Outdoor Wedding Chapel in North Carolina

It had been a busy day, rushing around taking care of last minute details. But the wait was over. Clint.... here comes the Bride.

I pledge to share with you my heart,

my life, and my love, from this day forward. 

 United in love and in marriage.

And THE kiss!

Yes, it's true. Brandy and Clinton are married!

Love the garter around the boot.

Always fun when couples add a personal touch.

Family members were busy taking photos of the newlyweds.

Denise and Larry are Married!

Denise and Larry were married at The Arbor Events Pavillion in Cleveland, NC. It was a rainy day and unfortunately the ceremony couldn't take place outside but it was warm and toasty inside.

They were probably a little disappointed with the weather but this was a perfect back up.

 Guests were greeted with such a happy sign.

You just know it's going to be a fun time.

And guests got a 'sneak peek' at the yummy cake.

I interrupted just long enough to take a quick photo.

Whatever may come I will always be there.

As I have given you my hand to hold

I give you my life to keep.

Wedding at The Arbors, Cleveland NC

Arbors Events in Cleveland, NC is a beautiful location for a formal wedding. And a perfect place during any season. Jennifer and Chris were planning an outside wedding. And technically they had an outdoor wedding, it just happened to take place under a tent.

The reception area was absolutely beautiful.

Candles and crystal everywhere.

I arrived an hour before the start time so I had a little time to wander and take photos.

Here's one of my favorites.

My kind of people.

After the ceremony guests usually enjoy a few cocktails during family photos.

No so for this clever couple. Guests were treated to desert, popcorn and lemonade.

Belle was well behaved and color coordinated.

The guests loved it when she walked down the aisle.

Family members were asked to bring containers of dirt from all the places Jen and Chris have lived. This dirt represents their individual personalities, from childhood all the way to the present, all the paths they have taken, people they have met, choices they have made, all the life experiences that have brought them to their wedding day.

 And just a couple quick iPhone photos of the happy couple.

Love the dress.

Private Wedding in North Carolina

LeaAnn and Gary wanted a quiet, stress-free wedding and in their search, they found me. 

They were holding on tight.

They had written personal vows to each other. 

This gave me a glimpse into the depth of their love and respect for each other.

LeaAnn smiling as Gary made his promises.

And a first dance, From this Moment On by Shania Twain.

From this moment as long as I live
I will love you, I promise you this
There is nothing I wouldn't give
From this moment
I will love you as long as I live
From this moment.

 The beginning of always.

update 5/15

Thank you, Victoria!  We are enjoying getting used to "married life"!  In the middle of packing and moving to our new home this week. An exhausting time, but also very exciting! 

Just wanted to tell you how thrilled we were with our ceremony. It's was just perfect and exactly what we wanted it to be! The site was beautiful and you and Guy were so welcoming. Thanks for making everything so easy- you were awesome to work with!

Btw... Tell Guy that we love the pictures! LeeAnn

 

Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock

Chetola Resort is a beautiful location for a wedding. 

And with natural beauty like this, who needs decorations!

Family is very important to Jennifer and Scott and this was evident in their wedding ceremony. As an expression of their love, they presented roses to their mothers. Then their mothers offered a reading.

A Unity Sand ceremony was a perfect way for Jennifer and Scott to include their daughters.

 All smiles and ready to celebrate.

 'Here Comes the Sun' by the Beatles. 

How perfect for these two as they headed to Hawaii to honeymoon in paradise.

Scented Candles - My Top Five

I have to admit I am a total scented candle addict... the ritual of lighting a candle once the house is calm makes me feel a real sense of zen.  Scented candles also have a lot to add to your Wedding... whether it be to 'scent' your venue, as gorgeous gifts or as a treat to yourself for your morning preparations. It is amazing how a certain scent stays with you, and I love the idea of having a 'scent' that reminds you of your special day... a candle that you can light on each Wedding anniversary to remember your amazing day.  Or is that just me being a crazy romantic!? Whatever you decide... I thought I would share with you my top five scented candles...

Number 1 has to be Jo Malone's Pomegranate Noir Candle, £39. The 'scent' we decided on for FleurdeForce's Wedding day. This candle brings back wonderful memories of Fleur's day and I just love it.  I would have it burning every day in my home if I could.

Number 2 is the fabulous Branche D’Olive's Orange Blossom scented candle. With delicate and delicious notes of orange blossom. This candle is also such fantastic value, priced at £16.94. The fantastic ethos of Branche D'Olive, supporting local producers and family companies, also makes it top of my shopping list.

Number 3 is all in the appearance... how beautiful are these Anthropologie scented candles housed in fabulous tins of copper, gold and silver.  The scents of lavender fern, sweet carrot zest and ginger black oak are just fabulous. So for those of you following a 'metallic' wedding theme these would be the perfect enhancement to your Wedding decorations. Priced at £16 (small), £22 (medium), £24 (large).

Number 4  is the Miller Harris Citron Citron Scented Candle. "A vibrant spritz of Sicilian lemon, Spanish orange and Jamaican lime are given spin by cool mint and basil, while a complex base of green moss, Moroccan cedar and cardamom provide a lasting background"... how can you resist?!  Priced at £40 each.

Number 5  is the Diptyque 'Coing' scented candle priced at £40 each. "The comforting, autumnal, luscious scent of delicious quince jelly being made in the kitchen."

 Which is your favourite scented candle? I would love to hear some inspiration from you all...

Private Wedding in North Carolina

Spring is in the air.

Don't you just love the spring season. New beginnings!
I am always so happy when couples choose to marry at our retreat center, RiverMist.

Marriage is everything your heart desires

And the strength, courage and determination to work for it.

In marriage you take care of each others heart

And hold on to what you share.

You hold it gently so it doesn’t smother

And firmly so it doesn’t slip away.

Hold it so that it can grow

And you can grow together

And live and laugh and love together always.

 Unity Ceremonies add such a nice touch.

It was a windy day so we used a floating candle so the flame would stay lit.

Looks like Brandon is a happy husband!

I love Amanda's smile.

As a surprise for Brandon she included a first dance, All of Me by John Legend.

'Cause all of me
Loves all of you
Love your curves and all your edges
All your perfect imperfections
Give your all to me
I'll give my all to you
You're my end and my beginning
Even when I lose I'm winning
'Cause I give you all of me
And you give me all of you.