Amaran and Elliot Marry at Flanders Art Gallery in Raleigh!

Amaran and Elliot are the sweetest couple! She found me on mywedding.com and sent an inquiry. We set up a time to meet. The minute I met them I knew their wedding would be a sweet one. Their venue was Flanders Art Gallery on West Street in downtown Raleigh. This is a spacious open area with only partial walls and one in which you can do your own thing. Theirs was pretty much a DIY wedding with lots of help from relatives and friends. The date was June 15, 2013 at 4:00 PM. When Marty and I arrived, there was a flurry of activity going on and I was worried that we might not get started on time which would have been a problem because I had another wedding at 6:00. But it all came together. Amaran was with her mother, Mary, and her stepdad, Bill, in a car outside and after the guests were seated, we sneaked her up to the front porch while keeping Elliot's head turned away from the door. 

Amaran's dad, Andy, was waiting inside for her. We enjoyed chatting a bit and he told me he was nervous. Since they had no attendants, we had not had a rehearsal so I explained what he needed to do--an easy task!

When we were ready to start, Elliot and I walked in first. 

Our pretty bride and her proud papa! 

When I arrived, I noticed that there were quite a bit more chairs than the 50 guests that they told me they were having. Apparently when people heard they were marrying, the guest list expanded to nearly 80.  I wished I had brought my sound system with me. So I just walked out into the aisle to speak to the guests and be heard above the air conditioning. It worked out just fine.

They have a good story and I had fun telling their guests. You see, Amaran is a big Elvis fan and when she spotted Elliot at a party back in 2009, she was instantly attracted to this good looking guy who resembled Elvis. He got a big chuckle out of that but loved having this very beautiful young woman being attracted to him. Amaran soon discovered that not only did Elliot resemble Elvis, he was a very good person and cared about family like she did. A week later at Elliot's birthday party they exchanged numbers and a month later they began hanging out together and officially became a couple in January of 2010. He proposed in March of 2012 and they began planning this wedding.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife!

Didn't get a picture of the kiss!

Amaran and Elliot, you two are perfect for each other! I wish you love, peace and happiness forever!

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Sophisticated Intimate Family Wedding for Amanda and Jess!

Jess and Amanda attended the same college but never met there and for several years "danced" around each other in social groups until they finally connected at the Jingle Ball in 2010. The spark that was ignited that fateful evening grew into the love they have for each other today. Jess proposed on a trip to the Keys last February and they started planning the wedding they both envisioned. The date of October 20, 2012 was set but the venue not yet selected. They first considered the new Nature Resource Center in Raleigh but that did not work out. Then they discovered Flanders Art Gallery on S. West Street in downtown Raleigh. It was perfect. The three of us met on March 22nd and got started creating the ceremony.

The big day arrived and Flanders Art Gallery had been transformed for the wedding!

Irregardless Cafe was catering but I don't know if they also provided the beverages or not.

Amanda asked me for recommendations for a day of coordinator to help her on the wedding day. I recommended A Southern Soiree and so Gina Annab was there to greet Marty and me when we arrived. She had everything under control! Thanks, Gina!

Don't those cupcakes look delicious? They were provided by Blue Moon Bakery.

 A photo of the couple was on every table. 

There were nice little personalized touches everywhere. 

Our DJ was Nikko Terzieff with NCT Entertainment. Nikko and I had not worked together but had met each other at the Professional Wedding Guild luncheon recently.

The bride had arrived and so we began the ceremony by entering and taking our places after the guests were seated.

Our beautiful bride was escorted in by her beaming father, Darrell. 

Amanda and Jess just couldn't take their eyes off each other. They were so happy and ready to be husband and wife!

John Rodgers was photographing this momentous occasion for Jess and Amanda.

After the welcome, their sisters, Alysun and Kirtan, sprinkled flower petals around the couple forming a "circle of love" in which they stood for the ceremony.

Everyone enjoyed the personalized parts of this ceremony and had a few good laughs too!

They made their vows and sealed them with their rings. 

The serious legal moment of the pronouncement of marriage!

And away they go! (Notice Amanda's bouquet and Jess' boutonniere are made of cotton bolls.)

Congratulations, Amanda and Jess! It was a wonderful wedding and I hope you are off somewhere honeymooning! All the best to you!