Monday, June 18, 2012

Lindsay and Clinton Tie the Knot at The Umstead!

Like many good love stories, Lindsay and Clinton met at work.  Clinton told me that he knew right away that he wanted to marry Lindsay and she started noticing how frequently Clinton was around. Their matchmaking co-workers apparently saw the potential and kept "throwing them together" and they really connected at a work party. They dated for some time but when Clinton made a 12 hour trip from Raleigh to Tennessee and back in one day to get Lindsay an English Bulldog puppy for Christmas, that sealed the deal for her! She loves Clinton's sense of humor and his ability to make her smile. His patience, kindness and humility inspire her. Lindsay's caring and nurturing nature touched Clinton's heart and they have become best friends forever. The radiance between them shows how much in love they are. I loved working with them to design their unique wedding ceremony that took place on June 9, 2012 at 6:00 PM at The Umstead Hotel and Spa--Cary's most elegant and upscale wedding venue. The weather was beautiful and the sun was setting behind the hotel drenching the courtyard in cool shade with the lake and fountain in the background. 
It is about 5:15 and the sun has yet to slip behind the hotel. Doing a sound check with Joe Bunn before the guests arrive.
Lindsay and Clinton included the Wooden Wine Box Ceremony in which they placed their sealed love letters to each other.
I had the pleasure of working with Carrie on The Umstead staff while Ami was on vacation. Great job, Carrie!
Of course they had bulldogs as cake toppers on this lovely wedding cake provided by Sweet Memories Bakery.
The reception room was all set up. The florist for this wedding was the Watered Garden who provided the centerpieces, the beautiful lilies for the ceremony decor, the bouquets and boutonnieres.
A cool Joe Bunn, the founder and owner of the very popular Joe Bunn DJ Company, did the honors by providing the ceremony music and the reception music. Love working with Joe! Check out his blog for his story of this fantastic wedding!
As we were all gathering for the processional and the guests taking their seats, we had a furry little interloper from a nearby terrace who was quickly intercepted and returned to her room!
The guys and I going over the processional and making sure everyone was there and informed.
These amazing wedding programs were made by Kelli Burnham, sister-in-law of our bride. She is obviously very creative and innovative and I have linked her name to her email in case anyone wants to contact her. 
After the grandparents and parents were all seated, Clinton and I, followed by the groomsmen, then by the bridesmaids, were all in place when our pretty flower girl, Madison, niece of the bride, entered and sprinkled petals.
Madison got way-laid for a moment speaking to a guest then continued her walk to the front where she joined her mother, Kelli, our Matron of Honor who is married to Lindsay's brother, Christopher, one of the groomsmen.
 Here comes the bride! 
Lindsay and her father, Charles, made the long walk down the aisle while the guests stood in her honor.
A spectacular setting--notice that the sun has slipped behind the hotel and is only shining on the water. Our professional photographer for this wedding was Heather with Northwood Photography. Go take a look at the photos of Lindsay and Clinton's engagement session which also included their beloved bulldog, Duke!

 
 
 
 
When Kelli saw me wipe the perspiration from Clinton's brow, she took that opportunity to fix the flower in Lindsay's hair!
After the wedding address and words about what they love about each other, they exchanged their vows and then the rings.
They locked the Wooden Box with the wine and love letters in it as I instructed them to open it on their first wedding anniversary, pour each other a glass of wine and read the letters, then write new letters and put them back in the box and repeat this ritual every anniversary. The box then serves as a time capsule for these very special letters.
Time for one last "brow-wipe" to get ready for the kiss following the pronouncement!  
 
 
 
Yippee! Married at last and it is time to celebrate!  (Note Joe Bunn in the background watching the happy couple exit!)
Lindsay and Clinton, it was delightful to work with you, get to know you and be a part of your special day. Enjoy your wonderful honeymoon and let me know if I can be of service to you in the future! Congratulations!