Ken and Stef met in January and immediately fell madly in love... And all because of a whim Stef had when she decided to create a profile on E-Harmony. Who would have thought? She told me that when she checked her email the first morning after entering her profile, she had been matched with Ken.The emails started, then the phone calls and finally their first meeting. She said by the time they met they felt like they had known each other all of their lives. It's no surprise that E-Harmony has asked Ken and Stef to film a commercial!
My opinion of services like E-Harmony and Match.com have certainly changed through the years and I have married many couples who have met this way. I remember back in the 80's when a friend of mine went through an unpleasant divorce and was meeting men online. It was not a safe way at the time and she was doing some very unwise things... And I'm sure this still goes on. That's why it's important to use a reputable service and always use good judgement!
Back to Stef and Ken.... I met Stef for coffee a few weeks ago and she told me their story. After hearing about how they met we started talking about their wedding plans. Like so many couples today they wanted a private heart-felt ceremony but they also wanted to celebrate with family and friends. Who says you can't have it both ways! Many couples are choosing to have two ceremonies which is very common in many cultures.
Back to Stef and Ken.... I met Stef for coffee a few weeks ago and she told me their story. After hearing about how they met we started talking about their wedding plans. Like so many couples today they wanted a private heart-felt ceremony but they also wanted to celebrate with family and friends. Who says you can't have it both ways! Many couples are choosing to have two ceremonies which is very common in many cultures.
On Saturday Ken and Stef, along with her twin brother Damien, traveled from Charlotte to RiverMist for an intimate wedding. And next year they will celebrate a renewal of vows with family and friends. And, yes, you can have it all... it is your wedding and you can do whatever you want. 
After much thought, Stef decided to save her wedding dress for her formal ceremony and opted to wear her prom dress on Saturday. When she was at the prom she would have never imagined that someday she would get married in that very dress!
Even though it was small wedding it was very personal. Damien, escorted his sister and later participated in the ceremony by offering a reading. (He also videotaped the ceremony, offering his commentary, including commercials!!)
Stef mentioned that she would like some type of unity ceremony. Since they are having two ceremonies I suggested they include a wine unity ceremony. She loved the idea and bought some beautiful silver and crystal wineglasses and had them engraved, names, date, & 'Almost Paradise'. And.... the glasses will be used at their next celebration.Ken and Damien, celebrated by smoking cigars, while I downloaded the photos onto a CD. 
They left to have lunch together before the newlyweds headed to Asheville for their honeymoon.
They left to have lunch together before the newlyweds headed to Asheville for their honeymoon.I'm sure Ken & Stef will be very happy in the years to come! And all because they were willing to 'take a chance'..... Love, it is truly a wonderful thing!
Celebrate love!
