Carolyn and Mike have known each other for many years, having met through their work, but about two years ago their friendship took a new turn when they began to train together as running partners. It was during their training for the Charleston Half Marathon that the friendship deepened and blossomed into a romance.Running is such an important part of who they are that I wrote their wedding ceremony with a comparison of how training for marathons can correspond to living a life and creating a marriage. There really are many similarities, when you think about it.
Their wedding took place in the first week of January but you would have never known it by how beautiful the day dawned. Bright sunshine and temperatures in the 50s made it feel more like a spring day than the middle of winter. Indeed, as I was walking into the courtyard where the ceremony was to take place, I noticed one little daffodil was blooming already. In January?! I took that as a most auspicious omen for this marriage and the cherub sitting nearby seemed just as perfect.
The ceremony took place in the lovely little Garden House in Fearrington Village. I love this little cottage with all the sunlight that streams through the windows, but it was the first time I had ever done a wedding there. Fearrington Village has many beautiful settings for a wedding but for an intimate ceremony, I must say this is my favorite.
When I arrived, two grandmothers were waiting on one side of the Garden House for the ceremony to begin and the musicians from North Carolina Wedding Music were playing the Prelude music on the other side.
North Carolina Wedding Music always adds an elegant, professional feel to the ceremony and they are first rate musicians. I love working with them.
Carolyn and her mother had taken a trip the previous year to walk in the footsteps of St. Paul and one of the cities they had visited in Greece was Corinth. Paul had written letters to the Corinthians - what we now know as First and Second Corinthians in the New Testament - so those books of the Bible have an even greater meaning to Carolyn and her mom. Carolyn’s sister, Elizabeth, who was the Matron of Honor, read from First Corinthians.
Carolyn and Mike also wanted to include the Wine Ceremony, where love letters are written to each other and sealed in a box, unread, with a bottle of wine - to be opened and read on their first anniversary. In their case, though, Carolyn and Mike plan to write new letters and place new bottles of wine in the box every year on their anniversary, thereby creating a beautiful time-capsule of love through the years. What a special touch this is going to add to their anniversaries!
Mike’s father had already made a beautiful box for them and they decided to use it for this purpose, not letting Mike’s dad know this until it was shown at the wedding. You could tell he was deeply touched they had honored his gift in such a special way. Unfortunately, I did not get any photos of the box but when the photographer’s photos are online, I will be sure to add one.
Speaking of which, their photographer for the event was Krystal Kast of Krystal Kast Photography. She was all over the place taking what are sure to be stupendous photos. Can’t wait to see them!
Carolyn’s dress was simple and elegant, just like she is, and her bouquet was simple elegance as well.
Here are Carolyn and her sister, Elizabeth, chatting after the wedding.
I had married Elizabeth and Scott a few years ago and it was great to see them again and to meet their adorable little daughter, Alexa.
Soon it was time for lunch over at The Granary, also in Fearrington Village. They have a lovely room downstairs for intimate receptions and it is also full of light, with a great, inviting feel.
Here is their beautiful wedding cake, provided by Fearrington Village. So elegant.
Carolyn and Mike had set up three photos on the cake table, two were their parents’ wedding photos and one was an engagement photo of them. It was perfect.
To start off the reception, Carolyn’s mom gave a beautiful and touching speech. Carolyn’s dad had passed away the previous year and her mom had found the speech he had written for Elizabeth and Scott’s wedding so many years ago. She used those words to welcome Mike into the family and it was touching beyond words. Later, Mike’s dad gave another speech welcoming Carolyn into the family and it was equally touching. Their parents could go on the speaking circuit!
Fearrington Village did a wonderful job of creating an excellent feast for the reception. Their wedding coordinators, Cheryl-Ann and Gilda, made sure the whole day went off as planned.
Carolyn and Mike made their rounds to the various tables, welcoming the guests and sharing stories. Here is Carolyn with the Junior Bridesmaid. Mike’s brother and sister-in-law are in the foreground and a young cousin is behind. The kids all had a table to themselves, which they LOVED.
Here is Mike speaking to his brother and sister-in-law, while their photographer, Krystal, is being a photo ninja. She was everywhere and managed to seem invisible, which is why I am sure the photos are going to be fantastic.
The guest favors were a chocolate bar with a cute wrapper, “The Perfect Fit.” Yes they are.
Have a wonderful life together.
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