a fairytale come true...

Melissa and Darren are two of my most favourite people in the world.  Both have been dealt some very difficult hands in their past, and they're living proof that goodness, happiness, and love prevails over even the worst adversity.  They're perfect for each other, and their love is beautiful. I was absolutely honored to be asked to do a reading during their intimate ceremony, and I'm so happy to be able to tell you all about their special day from start, to finish:

Stanhope Beach Resort was the perfect backdrop for an outside ceremony right by the ocean.  The night before, it had been windy and so cold we couldn't feel our toes, but, the actual day of the wedding, the sun shone bright, and the winds minimized. It was perfect.  Melissa and Darren both have their own special angels shining down on them, and I'd like to think that they both had something to do with the perfect weather :).

The reception area was absolutely gorgeous, thanks to Once Upon a Wedding - they came in, decorated the whole thing, and tore it down when it was all over.  The room itself was beautiful to start with, but the tasteful decorations turned the room into a romantically magical setting!

The gorgeous cake, including it's very own bling.

The center pieces - PERFECT, if you know Melissa!

They're both beaming - that great smile of Melissa's lights up the darkest of rooms :)

Kaylie wrote her very own speech to welcome Darren into the family.  Melissa didn't know about this until a few days before the wedding when she told her mom she thought she might need a little help finishing it up.  In her words, she, "really wanted Darren to know how much she loved him".  The speech was poignant, sweet, funny, and caused a few tears in the audience.  She's her momma's daughter, for sure!

 I *heart* these two!!  Could they BE any more adorable?  No, I think not ;)

Donnie and Tim of Vintage 2.0 provided the entertainment for the dance, and the dance floor was hopping the whole night long!  Always a pleasure to see these guys play.  Great job!

 The bride & groom jivin' it up :)

Chris took his responsibility of being the evening's emcee very, very seriously.  He made sure that he did whatever was in his power to ensure everyone around him had a good time.  Despite forgetting the whole saying grace thing (and an incredible minister who was able to eloquently fit it in as an 'after dinner tradition), he did a bang-up job.  He ensured the reception flowed through its paces; he had several 'dance offs' amongst some of the other guests (including his own rendition of "break dancing", and  showing off his version of "the worm" not once, but three times).  It was tie-swinging, feel-good fun :).

Melissa & Darren, thank you so much for allowing us to share in the magic of your special day.  You are both so important to us.  Words can't describe how happy we are that you've found each other.  Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness, always xoxoxo.