Laura and Mark live in Indiana where Mark is fulfilling some work requirements then they hope to move back to the Raleigh area to live. They both went to NC State and love this area. They chose to have their wedding here because it is where most of their friends live. The date was October 30, 2010. Their parents came in from Burlington, Asheboro, and Charlotte for the wedding. This wedding originally was supposed to happen at the NC State Arboretum then changed to the Clarion, then ended up being held at
Anderson Point Park (owned by City of Raleigh) in East Raleigh. It really was the perfect setting for Mark and Laura who are laid back and casual type of people. They were going to have the ceremony on the point of land in the park where the Neuse River and Crabtree Creek converge but after experiencing the mosquito population at that site the day of the rehearsal, they thankfully opted to have their ceremony at the amphitheater which is so scenic.
This is the cottage in the park where the reception will be. It is cozy and cabin-like in furnishing but a really fun place for a wedding reception. The band will be playing from the second level on either side of the fireplace. Marty and I are so grateful to the park groundskeeper for giving us rides to and from the amphitheater from the parking lot and the cottage with our sound equipment.
This is John, a friend of Laura and Mark, who provided processional music for the wedding. He was supposed to be doubling as the wedding director but could not be with us at the rehearsal due to classes.
And so, Cedric, on the far right above, got drafted as director. Here we are all lined up to go in. The bridesmaids and the bride are to the left behind the trees so they cannot be seen until the parents and Mark and I get in.
Here comes our beautiful, beaming bride, Laura, escorted in by her proud father, Arne. That is Ashley Stephenson with
Story Photographers getting a good shot of them going down the aisle. David Teeter, our other photographer was not far away. Laura's good friend, Katrina, one of our bridesmaids, played the viola for Laura's entrance.
Mark and Laura are such a vivacious and energetic young couple! They gave me lots of material to work with to write their "story" for the ceremony. I believe here we are all laughing as I tell about a funny 3 hour climb up a mountain in Western NC and what a Romeo Mark was!
Laura is saying the vows she had written to Mark as she reads them from my book. They heard their vows to each other for the first time during the ceremony.
Mark is saying his vows to Laura and putting the ring on her finger.
They included the sand ceremony and had containers of sand representing their families as well as their own individual sand.
The pronouncement of marriage.............
While the guests were shuttled to the cottage for the reception, we took photos down behind the amphitheater. Mark and Laura, what great people you are! It was fun to work with you and I know you two will go far with all your energy and determination! I wish you much happiness and joy!
