Lindsey and Andrew chose Highgrove Estate for their wedding on July 10, 2010. Highgrove is such a wonderful setting for a wedding and they do their own catering. I have been doing weddings here since they opened about 10 years ago and they continue to embellish the venue! The current plans are to make this huge tent into a permanent building with glass on three sides and a brick wall with a fireplace on the back wall with the lovely draped ceiling. Construction will take place during the winter months when there are no outdoor weddings planned. I can't wait to see it!
The Cupcake Shoppe Bakery in Raleigh made this great cupcake wedding cake! These are getting more and more popular and you can choose such a variety of flavors. Fresh Affairs did the beautiful floral arrangements and bouquets.
Lenny Fritts of Touch of Class DJ was our terrific DJ. I love working with Lenny! He always arrives early and is eager to help any other vendor with whatever needs to be done to make the wedding go smoothly. Thanks, Lenny. He was going to have the couple and all their attendants do a "tunnel of love" at the reception where the couple must walk through the overhead joined hands of the attendants to enter the reception. Sounds great. Best man and brother of the groom had a special video "best man speech" all planned too!
Greg Lehr was our photographer. He is from Bloomsburg PA and is a friend of the bride's family. He did this wonderful portrait of Lindsey and Andrew which was displayed on an easel near the guest book.
Here is Andrew's mother, Linda, being escorted in by her young grandsons. Father of the groom, Shaw, is following behind.
Lindsey's mother, Patti, is escorted in by her two sons, Josh and Jarrett.
It's time for the groomsmen to enter. That is Angela with Highgrove to the left cuing the wedding party in. Highgrove furnishes the bride and groom with a wedding director as part of the wedding package. It is such a pleasure to work with Angela. She really knows what she is doing with many years of experience. (I don't know what that reflection in the photo is!)
Finally our beautiful bride. Her dress is simply stunning! She is such a beautiful young woman and proudly escorted in by her dad, Todd.
Down the steps to the portico overlooking the lake for the ceremony. All the guests are standing to honor Lindsey's entrance.
And the ceremony begins. We had been worried about rain at the rehearsal on Friday but the sun was shining brightly, and right in my eyes! Look at the size of this wedding party! There were 9 attendants on each side.
You can barely see the lake in the background because of the reflection of the foliage. It is such a pretty spot to get married.
Heather, sister-in-law of Andrew, presented the Irish Blessing.
Then Lindsey's friend, Monica, presented "The Meaning" by Kellie Spehn.
Then it was time for the vows that each of them had prepared for each other and read them from my book. Here Lindsey is saying her vows to Andrew. There were a few pretty funny lines in there too about Detroit and Michigan which is where Andrew grew up.
Andrew is saying his vows to Lindsey. He promised to "help you find your debit card and car keys everyday for the rest of my life" among other promises!
Now for the rings. Lindsey had to use a little force to get Andrew's ring on!
The pronouncement of marriage. Then I told Lindsey she could kiss the groom!
And she did and he did! Everyone cheered!
And they kissed again at the top of the steps!
I know they are really saying "let's get out of this sun and into the air conditioning!" It was quite hot being in the direct sun.
Getting cooled off! Lindsey wrote me the day after the wedding: "We had such an amazing time at the wedding, and have received compliment after compliment of how everyone enjoyed our entire ceremony. They said it was a true representation of who Drew and I are. Thank you so much for all you did to help us prepare for the big day. We couldn't have asked for a better ceremony. Our Wedding Day was definitely one to remember!! " She also told me that they had 20 pizzas delivered at 10:15, one for each table. Lindsey and Drew, you are one fabulous couple! I know you will be so happy together and have many fun adventures. I wish you all the best in the world. Do keep in touch!