Katie and Chris Exchange Vows in the Raleigh Rose Garden, October 2, 2010

Some people know how to find enjoyment everywhere in life and Katie and Chris are just such a couple. They share a love of live music performance and their relationship developed traveling to and from concerts. This has become such a big part of their lives that they came up with the idea of making their Save-the-Date card into a VIP ticket for their wedding. Looking exactly like a concert ticket, it was a very clever idea.

Their ceremony took place in the Raleigh Rose Garden amid hundreds of roses. I had not realized that roses would bloom this late in the year, but there were glorious colors as far as the eye could see.

They set up the chairs in the center part of the garden with the beautifully simple arbor standing in front of the cherub fountain.

This was the view looking up through the top of the arbor. Despite its being so open, it still provided a charming sheltering feeling.

The colors of the Bridesmaid dresses and the matching accents in the Groomsmen's ties and vests were a beautiful compliment to the glorious colors of nature all around us. The flowers, provided by Jeffrey Surles of Jeffrey's Florist Limited (910-891-7000), were a beautiful mix of summer sunshine and autumn accents.

The day was beautiful, Katie and Chris were radiant, their vows were heartfelt and love was in abundance everywhere. Everything about this wedding was simple and elegant and I was so happy to be a part of it. My congratulations to you both. I wish you many great times ahead, attending concerts, living life to the fullest and enjoying each other's company as you know how to do so well.

Others on hand to make the event a success for Katie and Chris;

Photography - Martha Manning of Martha Manning Photography, assisted by Brad Matthews
Wedding Planner - Jeffrey Surles of Jeffrey's Florist Limited, 910-891-7000
Music - Matthew Kanon on classical guitar
Hair - Marigold Parlour, 919-833-0146
Make-up - Julie Hafer of Beauty Ethics
Limousine - Vern Bullock of Classy Transportation
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Brooke and Al marry in Chapel Hill at The Carolina Inn, March 27, 2010

Brooke and Al are a terrific couple and each has twinkling eyes - a sure sign that they both enjoy life to the fullest. As I write, they are just finishing up a three week honeymoon in Europe and must surely have  filled up every moment, creating lots of special memories.

Al has two lovely daughters who were a part of the wedding party and here is a photo of him with his oldest. How proud she looks standing with her dad.

She was so into the wedding that she had her braces done in two of the colors Brooke and Al chose for their color scheme!

Speaking of the color scheme, things were a riot of bright, cheery colors all over the place - in the bouquets, provided by Preston Flowers;

the aisle flowers;

the Bridesmaids dresses;

even the Sand Ceremony they included during the wedding;

And Brooke looked elegant through it all in her beautiful and unusual gown. I’m sorry my photo of it doesn’t do it the justice it deserves.

The ceremony was held in the intimate Bryan Courtyard of The Carolina Inn and the exquisite harp music was provided by Laura Byrne, a warm personality and a musical genius. I always love working with her because she is such a special person and her music is superb.

Two more special people helping make the event a success were Martha Manning, the photographer, and Cori Stocum, the wedding planner. As you can see here, not only was the wedding covered professionally, but because Brooke and Al set a fun and friendly tone, everyone could relax and have a great time together.

(Unfortunately, this will be one of Cori’s last weddings because she is retiring to be a full time mom now that her daughter is starting school and getting involved in more activities. Cori and I have one more wedding together before her “retirement” and I am going to miss her cheery face and efficient ways.)

Outside the reception hall was this wonderful creation by Brooke’s mom - a towel cake with one of Brooke’s old Barbie dolls as the cake topper. I was told by a guest that Brooke’s mom is famous for making these and I’d say she outdid herself here.

 Inside, the reception area was beautifully appointed with the wedding colors artfully displayed...

including the charming wedding cake, provided by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories Bakery.

Two others on hand for the event - and equally important to its success - were Scott Russell, Martha Manning’s photographic assistant and second set of eyes, and the reception DJ, Jeff Simpson, of Simp Sound (great name!).

And of course I have to include these two adorable Flower Girls who stole everyone’s hearts.

It was a great wedding with lots of love, fun and memories for the couple with the twinkling eyes. Can’t wait to see those honeymoon photos!
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