Jessica and Bradley - Together, Forever.

Doesn't this photo just make you want to see their smiling faces?

Although January 22^nd ended up being a typical winter day, cloudy and cool, hearts were melted as these two exchanged their wedding vows at our retreat center.

I had really been looking forward to meeting Jessica and Bradley. There was no doubt that they were very much in love and wanted to have a ceremony that reflected their personalities. I truly enjoyed helping them design a ceremony, that according to them, was perfect!

No traditional wedding march for this bride. When I asked Jessica about special music, she said that she always wanted to walk down the aisle to the song Hymn by all female string quartet, Bond. We don’t have an ‘aisle’ in our main cabin but she walked down the stairs from our upstairs bedroom, escorted by her father. To be honest, she was such a lovely bride, I’m not sure anyone heard the music.

Even though it was the middle of winter, this happy couple stayed outside for quite a while taking photos. Family and friends watched from inside as people were popping in and out to have their photos taken. I took these photos from inside with my iPhone.

 These two have many wonderful photos of their wedding day.

One happy family!

 That's right Bradley, this woman 'has your back'. And she's not about to let go!

Bride's Choice Award

Once again, I have been selected to receive the prestigious WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Award!

The esteemed annual award recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. While many industry awards are selected by the organization, my selection was based on its reviews from past newlywed clients.

This award is given to the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada. The Bride’s Choice Award recognizes the best local wedding vendors across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, based on their overall professional achievements throughout the past year.

“WeddingWire is thrilled to honor the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire. "It is with great pleasure that we congratulate Rev. Victoria Hutchins for her continued professionalism and commitment.”

A BIG thank you to all the couples who have allowed me to be part of their wedding celebration!

"Penguins" Marry in North Carolina

The weather might have been a little cold on Friday the 13^th but it was perfect for two ‘penguins’ who decided to get married at our retreat center. Some might consider this an unlucky day but it’s obviously a very lucky day for these two.

Jamie contacted me about a week ago. Chad, was coming home from Afghanistan and they had plans to marry as quickly as possible. I don’t know the details but their original venue cancelled at the last minute and she was looking for an alternate location. I was excited and couldn’t wait to meet the happy couple…

Once they arrived I offered several options for their ceremony. Although inside, by the fireplace, was appealing I just couldn’t keep these ‘penguins’ inside.

 And here's THE kiss!

 What a gentleman. Chad quickly gave Jamie his jacket. Later she told me that he insists on opening doors for her. His comment, 'Chilvery is not dead'.

And I just have to include this photo. There are Jamie's 'nine store shoes'. My husband didn't understand at first but I knew exactly what she meant. She had been in nine stores looking for the perfect shoes!

Penguins mate for life.
They stick together through sickness and adverse weather. 

Of all the penguins, these two are now together for life.

New Year's Eve Wedding

The last day of the year began a new life for Kristin and Xander as they exchanged their wedding vows at RiverMist.

It was very important to include Kristin's sons and they had the honor of escorting their mother.

 And here's the eager groom, waiting to see his bride in her beautiful gown.

We included several special elements in Kristin an Xander's ceremony. The first was a unity candle ceremony. So often you hear that you can't do this for outside weddings. Well, as you can see, we had no problems.

Kristin was curious about including a handfasting as part of their ceremony. I emailed her several options and she and Xander had the opportunity to choose one that suited their personalities.

After vows were exchanged, they held each others rings while I offered a blessing.

 To conclude their ceremony, they took their first communion as husband and wife.

Married!

 And I must include this photo. Kristin's bouquet was sitting on our dining room table before the ceremony. In the excitement, it was left behind.

What a wonderful way to say goodbye to one year and hello to the rest of your life!