whimsical magazine

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Heather and Samantha Tie the Knot at Lake Johnson Park!

I met Samantha and Heather last September to plan their wedding ceremony. Although same gender marriages are not currently recognized in North Carolina, they wanted to declare their love and devotion to each other surrounded by their families and dearest friends here at home. They plan to go to New York after the wedding to have a legal ceremony. And some day, their marriage will be recognized in North Carolina as equality is incorporated into the marriage laws here.

Marty and I arrived at Lake Johnson Park for their wedding ceremony on May 17, 2014. The sun was shining and there was a nice breeze blowing across the deck. Inside the reception area their caterer, Unforgettable Food Affairs, was setting up. This lovely cake consistent with their blue color scheme was baked by their friend Brittany Atkinson who also served as their wedding director. She is associated with Easy Peasy Decadent Desserts.

The tables were set and being readied.

At each place setting was a card for "words of wisdom" for the couple.

Outside, the sand ceremony was being set up under the tent.

Our DJ, Brian, with Triad DJ, was already set up and he and I did a sound check with my microphone. Ashley and David Photography was doing the wedding photography.

And so after the guests and parents were seated, the attendants all in position, it was time for the brides!

Samantha made the walk down the aisle first.

And now Heather!

Brittany, you did a great job getting everyone lined up and down the aisle!

The wedding ceremony was traditional in structure with custom content for our couple.

Samantha and Heather and I had a fun time putting together their story.

There were some very funny parts to it. These women do have a wonderful sense of humor!

Everyone was enjoying the humor!

They read their vows to each other from my book where the words were printed facing them.

They exchanged special custom made rings.

And then the sand ceremony...

I asked them to look at all their loved ones gathered in their honor and let that feeling of love sink in.

"Heather and Samantha, it is my joy and privilege to pronounce you equal partners, joined in love!"

Sealed with a kiss!

It's a done deal!!

Samantha and Heather, I loved working with you. You are so bright, talented and generous--a well-matched couple. I wish you the best of everything!

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Monday, October 21, 2013

Festive Orange Wedding for Liz and Lucas!

Liz and Lucas met when they were both students at the University of Miami. It was a chance meeting through friends of friends and their attraction to each other was there from the beginning. Lucas was intrigued not only that Liz is knockout gorgeous, but also her way of being--free and full of energy. She smiled and laughed and danced the night away. Liz thought Lucas was quite arrogant and, as she put it: "typically Argentinian" with long hair and a cocky smile she just wanted to kiss right off his face! And so the sparks flew. They both graduated and moved to different cities for their careers but after long distance relating for 13 months, Liz caved and moved to Raleigh from Cincinnati in 2010. They bought a house, adopted their 2 four-legged children, Jack and Peanut, and Lucas proposed on Valentine's Day of 2012. Wedding planning was stalled until Liz's mom took the reigns and hired Sally Oakley to pull it all together which Sally is so capable of doing! They needed an officiant so Sally sent them to see me. We had fun co-creating their wonderful ceremony with their story and secret vows and the wedding came off beautifully on October 6, 2013 at Haywood Hall.

They painted the name of each guest on a stone which served as place cards. Obviously their color scheme was orange--and some white!

This fabulous cake was by Cinda's Creative Cakes with the action figures of Batman and--oh, I was told but have now forgotten the female's moniker. Someone comment on this post and tell me!

Haywood Hall is the oldest house in Raleigh! The grounds are gorgeous and unless you know about it, you would never guess it is smack-dab downtown Raleigh.

Going over the cues for the processional with Kevin, violinist from Arioso Strings.

Beautiful! Mel Day with Dogwood Tree Florals hung the orange ribbons on the porch.

Unforgettable Food Affairs was the caterer and the reception was being readied in the garden under the tent.

Lucas struck this handsome pose for Cara with F8 Studios and her assistant, Adrian, before the ceremony.

Lucas' parents, Carlos and Susana, are ready to process in when Sally gives them the signal.

Then Liz's parents, Ana and Marcus, entered together and Marcus circled back around to bring in Liz.

The bridesmaids and groomsmen came in coupled up.

This is Kate, Sally's daughter, making her debut as the flower girl!

Getting the big dress up those steps from the sidewalk is always a challenge!

Their parents stood as they received a glowing tribute from their children.

Telling their story was so much fun! Lucas hit a shy spot here!

They wrote their own vows secretly and read them from my book to each other.

The ring exchange.....

I now pronounce you......

Liz and Lucas....Great Wedding! Loved the creativity and festiveness of your vision. Congratulations and may all the happiness in the world grace you both!