Marty and I arrived and set up my sound system and did a sound check. All was good. The club has two very spacious rooms for weddings and receptions. Last wedding I did here we used the other room for the ceremony but I really liked the one Marissa and Aaron chose because of the natural light from the windows. Lauren, the events/catering manager was on hand to help. She is always so thoughtful and accommodating. Thanks, Lauren! Then I was off to find the witnesses to sign the license. Signing above is Aaron's father, William, who also served as his best man.
Playing for the ceremony are Anne and Nate Leyland. They were contracted by Mark Snow of Elegant Ensembles out of Winston-Salem. I have done weddings many times with Nate but had not met Anne. They provided really wonderful ceremony music!
On the table with the guest book there were photos of Marissa and Aaron's parents' wedding photos. Aaron's parents, William and Mary, were married in 1977. John and Kathy, on the right, were married in 1978. Their photos were really fun to look at and see them 33 and 34 years later at their children's wedding!
In a room nearby, Marissa and her bridesmaids were hidden away. Jenn Smith from Winston-Salem was their photographer. She was snapping some good photos. Marissa's dress was absolutely stunning!
Come on, guys! It is time to make our entrance! A friend of the couple, Katy, did a wonderful job directing for them.
The bridesmaids were ready to go. John was standing by to bring in Marissa after he escorted in his wife, Kathy. She told him not to be so nervous because he did the same job for their daughter Rachel a couple of years earlier! Rachel was our Matron of Honor.
I believe at this point I am talking to Rachel. "Rachel, the oldest sister, you have always given Marissa an example to look up to. From you she learned to never spill nail polish on new carpet and to never venture into the basement alone." Marissa and Aaron had endearing humorous things for me to say to all their siblings and we laughed a lot!
Marissa's aunt, Kris, read the Taylor Mali poem, "Falling in Love is Like Owning a Dog." Then it was time for the couple's wonderful and entertaining story which was followed by the vows and rings.
I made the pronouncement of marriage and as you can see, the kiss is one big blur, literally!!
Marissa and Aaron, I know you will go far in life together and be very happy. Thank you for your professions and taking care of our children's education. I wish you all the best!