Bobbi contacted me by email in early February to officiate her wedding to Tom on May 22, 2010 at the
Duke Gardens Pergola. We did not meet until their rehearsal because we made all the arrangements by email and USPO. Bobbi is one busy lady and as such she knew exactly what she wanted and went for it! I never communicated with Tom at all. So, we all met each other in person at the rehearsal but felt like old friends! I could really sense the depth of their love for each other and how happy their families and friends were that they were marrying each other. On the day of the wedding, as the bride, her mother and bridesmaids arrived by the golf cart the Gardens transports the bridal party in, it began to sprinkle rain. It was not heavy. It was almost time to begin but Tom's sister had not yet arrived so we waited, hoping the rain would decrease, not increase. The pretty fan programs they had were good for holding over your head like an umbrella! When all had arrived, we began.
First in from behind the bushes where the bride is hidden from view, were Tom's parents, Tom Sr. and Jeanne. Note that his dad is holding something in his left hand.
Next in were the bridesmaids and groomsmen in couples. Then our honorary director, Tom's sister, Lisa, cues in the maid of honor, Angela. Behind her are the flower girls, Ashley and Samantha. Ashley is Bobbi's daughter from a previous marriage. Lisa, you did a great job directing this wedding! Maybe you should turn pro!BTW, in her hands are some of the pretty and useful programs, color coordinated.
Last in are the bride and her mother, JoNell (her father died when Bobbi was very young). Tom went down to the bottom of the steps to meet them and JoNell transferred Bobbi's hand into his and they ascended the steps together to join me at the top.
By now, the rain had just about stopped and did not start up again until after the wedding ceremony while Marty and I were packing up my sound system and the couple were taking pictures. We were so lucky with this wedding and the one before it. But, the next one would not be so fortunate. See the next blog post!
During the ceremony, Ashley was recognized and Tom gave her a beautiful necklace as a token of the special day. She is returning to her place now. Later she will join them in pouring of the family unity sand. Tom's father must have gotten the whole ceremony on his camera or maybe that is a video camera he is holding. He is using it in all the photos...something I did not notice at all during the ceremony.
Bobbi is putting the ring on Tom's finger as she repeats words after me.
The big moment--the pronouncement of marriage. Seems like all couples kind of hold their breaths during this part!
The KISS! Dad is recording that also! Note also the on-lookers in the background!
I wonder how many happy couples have walked on this very ground after their wedding! I had three couples walking it this past weekend. Note the rose petals that were left from the previous wedding!
What a great shot, Marty! My camera-woman does an awesome job of capturing my weddings on my camera for this blog. Thank you, Marty! (She also proofs my blog and tells me of any typos or mistakes here.)
Bobbi and Tom, it was such a pleasure and an honor to officiate your wonderful wedding. I know you are going to be so happy together. Ashley too! I wish you peace, love and joy always!
The bride and groom poured the dark gray and blue sand. Ashley's sand was the pink. What a pretty layering these colors make!
The photographer covering this wedding was Clay Walsh of
Clay Walsh Photography. Thanks, Clay.
The music was provided by a friend who played the keyboard.
