us together,

     I choose to walk beside you from this time forward.

     You put love in my heart, peace in my mind,

     and hope in my dreams.

    The search is over, a soul mate has been found.

Romantic Candlelight Wedding at RiverMist

It was a hot summer day and I had been working feverishly getting everything ready. Trevor had said 'candlelight' and I was determined it would be candlelight.... Lots and lots of candles. I had the walkway lined with candles, lanterns with candles, hanging candles, and candles along the rail. Whew.... it was quite a task lighting all the candles. But as you will see, it was worth every minute of the work.

Here's the groom, Trevor, waiting for his beautiful bride, Megan.

It had been quite a day. Trevor worked until 1:00 then he and Megan drove from Fayetteville to Morganton. After making arrangements with their family, it was off  to our retreat center. We had set the time at 8:30 but I told them not to rush, we had time!

And here's the beautiful bride, the woman of his dreams! It was quite dark by the time we started the ceremony. Rather than using our flashlights, Megan's friends lit the way with their cell phone flashlights. (what would we do without cell phones?)

The rushing was over, it was time to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

This was it. This was what they had been planning for. This was the time. This was the place. The waiting was over.

Just look at the smiles.

Megan and Trevor wanted to honor their grandmothers so they each lit a memory candle.

The candles provided just enough light.

Wedding rings were blessed

And then time for the kiss.

And the first dance, 'I Need You' by Tim McGraw

'Cause I need you like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the Father and the Son need the Holy Ghost
I need you, oh, I need you

Oh, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you, too

Guy took a few photos during the dance. The guests and I moved to the far end of the bridge so the newlyweds could have a little privacy. Don't you just feel the love?

Happy, happy.

These two could not stop smiling!

Wedding Chapel in North Carolina

I'm often asked if I know of a small wedding chapel in North Carolina. I am always happy to pass along information so here's a little info about a quaint chapel located in Newton.

A covered gazebo and a reception hall is also available at Christian Tours Wedding Chapel.

This restored chapel was moved to it current location. And luckily it has heat and air conditioning. (very important for yesterday's wedding!)

It is a little small but that's what you would expect (and want) for a wedding chapel.  Do keep in mind there are no restroom facilities available. You would want to make your guests aware of this ahead of time.


There is also very limited parking near the chapel. If you expect more than a few cars, parking would be a bit of an uphill/downhill walk.

The inside is rustic but has a wonderful cozy feel and can seat about 50 people.

Here's a photo of the altar area. There are two stained glass windows on each side. Since it is fairly small, few decorations are needed. I'm not sure candles are allowed but there are certainly other decorating options. Over the years, I have acquired quite a collection of wedding decorations and would be happy to include this in my fee.(one less thing for you to worry about!)

My daughter was visiting for the weekend so she took a few photos of the ceremony.

This will give you an idea of the size. There was plenty of room for three attendants and a flower girl.

 And there was plenty of room for the kiss.

This was one of my favorite photos. Just look how the stain glass reflected in the top of the unity sand vase.

Michelle and Jason said they would email me some photos, so hopefully there will be more to post soon.

Robyn and Matt - A Perfect Fit

7 is the number of the Universe. There are 7 days in the week, 7 notes on the musical scale, 7 colors of the rainbow and 7 directions. The list of 7's goes on and on.

In all cultures, myths and legends seven represents... completeness and totality, perfection, security and safety. How suiting that two best friends would marry on 07/07. Was it a coincidence that the temperature just happened to be 107 on that day?

Sometimes in life, you just know when things are meant to be. Two ‘puzzle pieces’ grew up on opposite corners of their hometown state. The universe rejoiced when they met and instantly realized they were a perfect fit. 

There have been many adventures along the way and now Robyn and Matt call North Carolina their home. What a delight to have such a happy and loving couple choose to get married at our retreat center.

As I have already said, Saturday was a hot, hot summer day. Robyn's vintage 'twirly' dress was perfect for the sweltering heat and humidity. The 'soon to be' newlyweds took their time and enjoyed the walk to our covered bridge, where I was waiting with their parents.

Robyn and Matt told me 'their story' and then gave me complete freedom in the design of their ceremony. 

 I had an idea that would make their ceremony very special. Before we began, they read, in unison, the following from the keepsake marriage license that I had prepared for them.

 From this day forward,

Let us laugh together

And plan together.

Let us find our favorite places

And go together.

Let us enjoy the sunshine and the rain

Being alone together and in crowds together.

From this day forward, together.. Let us love!

 And yes it was the perfect way to start their ceremony. (If I do say so myself!)

 The inside of their wedding rings are engraved with each others fingerprints.

You can't see the detail but Robyn created beautiful beaded hairpins.

Matt, you are a married man!

The temperature might be 107 degrees, but didn't seem to bother the new 

Mr. and Mrs.

We took a family photos then the parents and I headed to the air conditioning. Guy stayed behind to take a few more photos. Then it was time to celebrate!

 

A few tears were shed as parents took turns toasting the happy couple.

And now.....

 

 The puzzle is complete!

 

Just a little update (7/11/12) Robyn posted a wonderful review, that can be found on Wedding Wire. And... yesterday I received a sweet, sweet note from her mother:

Dear Victoria, 

As mother of the bride, I always hoped my daughter would someday have the wedding of her dreams. Robyn's wish was a simple, yet elegant ceremony. A meaningful exchange of vows with the people who mattered most in her life. She never wanted to be the "bride on display".
        Amazingly, this is exactly what happened at RiverMist last weekend, even in the 107 degree  heat! The beautiful natural surroundings with the quaint bridge was an ideal setting. Your small details of wildflowers were so cheerful. You delivered a touching and personal ceremony. Everyone felt relaxed and comfortable, especially at the cake reception afterwards.  Your husband's skill of candid photography captured all the happy moments. You and Guy are a hallmark of Southern hospitality.
      Thank you for making Robyn's and Matt's wedding a unique day for the beginning of their married life together.  And the mom in me gives the highest marks of excellence in the seal of approval!              Sincerely Patricia

WOW! Notes like this always touch my heart and make me smile. It's funny about the wildflowers. Guy and I were riding all over our retreat center Saturday morning as I selected the 'right' flowers. He finally said, 'give me the clippers' and he started cutting the flowers. (It was a tad hot). He often laughs at me as I prepare for a wedding. I truly want things to be nice and that means taking care of the little details. And as expressed in Patricia's email, they do not go unnoticed. I love, love, love what I do!