Surprise Renewal of Vows at Jump Off Rock

Chad from Ohio (always in the subject field of his emails) began emailing me months ago. He had a special surprise for his wife Holly and needed some guidance. Chad and his family were planning a vacation to North Carolina and while here he wanted to renew his wedding vows in a 'surprise' ceremony. He was looking for a beautiful outdoor location and I suggested Jump Off Rock, near Hendersonville.
This is a well kept secret! His sister said she had lived near Asheville all of her life and had never heard of the place. It's actually in Laurel Hill, about 5 miles from Hendersonville. I took this photo in the early spring.

Chad was able to pull off the surprise... taking Holly to Wal-Mart while their family gathered at the rock. I took my portable iPod player as as they walked up I used my remote to begin playing their 'special' song... Their family, including their daughters Sarah and Kellie, witnessed, once again, a public delaration of their love.

As part of the ceremony I asked them to touch each other's wedding band and renew the promises made on their wedding day. As an added surprise, Chad then presented Holly with an anniversary ring. (He said Holly was an accountant and it had been difficult making the purchase without her knowledge!)

This will be a trip to North Carolina that they will always remember!

Michael and Lindsay Marry at Wiseman's View Linville Gorge

Michael contacted me several months ago. From his home in Illinois he had for the perfect spot for his wedding. I'm embarrased to admit that I had not heard of Wiseman's View. However, I was familiar with Linville Falls and the Linville Gorge and passed through the area often.

I cannot tell you how absolutely beautiful this place is! It was a little bit of an adventure getting to Wiseman's View. I searched the internet for information and most sites made it sound easy enough. The truth is, it was a bit of an adventure! Four miles of gravel road with some serious ruts. I was not brave enough to attempt this in my '96 Camry so my husband went with me. A good thing so he could take photos for my blog. (I love him so much... he didn't even whine!)

Another tidbit about Wiseman's View... it's supposed to be the very best spot for viewing the Brown Mountain Lights. But that's for another post...

Once we reached the top, it was a short walk down a paved walkway, easily managed in high heel shoes...

It took a few minutes to get everything set up since they were having their ceremony videotaped. The ceremony was very touching especially when Michael presented his 10 year old daughter with her 'special' ring and made his promises to her.

The new family hugged and I pronounced the couple married. Michael & Lindsay, husband and wife..

And don't they look happpy!!

Jennifer and Kevin marry at Weaverville

Jennifer and Kevin contacted me last summer about officiating their wedding. They spent the past year planning and preparing. Their big day finally arrived. Today they woke up as husband and wife, relieved that the work is over and ready to start making memories as a new family.

And today, Kevin has a wonderful surprise for his new wife. Without her knowledge he reserved a cabin in Gatlinburg for a romantic honeymoon. I told Kevin that he was going to make a great husband!

Like many couples, Jennifer, Kevin and their families did all the work themselves: flowers, decorations, and food... lots and lots of food..

When I arrived, everyone was hard at work, putting the last minute touches on everything. Couples can save money doing the work themselves but remember it is 'work' and you'll need lots of help.

When I arrived... now that's a funny story. Jennifer had told me that she had, at the last minute, decided to more her wedding indoors. I was a little surprised when I arrived and everything was set up outside, including guests already sitting in chairs. I immediately walked up to the DJ to discuss the music. He said he didn't have a clue about what was going on. So, I walked upstairs where the bride was getting dressed. I asked where Jennifer was, and the woman said 'Wendy', I said, 'no Jennifer, or does she have a nickname, Wendy'? She told me this was 'so and so's wedding. I was speechless. I was certain that I was in the correct place but definitely not the right couple. As it turns out I was at a church fellowship hall and the community center was directly across the walkway.. Was I ever relieved.

Jennifer and Kevin used many of my suggestions in their wedding ceremony, Mother's Roses, Parent's Blessings, and a beautiful ceremony that included their three children. More on that at a later time.

And talking about children.... like I mentioned in my previous post, plan for the unexpected. In her excitement, Phoenix forgot to toss the rose petals during the processional. However, she had a plan and decided to toss them on her way out! These are truly the things that make a wedding special.

Married on the Blue Ridge Parkway

I have a lot of inquiries from couples wanting to get married along the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are so many wonderful spots, it would be hard to choose a favorite. I always look foward to going to a new place was eager to visit Doughton Park, near Boone.

I left my house at 6:30 on Saturday morning for yet another wedding 'adventure'. It was a great drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway even though I found an unexpected closing that caused a slight delay. One reason I always allow a little extra time....

I was happy to finally meet David and his 'best dog'. Our contact had only been through emails so it was nice to see each other face to face. I followed David to 'the' spot and was greeted by Elizabeth and her maid of honor, 'Girl'.

After introductions were made we began our walk up a grassy knoll, knowing the remaining guests would join us shortly. Unfortunately, no one told Elizabeth's brother 'which' knoll so he began walking up a knoll on the opposite side of the parking lot. After much shouting and whistling he realized where we were and began a rapid decent and headed the right direction. I don't know how he and his girlfriend got there so quickly.

The ceremony began with a community blessing, asking family and friends to promise their support. Guests also had the opportunity to send their prayers and blessings to the wedding rings before they were exchanged. In the years ahead David and Elizabeth will feel the love of their family as they wear these rings.

As with every wedding there were a few glitches. When you begin planning a wedding understand from the very beginning that things will happen. Sometimes outside your control, sometimes within your control. Understand this and accept it.... It will happen. Motorcycles will ride by just as you get ready to say 'I do', flowers will blow over, candles won't stay lit, flower girls will cry and refuse to walk down the aisle, the flowers in your bouquet will fall out as you walk down the aisle (happened to my daughter), or something will be forgotten. Allow time (and energy) for last minute 'emergencies'.

Speaking of flowers, look at this beautiful bouquet of orchids, grown by David and Elizabeth.

Navajo blessing (from their ceremony)

Be swift like the wind in loving each other.
Be brave like the sea in loving each other.
Be gentle like the breeze in loving each other.

Now and forever there will be no more loneliness, because your worlds are joined together.

Elope to North Carolina Mountains

Elope? What does it mean? Where to Elope?
I have many couples looking for places to elope. And elope means many different things these days. Years ago it meant sneaking out of the bedroom window and ‘running off’ to get married. Today, many people use the term elopement for a ‘couples only’ wedding, whether planned in advance or short-notice. And I’ve had couples bring family and friends to their ‘elopement’. Whatever it’s called, a wedding celebration is always about LOVE….

RiverMist, our retreat center, is the perfect option for ‘couples only’ weddings. Many couples want to get married surrounded by the beauty of nature. We are completely private and the ceremony takes place by the creek that runs beside our cabin. During the winter months candlelight ceremonies take place in our cabin.

You will need two witnesses in North Carolina. I have retired neighbors who are always happy to serve in this capacity.

And what would a wedding be like without a few photographs? My husband, not a professional photographer (who gets tired of hearing me say that!) takes great digital photos. He usually takes around 50 and we download those onto a CD at no charge.

Here are a few comments from couples who recently were married at RiverMist:Dear Victoria and Guy Thank you for a most beautiful wedding. You both did a lot of work and we appreciate it so much. Also, we were extremely pleased with you recommendations for the restaurant and the cake. Please don’t hesitate to recommend them again to others. Thanks again & God Bless, Regina and Stacy

Good morning Victoria and Guy,
I could not find an area to post on your website, so I e-mailed to convey my thanks and appreciation for the work you put into make our wedding such a wonderful event.
I will always remember the sun shining on my face and the sounds of the river behind us as you spoke such beautiful words. The ceremony was so lovely!!
You included our child in the ceremony and presented him with a special gift that he will hold forever close to his heart. You made the day so special to all of us!!
The photos are beautiful and we have had many comments of them.
Our wedding day was truly blessed by having you two wonderful people as a part of it!
Thank you again...and God bless you both!!
Debbie

Hi Victoria,
I don’t think that I ever got to thank you and tell you just how much it means to me all that you did for Stacie and me. You and Guy truly turned our special day into something magical, I just wanted to take the time to express how grateful I am, and would like to keep in touch with ya'll. I’m back to Iraq and it was so hard to leave my new wife. I told her before we got married that it wouldn’t really make it any harder on either of us, but I must confess I think I lied. Standing there that day before you and God, as Stacie and I confessed our love to one another, and made the promise of a lifetime, it felt like my entire being was being transformed. A feeling that I have never felt before, it was amazing. Now that we have started our journey on the road of life as one, I will never forget the people that have truly had an impact on my life, and you and Guy will always be in my heart, I hope we can become friends, and keep in touch. I know they say that separation makes the heart grow fonder, but it’s really hard. If I could ask you to keep Stacie and me in your prayers it would be greatly appreciated. I would like to come and you again, if possible, next time I’m home. Take care and God bless, Chris & Stacie
 Our location is certainly not for everyone and there are many wonderful places in the mountains of NC and I’ll be happy to help you find the perfect location. Just remember you will need two witnesses! (and a minister….)

Get Married in North Carolina

So… you’ve decided to get married in North Carolina. What do you do next????

First, you must decide if you’re going to get married at the courthouse or if you will have a minister officiate your ceremony. For your ceremony to be legal (something you surely want) it must be performed by a magistrate or an ordained minister in the presence of two witnesses. You may decide on a courthouse wedding. Just keep in mind that often you have to wait until the regularly scheduled court ‘business’ is over or you may, as one couple told me, go to the ‘jailhouse’, (for the convenience of the magistrate) Either way, at the end of the day, you will be married. As a couple, decide how you want to remember your wedding day.

Like every state, you must have a marriage license to get married in North Carolina. These are issued at the Register of Deeds office (Monday – Friday) and are valid (for 60 days) in all counties in NC.

This site provides a county map with a link to each Register of Deeds Office: click here It’s best to contact the individual office where the license will be issued. I have found some variances in requirements, particularly if either of you have been married before.

There is no waiting period. Your license will be issued and you can get married immediately.

Now that you know 'how' to get married in North Carolina. The BIG question is where? Mountains, Beaches, Piedmont.... The internet search is on.... and it can be so overwhelming. Each area has its own beauty and charm. To narrow your search, do you want a large wedding or small wedding? Are you looking for a venue that can accommodate 150+ guests, will it be a few friends and family members or maybe something in between. Or..... like so many couples, will it just be the two of you for a romantic and fun elopement?

I may regret saying this, and may later remove it from my blog, but if you really don't know where to start or need suggestions send me an email (vchutchins@bellsouth.net) and I'll try to help you find the perfect location for your wedding. Or, at the very least, point you in the right direction.

Short Notice Weddings in North Carolina

Saturday at Hickory Nut Falls
I had not scheduled any weddings for this past weekend because we were having a family pool party on Saturday afternoon to celebrate our granddaughter's birthday. However, it didn't turn out that way!

I received a call on Tuesday requesting a small ceremony at Chimney Rock on Saturday. The bride told me she knew they could get married at the courthouse but she wanted something more memorible. I told her it's always nice to have a 'spot'; you can return on anniversaries and renew your promises to each other.

I explained that I was heading out of town but was available anytime before noon. Perfect! The park suggested early morning before the park got crowded. At 9:00 about a dozen friends and family headed to Hickory Nut Falls. The walk is not hard, 1 1/2 miles round trip but it is hot, even early in the morning, especially when you're wearing dress clothes. I always allow plenty of time so everyone can 'catch their breath' before the ceremony begins.

Even though this was a last minute wedding I still had time to prepare a ceremony designed for this individual couple, which included a blessing for their unborn child.

As it turns out, they are members of a small church and their minister is not yet ordained so he could not officially marry them. When I found this out I asked if he would like to offer a prayer and his blessing for the marriage. Very touching and something I'm sure they will always remember!

Lake Norman Wedding - Chad and Rhonda

And.... on Wednesday I received a call from Rhonda. Their wedding was scheduled for Sunday and their minister had been called out of town due to a family emergency. She was thrilled to find out that I was available. Again, even though short-notice I prepared an individualized ceremony and Rhonda was able to review a draft on Thursday.

I like for couples to know exactly what will be said on their wedding day. Someone recently told me about at wedding they attended. The groom's father insisted that his minister marry the couple. Without the bride's knowledge (or approval) the minister included love, honor and obey in her wedding vows. Her attendants held their breath, wondering what the bride would say or do. Reluctantly she said "I do".

There were no surprises concerning the ceremony but there was a surprise for me! When I arrived, I was greeted by the owner of the home. As she was telling me about the plans I kept looking at her, thinking that I knew her. Finally, I asked if she had worked at UNCC. She immediately recognized me as well. It is truly a small world.

Ceremonies should always have a personal touch. As you can see from Rhonda's hair clip, Chad is not the only love in her life! On their horse farm they board, train and show around 25 horses. In fact, they are headed out later this week for a horse show.

As Roy Rogers would say, 'Happy trails to you'. I know, I know... showing my age.....

excerpt from the song written by Dale Evans.....
Some trails are happy ones, others are blue. It's the way you ride the trail that counts, Here's a happy one for you.