Romantic Candlelight Wedding at RiverMist

It was a hot summer day and I had been working feverishly getting everything ready. Trevor had said 'candlelight' and I was determined it would be candlelight.... Lots and lots of candles. I had the walkway lined with candles, lanterns with candles, hanging candles, and candles along the rail. Whew.... it was quite a task lighting all the candles. But as you will see, it was worth every minute of the work.

Here's the groom, Trevor, waiting for his beautiful bride, Megan.

It had been quite a day. Trevor worked until 1:00 then he and Megan drove from Fayetteville to Morganton. After making arrangements with their family, it was off  to our retreat center. We had set the time at 8:30 but I told them not to rush, we had time!

And here's the beautiful bride, the woman of his dreams! It was quite dark by the time we started the ceremony. Rather than using our flashlights, Megan's friends lit the way with their cell phone flashlights. (what would we do without cell phones?)

The rushing was over, it was time to take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.

This was it. This was what they had been planning for. This was the time. This was the place. The waiting was over.

Just look at the smiles.

Megan and Trevor wanted to honor their grandmothers so they each lit a memory candle.

The candles provided just enough light.

Wedding rings were blessed

And then time for the kiss.

And the first dance, 'I Need You' by Tim McGraw

'Cause I need you like a needle needs a vein
Like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain
I need you like a lighthouse on a coast
Like the Father and the Son need the Holy Ghost
I need you, oh, I need you

Oh, I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you
I need you, I need you, I need you, too

Guy took a few photos during the dance. The guests and I moved to the far end of the bridge so the newlyweds could have a little privacy. Don't you just feel the love?

Happy, happy.

These two could not stop smiling!

Wedding Chapel in North Carolina

I'm often asked if I know of a small wedding chapel in North Carolina. I am always happy to pass along information so here's a little info about a quaint chapel located in Newton.

A covered gazebo and a reception hall is also available at Christian Tours Wedding Chapel.

This restored chapel was moved to it current location. And luckily it has heat and air conditioning. (very important for yesterday's wedding!)

It is a little small but that's what you would expect (and want) for a wedding chapel.  Do keep in mind there are no restroom facilities available. You would want to make your guests aware of this ahead of time.


There is also very limited parking near the chapel. If you expect more than a few cars, parking would be a bit of an uphill/downhill walk.

The inside is rustic but has a wonderful cozy feel and can seat about 50 people.

Here's a photo of the altar area. There are two stained glass windows on each side. Since it is fairly small, few decorations are needed. I'm not sure candles are allowed but there are certainly other decorating options. Over the years, I have acquired quite a collection of wedding decorations and would be happy to include this in my fee.(one less thing for you to worry about!)

My daughter was visiting for the weekend so she took a few photos of the ceremony.

This will give you an idea of the size. There was plenty of room for three attendants and a flower girl.

 And there was plenty of room for the kiss.

This was one of my favorite photos. Just look how the stain glass reflected in the top of the unity sand vase.

Michelle and Jason said they would email me some photos, so hopefully there will be more to post soon.

Robyn and Matt - A Perfect Fit

7 is the number of the Universe. There are 7 days in the week, 7 notes on the musical scale, 7 colors of the rainbow and 7 directions. The list of 7's goes on and on.

In all cultures, myths and legends seven represents... completeness and totality, perfection, security and safety. How suiting that two best friends would marry on 07/07. Was it a coincidence that the temperature just happened to be 107 on that day?

Sometimes in life, you just know when things are meant to be. Two ‘puzzle pieces’ grew up on opposite corners of their hometown state. The universe rejoiced when they met and instantly realized they were a perfect fit. 

There have been many adventures along the way and now Robyn and Matt call North Carolina their home. What a delight to have such a happy and loving couple choose to get married at our retreat center.

As I have already said, Saturday was a hot, hot summer day. Robyn's vintage 'twirly' dress was perfect for the sweltering heat and humidity. The 'soon to be' newlyweds took their time and enjoyed the walk to our covered bridge, where I was waiting with their parents.

Robyn and Matt told me 'their story' and then gave me complete freedom in the design of their ceremony. 

 I had an idea that would make their ceremony very special. Before we began, they read, in unison, the following from the keepsake marriage license that I had prepared for them.

 From this day forward,

Let us laugh together

And plan together.

Let us find our favorite places

And go together.

Let us enjoy the sunshine and the rain

Being alone together and in crowds together.

From this day forward, together.. Let us love!

 And yes it was the perfect way to start their ceremony. (If I do say so myself!)

 The inside of their wedding rings are engraved with each others fingerprints.

You can't see the detail but Robyn created beautiful beaded hairpins.

Matt, you are a married man!

The temperature might be 107 degrees, but didn't seem to bother the new 

Mr. and Mrs.

We took a family photos then the parents and I headed to the air conditioning. Guy stayed behind to take a few more photos. Then it was time to celebrate!

 

A few tears were shed as parents took turns toasting the happy couple.

And now.....

 

 The puzzle is complete!

 

Just a little update (7/11/12) Robyn posted a wonderful review, that can be found on Wedding Wire. And... yesterday I received a sweet, sweet note from her mother:

Dear Victoria, 

As mother of the bride, I always hoped my daughter would someday have the wedding of her dreams. Robyn's wish was a simple, yet elegant ceremony. A meaningful exchange of vows with the people who mattered most in her life. She never wanted to be the "bride on display".
        Amazingly, this is exactly what happened at RiverMist last weekend, even in the 107 degree  heat! The beautiful natural surroundings with the quaint bridge was an ideal setting. Your small details of wildflowers were so cheerful. You delivered a touching and personal ceremony. Everyone felt relaxed and comfortable, especially at the cake reception afterwards.  Your husband's skill of candid photography captured all the happy moments. You and Guy are a hallmark of Southern hospitality.
      Thank you for making Robyn's and Matt's wedding a unique day for the beginning of their married life together.  And the mom in me gives the highest marks of excellence in the seal of approval!              Sincerely Patricia

WOW! Notes like this always touch my heart and make me smile. It's funny about the wildflowers. Guy and I were riding all over our retreat center Saturday morning as I selected the 'right' flowers. He finally said, 'give me the clippers' and he started cutting the flowers. (It was a tad hot). He often laughs at me as I prepare for a wedding. I truly want things to be nice and that means taking care of the little details. And as expressed in Patricia's email, they do not go unnoticed. I love, love, love what I do!

Love and Love Some More - Hunter and Eric are Married at RiverMist

So many couples start planning their wedding and soon realize it's not turning out quite like they envisioned. I hear this fairly often and love helping couples plan the wedding of their dreams! Wedding planning should be fun and exciting, not stressful!

Hunter and Eric were planning a large wedding and the invitations had been mailed. For various reasons, they quickly decided that this was not going to be their dream wedding. Their desire was to get married surrounded by a small group of family members and close friends. But, I'm getting ahead of myself.

Little things say a lot. Hunter placed this on the mantle at our guest house. This confirmed in my mind what I already knew it my heart. This was going to be a great wedding.

What a lovely bride! Hunter told me later, that she planned on doing 'a little dance' as she walked down to the dock. Once she started walking, the emotions kicked in. This was a time of serious reflection.

A portion of Hunter's vows: 'I promise to love you in good times and bad, with all I have to give and all I feel inside in the only way I know how, completely and forever.'

And from Eric's vows: 'I vow to love, honor and respect you, to hold you in my heart, but not bind you to my will.

I promise to listen carefully and to speak the truth,

to stay with you throughout life’s struggles and pleasures

all the days of my life.'  

After the promises, it was time to exchange rings. There are lots of options and Hunter and Eric chose the following blessing.

I consecrate these rings 

with the element of Air, the breath of life.

with the element of Fire, for the warmth of love.

with the element of Water to wash them clean.

with the element of Earth for solidity and stability.

Ring on his finger.

Only one thing left to do!

It was time to kiss!

And hug!

And kiss some more!

And celebrate!

These two had been serious long enough. Time to add a little craziness!

And.... look what was hiding under that gorgeous wedding gown. Just another glimpse of Hunter's personality.

I have no doubts Hunter and Eric will follow the advice of 'The Real To-Do List'. Especially the last part. 

Love and Love some more!

Lake Norman Wedding

It was so much fun being part of Kim and Jake's wedding on Lake Norman. I must admit, it was my first pontoon wedding. What a treat!

I really didn't know what to expect when I arrived. I just knew there were going to be a few friends and the wedding was going to take place on the lake. I was a little concerned because there were thunderstorms around and I, for one, do not like being around water during storms.

The storms passed and it was decided that we would go to the other side of the lake. The guests stayed on the pontoon and Kim, Jake, their children and I jumped off the pontoon and waded to a sandy area.

As you can see Kim and Jake are wearing their Bride and Groom hats!

After much clapping and cheering we all boarded the pontoon to take a little ride while waiting for the caterer to arrive. So what are you going to do on a 100 degree summer day but stop the boat and take a little swim. Well, it did not take much persuading for this couple to take the plunge.

What fun wedding memories!