Here is the view from one end of the huge table looking toward the area where we will stand for the ceremony.
And here is the view from the other end.
Here is Chris, our Maître d', (although I am not sure that is his real title but that is what I am choosing to call him!).
Isn't this an adorable little wedding cake? It is just right for this size wedding and so pretty too. It was made by the Once in a Blue Moon Bakery.
Here are the happy bride and groom before the wedding. We are meeting face to face for the first time as we made all the arrangements via email and USPS.
And so the ceremony begins. Chris was so serious but Caitlin was beaming. They met 5 years ago when they were both students in college. Caitlin at Meredith and Chris at NCSU. And, they are quite determined individuals having each earned two degrees during this courtship. They launched their careers and then last November found out that they were happily expecting a little girl in July. So, we included a blessing for the unborn baby in the wedding ceremony and may do another baby blessing ceremony after she is born.
Here's the pronouncement followed by the kiss which I don't have a photo of!
Presentation of the new Mr. and Mrs. to their applauding families.
I received this sweet note from Caitlin two days later:
"Thank you so much for officiating our wedding ceremony on Sunday night. Not only did we love our ceremony and feel that it embodied our personalities and story perfectly, but our families loved it. I of course didn't have a watch on, but I hear you not only made it there by 6, but you were early! And since I know you had others before me, and let's face it...quite possibly weather delays, I truly appreciate it!
My grandparents down to my young cousins were thrilled with the ceremony you put together (that is no small accomplishment). Chris and I loved it, and it was exactly the way I had envisioned it. Please know how much we appreciate you helping us create this beautiful ceremony and making it unique to us. I have friends/coworkers who were married by you, and referred me to you, and I will certainly have your name in my back pocket for anyone getting married in the future!
Thank you so very much! Caitlin"My grandparents down to my young cousins were thrilled with the ceremony you put together (that is no small accomplishment). Chris and I loved it, and it was exactly the way I had envisioned it. Please know how much we appreciate you helping us create this beautiful ceremony and making it unique to us. I have friends/coworkers who were married by you, and referred me to you, and I will certainly have your name in my back pocket for anyone getting married in the future!
Caitlin and Chris, I wish you a wonderful marriage and family life and with your ability to accomplish all you have so far in your lives, I know you will succeed! I look forward to receiving a birth announcement in a couple of months from you too!