Candace and Pesh's Fabulous Wedding at Prestonwood Country Club!

Sally Oakley of Sally Oakley Personalized Wedding Planning sent Candace and Pesh (full name Rupesh) my way back last September. We met and because I have done quite a number of Hindu/American blended ceremonies, they chose me to officiate. They were delighted that their ceremony could be very couple-specific which includes the story of how they met and fell in love, what they love about each other, and they could write their own secret vows. They have a great love story! See the story of their engagement at this post: Candace and Pesh.

Their gorgeous wedding was held at the prestigious Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. Sally and her staff had worked hard to make the couple's dream wedding a reality. Their photographer was the famous Dara Blakely and her crew. Their videographer, Rob, was with Twenty-One Films, and Udeshi Hargett, violinist, provided the lovely music for the ceremony.

 Fresh Affairs did the florals. 

This is the setting for the ceremony. An air wall at the back of the guests was opened up to flow into the adjoining ballroom after the ceremony and the ceremony area was flipped with tables and chairs.

After the entrance of Candace's grandmother and the parents, Pesh and his groomsmen and I entered and waited for the bridesmaids to make their entrance and take their places on the steps. Then it was time for Candace to enter. She was escorted in by her grandfather and her stepfather.

And so we began with a warm welcome, prayer, tribute to the parents, and remembrance of those who could not join us.

 Then I had the honor of telling their story which garnered some good laughter from their guests. 

At this point I am telling each of them what the other told me in confidence--what they love about their partner and what they are looking forward to in marriage.

 Again, we had some good laughs! 

For the vows we incorporated the Hindu tradition of Sapta Padi and I ascended the steps where the Maid of Honor and Best Man were waiting. Then the couple took a step for each of the seven vows.

They had written secret personalized vows with a touch of humor and they read them from my book as they exchanged rings.

 The pronouncement of marriage! 

 Ahh! The Kiss, Looks like a scene from a movie! 

 It is done! 

 The new Mr. and Mrs. step into their future! 

Candace and Pesh--what a romantic and meaningful ceremony! Thank you for giving me the honor of  joining you in marriage. May you always be happy and satisfied beyond your wildest imagination!

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Tami and Gene's Fabulous Wedding at Prestonwood!

I met Tami and Gene in May. They planned a wedding on August 30, 2013 on the green at The Club at 12 Oaks, a new upscale subdivision and golf club and course in Apex. They envisioned the ceremony out on the green and fairly casual. Both Tami and Gene are avid golfers so that was quite a fitting venue. However, about a month before the wedding, they found out that the clubhouse was not going to be ready on time and so switched their wedding and reception location to Prestonwood Country Club. The wedding in the grand ballroom took on a more formal elegance at that point and Tami decided to wear a traditional wedding gown. Dave (Marty being on vacation) and I arrived when the couple were posing for photos for their photographer, Aaron with Wedding Bug, on the beautiful stairway at the club.

This gorgeous and elegant staircase really showcases weddings! 

Our DJ, Tim Hazell with TJDJ Music, was already set up and waiting to hook my mic into his system and do a sound check. We have worked together before and so this was easy! 

The couple and I posed for our photo together then Gene took me aside, away from the bride, to tell me he was planning a surprise for her during the ceremony. He sings and plays the guitar, which I did not know until then. He told me that Tami had been wanting him to play and sing during the ceremony but he kept telling her he just was not comfortable doing that. All along he knew he would and had written a special song just for the occasion. So he and Tim hid a chair up on the landing ahead of time and planned for Tim to bring him his guitar when I announced "Tami, Gene has a surprise for you!" 

I found a comfortable spot to review the ceremony. It was going to be so much fun, especially with their story and the surprise!

When it was time to begin, I walked in first then Gene escorted his mother, Jean, in then stepped up onto the landing with me.

The Maid of Honor and sister of Tami, Mary, was escorted in by Gene's nephew Steven and Gene's son, Trey.

The bride's nephews, Angelo, Adrian and Julian, were our "golf club bearers!" They presented the flowered golf club to Gene then were seated.

And now, Tami was escorted in by her brothers, Tim and Tom. 

Low light levels turned this into a silhouette wedding! 

You can see Gene seated, playing and singing a wonderful song he composed for Tami. Of course the hankies came out and tears flowed!

Now, I have to tell you their story which I was probably doing at this point in the ceremony. Tami is quite a confident and secure woman and had decided years ago that she would not marry if she had to "settle." She is a career woman who also likes to have fun and always wanted a steady companion but he never walked into her life--until now. One day she decided to try online dating and posted her "request to the Universe" which read "Please be a gentleman, raised to be courteous, have sisters, be intelligent, affectionate, make me laugh, funny, and be a serious golfer, 12 handicap or below." One week later to the day, Gene sent her a message stating that although he did not possess any of those qualities, he was sure his stunning good looks and charm would overcome any shortcomings. Tami decided to humor him and agreed to have a brief dinner date. She was pretty sure it was a waste of her time but she needed to eat anyway and it was in a public place. Upon arriving, Gene presented her with a rose and a card since it was Valentine's Day. Tami was struck by his good looks, incredible fitness and magnetic charm. After dinner, Gene was feeling like it was time for him to leave when Tami bribed him to stay with a sleeve of golf balls and said "It's Valentine's Day. Please be mine and don't deny me." How could Gene resist? Well, he didn't and the next of many dates was on the golf course where he dazzled Tami with his game while she charmed him with her witty banter and equally good golf game. Well....maybe he is the better player, but now if he could only learn to putt as good as she can......It did not take them long to decide to marry and started planning this wedding which led to this wonderful day! 

And so I pronounced them husband and wife and invited them to kiss......

They make their way to the cocktail area to greet their guests. 

This beautiful cake by Prestonwood's pastry chef is transported to the center of the ballroom.

Congratulations, Tami and Gene! I am so happy you found each other. Tami, I am so proud that you held out for the best partner for you! Gene, that was an incredible song! May you both have a lifetime of happiness and good golf!

Elegant Wedding for Elizabeth and Brandon at Prestonwood Country Club!

Elizabeth's mother, Susan, called me from Virginia about officiating Elizabeth and Brandon's wedding on June 17, 2011 at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. I was so glad that I was available that Friday evening. We set up a meeting for the couple and me on March 17th, got a contract signed, and got started on their ceremony. They are a delightful young couple, very much in love, and happy to be marrying.

This beautiful floral spray was the only decoration for the elegant ballroom which needed nothing else because it is such a wonderful room and perfect for weddings. The florist was Kelly Odom, always such beautiful arrangements.

Two early-bird guests had already claimed their seats! I enjoyed getting to know Christine who is the event coordinator with the club and look forward to doing more weddings at this great venue. With her help, I quickly plugged my mic into the house system and did a sound check then went to check out the reception area (right on the other side of the wall on the left) and the wedding cake.

Prestonwood is known for this very dramatic staircase and I have seen photos of weddings staged there. Today there was this huge dance floor as well.

The tables were so pretty and ready for guests to enjoy the lovely reception.

This gorgeous cake is by the baker at Prestonwood. He did a wonderful job, don't you think?

Save the Date musicians graced the ballroom with wonderful classical music.

Steve and Susan, parents of the bride, entered first then Steve returned to bring in the bride. Brandon's mother is unfortunately deceased and his father, Michael, was pre-seated.

Brandon and his men and I entered next. The color was "Glacier Blue," a light teal, and my prayer stole matched perfectly.

In come the ladies in their pretty dresses and very high heels! That is Julie Moghadam on the right who was our director for the wedding. She did a fine job. We had a slight delay due to some traffic issues and she handled it well.  She says that she would like to do more. Here is her email.

I asked the guests to stand as Elizabeth and her father floated in. Elizabeth is a beautiful young woman and her dress was simply gorgeous!

Michael and Marcy of Michael's Memories were on hand to photograph this lovely wedding. (All the photos on this blog are taken with my little Olympus digital though.)

 

 

After welcoming everyone, an opening prayer, remembering those unable to be with us, honoring the parents and words about Elizabeth and Brandon and their love and commitment to each other, the vows and rings, I pronounced them husband and wife and they sealed their vows with a kiss!

I think Elizabeth is probably saying "I can't believe we are finally married!" They are one happy couple!

Elizabeth and Brandon, thank you for choosing me to officiate your wedding. I was thrilled to be a part of your special day. I know you will be so happy and create a great marriage.