Rachael's mother, Cynthia, emailed me on January 13th to see if I was available for Rachael and Will's wedding on April 8th 2013 and if they could get married in my wedding garden. Monday morning weddings are not popular so I was wide open! We reserved the date and time on my calendar then I began working on creating the ceremony with the couple. (We met in person on March 4th and discovered that Rachael is dear friends with
Jonell and Scott, another couple I married a few years ago and did a baby blessing ceremony for a few months ago.) Will had originally thought he wanted the Episcopalian vows in the ceremony but after seeing the ones I offered, he liked them better! The big day arrived and the weather was wonderful. The garden was greening out and although the azalea blossoms had not reached their full glory, it was a tranquil spot surrounded by nature.
Rachael's father is deceased so her Uncle David escorted her from the family room to the garden.
View from the upper deck.
Not only is Rachael stunningly beautiful, she is smart and clever too. She is both a nurse and an esthetician. I was fascinated with her lovely dress. It is strapless but she found this beautiful silk chiffon scarf which she fashioned into a lovely drape around her shoulders. See how she gathered it up in the back then pinned it to the front. Not knowing if the dress came that way or she created it herself, I had to ask her! She also created her bouquet with pretty feather butterflies in it and put butterflies in her hair. Nice theme!
Rachael and Will were both married briefly before but this time they knew they had found their soulmate! They met on e-Harmony and if you have read prior posts on this blog, you will know that I have the utmost respect for and confidence in e-Harmony and their phenomenal ability to match people up. Those e-Harmony couples who have chosen to take my Marriage Optimization program (pre-marital counseling) have scored off the chart in compatibility every time! So, I have no doubt Rachael and Will are well matched for each other and it gives me great pleasure to marry them.
Thanking their parents and family gathered here.
"Do you, Will, ............"
"Do you, Rachael,..........."
"These beautiful rings are your first gifts to each other as husband and wife and represent your unending love and devotion....."Kate Pope of
CravenCreative Photography was on hand to document this beautiful moment.
"I place this ring on your finger and my heart in your hand. I have no greater gift.""By the love that has brought you here today, by the vows you have exchanged, and by the integrity of your commitment, in the presence of these witnesses, it is my pleasure and my honor to now pronounce you husband and wife! Rachel, you may kiss the groom!"I have a secret! This is not the first kiss but one staged for the camera!
Happy smiles!
A family photo......
Rachael and Will, you are a beautiful couple and I am so happy for you that your lives include each other. Thank you for letting me be part of your wedding day! Go forth in love, peace and joy!
