Marta and Greg’s Romantic Love Story, Chapter 2 - A Fairy Tale Wedding at 1705 Prime in Raleigh, March 19, 2011

Marta and Greg met through eHarmony.com and the chemistry was there immediately. Had they been in a Disney movie, stars would have been coming out of their eyes on their very first date!

This is quite the romantic couple and Greg had always wanted to see Rome with the woman of his dreams so they planned a romantic get-away to the fabled city last October, to coincide with Marta’s birthday. What a great birthday present! But little did Marta know that Mr. Romantic had something else in mind as well - a proposal of marriage. When the time came for him to ask her... I’ll  tell this part of the story in Marta’s words; “Greg said he wanted to give me my birthday present and told me to close my eyes. When I opened them, he was holding a white gold engagement ring; he smiled in a way that was equal parts nervousness, relief, and confidence. “Marry me?” he asked. “Hell yes!” was my response. I kissed him and tried on the ring. It was several sizes too big and I ended up wearing it on a chain around my neck for the rest of the trip. He confessed shortly after that he had been planning the events for some time and had sneakily purchased the ring at Zales the day before we left.”

I can just imagine the two of them walking around Rome for days with their feet never even touching the ground.

For their wedding they naturally wanted to continue this romantic theme and used it in their vows that they wrote to each other, the decorations, the readings for the ceremony, the music, and most especially in the wedding cake. Created by Ashley Lattier of Ashley Cakes, it was a marvel of all things fairy tale.

Here are Ashley and her husband standing proudly beside the cake. And well they should be proud; it was one amazing cake!

The cake is designed to look like a cake is sitting on top of an open book of fairy tales, but that book is actually the bottom layer of the cake. Each successive layer tells of their romance and the elements they want to incorporate into their marriage. And the topper is a Cinderella slipper in red - Marta’s favorite color.

And here are the “sugar photos,” reproductions in sugar of photos from their relationship. The top one was taken by a local citizen on The Spanish Steps in Rome the day they became engaged. The ones on the other three sides (only 2 are shown here) were photos from their relationship through the years. 

They chose as the setting for their special wedding the very adaptable restaurant, 1705 Prime. Located in Raleigh, it sits off the main road and is a special little spot of tranquility in the city. Alison Purdee, the Catering Sales Manager, was in charge of making sure everything went off perfectly for Marta and Greg. With so many of us going all over the place, she did an impressive job of keeping us all on track and on time. Thanks, Alison!

Here is a photo of the lobby of 1705 Prime and one taken standing in the lobby looking up into the interesting chandelier-as-art hanging in the 2-story entryway.

Before the wedding began, I was lucky to get to watch Marta giving all the Bridesmaids their gifts of unique jewelry she had chosen to suit each one. They loved them! 

While this was going on, the photographer, Heather Swanner of Heather Swanner Photography, was taking some cool shots of the guys in the bar. Quite a handsome bunch.

Incidentally, Greg and Marta’s proposal story was so special that they won a free engagement photo session with Heather because of it.

The DJ on hand that day, creating the musical backdrop for this romantic wedding day, was Randy Bennett of Joe Bunn DJ Company. I love working with Randy... he knows how to do everything exactly right without being the center of attention. Great job as always, Randy. (Update 4/14/11 - Just learned that Randy has been chosen as the DJ of the Month with Joe Bunn DJ Company because of all the great feedback the company got from Randy’s happy clients. Congratulations, Randy!)

For their honeymoon, Greg and Marta went to Orlando to immerse themselves in Harry Potter World (they do have cats named Ginny and Weasley, after-all) and Disneyworld. What a fun time they are going to have. Greg’s niece gave them this little statue of Mickey and Minnie as a bride and groom and it was proudly displayed on the gift table.

The last reading in their ceremony was a fun rendition of “Oh the Places You’ll Go,” written by Dr. Seuss. It suits Greg and Marta’s approach to life perfectly so I’d like to end with a little excerpt from the poem;

Step with great care and great tact and remember
that Life is a great big balancing act.

Just never forget to be dextrous and deft.

And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed? Yes! You will indeed!

(98 and three quarters percent guaranteed.)

Kids you’ll move mountains!

So... get on your way!

Emily and Jay marry at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, February 4, 2010

Emily and Jay have been together since high school. Through the 12 years of their relationship, some of that time has been spent apart during their extensive educations but they have always remained together since their first date on February 4 - which they have now commemorated with their wedding date. This is a couple who know each other very well, have stood by each other through thick and thin and to whom commitment means everything.

The wedding and celebrations were not only planned to be eco-friendly but they also served vegan food. Reflective of Emily and Jay’s lifestyle, these were thoughtful and caring touches and I thoroughly enjoyed the interesting and unexpected food choices they provided.

Emily’s dress was made by a seamstress, Marie Cordella, based on a photo of a dress that Emily had found in a magazine. It was simple, lovely and fit like it was made for her - which of course it was.

The ceremony was held at the Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary and coordinated by Angie Wright of Chic Details. Angie is a consummate professional and had everything running smoothly. Held in the ballroom with soft lighting and minimalist decorations of tree branches strung with hanging candle globes, it was beautiful in its simplicity and matched Emily and Jay’s sense of style perfectly. The decorations and florals were provided by Steve Taras of The Watered Garden, who also does the floral arrangements for The Umstead. Magnificent work always. You can see the branches here, used as the ceremony backdrop.

And later they were moved to the reception tables for the centerpieces.

Birds are special to Emily and Jay. The bridal party entered the ceremony to a song about birds as a metaphor of love and commitment entitled, Shake Our Tree. Written and performed by a local band they admire, The Rosebuds, it was a fun way for a wedding to begin.

You could see other birds on display throughout the reception area. Each of the tables were named for different birds and Emily and her mother had used Audubon bird prints for table cards and place cards.

There was even a blue bird of happiness on the top of their wedding cake. Provided by Donna Ford of Sweet Memories Bakery, it was an exquisitely decorated cake.

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Others on hand to make the event a success were;

Photographer - Heather Swanner of Heather Swanner Photography

DJ - Steven Penny of Southeastern Entertainment

Events Coordinator, The Umstead Hotel and Spa - Ami Wheeler

Poet - Brad Pulley, Emily’s brother

Reader - Natalie Stewart, Jay’s sister

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Emily’s brother wrote a beautiful poem about Emily and Jay’s long-standing love and commitment and Jay’s sister read it beautifully during the ceremony. Emily and Jay exited the ceremony to The Turtles’, Happy Together, and that, too, fit them perfectly. I can see them forever more, hand-in-hand, walking through life together - just as they have always done. Fly free and happy, little birds.

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