Married in North Carolina - Chris and Lauryn

It's that wonderful time of the year. Winter is turning into spring and each day brings new surprises.

And what surprises our late winter/early spring weather can bring! Just this week people were visiting the mountains of North Carolina planning for a few days of snow skiing only to find temperatures in the 70's. And now, two days later, there is fresh snow and the ski resorts are busy with happy people. I know for a fact there are at least two very happy people, Chris and Lauryn, who enjoying the winter weather and their first days of married life.

Back to surprises... Chris is a sly one and had a really big surprised planned for the love of his life. He and Lauryn drove from Florida looking forward to a change in climate and hopefully find a little snow. Little did Lauryn know, Chris had been busy planning one of the biggest surprises of her life. What began as a winter vacation suddenly turned into a wedding and honeymoon. Not sure how Chris told her the 'news' but I'm sure sweet memories were made.

 

Isn't Lauryn a beautiful bride? 

Keeping her eyes on the man who was soon to become her husband.

I pledge to share with you my heart,

my life, and my love, from this day forward.

 Time to relax, take a deep breath.

The engagement is over. The marriage has begun.

 No caption needed here.

 

 Taking a little time to explore and enjoy the wonderful weather.
Many fun times ahead for these two.

Planning a wedding in North Carolina

 

THE question was asked.. and the answer was yes. Now it is time to plan your wedding.

What will it be? A formal ceremony surrounded by friends and family, a small ceremony including your children or an intimate elopement with just the two of you. Whatever you choose I would be honored to be part of your celebration. Small ceremonies can take place at RiverMist, however, I travel throughout North Carolina officiating celebrations of love.

I work closely with couples and offer many options to create ceremonies that are unique and personal. Couples certainly have the option of providing a complete ceremony but many, in fact most, appreciate guidance and access to my library of wedding resources.

As a non-denominational / interfaith minister I help couples create a ceremony that is an expression of their love and personal beliefs. I am open-minded and always honor the beliefs and lifestyles of the couples I serve. I am experienced in working with a combination of denominations and traditions. Some couples request a religious ceremony with or without a specific denomination. Others consider themselves spiritual but not religious. And many couples prefer a ceremony based on love and commitment without any religious references. 

Your wedding ceremony should be a reflection of your personalities and your hopes for the future. It is the time you express your love publicly by making promises to each other. Promises that will bind you together for life. I suggest you spend time together and choose these words carefully and thoughtfully.

I have been officiating ceremonies for almost ten years and discovered many years ago that no two couples are alike. Some have only recently met and decided to marry. Some have gone through a more traditional courtship. Others have been together many years and for various reasons decided to formally (and legally) acknowledge their relationship. I've had the honor of officiating ceremonies for several couples who had been together for over 30 years. Some couples are expecting the arrival of a child or some already have a family and are not yet legally married. I always give couples the opportunity to 'tell their story' but have great respect for privacy and discretion.

If you are ready to start planning your wedding ceremony 

please contact me to check my availability and schedule 

a complimentary consultation.

Private Wedding in North Carolina

Beginning a new year is always exciting. 2014 is no exception and for Amanda and Brian it will be a year they always remember. It is the year they start their journey as husband and wife.

Now look at the picture. Look at it really close. Notice anything unusual? Looks pretty normal until you realize that Brian is carrying a jacket. Not his jacket, but Amanda's.

Amanda's dress was very beautiful and perfect for her wedding. Unfortunately, the temperature was typical of January weather and barely made it to 40 degrees. The wind made the temperature seem much cooler so she kept her jacket nearby. Luckily, these two had their love to keep them warm.

Not sure they even felt the cold.

Amanda holding on tight, promising to always be by Brian's side.
Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime
Say the word and I will follow you
Share each day with me, each night, each morning..
All I Ask of You-Phantom of the Opera

This was the day they had been waiting for.

The ring says it all.

The wind cooperated and the unity candle was lit.

And then the kiss!

Lots of hugging and kissing.

The jacket went on. Time for a first dance, 'A Thousand Years'.
And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I'll love you for a thousand more

All smiles.

I will admit, it was nice to get inside by the fire!

 The Groom carrying his Bride across the threshold. The beginning of forever!

Wedding at The Gingerbread Meetinghouse

Crystal and Daniel knew they had found 'their' place as soon as they saw the Gingerbread Meeting House in Shelby, NC. It is truly a lovely location. The covered patio was perfect for their wedding and quickly converted to the reception area.

I don't have photos from the actual ceremony but here's the set up.

After the ceremony, while the wedding party took photos, guests were invited inside for cocktails. Tables were quickly moved and chairs placed.

I had time to wander around before the ceremony and take a few photos.

Doesn't this cake look delicious!

And one of my very favorite things.

Love the Super Heros!

All dressed up.

I didn't want to interrupt the photography session 

but did take a quick photo.

I did not get a photo or Crystal and Daniel but this is a photo of a photo.

It's obvious these two will have lots of fun together.

Dana and Milt - Married in NC Mountains

Oh yes, the secret it out. More and more couples are realizing the beauty of North Carolina and choosing to travel here for their wedding.

Boone offered the perfect location for Dana and Milt, who traveled from California.

Like many couples, they choose to have their intimate wedding at a rental house.

What a view from the deck.

Here's the lovely bride, escorted by her father.

We began the ceremony by lighting a Memorial candle for Milt's mother.

These two were more than happy to share their first kiss as husband and wife.

You just know it's going to be a fun time with cake toppers like these.

And napkins like these!

What a perfect way to celebrate.

Private Wedding - Melinda and Tony Married at RiverMist

I am the luckiest woman in the world! Maybe luckiest isn't the right word. Some would say fortunate but on second thought, the correct word would be blessed. I have a wonderful husband, fantastic children, and four lively grandchildren. That would be enough for anyone. But I get more.... I get to be part of life celebrations and share in the joy of other people. It is truly an honor when couples choose to share their special day with me.

When requested, and my schedule allows, I travel throughout North and South Carolina officiating wedding ceremonies and other life events. I love going to the many beautiful places and meeting wonderful people.

Many couples are looking for a low-key simple wedding. A quiet place in nature where they can focus on each other and make promises privately. Our retreat center provides the perfect setting.

Just ask Melinda and Tony....

We are both so happy with each other and yes, it is taking a while to get used to everything. I have been busy getting my name changed and that in itself is a challenge {and I keep signing my old name - I guess it takes everyone a while to change}.

Our wedding was perfect, I have told as many people as I can about how wonderful you guys are and how easy and relaxed and perfect you made everything for us. I cannot thank you enough!

I hope to see you guys again, we want to come back to that wonderful "cabin" for our anniversaries to come. We will stay in touch. Again, what a wonderful wedding it was for us - just what we wanted.

Thanks and I wish the best to both of you, Melinda and Tony

I love getting emails and notes like this. It keeps reassuring me that I'm in the right place, doing the right thing.....

Melinda and Tony, soon to be Mr and Mrs.

It was a beautiful fall day, full of love and anticipation.

These two were holding on tight.

Rings were blessed.

And exchanged.

Nothing is sweeter than love; nothing stronger, nothing higher, nothing wider; nothing happier, nothing fuller, nothing better in heaven and earth; for love is born of God... 

Love is devoted and thankful to God, always trusting and hoping in him.