Family Wedding - Family Love

There are a lot of decisions to be made when planning a wedding. One of the first decisions is who to invite. For Lori and Kim, it was the easiest decision of all. They wanted their children present.

Most often we think of marriage as the joining of two people. In reality, marriage is often much more than that. It is also the coming together and merging of a family. With children present, the wedding ceremony also becomes the proclamation of a new family.

It was a beautiful morning as we waited for Lori's arrival.

Here comes the bride, escorted by her children.

'It is with happiness that we gather..... '

As with most couples, Kim and Lori exchanged wedding rings.

But there was more.

They wanted to include their children.

 

Kim and Lori chose to make vows to their children
and gave each of them a Family Medallion as a reminder of their promises.

It was a tender moment, full of hugs and kisses.

And maybe a few tears!

Time for the BIG kiss. 

Love has been declared; promises have been made.

Hearts are united, lives are joined.

You are family!

Fun times ahead for this family.

'Whatever our path leads us, it takes us together.'

A Really Good Reason to Elope

There are many reasons why couples choose to elope. 

But here’s one you probably haven’t thought of. 

You get to kiss whenever you want to during the ceremony. 

I was reminded of this when Beth and Geoff eloped to our retreat center. 

These two just couldn’t stop kissing. 

They kissed before we started. 

 

 They kissed during the opening. They kissed as they spoke their vows.

  

They kissed as they exchanged rings.

They kissed.

and kissed

and kissed.

What fun to kiss whenever you want to rather than wait for someone to tell you it's ok to 'kiss your bride'.

We did manage to get a few photos without kissing. (it was a little difficult)

The smiles say it all!

Nothing but happiness for these two.

Wedding Destination - North Carolina

September will always be a special month for Jen and Brett. They both celebrate their birthday in September and now they have another reason to celebrate... their wedding anniversary. 

And it will be so easy for Brett to remember his wedding anniversary. Their wedding took place on his birthday!

Here's the groom setting up his cameras. If I remember correctly he had four cameras so their ceremony was filmed from every angle.

Brett didn't want to miss one single smile. And trust me, this bride was smiling!

The planning was over. Today was their day.

Blessing their wedding rings with water.

 

A unity sand ceremony is a great way to symbolize the coming together of two lives.

And a 'first' toast as part of their wedding ceremony.

Time to kiss!

And smile some more!

Marriage Means Being In Love for the Rest of Your Life - by Chris Ardis

Marriage is love walking hand in hand together. It's laughing with each other about silly little things, and learning to discuss big things with care and tenderness. In marriage, love is trusting each other when you're apart. It's getting over disappointments and hurts, knowing that these are present in all relationships. It's the realization that there is no one else in this world that you’d rather be with than the one you're married to. It's thinking of new things to do together; it’s growing old together. Marriage is being in love for the rest of your life.

Wedding at Blowing Rock, NC

So... doesn't this just look like a fun wedding! Well, take my word for it, it was!

When I arrived at the Broyhill Park in Blowing Rock, Robert was very busy coordinating the last minute details. He said that he had been at the park since early in the morning and believe me, his hard work had paid off. Everything looked beautiful.

We had a chance to chat briefly then I told him to continue with his work. I wandered around and took a few photos.

The area around the gazebo is very private. 

Which was perfect for the ceremony, and reception. 

Isn't this cake lovely? I am always amazed a the creativity of wedding cakes.

I love the signs displayed beside the gazebo. 

Robert and Kellie thought of everything.

And speaking of the Bride and Groom and creativity. Kellie told me that their wedding was taking on a 1920's theme so I thought I would have some fun with their photos.

This personalized shadow box was a unique twist for the sand ceremony. The monogramming was very prominent once the sand was added.

As the ceremony began, Kellie walked alone, toward the gazebo. The plan was for Robert to meet her halfway and escort her to the gazebo. Everything went according to the plan. However, Robert was in bit of a hurry and actually 'sprinted' toward his bride. And... he managed one last 'single' kiss before they proceeded to the gazebo.

Their wedding vows were heartfelt and very tender. I have the privilege of seeing the facial expressions as wedding vows are exchanged. It is always touching.

An excerpt from their wedding vows:

And I will never take for granted how lucky I am

To have found my best friend, soul mate,

and love of my life in you.

 

One last photo of the new Mr. and Mrs. 

And now some photos from the newlyweds. I love it when couples remember to send me a few photos.

 

Miranda and Chuck are Married!

Like so many couples, Miranda and Chuck love the water and couldn't think of a more suitable location for their wedding.

Water has long been considered by many as the source of life… Water is in and around all of us and is also a symbol of the human spirit –always in motion, never ceasing, only taking new forms… 

Every element of creation needs water to grow and thrive, to even survive. Water nourishes us, cleanses us, comforts us, renews us.

It is no surprise that many couples choose to marry beside (or standing in) a body of water. In ancient times couples were often married near some sort of water source such as a lake, river or holy well, because it was believed to be favored by the gods. 

 

 Miranda and Chuck wanted a small wedding surrounded by a few family members. Here's Chuck getting some advise from his mom.

And here's the gorgeous ring he gave his bride.

 

    The smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

     Knowing that God has brought us together,

     I choose to walk beside you from this time forward.

     You put love in my heart, peace in my mind,

     and hope in my dreams.

    The search is over, a soul mate has been found.