Private wedding in North Carolina

Any idea what Cole is watching.

Oh yes, it's Cassandra, his bride.

 

In just a few minutes, husband and wife.

 No doubt Cassandra is happy.

'May these rings serve as a reminder of the freedom and power of your love.'

 Unity Candle.

 

First Dance. Dreams do come true!

 Smiles, smiles and more smiles.

Carrying his bride across the theshold, a time honored tradition.

Time for cake.

And a first toast. 

We took a few more photos then left the newlyweds alone to celebrate.

Outdoor wedding in North Carolina

 

It doesn't matter what month, 

it doesn't matter what season, 

most couples want to get married outside. 

And no wonder, each has it's own beauty.

Elaine and Shane were no exception. What a great day for a fall wedding.

I am so honored they chose RiverMist to be part of their wedding celebration.

Every couple is unique and each wedding is special.

I love Elaine's headpiece. And perfect with her wedding dress.

The ceremony took place on the covered bridge.

After the rings were placed it was time to...

KISS.

 

 And take photos. Lots and lots of photos.

The beginning of forever.

Handfasting Ceremony at Dry Falls

Dry Falls. A strange name for a waterfall.

This waterfall is unique since you can actually walk behind the falls. 

But trust me, you don't stay dry.

October 31st was a cool fall day and because of other issues the ceremony took place at a platform above the falls. Lea Ann looks happy, doesn't she.
Little does she know that's she's in for a BIG surprise.

The handfasting cord arrived in a beautiful wooden box.

Handfasting has origins in ancient Scotland and Ireland. It was a period of betrothal or engagement lasting for year and a day. The ceremony symbolized the binding together of the couple’s lives and fates, and their commitment to be bound together in love. When a couple joins hands their destinies are tied into one future.

Lea Ann and Robert chose a handfasting ceremony to mark their engagement.

The year and a day promises provide the opportunity for spending time, giving thought, and growing together into people who are good and considerate partners, lovers, and friends. The year and a day promises are a commitment not only to one another, but to the quality of life that a couple intends to make last a lifetime. 

And now the surprise, an engagement ring to mark the occasion.

Oh yes, Lea Ann had a big kiss for Robert.

 And family members were there to celebrate.

I believe in you.

I believe in us.

We can not be divided.

In your darkest days

In your brightest light.

We are one.

Received this sweet note:

Victoria, I can not begin to tell you how very grateful we are that performed our ceremony.  It was so very beautiful, beyond words.  Thank you, thank you , thank you.

Shotgun Wedding - NOT!

I love it when couples add a bit of their personalities to their wedding ceremony. Abigail asked if she could bring a few props for photos. Little did I know that it would include a shotgun. What fun! However, the smiles give it away. Just hard not to smile during this wedding.

Gun or no gun, "She's mine!"

October weddings have become very popular. Warm days, cool nights.
Yesterday was a little rainy and cool, not perfect weather.

But it was a perfect day for Abigail and Ryan's wedding

Heartfelt promises were made.

Rings were exchanged.
I give you this ring as a symbol of our vows, 
and with all that I am, and all that I have, I honor you. 

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. 

With this ring, I thee wed.

A Unity Sand ceremony is a great way to include children.

 

I always suggest couples take a few minutes to be alone
immediately after the ceremony. I didn't have to tell these two. 

They were so happy to be married I'm not sure they even remembered we were nearby.

First dance. Just a Kiss" by Lady Antebellum 

'It's hard to fight these feelings when it feels so hard to breathe
Caught up in this moment
Caught up in your smile'

Time for pictures.

 

 So happy that I added this empty frame to my wedding props.

It's true, "All because two people fell in LOVE"

This sign will be displayed in their new home.

And even though it was a little rainy, Abigail was determined
to get close to the water for a few photos.

 Oreo wedding cake with bride and groom duckies.

The wedding is over but the marriage has just begun.
Best wishes to a wonderful couple.

Beth and Harold - Ready for Love (and Marriage)

I am ready for love
If you'll take me in your hands
I will learn what you teach
And do the best that I can
I am ready.

'Ready for Love' - India.Arie 
 

Does this bride look happy or what.

And the reason she is so happy. Today was the beginning of always.

Holding on tight. Just a little nervous.

Wedding rings. To seal and bind their love.

Ring Blessing

Air for hopes and dreams; 

Fire for the spark of love; 

Water for harmony and healing; and 

Earth for strength. 

May these rings be so blessed.

 Unity Cross.

What God has joined together, let no one separate.
 

When I found you...I found somebody who cares
When I found you...I found my most intimate prayer
When I found you...I found what every heart dreams of
When I found you...I found love.
'I Found Love' - Bebe & CeCe Winans