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!

Meditation Bridge at RiverMist

Although we have already had a few weddings on the bridge we are still putting on the finishing touches.

We finally had enough dry days so the stain could be applied. Now we're ready to install the lights and do a little landscaping. The forecast is for temps to be above 100 degrees. Not too much outside work going on today. Except for watering the flowers and the wedding at Lake Norman later this evening.

I do like to remind prospective couples that we are a retreat center and not 'wedding venue'. In my opinion this has many advantages.Weddings are relaxed and not rushed.

Looking to the future.

Here comes the Bride! And the Groom. This will give you an idea of the size of the bridge. Guests normally stand during the ceremony but we do have informal outdoor seating available.

 

 First Dance

 Happily Married!

 

 The meditation bridge is used for individual and small group retreats but easily converts into a 'Wedding' Bridge.

 You may have just found the perfect place for your elopement or small family wedding.

Pet Friendly Wedding Venue in North Carolina

If you're looking for a pet-friendly location for your wedding, your search might be over!

I had the pleasure of traveling to Barkwell's, a dog lover's vacation retreat, a few weeks ago. What a perfect way to include 4 legged family members. Located near Asheville, your canine family is free to run, swim and play on 8 acres of fenced meadows.

And this was the very reason Julie and Brendan chose Barkwells for their family wedding. They simply could not get married without their dogs present. Many of their guests had traveled with their pets as well so it was a fun time for all.

Julie and Brendan wanted a small wedding surrounded by their family and closest friends. The ceremony was originally planned to take place by the pond but because of the walking distance, they decided the cabin deck would be more suitable.

What a smile on Brendan's face when he saw his bride for the first time.

And The Kiss! Oh how they had waited for this. Finally married.

The waiting was over.

 Now they get to live the promises of their wedding day.

"I choose now to stay this path with you,
wherever it leads, whatever the outcome;
to travel with you through the adventures of life,
loving you at my side; in all that we will find,
I pledge my friendship, my faith and my love."

 

Mountain Wedding at Blowing Rock, NC

This is one of the reasons so many couples come to North Carolina to get married. We have it all here mountains, beaches and everything in between!

The weather was perfect for Jennifer and Ori's private wedding at Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock.

What a love story these two have. And for them, Lyle Lovett sang the words of their heart. We were able to incorporate a few of the lyrics in the wedding ceremony.

   If you love me, say I love you
   If you love me, take my hand

And you can say I love you
And you can have my hand

Although I don't have photos of the ceremony here are a few of their mini-reception. The cake toppers came from Etsy. And, I understand the cake was delicious!

 Jenifer and Ori were quite happy to have a taste.

Marriage license, signed, sealed and delivered.... and in the words of Lyle 

"I pronounce you 99 to life. Son she's no lady she's your wife."

Lauren and Josh are Engaged!

So.... do you want to see a sweet, sweet proposal? Check out this youtube. Lauren is friends with my youngest daughter.

Wedding at The Farm - A Gathering Place

Since I am a traveling minister, I have the opportunity to visit many wedding venues through North Carolina. I'm always excited to add another place to 'my' list of perfect choices.

The Farm, A Gathering Place , near Asheville, has rustic charm, hardwood floors, a huge fireplace and wrap around porches which makes this venue perfect year round. Many couples choose the Farm because of the natural charm, convenience to the city, and the peaceful relaxed atmosphere.

I arrived a little early so I wandered around and took a few photos with my trusty iPhone. The wedding arch is very creative.

Jen and Matthew wanted a ceremony that reflected their personalities and their special love. They chose a reading by Mark Twain that expressed their thoughts on marriage.

 A marriage makes of two fractional lives a whole;
It gives to two purposeless lives a work
And doubles the strength of each to perform it
It gives to two questioning natures a reason for living,
And something to live for;
It will give a new gladness to the sunshine,
A new fragrance to the flowers,
A new beauty to the earth,
And a new mystery to life

Thanks to Galen McGee at Two Ring Studios for providing the following photos.

 This day I marry my best friend. 

The one I laugh with, live for, love and adore. 

I place this ring on your finger and my heart in your hands. 

I choose you. Today, tomorrow, always.

I received a sweet note along with the photos.

Thank you so much! The ceremony ended up being our favorite part of the entire wedding, and the part we both remember best. You did an excellent job!

I truly love what I do......