As I mentioned in an earlier post, I want to tell you a little about my oldest daughter’s wedding on April 4th and hopefully provide some useful information.Since Woodrun was approximately one hour from Mary Ann’s house, a lake house was rented for the weekend. Mary Ann and two of her best friends spent Friday night there. 
On Saturday morning, Adrian, her hairdresser and owner of CC & Company, arrived around 9:00. She styled everyone’s hair (bridesmaids, flower girls & mom) and applied makeup while everyone relaxed on the screened porch overlooking the lake. Mimosas (orange juice and champagne) and chocolate covered strawberries were enjoyed by all. (no mimosas for the flower girls!) Having the hairdresser come to their location was a great idea and I would highly recommend this! Very stress-free and relaxed. A word of warning, go easy on the alcohol; mimosas were the perfect choice.
Woodrun, a gated waterfront community, is a great facility for a wedding. Mary Ann had her heart set on an outdoor wedding so she searched several locations.
Lake Tillery and the Uwharrie Mountians provided a great backdrop and because of this, very few flowers were needed for decorations.
April is a little early to plan an outdoor wedding. The reception was held at the clubhouse which was also the ‘rain’ site. When planning an outdoor wedding it’s always best to have a back up plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. It takes a real act of faith to plan an outdoor ceremony. The forecast kept changing, so we were holding our breath. It was a little windy (the arch had to be anchored down) but we were happy to settle for a little wind since the rain held off until the next day.
Working on the ceremony was a little challenge. Mary Ann and Mitch received the same packet of materials that I send to all the couples I work with. Each ceremony I officiate is individually prepared according to the couples wishes. I knew that Mary Ann wanted a Christian ceremony but other than that I wasn’t sure. From the beginning she loved the ‘Blessing of the Hands’ and cried the first time she heard it. (always a good sign)
After her ceremony was complete she decided to include Blessing Stones. Each guest received a tumbled gemstone (I made sure the moms had the only rose quartz stones, a symbol of unconditional love) and was asked to place their prayers and blessing onto the stone. The stones were collected in a crystal vase and are now displayed in their home. There are many ways to make a wedding ceremony personal and unique.
As a side note, April 4th was the NCAA basketball finals. Mitch is a UNC fan and knew from the beginning that the Final Four would be played on their wedding day. Although I’m sure he wanted to see the game, he never mentioned it. (However, I think he kept checking on the score when Mary Ann wasn’t looking.)
Woodrun, a gated waterfront community, is a great facility for a wedding. Mary Ann had her heart set on an outdoor wedding so she searched several locations.
Lake Tillery and the Uwharrie Mountians provided a great backdrop and because of this, very few flowers were needed for decorations.April is a little early to plan an outdoor wedding. The reception was held at the clubhouse which was also the ‘rain’ site. When planning an outdoor wedding it’s always best to have a back up plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate. It takes a real act of faith to plan an outdoor ceremony. The forecast kept changing, so we were holding our breath. It was a little windy (the arch had to be anchored down) but we were happy to settle for a little wind since the rain held off until the next day.
Working on the ceremony was a little challenge. Mary Ann and Mitch received the same packet of materials that I send to all the couples I work with. Each ceremony I officiate is individually prepared according to the couples wishes. I knew that Mary Ann wanted a Christian ceremony but other than that I wasn’t sure. From the beginning she loved the ‘Blessing of the Hands’ and cried the first time she heard it. (always a good sign)
After her ceremony was complete she decided to include Blessing Stones. Each guest received a tumbled gemstone (I made sure the moms had the only rose quartz stones, a symbol of unconditional love) and was asked to place their prayers and blessing onto the stone. The stones were collected in a crystal vase and are now displayed in their home. There are many ways to make a wedding ceremony personal and unique.As a side note, April 4th was the NCAA basketball finals. Mitch is a UNC fan and knew from the beginning that the Final Four would be played on their wedding day. Although I’m sure he wanted to see the game, he never mentioned it. (However, I think he kept checking on the score when Mary Ann wasn’t looking.)
Good news! Mary Ann’s friend Allyson will become engaged before the year is over! 
