Spring Wedding in North Carolina

Although our weather didn't feel very spring-like it didn't seem to bother Jen and Eric, who traveled from Indiana to marry at our retreat center. And I do have to brag a little here. They told me their first thought had been to get married at the Grand Canyon. I don't mind telling you, they chose our retreat center over the Grand Canyon!

It is a short walk from our main cabin to the covered bridge. Some brides want to walk alone, others like Jen and Eric, walk together.

The trees are just starting to get their leaves so I made sure we had bright flowers on our altar for the unity candle ceremony.

You are the love of my life.

And you are my very best friend.
This ring I give you

is a symbol of my love.

I pledge to share with you my heart,
my life and my love,

from this day forward.

Eric and Jen spent the night in our guest house and were kind enough to leave this entry in our Guest Book:

The decision to come here for our wedding was the best one we could have made. Between the cabin, bridge, and scenery – everything was perfect. Being able to relax and not stress on our day hold a special place in our memories. Guy and Victoria, it was great to have met you! Thank you for sharing our special day with us. You made it shine for us. With many thanks, Eric and Jen

Spring Has Arrived

Vernal Equinox, the earth's axis is inclined neither away nor towards the Sun. Night and day are about equal length. Today there is balance.
This is typically expressed by the 'balancing' egg.

In pre-revolutionary China it was customary to stand eggs on their end on the first day of spring. This would guarantee good luck for the entire year. 

Now who doesn't want a year of good luck....

I'm at Topsail Island with two dear friends and we made sure we were up early to balance our eggs. This happened pretty easily and after four hours, our egg is still nicely balanced. And to be honest, I'm feeling pretty balanced myself....

But... with a sunrise like this, how can you help but feel balanced.

Now, scientifically you can balance an egg any day, any time but this is immaterial. The important thing to realize is that the Equinox is an observable reality. It points to the shift that we are making toward a time of new growth and new life. The outer world -- the thawing soil under our feet and the budding branches of the trees remind us that we are changing, too. We are renewed, refreshed and energetic... coming to life once again.

Teo Bishop offers this blessing  to you on the Spring Equinox:

May you be like the soil.
Become ready for turning,
And welcome new life.

May you be like the bud.
Recognize your potential,
And expand into color.

May you be like the river.
Receive the new waters,
And move forward with power.

May you be like the sun.
Go forth into spring
And bring light to the world.

Celebrate the Equinox with a full heart, and go into the world with confidence and clarity of purpose.

 Wishing you Harmony and Balance.

Winter Wedding in North Carolina

Winter is almost over.

And spring is just around the corner.

It has been another crazy winter in North Carolina. We've had some cold days but we've had wonderful weather for outdoor weddings. As you can see Becky was wearing a sleeveless dress when she and Dave got married in February.

Holding on tight.

From "Union by Robert Fulghum
You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way.

All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over a meal or during long walks - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will”- those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe”- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart.

All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “ You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.”

 

Two hands, two rings.

Dave's rings is carefully placed on his finger.

Happily married.

Happily, happily married. The smiles say it all.

Elopment in Valle Crucis, North Carolina

What a delight to travel to Lazy Bear Lodge, near Blowing Rock, to meet a wonderful couple so very much in love. It was going to take more than a little bit of snow to keep John and Wendy from getting married!

 

 You certainly can't predict the weather but how nice when it cooperates. 

February 16th could not have been more perfect for a mountain wedding. Just enough snow for a great atmosphere but not too much to keep the minister from arriving safely!

Wendy and John were so very excited that their wedding day had finally arrived.

Their ceremony took place in the parlor and then the happy couple moved to the dining area for a private reception.

Doesn't this cake look delicious?

Cutting the wedding cake

symbolizing a shared future. 

And did you know... feeding cake to each other (tender sharing of a sweet morsel) symbolize the couples commitment to provide for each other with loving care.

May the Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you.

May the Lord lift up his countenance unto you and give you peace.

Best wishes to a wonderful couple!

December Wedding at RiverMist

Couples love outdoor weddings and often ask about the weather in North Carolina. Our local weathermen cannot accurately predict weather a few days in advance so I would not even attempt to offer an answer concerning the weather months in advance.

This winter is a perfect example. Who would think that the weather would be so favorable for outdoor weddings during winter months. But it has... We had several wonderful December weddings at our retreat center.
And the weather seems to continue. Highs this coming weekend are predicted to be in the low 70's. I always remind couples that the weather is secondary. At the end of the day they will be married. Regardless of the weather.

To be honest, I love winter weddings. The air is crisp. Well, maybe a little cooler than crisp. But who cares, love is in the air.

Donna and Brian wanted a small wedding with their two sons, who looked very handsome in their wedding attire.

With this ring, I thee wed.

Beautiful words.

So sweet when the 'new' brothers spontaneously shook hands at the end of the ceremony.

Happily Ever After!

Darrow and Ryan - Happily Married

The beginning of forever for Darrow and Ryan.

 But wait, let's start at the beginning of their wedding day!

The ground was a little wet so Darrow got a quick ride on our golf cart.

Loved this photo!

 

 Holding on tight.

 

 Kissing photos are my favorite.

 Darrow and Ryan wanted a first dance so we stepped away and gave them a little privacy.

 We did sneak a few photos.

 

 Knowing that God has brought us together, 

I choose to walk beside you from this day forward. 

You put love in my heart and hope in my dreams. 

All that I am I give to you. 

All that I have, I share with you
Whatever the future holds, 

I will love you, 

stand by you, 

and be faithful to you 

for all the days of my life.

 The new Mr. and Mrs.

Bryan and Autumn Marry at RiverMist

Check out the smile. 

This groom could not stop smiling. No doubt he was here to marry the woman of his dreams!

 

And here's the lovely bride. Don't you love her headpiece?

 

Autumn and Bryan decided to walk together. 

We blessed their wedding rings using the four elements, earth, air, fire and water.

 

Looking to the future.

 

Smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

  Autumn's friend requested a 'Dip' photo.

Bryan a true gentleman quickly took off his coat to warm his 'wife'.