Monica and Joe Exchange Vows at Treyburn Country Club in Durham, Nov. 20, 2010

Monica and Joe are a handsome couple, as you can see here, and they are every bit as nice as they look. It was so much fun being a part of their wedding; everything was beautiful and elegant and they were warm and easy-going through the whole process. That is always a good combination for a happy wedding.

Their romance began many years ago, when they were in the 8th grade. They went to a Valentine’s Dance together and, although life eventually parted them, they met again in 2006 and have been inseparable ever since. Someone had framed this great write-up and photo of that first date. Such a sweet way to begin a romance.

They chose as their wedding location the beautiful Treyburn Country Club in Durham. Weddings are always special there because the setting is so amazing and this particular day, with all the trees glowing in their autumn splendor, it was even more gorgeous than usual.

The day couldn’t have been more beautiful for Monica and Joe. Here are the arbor where we stood for the wedding, the sun glowing on the back of the clubhouse and the sun shining on the walkway where we all entered for the ceremony. Everything was glowing that day, including Monica and Joe.

The Special Events Coordinator at Treyburn is Lauren Barry, who was so very kind, patient and friendly. She was a joy to work with and Monica and Joe both commented to me about how great she was for them.

The flowers for the whole event were provided by Flowers by Gary and they were just perfect for the day.

 Monica added a special touch to her bouquet by attaching her grandmother’s brooch.

While we waited for the wedding to begin, Joe was chatting with the ladies of the Bridal Party and I couldn’t resist getting a cute photo.

The simple, elegant cake was provided by Cinda Putnam of Cinda’s Creative Cakes. Everything she creates is beautiful.

The wonderful DJ for the day was Randy Bennett of Joe Bunn DJ Company. I always love working with Randy. He is quiet and unassuming, has the couple’s best interests at heart and always knows how to keep things moving along with just the right style. First class all the way.

Monica and Joe, may you have many happy Valentine dances together and may those beaming smiles on your wedding day remain forever on your faces and in your hearts.

Susie and Marshall come full circle and marry at Duke University, March 6, 2010

This is a love story where boy and girl meet at college but girl has eyes for someone else and boy loses girl... at least for a while. Then life moves forward and boy and girl meet again after many years. This time things are different, the stars align and they marry to live happily ever after, together at last.

I know, I am a sucker for love stories, but this one is so special because it is true.

Susie and Marshall met at Duke University many years ago as students and so they decided to return to where it all began and marry on the campus. With the help of dear friends, the nuptials were held in front of family and friends at the Duke Yoh Center next to the football stadium. A Duke Blue Devil banner had been placed on the wall behind where we stood for all the guests to see. He must have been working his magic all these years.

As luck would have it, the wedding was the same day as the Duke-Carolina basketball game (Duke won) and hundreds of Duke students were waiting all over the grounds for the Cameron Indoor Stadium, next door to the Yoh Center, to open its doors. Many had even camped out over night to be early in line. How perfect it seemed for all that happy student energy to be swirling around the sweet wedding of two previous alums. I love it when Life works things out like that.

The sun was streaming beautifully into the Yoh Center as Susie and Marshall greeted their guests for the first time as husband and wife. I happily add my voice to the chorus of family and friends who wish them all the joys of their new life together. They have a lot of catching up to do!
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Love triumphs as Jill and Rich marry July 1, 2009, in their new home in Cary

There’s a funny thing about true love; it never dies. Jill and Rich have known each other for 24 years, starting when they both had a silent crush on each other as high school seniors. But neither told the other and they just stayed friends. Life took over, as it will, and they each went their separate ways. But every now and then the old friends would run into each other again and catch up on their lives. Eventually they had both become single parents, each with daughters, living in separate states.

Then one day in 2008, their paths crossed again when they were each visiting a mutual friend. As soon as their eyes met it was love at first sight all over again and in May of 2009 they decided to marry.

The wedding was planned for July 1 and they arrived literally days before the wedding. In a whirlwind of activity, they closed on their new home, got their marriage license, planned the wedding logistics, had a wedding rehearsal with the girls, and their families started arriving - all in a matter of 3 days! Whew! There hadn’t been enough time for the rings to arrive from the jeweler so they bought wedding bands at Wal-Mart just for the ceremony. And although those rings were not the rings of choice, there is no doubt they will still become family heirlooms for what they now represent; 24 years of love and friendship that have come full circle in a beautiful way.

Destiny had planned this wedding from a long time ago and Jill and Rich’s families were as thrilled as they were that it was coming to pass at last. Their daughters, especially, were looking forward to it. They had become fast friends over the months their parents’ relationship had deepened and had begun to refer to themselves as A-S-S (almost step-sisters). I guess now they are true S-S.

One of the things that will always touch my heart is to see Love triumph over all and that was evident in the faces of Jill, Rich and their daughters. Their new home is sure to sparkle with happy life and vitality for many years to come.

Welcome to North Carolina and may your lives be very happy here!