I Get to Pronounce Elena and Mark as Husband and Wife - in Russian

Elena and Mark married on a beautiful sunny day at the home of his mother, surrounded by family and friends from NC. Most of Elena’s family and friends were not able to attend the wedding because they live in Russia, Elena’s native country. The only one at the wedding from her circle of people was her beautiful daughter, Ally, a teenage carbon copy of her mom. Ally was the Bridesmaid.

Before the ceremony began, Elena and her daughter were on Skype with their family and friends in Russia who had gathered together to celebrate this special day. Isn’t it wonderful that technology can bring families together like that, despite such distances. After the ceremony was over, the happy Bride and Groom were planning to call Russia again and Skype with everyone - but this time as husband and wife.

The ceremony took place on a broad expanse of lush, green lawn, within a beautiful arbor and plants that had been set up by Mark’s sisters. It was a perfect setting for celebrating the love that was so strong it had brought Elena and her daughter from Russia to North Carolina.

Providing the music for the ceremony were Mark’s friends, David Langham on acoustic guitar and Nancy Maeder on vocals. They were terrific and I learned after the ceremony that they also sing and play professionally with The Road Home Band. They don’t yet have a website, but you can reach them by phone and email;

Nancy - 919-428-1542  email

David - 919-943-0589  email

Before the ceremony, Mark had asked me if I would pronounce them husband and wife in Russian, as a surprise for Elena. A bit daunted by this, I told him I would be happy to if he would coach me on how to say it properly. This prompted a phone call that would have made anyone laugh if they had heard my halting attempts. But in the end, I must have said it properly because when the time came for me to pronounce them husband and wife and I started speaking Russian, Elena’s eyes got HUGE with surprise and she went from a timid smile to a giant, happy one. Her surprised eyes and smile touched my heart and I was very glad I had worked so hard to get the pronunciation correct. Thank you, Mark, for helping me make your wedding even more special than it already was. 

I also noticed a little tear running down Mark’s cheek shortly after the ceremony began, way before we ever got to the vows or the pronouncement. There was a lot of love there that day and it was a gift to me to have been a part of it.
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Jen and Brad marry in Duke Gardens - May 30, 2009

Amid sunshine and flowers, Jen and Brad exchanged vows on the steps of the famous pergola in Duke Gardens. Brad was smiling from ear to ear the whole time, pretty much as he looks here in this photo. He was a very happy man to be marrying Jen at last and it was touching to see how happy they were to be together - and how happy their families and friends were for them.

The Garden looked especially beautiful that day. There seemed to be an extra sparkle in the air and all the flowers were showing off their colors. The wisteria vines around the pergola were full of bright green leaves that made a beautiful frame for the wedding and picked up the color of the Bridesmaid dresses and the sash on Jen’s dress.

Jen and Brad’s friend, Tyrel, played acoustic guitar for the ceremony and another friend, Hope, sang, “It Feels Like Home.” Hope has an incredibly beautiful voice and it sent chills down my spine as I listened to her sing. It turns out she sings professionally, lives locally and can be hired for weddings, so if you are looking for a wonderful vocalist for your wedding, be sure to contact Hope Powell. She does not yet have a website, but if you click this link you can find all her contact information on my website under “Musicians.”

Children will always steal the show and adorable little Hannah, the Flower Girl, was no exception. What a beautiful child and only 2 years old. She made it down the aisle alone and over to her mother, who was one of the Bridesmaids. Someone coaxed her a little bit with a lollipop (a clever and effective idea) but Hannah was fine even without it.

The photographers for the day were Poiema Photography, a trio of very friendly ladies. Armed with cameras, heart and kindness - not to mention skill - Casey Chappell, Angey Price and Kristin Cook were all taking some really beautiful shots. It’s a nice idea to have three photographers on staff for an event like this because they can spread out and be all over the place at once, getting more perspectives and covering more territory for the final results. Can’t wait to see the photos when they are online!

Jen and Brad worked hard to put together a special wedding and they certainly accomplished their goal. There was a lot of love and friendship and caring, and isn’t that what weddings are supposed to be all about.

Jen and Brad, with so much love and support in abundance, you are sure to be very happy together as husband and wife.