Heather and Samantha Tie the Knot at Lake Johnson Park!

I met Samantha and Heather last September to plan their wedding ceremony. Although  same gender marriages are not currently recognized in North Carolina, they wanted to declare their love and devotion to each other surrounded by their families and dearest friends here at home. They plan to go to New York after the wedding to have a legal ceremony. And some day, their marriage will be recognized in North Carolina as equality is incorporated into the marriage laws here.

Marty and I arrived at Lake Johnson Park for their wedding ceremony on May 17, 2014. The sun was shining and there was a nice breeze blowing across the deck. Inside the reception area their caterer, Unforgettable Food Affairs, was setting up. This lovely cake consistent with their blue color scheme was baked by their friend Brittany Atkinson who also served as their wedding director. She is associated with Easy Peasy Decadent Desserts.

 The tables were set and being readied. 

At each place setting was a card for "words of wisdom" for the couple. 

 Outside, the sand ceremony was being set up under the tent.  

Our DJ, Brian, with Triad DJ, was already set up and he and I did a sound check with my microphone. Ashley and David Photography was doing the wedding photography. 

And so after the guests and parents were seated, the attendants all in position, it was time for the brides! 

 Samantha made the walk down the aisle first.

 And now Heather!

 Brittany, you did a great job getting everyone lined up and down the aisle! 

 The wedding ceremony was traditional in structure with custom content for our couple. 

 Samantha and Heather and I had a fun time putting together their story.

 There were some very funny parts to it. These women do have a wonderful sense of humor!

  Everyone was enjoying the humor!

 They read their vows to each other from my book where the words were printed facing them. 

 They exchanged special custom made rings.

 And then the sand ceremony...

 I asked them to look at all their loved ones gathered in their honor and let that feeling of love sink in.

 "Heather and Samantha, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you equal partners, joined in love!"

 Sealed with a kiss! 

 It's a done deal!!

Samantha and Heather, I loved working with you. You are so bright, talented and generous--a well-matched couple. I wish you the best of everything!

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Addy and James Wed at Lake Johnson Park!

I used to joke around and say that wedding ministers don't get repeat business! But, as of now, I can no longer truthfully say that. I officiated the wedding of James and his first wife 12 years ago. Sadly the marriage did not endure and they went their separate ways. James called me a couple of months ago and explained what had happened. I remembered him well, and his parents, too. His father, Tommy, is is the floor covering business and had put in some carpeting for me way back then. James explained that he had now found Addy, the love of his life, and he wanted me to marry them. He fondly remembered the ceremony and how I had delivered it. I was so very happy that I was available for their wedding day of August 25, 2012 at Lake Johnson Park. I met with them and could tell that they were really well matched and very much in love. Both of them told me that since this was a second marriage for both of them that they had learned a lot and treasured their love so much. I explained to them that my ceremonies had evolved tremendously since those early days of my wedding ministry and that we would incorporate the story of how they met and fell in love, what they love about each other and what they are looking forward to in marriage. In the meantime, I was in the market for some new floor covering so I gave Tommy a call and gave him some repeat business!!

When Marty and I arrived for the big wedding day, it was overcast and although it looked like it could rain, it did not. It was perfect weather for taking pictures too. Hilary Pearce and her husband Bryce were there taking photo for the couple. The deck and reception area were all decorated by Addy and Lynda, James' mother, and it looked wonderful. I could tell they had put a lot of time and effort into everything. As you see, the color scheme is black and white.

What cute little fans they made! 

The sand ceremony was ready!

 The big announcement.....

 This cake was by Blue Moon Bakery and was perfect! 

James' niece, Maggie, was in charge of keeping up with Lucy, the couple's chihuahua puppy, who was wearing a cute black and white skirt and a ring pillow on top!

They used actual old records for placemats! 

 A drum was the guest book......

 A bin full of favors. I wonder what is in all those little bags? 

The guests arrived and James, Tommy and I got into place and waited for Lynda's cue to walk down the aisle.

Waiting for the bride....Tanna  was Addy's Maid of Honor and Maggie the bridesmaid. Tommy was James' best man and Michael, James' nephew, was the groomsman.

 And here she comes!

Addy's parents live in Washington State and were unable to be present. James' meets Addy halfway down the aisle and they walk the rest of the way down the aisle together.

James and Addy, go forth in love, joy and peace and be happy. Cherish the love you have and protect it from harm. I wish you all the best!