Phyllis and Gary Marry in Private Ceremony

It was a BEAUTIFUL day. These two were in love many years ago but it was not their time. They had lives to lead, roads to travel. Today it was their time. 

Can you tell from the smiles?

It was a special time as Gary sang 'For Your Precious Love'.

I'm sure he has sung this many times before but never with the feeling he had this day.
For as long as you, 
long as you are loving me
Our love will grow wider, 
deeper than any sea
And all the things in the world, 
in this whole wide world
Is just that you would say 
that you'd be my girl.

Can't you just feel the happiness?

It was a special time and ended with a very special 'first' dance.

Kiss me each morning for a million years
Hold me each evening by your side
Tell me you'll love me for a million years
Then if it don't work out
Then if it don't work out
Then you can tell me goodbye
(Then You Can Tell me Goodbye - Casinos)

Time to Celebrate!

Love to get notes like this....

We are so happy to have had our wedding at your place with you and Guy! We so enjoyed both of you and we LOVE the photos!! We are somewhere up in the clouds with joy and much

happiness. Our day was just perfect and much of that is attributed to you and Guy. Thank you

so much for being you!!! Affectionately, Phyllis and Gary

Elope in North Carolina - Misty and James

Let's just tell the world, Misty and James eloped!

And they could not be happier.

Can you tell they enjoyed their 'first dance?'

'Pinky Promise' to love you forever.

Now what the picture doesn't show...

No shoes for this bride.

Fun times ahead for these two.

Neeraja and Angelo - Two Traditions, One Love

'We gather today to celebrate the marriage of Neeraja and Angelo. Out of two different and distinct traditions, you have come together to learn the best of what each has to offer, appreciating your differences, and confirming that love is our true home, our true meeting place.' 

The ceremony began as Neeraja and Angelo exchanged garlands.

What a sweet ring bearer.

Angelo wanted to include quotes from the Quran:

A successful marriage is not when you can live in peace with your wife, but when you can’t live in peace without her. For a righteous wife can make a poor man feel like a King, as no love between two souls is greater than that between the spouses. 

And Neeraja wanted to include the Bhagavad Gita

A great marriage is not when the perfect couple comes together, it is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences. I can’t promise you that marriage will be easy, but I can say that marriage the way God intended it to be, is a treasure worth fighting for.

The wedding attire was sent from relatives in India

Mehndi, a Hindu wedding tradition

Neeraja and Angelo included the tradition of exchanging gifts.

Neeraja received a beautiful glass peacock, the national bird of India.

Angelo was very happy with the new Rayban sunglasses.

Angelo made the wine from rose petals. 

You have become mine forever. 
Yes, we have become partners. 
I have become yours. 

Hereafter, I cannot live without you. 
Do not live without me.

Elopement in North Carolina - Brai and Lucas are Married

Oh yes, it's true.

These two were quietly married over the weekend.

Not everyone understands when a couple decides to elope. Sometimes feelings are hurt and people feel left out. But tell me... how could you not be happy for this sweet couple? The day was full of love. They had their moms with them, serving as their witnesses and photographers!

Now Brai and Lucas could have just gone to the courthouse. But they they wanted more... They wanted to start their marriage with God's blessing.

"I pray you place your marriage in God's hands

and that His love abounds in your marriage.

That you will seek Him with all of your heart

and allow Him to guide and direct your marriage."

The first kiss as husband and wife.

A kiss they will always remember.

And they just kept on kissing...

And now it's time to start their journey as husband and wife. So many adventures ahead. Hawaii, Alaska, Germany, Italy....... Who knows where they might end up..One thing is sure, where ever it is they will be.....

Together Forever!

Baby Blessing in Charlotte NC

The celebration cake says it all....

It is always an honor to be part of a baby blessing ceremony. 

There was a time when christenings or infant baptisms only took place in church. 

Times have changed and we are aware that God's presence is not contained within walls.

It is a special time indeed.

Parent's make promises and Godparents are named.

This sweet child of God was surrounded by so many people. 

Great distances were traveled to be part of this special day.

Ashley and Mike are Married!

We have a lot of military couples marry at our retreat center, RiverMist. Usually they will arrive in casual clothes, maybe shorts and t-shirt. Quite a transformation when the uniform goes on.

Ashley was happy and ready to marry the man of her dreams.

It was a happy occasion indeed.

Ashley and Mike were surrounded by people who love them.

Big smiles.

Beautiful dress...

And her 'something blue' nails.

A bright future ahead. Full of love and adventures.

Caysea and Chris Are Married

Lovely Bride

Can you see the love in this bride's eyes?

Caysea was marrying her best friend.

Caysea promised to Chris

Chris, I choose now to stay this path with you,
wherever it leads, whatever the outcome
To travel with you through the adventures of life.
I give you my promise to be by your side forevermore.
I promise to love, to honor, and to listen
as you tell me your thoughts,
your hopes, your fears, and your dreams.
I promise to love you deeply and truly 
because it is your heart that moves me,
your head that challenges me,
your humor that delights me,
and your hands I wish to hold until the end of my days.

And Chris had promises to make
I, Chris promise to you
To make each and every day special
I promise to laugh with you, every day
To remember why I fell so madly in love with you
To support you and hold you durimg te lowest moments
And to triumph with you when the moments are high.
I promsie to you that I will love and protect you
I will be faithful and honest
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.

So happy to be married!

Let the adventures begin!