Private Wedding in North Carolina

Spring is in the air.

Don't you just love the spring season. New beginnings!
I am always so happy when couples choose to marry at our retreat center, RiverMist.

Marriage is everything your heart desires

And the strength, courage and determination to work for it.

In marriage you take care of each others heart

And hold on to what you share.

You hold it gently so it doesn’t smother

And firmly so it doesn’t slip away.

Hold it so that it can grow

And you can grow together

And live and laugh and love together always.

 Unity Ceremonies add such a nice touch.

It was a windy day so we used a floating candle so the flame would stay lit.

Looks like Brandon is a happy husband!

I love Amanda's smile.

As a surprise for Brandon she included a first dance, All of Me by John Legend.

'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.

Carolina Beach Wedding

Nope, not the Bride and Groom but too, too cute!

Stephanie and Sam met at a piano bar at Myrtle Beach so what better place to have their wedding. For their destination wedding they chose the Marriott Resort and Spa at Grande Dunes.

They included a Unity Cross as part of their ceremony.

The groom places the outer cross on the base, then the bride adds the center section.

It's a lovely addition to a Christian Ceremony. This can be ordered online or if you're lucky you can catch one on sale (half price) at Hobby Lobby.

The wedding took place on the terrace but you can see the beautiful Atlantic Ocean in this picture.

 A kiss for the new Mrs.

 Oh yes, Sam was very happy to dance the night away with his Bride.

Short Notice Wedding in North Carolina

Leslie and Chris traveled from Louisiana to visit family in Charlotte. It was a long drive with much sadness in their hearts. Leslie, in her wisdom, wanted to find a way to lift some of the sadness and replace it with happiness. They were planning on marrying later this year but at her suggestion they decided that North Carolina would be a nice location for their wedding.

Chris called and arrangements were made. Normally, I can accommodate short notice weddings, often on the same day.

We had a short ceremony, took a few photos with their iPhone and they were on their way back to Louisiana. We even had a few 'barks' as they were pronounced husband and wife. Their canine child was right on cue!

They did have time for a little kissing.

Family Wedding at Red Rocker Inn - Black Mountain, NC

Like so many couples today, Pam and Keith wanted a small family wedding that focused on their love and commitment. What better place than the mountains of North Carolina.

As part of the ceremony, Pam and Keith made promises to their children.

 Heart are united, lives are joined

You are FAMILY.

Would you believe these two ran a half marathon the next day!

What a way to start married life.

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!