Stephanie and Lindsay Begin Their Married Life at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary

Stephanie and Lindsay are a couple who have dedicated their lives to living life in a positive and caring manner and to keeping God at the core of their relationship. Everything about them reflects this approach to life and you can feel what special people they are when you are around them. Before the ceremony began, Stephanie and her Bridesmaids all gathered together, holding hands, and said a prayer for Stephanie and Lindsay’s marriage to come. Witnessing this special moment touched me deeply and it is something I will never forget.

The wedding and reception took place at the elegantly beautiful Prestonwood Country Club in Cary. I love doing weddings there for so many reasons, not the least of which is all the light streaming into the rooms through the giant windows. The staff there is always caring and accommodating and it makes for a great event all the way around.

The photo above is of Stephanie and Lindsay standing on the elegant stairway in the ballroom where the ceremony took place. Quite often, Prestonwood places the wedding cake on display on the landing just behind where the happy couple is standing in the photo and it makes for a wonderful presentation - plus some great photo ops when it comes time to cut the cake.

Here is a photo of Stephanie and her mom - doesn’t she look like her mother!

And what an amazing photo of Stephanie looking out the window with that soft light on her face. Kudos to the photographer.

There was so much heart in this wedding and it was perfect for this loving couple. Notice the looks on Stephanie and Lindsay’s faces when they were first introduced as husband and wife.

And the happy faces of one of the Bridesmaids with her husband and adorable little son in his tux, taken right after the wedding.

One of the wonderful things that Lindsay did for their wedding was to adapt some of the writings of William Shakespeare “for the modern ear,” as he put it. The piece was quite remarkable and it was made all the more memorable by Lindsay’s father reading it to the wedding couple during the ceremony.

Here is Mr. Shakespeare’s very sound advice from the 16th century, as adapted by Lindsay in the 21st century. It is remarkable how good advice will always remain apropos;

From my heart, you have my blessing; and remember these few ideas,

for they represent your character.

Give your words much thought, and act only after wise counsel and careful reflection.

Be honest, but by no means brutally so. The friends that have stood next to you 

through life’s trials, hold closely to their bond.

Beware of entrance into an argument, that you choose your battles carefully;

But once involved; show others the wisdom of your reason.

Listen to all, but save your voice for when your experience has meaning.

Take note to the advice of others, but save your criticism, as the tongue can

sting.

Budget your account diligently, and avoid the trap of fancy clothes and fair.

Hold yourself honorably in quality presence, for appearance often proclaims the man.

Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; for debt can cause undue strain in marriage.

This above all; to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night follows the day, you cannot then be dishonest to any other.

I wish you both joy, to be blessed in a new life.

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At the end of the evening’s celebration, Stephanie and Lindsay departed in a shower of bubbles from their guests. I cannot think of a happier or more appropriate way for them to make their exit, surrounded by the love and good wishes of all those who care so much for them.

Stephanie and Lindsay, I am so happy that you have found each other. You are sure to have a rich and full married life and, as you keep your love for each other and your commitment to God at the core of your lives, you will continue to build the firm foundation from which all your dreams can be realized. 

Of Dads and Love and a Wedding Golf Cart

The handsome man you see sitting inside this tricked out golf cart is the very proud and happy dad of a bride I married yesterday. Ally and Glenn were married at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary and Ally’s dad is the golf pro there. I was able to linger a bit after the wedding before having to go to another commitment and while sitting in my car, getting all my files ready for the next wedding, I looked up and saw Ally’s dad heading across the parking lot with a camera hanging from his shoulder. I thought that odd since the cocktail hour was still going on inside but figured maybe the photo-taking had moved outside and he was heading over with is own camera to get some nice shots. A few minutes later I heard a honk and looked up to see Mr. Conner, with a HUGE smile on his face, sitting in this beautifully decorated cart in front of my car.

It turned out that he had planned all along to surprise the happy couple with a decorated cart for after the wedding and he had even done the flower decorations himself. One of his artistic staff had made the sign for him, which included pink peonies to match the peonies Ally had carried in her bouquet. Ally and Glenn knew nothing of this wonderful surprise and what luck that I had not yet left so I could share this happy moment with him as he drove his amazing get-away car up to the door of the Club for the newlyweds to find later. I would have loved to have seen the looks on their faces when they saw it. They must have been so touched.

Weddings are generally put together by the ladies in the families and the grooms and other male family members tend to take a back seat, letting the ladies lead. But that doesn’t mean the dads aren’t every bit as proud of their sons and daughters who are marrying as the mothers. Often dads add much more than just their wallets and best wishes to the festivities. Many provide a special touch of their own to let their children know how much they love them and Mr. Conner’s sweet surprise is a perfect example of that love in action. The love one sees at weddings will warm your heart forever.

Let’s hear it for all the dads out there who steadfastly support their families from the background. I am so glad I was able to share in the joy this dad took in creating something very special for his daughter and her new husband on their wedding day.
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