Last April Lori and Mike came to see me about officiating their wedding on October 23, 2010 at Brier Creek Country Club. They are a vivacious and fun couple and were intrigued with the concept of creating their own wedding ceremony. They booked me right away and with the tons of ceremony material I emailed them, they began putting together what they wanted me to say in their ceremony. In the meantime, they both answered 5 questions for me about their relationship and I melded their answers together for their "story" to include in the ceremony. They gave me lots of good material with some humor added in which I loved!
When it was time for the ceremony to begin, our honorary wedding director, Elly, a friend who teaches with Lori, cued in the parents and wedding party. Last but not least were our two flower girls. Thankfully, one was older and could lead the younger one down the aisle although they almost veered off!
Then it was time for Kirk, brother of the bride, to escort Lori in. She looked so radiant and happy but also regretted that her father who had passed away earlier this year would not be escorting her in.
All the guests stand for our bride and her brother. He passed her hand to Mike and took his place in the line up of groomsmen. They had quite a few attendants: 7 bridesmaids and 7 groomsmen, 5 junior bridesmaids, 2 junior groomsmen and the 2 flower girls. Once Kirk transferred his sister's hand to Mike, the young people were seated along with the guests.
The bridesmaids wore the prettiest dresses in a wine/cranberry color with sheer black stoles. Their bouquets were gorgeous. Lori told me that the flowers were not exactly the colors she ordered but she really liked them anyway and they really complimented the dresses and fit in with the fall color theme. Fresh Affairs did the flowers and you can count on them to be beautiful.
We had 3 readings and 3 readers. The first reading was Owl Sight by Mercedes Lackey and Larry Dixon presented by Mike's sister, Maria, in photo above.
The second reading was a poem by Roy Croft called "To My Friend" and was read by Carmella, also Mike's sister. The third reading was "An Old Wedding Blessing," author anonymous, read by Tyrone, a friend of the couple. Unfortunately I don't have a photo of Tyron reading.
Then it was time for the wedding address which included Lori and Mike's story. Everyone enjoyed hearing it, especially Lori and Mike!
In the meantime, unknown to me at the time, the littlest flower girl, Bridget, was entertaining herself quietly with the flower petals. Looks like she may have been tasting them!
It is time for the vows and the rings to be exchanged. Mike first.
Then Lori.
And now the pronouncement.........
Mike really gave Lori a big smackaroo! I think they had been practicing!
It's done! They are now married! They led the wedding party to a place hidden from the guests then I sent the guests to the terrace for cocktails while we got some photos.
Wishing the new Mrs. congratulations along with everyone else.
Lori was saying how wonderful she thought her wedding ceremony went.
Before Marty and I dashed off to the next wedding, we got this shot of me with the newlyweds. I wish you all the best life has to offer, Lori and Mike!
Our Vendors:
Greg Ramsey, DJ with
Joe Bunn DJ Company, provided the ceremony music. Always enjoy working with Greg.
Diane McKinney was our photographer and it was good to see her again and work another wedding together. She brought her assistant Kristen. Thanks, gals!
Fresh Affairs always does a fantastic job on the florals! Thanks, Lynn.
