Married on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I have a lot of inquiries from couples wanting to get married along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are so many wonderful spots, it would be hard to choose a favorite. I always look foward to going to a new place was eager to visit Doughton Park, near Boone.

I left my house at 6:30 on Saturday morning for yet another wedding 'adventure'. It was a great drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway even though I found an unexpected closing that caused a slight delay. One reason I always allow a little extra time....

I was happy to finally meet David and his 'best dog'. Our contact had only been through emails so it was nice to see each other face to face. I followed David to 'the' spot and was greeted by Elizabeth and her maid of honor, 'Girl'.

After introductions were made we began our walk up a grassy knoll, knowing the remaining guests would join us shortly. Unfortunately, no one told Elizabeth's brother 'which' knoll so he began walking up a knoll on the opposite side of the parking lot. After much shouting and whistling he realized where we were and began a rapid decent and headed the right direction. I don't know how he and his girlfriend got there so quickly.

The ceremony began with a community blessing, asking family and friends to promise their support. Guests also had the opportunity to send their prayers and blessings to the wedding rings before they were exchanged. In the years ahead David and Elizabeth will feel the love of their family as they wear these rings.

As with every wedding there were a few glitches. When you begin planning a wedding understand from the very beginning that things will happen. Sometimes outside your control, sometimes within your control. Understand this and accept it.... It will happen. Motorcycles will ride by just as you get ready to say 'I do', flowers will blow over, candles won't stay lit, flower girls will cry and refuse to walk down the aisle, the flowers in your bouquet will fall out as you walk down the aisle (happened to my daughter), or something will be forgotten. Allow time (and energy) for last minute 'emergencies'.

Speaking of flowers, look at this beautiful bouquet of orchids, grown by David and Elizabeth.

Navajo blessing (from their ceremony)

Be swift like the wind in loving each other.
Be brave like the sea in loving each other.
Be gentle like the breeze in loving each other.

Now and forever there will be no more loneliness, because your worlds are joined together.