Shannon and Michael contacted me in February of 2013 to see if I was available for their wedding on May 2, 2014 at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. May and October are the two most popular months for weddings in our area so they were very wise to get started planning their wedding and hiring their vendors over a year in advance. That way they could be assured they would get their first choice.
When I arrived straight from a wedding rehearsal at Hudson Manor in Louisburg, their photographers, Tracie and Jennifer with
Spotlight Photography out of Burlington, had the bride and her maidens in the garden for photos. That purple/magenta color is fabulous!
The garden was all ready for the wedding. The grass was freshly mown. This photo was taken around 4:30 and notice the line of the shadow from the hotel behind the photographer. By the time we started at 5:30 the line was behind us illuminating the lake. Such wonderful planning on the part of the architect of this upscale venue, or were they just lucky?
Michael and his family--father, mother and brother who was his best man.
The groomsmen and the groom!
So, it was time to start. I walked down the aisle first followed by Michael and his parents. Then the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed as couples.
Time for the bride and her mother. Shannon's dad is no longer with us so her mother escorted her down the aisle. The wind has picked up a bit. That is Carrie Cassidy, Catering Manager for The Umstead acting as wedding director, straightening the veil which is the same one Shannon's mother wore for her wedding. Kelley Ann Ward, the event manager for The Umstead, has been out on maternity leave but is due back later this month.
Look at Michael beam as Shannon comes down the aisle!
And so we begin......Note the shadow line is almost completely behind me.
Honoring of the parents and their siblings. A sweet surprise for them from the couple. Then the story of how they met and fell in love and theirs was a really good one having met in college when a professor assigned seats alphabetically. They will forever be grateful to that professor although it took them a long time to really decide they were a couple.
They now get to hear what the other told me why they love each other and what they are looking forward to in marriage. Another tender moment with a little laughter thrown in for good measure!
They read their vows to each other where they were printed facing them in my book.
Exchange of rings.....
The pronouncement of marriage!
Nice kiss as I quickly scooted out of the way!
The deed is done! Time for some photos then party time!
The happy couple pose with Shannon's mother and sister.
Shannon and Michael, what a wonderful wedding! I really enjoyed working with you and getting to know you. I hope your wedding was a dream come true and I wish you the best always!
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To contact me:
919-345-4608
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