Kimberly and Michael's Wedding--A Dream Come True!

Kimberly and Michael have one of the sweetest love stories I have ever heard. They have known each other all their lives and grew up together.  Kimberly was born when Michael was two years old and he and his family visited them two days after her birth. Their families were so close all the kids thought they were related. Kimberly fell in love with Michael when she was a little girl but being the little sister of his childhood friend, Michael paid her no mind. She still felt the same many years later but Michael was too shy to respond to her asking him out. So, she finally gave up her dream and decided to go on with her life without him. Turns out their lives both followed similar paths and they had the same experiences in love and life. Many years later Michael took the initiative of contacting Kimberly on Facebook to apologize for his shyness and assure her that his rejection had nothing to do with her personally. He had to try really hard to get her to respond but finally at her sister's urging, Kimberly finally responded to Michael's requests. The sparks that had been buried so many years ago began to fly, starting with a 14 hour phone call! It was not long before they became a couple. Kimberly's childhood dream finally came true when they married on August 18, 2012 at the Embassy Suites Crabtree.

Embassy Suites in Crabtree has an open atrium with waterfall and area for the wedding. The bride descends the stairs on the left to enter.

Upstairs on the mezzanine level, the reception area has been set up but the centerpieces had not yet arrived when this photo was taken.

Quite an unusual wedding cake, wouldn't you agree? It was made to the couple's specifications to resemble a castle with moat and bridge. Veronica of Southern Gold Leaf Cakes created it for Kim and Michael.

Set up for the Unity Candle. If you look closely, the central container has a Celtic Trinity Knot engraved on it.

The processional began with the parents of the couple entering then the groom, groomsmen with me from the lower level while our DJ, Joey Browning with Joey's DJ Service, played "Sunrise, Sunset."  The bridesmaids followed to the tune of "I just want You" by Ozzy. The bride was escorted down the steps by her brother, Ben, to "Ours" by Taylor Swift. At the foot of the steps, Michael met her and together they walked down the aisle to be married. The pretty flowers were done by Gingerbread House.

And so we began with a warm welcome, prayer, remembrance of those who could not be with us, and a tribute to their parents.

Then I asked the guests to stand for a community blessing: "Do you promise, from this day forward, to encourage and love this dear couple, to give them your guidance, and to support them in their new life together?" Martin Kropf, photographing for BlueBox Weddings, was front and center getting the good shots!

Then it was time for the handfasting ceremony as the couple joined their hands together forming the symbol of infinity.

I looped seven different cords around their hands.  

 With each loop of the cord they answered a question and the binding was made. 

 The exchange of rings.....

 The lighting of the Unity Candle.....

The pronouncement of marriage fulfilling the dream of a lifetime for Kimberly now that Michael is finally on board!!

 Yay!

 

 Chatting after the ceremony.

Kimberly and Michael it was so much fun and so gratifying to be a part of your wonderful wedding and your touching story! You know I wish you all the best forever!

Another great wedding! Kyle Adams with Embassy Suites and I work together often and enjoy being a team to make a couple's wedding the best possible experience for them. Thanks for all you do, Kyle, and I am looking forward to working with you at the Sheraton in Chapel Hill soon!