Chilly But Warm Wedding for Elise, Michael and Maverick!

Michael and Elise are high school sweethearts who have stayed together as opposed to many couples I have been marrying lately who went their separate ways then found each other again many years later. It is refreshing to have this young couple who know for sure what they want and whom they love and want to spend the rest of their lives with.

Michael emailed me 6 days before their wedding:  "This coming Thursday, my fiancé and I are planning to go to the court house to get married. We recently stumbled upon your website and wanted to see if there was any possibility you might be available to officiate our wedding Thursday afternoon [December 12] at Fred Fletcher park (weather permitting). We are flexible with our timing and super laid back. We know this is quite a bit of a stretch but thought there was no harm in asking. We have our families coming to be a part of our celebration and would love to make this event more special than just the court house. We would love to make the ceremony more personal and include our four legged child, Maverick our beagle in our ceremony as well. " 

Thursdays are not heavy wedding days, especially in December, so I was delighted that I was available and would love to officiate for them. They came to see me the next evening and we put the wheels in motion, quickly!

Michael's father, Roberto, flew in from Puerto Rico for this wonderful occasion. He was in charge of Maverick during the ceremony.

This December day was bright and sunny and a bit chilly at about 48 degrees. But, Elise was so primed for this day, I don't think she was at all cold!

Her father, Michael, was more than proud to escort her down the steps into the circle of stones where the ceremony took place.

Their guests, including the rest of their parents, and a few friends were eagerly awaiting the bride.

Michael and I found a spot where the sun did not shine directly into our eyes. Their photographer Tara Lynn with InBetween the Blinks Photography was busy getting some good shots of Elise and her father approaching us.

Elise mopped up a few tears that leaked out and then they faced their families as I read a tribute to them.

Michael and Elise are the owners and operators of Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming which have two locations, one in Cary and one in North Hills.  Maverick is their "furry 4-legged child" and they wrote a blessing for him for the ceremony: "Maverick came into their lives in the fall of 2010 and has nuzzled his way into their hearts forever. It is Maverick who has taught them things about life and things about love that only a dog’s unconditional love can teach. His loyalty to Michael and Elise is unparalleled and his love unmatched. Whether it be the time he ate his dad’s favorite pair of shoes, his uncontrollable howl, or his ability to double in weight while on top of the covers… Michael and Elise’s love for Maverick has only grown stronger. Without Maverick, Michael and Elise would not be where they are today. We would like to take this time to honor Maverick and the special role he has had in completing this family." 

They said their vows and exchanged rings then I pronounced them husband and wife. 

Michael and Elise, what a joy to be a part of your special day. I am so happy you stumbled across me on line and stuck your neck out and contacted me. It was meant to be! I wish you all the best and I will see you around at one of your stores sometimes!

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A Lovely Wedding for Rosemary and Stephen in the Garden of Fletcher Park!

Rosemary and Stephen knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding when they met with me in February and they made it happen. They are two like-minded, well-matched and determined people! It was fun to get to know them in the process of writing their story for their ceremony. Their paths crossed one Memorial Day weekend a few years ago when Rosemary subbed for Stephen's late night radio show at Stony Brook University's radio station in New York while he went on a composer's retreat. She was working as a park ranger and part-time at the school library and always enjoyed his show. He was in graduate school. He listened to the recording of the show, liked it, and sent Rosemary an email. It was a while before they met in person but when they did, they started going on some fun dates and adventures. It was not long before they decided to become girlfriend and boyfriend.  Then they decided to move to North Carolina, by far the most challenging thing they have faced together. But they stuck together and became even closer to each other through it all by staying focused on being happy in life, despite the circumstances. When they decided to get married, they started planning their wedding. It was to be small, just family and close friends. The Borden Building at Fletcher Park in downtown Raleigh was the perfect spot for them with its beautiful gardens and spacious house for the reception. The wedding date was Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 11:00 AM and the weather could not have been more perfect.

The chairs were set up in the garden nearest the house. The day lilies were in full bloom and the grass so green from all the rain we have had lately.

 

 

The grounds here are gorgeous. I remember about 10 years ago they were re-landscaped and now the plants have matured and are fully grown. It is a little known about place for small weddings. The property is owned by the City of Raleigh and the fee to rent is probably quite reasonable. I do know that they do not allow DJs for the ceremony or the reception because of noise restrictions.

So, Matt Kanon was the perfect musician for their wedding. You can see on this blog that Matt and I see each other quite often at weddings and this year has been exceptional despite the fact that he has moved to Goldsboro. Nevertheless, he loves coming to Raleigh to do weddings.

We did not have a rehearsal and getting the grandparents and parents all lined up in front of the Borden Buidling was my job, then I cued Matt to begin the music while they processed in..

Meanwhile, Stephen and his best man, his brother Eric, and I stood in the wings for our turn to enter.

Our pretty bride watches from the back of the garden waiting her turn after her sister, Megan, our maid of honor, processed in before her.

Rosemary is quite an independent woman and knew without a doubt that she wanted to walk down the aisle unescorted. It fit her and any other way would have felt awkward to her.

 

The ceremony was about 15 minutes long, a collaborative creation between them and me. They chose a quotation written by Victor Hugo and an excerpt from the "Oyster Bed" section of Ann Morrow Lindbergh's Gift From the Sea. Then I shared their story with special paragraphs about why they love each other and want to marry. They made their vows to each other and then exchanged rings.

Following the rings, we closed with a blessing then the pronouncement of marriage!

 The sweet kiss...

 And out they go! 

Rosemary and Stephen, it was an honor to work with you and to officiate your marriage. Thank you for choosing me as your wedding officiant. Congratulations! I know you will be very happy!