Susan and Mike Have a Romantic Wedding at Their Home, August 28, 2010

I hear a lot of romantic stories but sometimes one comes along that just has to be told. A case in point; the story of how Susan and Mike met .

Mike is a lawyer by trade and a poet and sailor at heart. He had planned to sail solo from Maryland to Nassau but while out at sea a mechanical failure required him to put into port for repairs. He sailed into Charleston for repairs, not knowing that while in Charleston he would meet the woman who would one day soon become his wife. Meeting Susan changed the direction of his sail and the direction of both of their lives.

Fast forward a bit and now Susan and Mike live in Raleigh and work together, sharing work and life duties while enjoying the love of both of their children. They even bought their home with their wedding in mind and what a perfect backdrop it was for the romantic and heartfelt ceremony they designed.

Piping the couple in and out of the ceremony was the incomparable bagpiper, Robert J. White. He and I have worked together for other weddings and I always enjoy his company. Because it is so important to him that his music be traditionally correct for the ceremony, I have learned a lot about Scottish traditions and his attention to detail always enhances the calibre of an event. Here’s a photo of him, taken after the ceremony, standing by the arbor where Susan and Mike were married.

The ceremony that Susan and Mike created was traditional, heartfelt and beautiful and included scripture readings from three of their children. Mike had written Susan a wonderful song as a wedding present and she and I both wanted him to sing it during the ceremony, but in the end he surprised her by recording it on a CD. He created an album cover for it and they made copies of it to give to the guests as thank-you gifts for being a part of their special day. I also received a CD and the song is so touching that I have added it to my iTunes playlist. Every time I hear it I will think of Susan and Mike and the glowing love coming out of their faces that day.

Another thing Mike did for Susan; he wrote a poem for her as a wedding gift. They printed it in the programs and it speaks so beautifully of the relationship they have together that I just have to include it here. So all you die-hard romantics and Hallmark card commercial softies, enjoy this sincere token of love from a groom to his bride.

“On Our Wedding Day”

He sailed for Nassau, a man alone,

But a Siren’s song he heard.

She called to him from Old Charles Town,

And his voyage was deterred.

Hull and heart did find repair,

Where the lovely Siren sang.

Enraptured by her beauty there,

He felt love’s old sweet pang.

Hold fast now, lads.

Let the rollers run.

Let the sea her treasures bear.

But of all the pearls beneath the waves,

There is none so fine or fair.

She takes her place now at his side,

On this, their wedding day.

The sea’s brightest jewel is a blushing bride,

And the captain is come home to stay.

                                                                _ Michael C. Hurley

Michael and Susan, may your sail through life be free of stormy seas and safe from the monsters of the deep. May you sail together into the sunset of your life, perfectly matched for the voyage ahead, the Captain and his Mate.

___

Update - 9/14/10 - Mike just sent me an email that he had included this blog post in his firm’s website on the “News” page, and when I went to check it out, I found he had included more information there about Susan and also a link to the “Lawyer’s Weekly” article about his 1000 mile, life-altering sailing trip from Annapolis, MD to Nassau, Bahamas. I also learned there that he is a highly respected author of poetry, so it is no wonder his wedding gifts to Susan were so amazing! (He had not mentioned before that he is a published author, humble man that he is.) For those who would like to learn more about this very special couple, here is a link to Mike’s website.

Courtney and David celebrate their wedding with a song - May 23, 2009

It was a beautiful, crisp spring morning as Courtney and David said their vows on the front lawn and veranda of 1705 Prime, a great location for a wedding in Raleigh. Courtney and David both profess a very strong Christian faith and David plays in a Christian band that travels to churches throughout the state. Because God is at the core of their lives, they wanted God be very much at the center of their ceremony and festivities. It was so nice to see how important this was to them and we had a lovely ceremony that reflected this. We also incorporated a Unity Candle and - what a wonderful treat - Courtney and David sang a duet right before their vows. Their friend and Groomsman, Lucas, accompanied them on keyboard. It was a very touching moment and I’m sure everyone who was there will never forget it.

Red was in abundance everywhere; in the Bridesmaid dresses, the bouquets, the sash on Courtney’s dress, the table decorations and even in the cascading sash on their wedding cake, provided beautifully and caringly by Cinda of Cinda’s Creative Cakes. David told me that strawberries are Courtney’s favorite fruit (which explains the red) and that while they were dating they used to feed each other chocolate covered strawberries. (How romantic!) Their elegant wedding cake took its style and decoration from this romantic part of their history and had chocolate covered strawberries festooned down the sides. The very clever and adorable cake topper was a pair of Bride and Groom strawberries appropriately dressed in dark and white chocolate. You could tell a lot of heart went into the design of this cake and I tip my hat to Cinda for all the care and obvious attention to detail she took to create it.

The music for the day was provided by Island Sound, a DJ company well-renowned for creating a lively party. Allen and Peter were on hand for the day to keep things going well and that they did - in spades. They were very professional and knew just how to make everything flow perfectly while the guests shared the good times of the celebration. Having a great DJ does make a world of difference.

Their photographer was Jim Colman of Jim Colman Photography. He and I had recently worked together and it was great to see him again. I love watching him work and try to see what it is he is seeing when he moves everyone “just so.” I have seen him photograph a bride through the beveled glass of doors and have been amazed at all the unique ways he has used to photograph wedding couples. Guess that’s what makes him such a professional! He sent me some photos of myself at the wedding and I have included the one above that captures the happy spirit of the ceremony and the day. Thanks, Jim!

The flowers were provided by Janice Cutler of North Raleigh Florist. In keeping with the color scheme, everything was red and white, but she also cleverly put pearls into the flowers of Courtney’s bouquet, setting off the red of the roses beautifully. Such a simple little thing with such a big impact.

It was a beautiful day for the celebration of a beautiful love. Courtney and David, I know that with God at the center of your love and your lives, you will have a wonderful life together as you build up your treasures in Heaven.