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!

Janis and Frank are Married in Private Ceremony

Many couples want a small wedding. Something personal without a lot of stress (and expense). The courthouse is always an option... but not so personal. RiverMist is a perfect place for couples to exchange vows surrounded by nature. And it sounded like a good option for Frank and Janis.

Frank sees his bride for the first time.

And Janis looked pretty happy to see him.

In the presence of their family and friends they exchanged wedding vows.

As part of their wedding Janis and Frank took their first communion as husband and wife.

A very special way to acknowledge Christian faith.

Smiles are always bigger after the ceremony.

It's true. Janis and Frank are married!

So happy to show off the new rings.

Happily Ever After.

Jessie and Zack are Married - Riverwood Manor

What do you do when you've been in love with someone over half of your life.... Well, there is really only ONE thing to do... you marry them.

And that's exactly what Jessie and Zack did yesterday at Riverwood Manon  in Harrisburg.

This was the first time I officiated a wedding here and I look forward to many more...
Great venue for 50 -300 guests. Wedding and reception at one location. 

 I had a chance to take a few photos before the ceremony.
(love my iPhone)

What a great way to incorporate blessing stones. 

Guests were asked to write blessings for the newlyweds.

The reception area was beautifully decorated.

And Zack was busy taking care of last minute details.

The weather was perfect.

Flowers ready. It's time to get married.

Family is important to Jessie and Zack so their siblings took part in the ceremony. 

Jessie's brother, Michael, read a passage of scripture. 

Zack's sister, Jennifer, reminded guests of family members who were present in spirit.

Jessie and Zack would like us to take a moment to remember their loved ones who are not here with us today. We remember them still and invoke their memory and their spirit to share in the happiness and joy of this moment. Thinking of them brings fond and cherished memories of a time past, yet every present in our minds and hearts. We will always remember them and we know that the are celebrating with us in spirit.

After personal vows, Jessie and Zack included a unity sand ceremony

led by Zack's sister, Stephanie.

Not their first kiss. Certainly not their last.

It was truly a special day.

Jessie and Zack, together FOREVER.