Stephen and Aimee are Married.

Getting ready for Aimee and Stephen's wedding. Family wedding. Fun times.

While the bride is getting ready I pin on the boutonniere.

 Here comes the bride. And her lovely maid of honor.

We have gathered today in the presence of God, to acknowledge the decisions of these two people, Stephen and Aimee, to share their love in the relationship of marriage. They bring individual strengths, wisdom and personalities and today they commit themselves to a life together as husband and wife.

 Bless these rings, symbols of faithfulness and unbroken love. May Stephen and Aimee always be true to each other, may they be one in heart and mind, may they be united in love forever. 

 Rings exchanged.

Time to dance.

Never too old for bubbles.

 Checking out the ring.

Smiles and sign say it all. 

Private Elopement in North Carolina

Thirty-three years ago two college students were very much in love. But.... they were both head-strong and it was not to be their time. They had things to do and life to live. Although they were not together, they always kept each other close to their hearts. As destiny would have it, they reunited. The years melted away. Once again, they were college sweethearts. It was now their time!

The dress was bought, the venue booked. Because of a family illness their plans for an April wedding had to be cancelled. Instead of rescheduling, they decided on a private ceremony while vacationing in North Carolina. I only had a few days notice but hopefully I was able to provide a ceremony as special as their love.

The Groom's 8 year old daughter insisted on a bouquet from my garden. It was a bit unusual but was much appreciated by the Bride. (dandelions are not often used in bridal bouquets)

Even with short-notice there was time for a personal ceremony that included very special vows.

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. 

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down,
one can help the other up.
But pity anyone who falls
and has no one to help them up.
Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

 After so many years, it was time for the rings. 

The Bride had difficulty getting the ring on his finger but she was determined that it would go.

 After the ceremony we knew why. She put the wedding band on his right hand.

After a bit of tugging the ring was off. And placed on the correct finger.

And they were off to enjoy a 'family moon' in western North Carolina.

Oh yes, I absolutely love what I do.

Eloping in North Carolina is FUN

Yes, Eloping is fun.

 Mary and Robert wanted a ceremony as special as their love.

They chose RiverMist as the location and allowed me to be part of their celebration.

And who best to be their witnesses, Mary's sister and her husband.

As part of the ceremony, Robert and Mary 

wanted to include their first communion as husband and wife.

Let these rings represent an unbroken circle of love, 

which will withstand the tests of time. 

BIG smiles.

And time for fun as the groom 'dips' his bride.

And speaking of fun, take a look at the bride's shoes.

Yes, eloping is fun!

Linda and Jacques Marry at Woodrun

Woodrun. A beautiful waterfront community on Lake Tillery.

And a perfect place for wedding.

Summer thunderstorms were in the forecast.
Thankfully, with smart phones, radar is easily available. 

After a slight rain delay, it was time for the bride.

 Linda and Jacques had originally planned on getting married at the clubhouse. How nice they kept all their wedding memories at their beautiful home.

Joining families.

Linda had her children close by and Jacques had his.

Surrounded by their family and friends they made personal promises to each other. Jacques is from Quebec and ended his in French. It's been a long time since my high school French class but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with "love", "very much", and "always".

 Jacques didn't waste any time showing off his bride!

So happy.

And what fun tines ahead. These two are very active and....

Jacques loves beautiful music and cooking candlelight dinners.

Ahhhh, life is good!

Emma and Jeffrey Marry at Alexander Homstead in Charlotte

Alexander Homestead Weddings in Charlotte is a beautiful location. 

It's always fun to arrive ahead of time and watch all the pre-wedding activities.

Bridal photographs while the Groom is distracted.

Bouquets all lined up, ready to go.

And the ring bearer is in place.

Jeffrey and Emma, soon to be husband and wife.

A Marriage by Mark Twain

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.

Hope to have most photos to post soon.

Best wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs.

NC Wedding - Amy and Brett Are Married

Ciera, Zoey lead the way for their mother.

These two sure are happy. 

Usually don't have big smiles until after the wedding.

They just keep smiling. They have a secret!

Brides shoes, oops I mean boots.

Ring going on.

And their parents share in the happiness.

First Dance

You will always be the miracle that makes my life complete,
And as long as there's a breath in me, I'll make yours just as sweet.
As we look into the future, it's as far as we can see,
So let's make each tomorrow be the best that it can be.

Cross my Heart - George Strait

Family Hug.

Best wishes to Amy and Brett!