Wedding at 1927 Lake Lure Inn

When Melissa and Jake were considering the 1927 Lake Lure Inn for their wedding they asked my opinion. I love officiating weddings there and am always happy recommend the Inn. It is perfect for any size wedding and the staff is always very professional and attentive. There are rooms and cabins for the guests, several locations for the actual wedding ceremony and a wonderful restaurant for the reception. It couldn’t be any easier.

When I arrived on June 24^th everyone was busy getting ready. Melissa and Jake had chosen the private garden for their ceremony which was perfect. 

We began with a prayer by Robert Louis Stevenson

Lord, behold our family here assembled.
We thank you for this place in which we dwell,
for the love that unites us,
for the peace accorded us this day,
for the hope with which we expect the morrow,
for the health, the work, the food,
and the bright skies that make our lives delightful;
for our friends in all parts of the earth. Amen

During the ceremony Jake's sister, Shelley read scripture from Paul's letter to the Corinthians and Jake's brother, Matthew, read the Prayer of St. Francis. It is always a nice touch when family members participate in the ceremony.

 

And I have to post a photo of THE kiss!

Sarah Whitmeyer was the photographer and I highly recommend her. It was obvious she had a passion for her work. Here are just a few of her beautiful photographs.

 As you can see, Lake Lure provides wonderful opportunities for photographs. 

Here is a portion of an email I received from Melissa, 'I couldn't be happier. Friday was the BEST day of my life. I married my best friend. I still cannot believe how blessed I am to have found him'. 

The looks on their faces say it all. Love is a wonderful thing!

Love is in the Air – June Weddings in NC

Can you feel the love?? June has always been a popular month for weddings. 2011 is no exception. I’ve had the pleasure of officiating three weddings so far this month and have several more scheduled. Hopefully, I will have some photos to post soon.

If you’re reading this and planning a wedding I would like to offer a little advice. Choose your officiant wisely. I’ve heard quite a few horror stories lately. Mostly, ministers cancelling at the last minute. However, there was a couple who ended up leaving the minister’s office with the bride in tears. 

Seems he didn’t approve of their lifestyle and emphatically stated that he saw no hope for their marriage. This was three days before their wedding. The groom’s father contacted me because the couple was distraught and wanted to find another minister. Not bragging, well maybe a little, I stepped in and it was a beautiful wedding full of joy and happiness.

Finding the right minister requires a little effort, especially if you are planning a destination wedding. It may not be possible to meet ahead of time but if you choose an experienced minister everything can be planned through email and phone calls.

Several websites offer the opportunity for couples to post reviews. Here is a recent review posted by a couple I married in May.

Victoria is absolutely amazing to work with. I felt as if I had been friends with her forever. She responded promptly anytime I had a question. We met in person over coffee to get better acquainted. She was definitely on top of it all. She sent me a note the week prior to our wedding to remind me of a few things. Our ceremony couldn't have been more perfect. Everyone commented on how wonderful she was and how did I find her. And after our ceremony I went back to her earlier email which had a wonderful list of how to change your name and which accounts to change that I hadn't even thought of.

Absolutely Wonderful.

I always appreciate hearing kinds words from couples I marry. Michael and Sharon chose Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock for the wedding. What a great location. The mountain laurel was in full bloom and the weather was perfect. And you can tell from their faces that is was a very special day.

 And remember, whatever you do, have fun. It's your wedding day. Make it special.