Norma and Charles Wed at Duke Memorial Chapel!

On Sunday July 14th, Norma emailed me to see if I could perform a civil ceremony for her and her fiancé, Charles. They live in Arkansas but were in Durham for Norma's graduation for her MBA. They wanted to get married on Saturday July 20, 2013. Some of their family members were going to be there for graduation and well, it would be a good time to get married too. After considering my wedding garden, Duke Gardens, and other places, they chose to have their intimate private ceremony in the Duke Memorial Chapel which is inside the larger Duke Chapel. I had not done a wedding in that smaller chapel but now I know it is a sweet place for a small wedding. 

I sent Norma a proposed ceremony and suggested that since they were marrying in a chapel they might consider having a simple non-denominational prayer and they liked that idea. Norma is of Mexican heritage and her parents and sister were present along with a couple of friends from school. Charles was born in India. Unfortunately his family could not be with us for the occasion. 

So I arrived at Duke Campus to discover the road I usually take to the Chapel was closed and the alternate street was reduced to one lane. Even though I had given myself extra time, I arrived in the parking deck just a few minutes before the scheduled ceremony time of noon. My cell phone rang and it was Norma. I explained I was on foot between the parking deck and the chapel. As soon as I arrived, they gave me the license and we assembled on the altar and began the ceremony. It was short but sweet and included a blessing for her parents. I don't know their story but I do know they have known each other 4 years and I am assuming they met at Duke during that time. They make a beautiful couple and are very much in love. 

After the ceremony I handed my cell phone to one of Norma's friends and she snapped this photo for the blog. Norma and Charles, congratulations! It was my honor and my pleasure to join you in marriage. I wish you love, peace and joy forever! 

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mailto:kayelily@aweddingminister.com

919-345-4608

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Kate and Steve's Beautiful Wedding in Duke Chapel!

Sarah at Carolina Mediastar Wedding Photography sent me these wonderful photos of Kate and Steve's wedding on April 6, 2013. Their powerful professional cameras really captured this wedding. My little point and shoot camera really is lost in a place like Duke Chapel when it comes to getting sharp photos from a distance. The original post of this wedding is here! Enjoy! 

Congratulations again to Kate and Steve! 

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To contact me:

mailto:kayelily@aweddingminister.com

919-345-4608

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A Glorious Wedding for Kate and Steve Wed at Duke Chapel!

Kate and Steve are such a wonderful couple and sooooo much in love! It radiates all around them. I was delighted when their wedding planner, Gina Myers with La Cosa Bella Events, contacted me to officiate for their wedding on April 6, 2013 at Duke Chapel. Steve is a graduate of Duke Law School. Kate and Steve live in Cincinnati so in November I met with Kate's parents, Steve and Mary, who live in Raleigh and we finalized the contract.  Kate and Steve were in town over the Christmas holidays so we got together for the first time and went over what they wanted and how we would proceed in co-creating a very special, meaningful and personalized ceremony for them. We had a rehearsal the day before the wedding with Blanche Williams, the chapel event coordinator and wedding director. I consider myself an expert on conducting wedding rehearsals after 14 years but Blanche really has it down to an art and science! I was glad to sit back and let her run the show!  I could not have improved on her organization or presentation one little bit!

The big day arrived and it was glorious weather for which we were all grateful having had such unusual weather so far in 2013. Before the wedding, Kate and Steve and their photographer, Terry with Carolina Mediastar, staged a "first look" at Duke Gardens. So after that there was no hiding the bride from the groom and when we arrived, the bride and groom and bridesmaids were taking pictures in front of the beautiful chapel.

The bridesmaids pretty dresses were in a lovely shade of coral and the  maid of honor's dress was a soft beigy pink.

I took this opportunity to get in some photos with the couple not knowing if there would be another good opportunity after the ceremony.

Our videographer, Denny with Island Sound, was setting up the video camera. There are strict rules in the chapel regarding photography. The photographers are to get no closer than 20 feet from the last row of guests although, like all weddings these days, I noticed cell phone cameras being held up during the ceremony!

This is the huge, famous pipe organ! It makes the most magnificent music!

The groomsmen have come inside to get their boutonnieres pinned on by Blanche and her assistant while the photographers shoot a few pictures.

A blurry photo of Blanche and me before the ceremony. She was super to work with!

And we begin right on time. The grandparents and parents were escorted in then the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Our gorgeous bride and her sweet daddy! 

The pronouncement of marriage!

Little golden bells had been attached to the wedding programs with instructions to the guests to ring them during the pronouncement and kiss. I could hear their sweet chimes! 

 Awww! 

And they are on the move! They and the wedding party and parents circled around back inside the chapel while the guests went by shuttle to the Washington-Duke Inn for the reception.

I signed the "big book" as the officiant then the witnesses who were Steve, father of the bride, left, and Mike, father of the groom, in the center. Blanche is showing them where to sign.

Then it was time to get some other photos. 

This pose was Terry, the photographer's idea! Terry and I have done many weddings together in the past 10 years. 

Kate is the sweetest person and I was honored to work with her and Steve and be a part of their very special day. Kate and Steve, I think you are a fine couple and that your marriage will be very successful. I wish you much health and happiness! If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know!!

Vendors for this wedding:
Wedding Planner: Gina Myers, La Cosa Bella Events
Musician: Duke Chapel Organist
Florist: Fleuressence
Photographers: Carolina Mediastar--Terry and his son James and daughter Mylena
Make-up: Stephanie Sevilla
Videography: Island Sound
Sound at the Chapel: Sonny
Reception: Washington-Duke Inn

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To contact me: 

kayelily@aweddingminister.com

919-345-4608

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