For my final blog post of January 2016 , a memory of my favorite wedding last year. Yep, I said “favorite.” Here’s why:
I would never call favorites on any of the couples I work with. It has been my privilege to work with caring, creative, interesting, generous brides and grooms, and I have enjoyed them all – I’m not just saying that.
But Leslie and Ryan are different. Because I had the privilege of watching Leslie grow from a young college intern to a strong career woman. And lucky enough to have her as my assistant in San Diego for several of those years. When they asked me to officiate their wedding ceremony, I was over the moon.
It was a special treat to fly out to Raleigh, NC where they now call home. Leslie and her mother found her perfect gorgeous venue: Wakefield Plantation, a historic plantation-style golf resort. The plan: An outdoor ceremony looking over the sweeping lawns and trees, followed by cocktails and reception inside the beautiful ballroom.
Raleigh was sunny and hot all that week – except on wedding day, when the skies poured down rain and lightening and thunder rolled through. (And then, of course, it was clear and sunny again the next day.)
Leslie and Ryan were admittedly disappointed, but pulled themselves together and forged ahead with grace, style, and above all, flexibility.
With quick planning by her wedding planner and Wakefield staff, the ceremony came together beautifully in a cozy room with a fireplace.
Big thanks to Richard Barlow for the incredible photos! (San Diego newlyweds, if you want an incredible, easygoing, fun photographer with southern charm, contact Richard. He has plans to establish a Southern Cali office, so maybe we can lure him out to San Diego.)
www.richardbarlowphotography.com
This bride won’t be deterred by thunderstorms! A giant golf umbrella and lots of friends to hold her dress – it’s off to the wedding!
Ringbearers carrying the groom’s family crest
The groom and I watching his gorgeous bride head down the aisle
Proud papa
While the storms rumbled outside, this cozy room with a fireplace made for a beautiful intimate ceremony
It is such a special moment during the ceremony, when a couple honors their mothers, in gratitude for all the years of love and support
A little fun and levity during the ceremony
I admit that, during their vows, when she got choked up, I got a little choked up.
Presenting Mr. & Mrs.!!
Of course the rain let up a bit after the ceremony, so the newlyweds grabbed their moment outside, with the beautiful expanse of the course as a backdrop
Cozy elegance: that’s how they do in Raleigh
This gal, a professional dance instructor, taught me how to line dance in 5 minutes while standing at the bar
So that I could join the fun with the bride! I rarely have the opportunity to be a guest at a wedding, so I enjoyed every moment. (Yes, the officiating suit came off and the party dress went on!)
So proud to be their friend and officiant. Love you Leslie!
Sparklers are illegal in California with our dry conditions, but in NC they light ’em up! What a great sendoff!
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