Surprise Wedding at Lake Lure

I arrived at Lake Lure Thursday morning full of anticipation. I just knew it was going to be a fun day!

Mark and Stacey, along with several friends had ridden their motorcycles from Florida. But... what their friends didn't know was that Mark and Stacey had slipped away and gotten their marriage license.

Mark's sister, Paula had contacted me a couple of weeks ago, wanting to help her brother plan a simple stress-free wedding. She was hopeful they would be able to keep their secret. Well, it worked perfectly!

As I pulled in the parking lot several motorcycles turned in behind me. I knew it was be the happy couple and their friends. I didn't want to spoil the surprise, so I wandered around a little taking a few pictures with my iPhone.

Paula, walked over and introduced herself and then she pretended to ask questions about a restaurant in the area. I walked to the edge of the lake while she gathered everyone for group pictures.

I began talking to the group, asking them where they were from and how long they would be in town. After a little more small talk, I said, 'you know, a lot of people come to Lake Lure to get married.' That started a little commotion and someone said  there was a single couple with them and maybe they should get married. To everyone's surprise, Mark stepped forward and handed me the marriage license. Then they realized Stacey had taken off her jacket to reveal a "Bride" t-shirt.

The look on everyone's face was priceless. After a good bit of laughter and stories of how they almost 'let it slip' Mark and Stacey were married in the waterfront gazebo.

Here's the whole group.

Knowing how people are today, photos were probably posted on Facebook before I left the parking lot!

Memories! Here's to the happy couple....

When you say to the other, “I love you,” what you are saying is, “Hold on tight, the ride is long”.

When your heart and the wide open roads call you, follow just to see what awaits you.

Hannah and Larry Married in North Carolina

Ahhh, spring in North Carolina. It's finally here!

Saturday was a beautiful day for Hannah and Larry to get married at Hannah's family farm. What a fun day, surrounded by family and friends who had traveled many miles to celebrate with this lucky couple.

Hannah and Larry did quite a bit of traveling themselves, coming from Texas.

I arrived early and had plenty of time to take a few photos with my wonderful iPhone 5. The area was so beautiful, few decorations were needed. Love the hay bales for seating.

Two and half year old Lilly was getting quite a bit of attention. And she loved posing for photos.

 

When I arrived Hannah and Larry told me there had been a slight change in their ceremony. Hannah's father, who had been taking violin lessons for about three years, wanted to play a song during the ceremony. What a special treat!

Family weddings are such fun and typically much more relaxed. This photo shows Hannah's beautiful vintage wedding gown. Not just vintage, but worn by her mother on her wedding day. 

 

And here's the happy couple, all smiles. And why not... a wonderful future ahead of them.

Love is wide, love is long

Love is deep and love is strong

Love is certain, love is kind

Love is yours and love is mine

But it isn't something that we find

It's something that we do

It's holding tight, letting go

It's flying high and laying low

Let your strongest feelings show

And your weakness, too

It's a little and a lot to ask

An endless but a welcome task

Love isn't something that we have

It's something that we do

We're on a road that has no end

And each day we begin again

Love's not just something that we're in

It's something that we do

There's no request too big or small

We give ourselves, we give our all

Love isn't someplace that we fall

It's something that we do

- From Something That We Do, by Clint Black and Skip Ewing

Stress Free Wedding in NC

 

Many couples are choosing to get married privately and celebrate later with family and friends. Brandi and Brian thought it was a wonderful idea... Getting married and a week away without obligations!

The weather was a little cool so we had their ceremony inside, in front of a nice warm fire. The weather certainly didn't bother these two. They were happy to be here.

 I ask couples to hold each others ring in the palm of their hands to acknowledge that the future of their marriage is in their hands and in their hearts.

 I give you this ring as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you. 

In all times, in all ways.

Forever.

Not so cold that we couldn't take a few photos outside.

Their wedding was short and sweet. Full of love and laughter.

Does it get any better?