Amanda and TJ are both quiet private people but they still wanted their wedding ceremony to reflect their love and respect for each other. They met in college over 6 years ago and have worked hard and supported each other in achieving their dream careers. Amanda always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian and TJ thought he wanted to be an architect. In the intervening years, TJ changed directions and now works as an actuary because he is really smart with numbers whereas Amanda loves animals and is so grateful to TJ for taking her and all her pets (including the bird) into their relationship as a package deal!
The wedding day of May 27, 2012, Memorial Day weekend, arrived and the weather was so perfect for their garden wedding! The Ballroom at
Brier Creek Country Club was all set up and ready for the guests. Shelly Keeter was on hand to make sure all the details were taken care of.
Their pretty colors were purple and orange with some pink--stunning.
Cydney and her staff of
The English Garden did the gorgeous florals and the sprays of bright flowers at the pergola as well as the bouquets and boutonnieres.
Mary Greiner with
Save The Date Music provided the string quartet and they played so beautifully. I have done weddings with all the musicians here except the person on the left who has recently joined the ranks.
We are ready to begin and TJ and the groomsmen are standing with me ready to walk in. (This was the last photo taken with my Nikon camera. At this point the battery was exhausted although I had just charged it the night before. I did not have a spare battery with me and so my iPhone 4 was pressed into service for the rest of the photos and for the next wedding right after this one because I did not have time to go home and get the other camera battery!)
Our three pretty bridesmaids dressed in purple are ready too.
Images by Denise had done the hair and make-up for the bride and bridesmaids.
Amanda and her father, Marcel, begin the long walk to the altar. Mimi, Amanda's friend, served as our wedding director and she has just straightened Amanda's train here.
The light was so golden!
The ceremony began with a warm welcome, then an opening prayer. We remembered those who had passed on but were with us in spirit.
I asked the parents for their blessings for the couple. Then it was time for the story of how they met and fell in love, what they love about each other and why they wanted to marry. Before the exchange of vows we had the blessing of the hands ceremony.
Nick Pironio with
Krystal Kast Photography was busy getting some great photos of the wedding.
They exchanged vows and rings before the closing blessing and the pronouncement below. (Can't do zoom shots with the iPhone!)
The kiss sealed the vows. I made them kiss twice so we could get a good shot of that important moment!
It is done! They are married! Amanda and TJ, congratulations on your beautiful wedding and your marriage. You know better than anyone how well matched you are and I know you are so happy. I wish you all the best!
