Melissa and Daniel have been together since they were in high school. They met when Melissa and her family moved into Dan's neighborhood in Angier in the summer of 2000. They definitely noticed each other and eventually became high school sweethearts and have been together ever since. They both feel really fortunate that they grew up into adulthood together and know each other extremely well. "They love life and love each other and there is nothing more complete which is what's really important in life and why they are making this commitment to each other today."
Melissa and Daniel booked me as the officiant for their wedding last November. Their wedding date was October 15, 2011 and took place at the beautiful
Matthews House in Cary. It was planned down to the finest detail as that is the kind of conscientious couple these two are.
The beautiful floral arrangements and the stunning bridal bouquet of purple lilies were provided by Greg Kennedy of
Brides and Bouquets with whom I have done weddings for 12 years now. His talent is amazing!
This beautiful cake was provided by
Sweet Memories. Our wonderful photographer for the occasion was the amazing
Michelle Gunton. Love working with Michelle. She has a way of gathering people and making everyone have fun having their picture taken. Just a delight! John Hayes who owns
Southern Video Design was on hand to record the wedding for posterity. It was good to see John again and we too have done many a wedding together!
Of course I was looking forward to working again with one of my favorite DJs, Lenny Fritts with
A Touch of Class DJ. Lenny always takes such good care of me and is really on the ball making sure the wedding is running smoothly! We have another wedding next weekend together at the Raleigh Country Club which he kindly referred the bride and groom to me. Thanks, as always, Lenny!
The groomsmen as ushers are ready to begin seating the guests as Kimberly hands out beautiful programs that Melissa and Daniel designed and created together.
Once all the guests were seated, we began the processional. Jacob escorts in Melissa's Grandmother, Uma. Behind them are Daniel's mother, Joyce, who is escorted in by her older son, Tim, also Dan's best man
All the pretty bridesmaids then are lined up and ready to be cued in.
The first to go is Alyssa, our Junior Bridesmaid, whose job was to pull the wagon in which our "Wagon Attendants" Luke and Nicholas are seated.
They were so cute and stayed in the wagon all the way up the aisle!
The groom, best man and groomsmen had already entered so it was time for the seven bridesmaids to enter and take their places up front. Melissa is watching them all go in as she waited for her turn to enter.
Gary was all smiles as he brought Melissa in. That is Kelly Miller, our wedding director, dashing to straighten Melissa's train. Kelly directs weddings for the Matthews House if requested. She is always a joy to work with and had this one superbly organized and we started right on time. Thanks, Kelly!
Poor Melissa! The sun was right in her face, her sister Katie's too. It was too high for our very tall groom to block but eventually the sun lowered down behind the roof of the house and we were in shade.
At this point the sun has almost dropped down and Melissa can see Daniel's grinning face!
I related their wonderful love story and secret paragraphs as to why they have chosen each other as life-mates then it was time for their vows and the ring exchange.
They intermingled their purple and white sand together in the sand ceremony while Lenny played some pretty music softly.
You could tell they have been practicing that kiss!!
Melissa and Daniel, you have an amazing story and I can tell how much you love each other. You have a very solid foundation for a great marriage and I wish you all the best life can bring your way!
