Fall Mountain Wedding in NC

Yes, for the most part, the leaves have fallen from the trees. From the photo it looks like a chilly fall day but looks can be deceiving. Saturday was a wonderfully warm day with the highs near 70. Still, this was a little cool for Geoffrey and Megan who traveled from Florida to marry in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. Their guests came prepared with scarves and boots and they were needed once the sun went down.

Geoffrey and Megan chose a great location for their family wedding, finding their rental house through Vacation Rentals by Owners, I had time to wander around a little so I took a few photos before the wedding.

As you can see, the area was truly beautiful.

Look how clever. I love the framed photos. And here's another.

I noticed this folder. These guys were organized.

I was sitting on the sofa when Geoffrey started looking through the folder. He pulled out a slip of paper and gave it to the maid of honor with instructions. She was told to give the note along with a  'gift' to his bride. Unfortunately he did this after Megan had applied her makeup. Romantic groom, what are you going to do! Anyway, the gift was well received and after a few tears the makeup was reapplied. 

One more pre-wedding photo. Loved the cake!

And now the happy newlyweds.

All I want is to grow old with you...

To watch our life unfold,

Our dreams, one by one, come true.

All I want is to love you forever.

Famiily Wedding at RiverMist

Frank and Heather wanted an uncomplicated, stress-free wedding. Just the two of them and Heather's fun-loving daughters. What a pleasure to meet them and be part of such a special time.

Two flower girls who took their job very seriously.

Loved this photo of the shiny new wedding band.

The Kiss

And the reaction. Oh no... more kissing!

Frank is a VERY lucky man. Three women to love!

Lovebirds, Snowbirds - Pat and Bob Marry and Head South

 November 4, 2012. What a special day for a very special couple.

Pat and Bob have already shared many, many happy years together. They loved golf so for the past thirteen years they've been splitting their time between Florida and North Carolina so they could play year round. Health issues have slowed down their playing but they truly love living on the 17th green, watching the activity on the golf course.

It was getting cold in the mountains and it was time to head south. Just one thing left to do before the migration. Pat said she was ready to be Mrs....

There was a lot of activity when I arrived at their mountain home. Family and friends were busy preparing a feast. I had time to chat with Bob and Pat while everyone was bustling around. Bob told me they wedding rings had a special inscription, something they say to each other during the day. One will say, "I love you" and the other will say "Love you back". Once they told me that, I decided to incorporate the phrase in their wedding ceremony. A sweet, sweet touch. Not a dry eye in the house!

I had my small camera with me but only had a chance to take a couple of photos. Hopefully, their family (no computer stuff for these two) will send me a few more photos.

 

“I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” ― Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

Wedding at Chimney Rock Park

If you've been to Chimney Rock you will recognize the photo. If you haven't been to the park this is the tunnel that leads to the elevator. There's always the option of walking to the top of the 'Rock' but the elevator is certainly the easiest route. During the short ride a staff member will provide park information and answer any questions.

The view from the top is awesome. It was a little foggy when I arrived but you can still see the beautiful mountain range.

 Even with the fog, the view of Lake Lure was beautiful.

The flag pole on top of Chimney Rock is a landmark. As you can see, it was a little breezy on Nov. 3rd, the day Julia and Josh became wife and husband.

Julia, Josh, their children, family and friends gathered in the concession area to prepare for the wedding.

Julia made her bouquet using a collection of brooches provided by their great-grandmothers. 

Julia and Josh wanted to involve their children as much as possible. The basket contained the supplies for a sand ceremony. 

And we had a very handsome ring bearer.

Time to celebrate!

Wedding at Saratoga Springs, Mt Pleasant NC

I thought this photo said a lot about Jenna and Adam's personalities. It was actually the cover of a photo book displayed at their wedding reception. If you can't tell, they are spraying paint on each other. No ordinary wedding for these two.

I loved the creative programs.

Saratoga Springs is a lovely venue and makes wedding planning easy. Tammi, the wedding coordinator takes care of every detail.

As guests arrive, the wedding party gathers in the home.

It's only a few steps to the gazebo.

Here comes the bride!

A Marriage by Mark Twain

 A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole;

It gives to two purposeless lives a work

And doubles the strength of each to perform it

It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living,

And something to live for;

It will give a new gladness to the sunshine,

A new fragrance to the flowers,

A new beauty to the earth,

And a new mystery to life

Themed Wedding at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

An interesting photo for a wedding blog, don't you think? It's just a hint of a themed wedding that took place at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens a few days before Halloween.

This is the cake topper and another hint. Yes, it was a Nightmare Before Christmas theme wedding. And I have to tell you Amelia and Michael went all out.

Their cake was absolutely amazing. The photos do not do it justice.

The botanical gardens are so beautiful, decorations are not necessary. The pumpkins added just a hint of fall.

Taking his job seriously.

Don't you love the red dresses?

Time for photos.

Love this photo. Everyone had headed to the reception area. 

Michael was a gentleman, helping his bride with her dress.

NC Beach Wedding

The sign says it all....

I was planning a trip to Topsail Island when Ian contacted me about officiating his wedding. He originally wanted to come to our retreat center but since I would be near Jacksonville he and Jamie decided on a beach wedding.

A sand ceremony is a nice touch f you're going to get married barefoot on the beach. Ian and Jamie scooped up sand from underneath each others feet to symbolize the separate paths they once traveled.

 

  

It was the middle of October but plenty warm enough to step into the water.

Just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow,

 may there never be a day without your love for each other.