Monica and Jef's Wedding at Umstead State Park on 10/10/10 @ 10:10 AM!

Monica and Jef are a couple of unique individuals who planned a very unique wedding to match their personalities and their relationship. Both had been married before and wanted their ceremony to be different from the norm and that they accomplished. The date was the infamous 10/10/10 and the ceremony was to begin at 10:10 AM.They chose the lovely rustic amphitheater at Umstead Park. It is right off the parking lot but obscured by tall trees and a rather uneven path into the glen. I have done several weddings there and it is different with every season. Above is a picture of the wedding in progress. I thank Julius Carrasco for providing wonderful guitar music for the wedding. (Amplification is not allowed unless a special permit is obtained.) He and his band played for the reception for Monica and Jef at Hilton RTP.

 

They met via e-harmony and are so very well matched that they could not believe it. In fact, Monica resisted going out with Jef at first but  her mother, Margarida, insisted. And then Monica realized that Jef was the one for her. Their guests heard all about their story in the ceremony. One of the funny parts of the ceremony went like this: "The love you are all witnessing here today is brought to you by the following corporate sponsors: E-Harmony, Starbucks, Tiffanys, Raleigh Durham International Airport, and the Kansas City International Airport.They also included a Buddhist mantra that Jef's father had taught him as a young boy. The guests repeated it three times in honor of his father who has passed on from this earth. Skype was not working so several of Jef's relatives, including his mother, were listening to the ceremony via cell phone. Monica's family hails from Brazil originally so there were many Brazilian guests with us for the wedding.

Jef and Monica also loved the symbolism of the handfasting ritual from the Celtic tradition. Here I am wrapping the handfasting cord around their left hands.

Then they joined their right hands forming the symbol of infinity and made their vows to each other. 

The vows, the rings, the pronouncement of marriage and then the kiss. So, now they are married. They recessed out and got in the limo and disappeared! I sent the guests to the Hilton RTP for the reception and Marty and I went there as well but could not find the newlyweds for a final photo so we headed to Holly Springs for the next event of the day. Monica and Jef, congratulations to you both!