Friday, September 5, 2008
Wedding Book
I created this wedding book with some of the pictures we have compiled from the wedding. If you would like to flip through it or order a hard copy on-line, please click on the cover below. We gave this book as a thank you gift to our wedding party, parents, and grandparents.
Want a wedding like ours?
Just in case someone has come across this blog and is interested in some of our wedding decorations, I have some listed for sale on Craigslist and eBay. Please feel free to check out the listings by using the links below. (Posted 9/5/2008)
Craigslist Ad
eBay Items
Thanks!
Pam
Craigslist Ad
eBay Items
Thanks!
Pam
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Professional Wedding Photos
If you would like to purchase professional wedding prints from our photographer, then you can go to WeddingPrints.com. James and Cherie did a great job!
However, if you can't afford to buy the pictures, we did get the digital rights to the photos for personal use. Send me an email or give me a call, and I will figure something out.
However, if you can't afford to buy the pictures, we did get the digital rights to the photos for personal use. Send me an email or give me a call, and I will figure something out.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Wedding Vendor Reviews - Charlotte, NC
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Pros: Beautiful garden, unbeatable location
Cons: Event service coordinators are not very accommodating (when you can actually get a hold of them). All requests were pretty much promptly met with a "no." Preferred vendors for catering get charged by garden and that charge is passed on to the customers. Extremely expensive. Nothing is included, everything is extra.
Overall Rating: Okay - better value if you go with one of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg parks
Sheraton Hotel Charlotte Airport
Pros: They had a competitive group rate and offered online reservations
Cons: Everything else. Some guests were not given the group rate initially. The contract tried to make us liable for guests' damages. It also made us accountable for 90% of the rooms we booked for the group rate - meaning if enough guests didn't reserve rooms, we would have been charged. They did not notify us that they would be doing CONSTRUCTION during our wedding event. They promised us a suite where the bridal party could get ready, and I had to personally walk down and talk to the hotel manager (don't mess with a bride on her wedding day) the day-of because they still did not have a room ready for us. Extremely unhappy.
Overall Rating: Horrible - never again doing business with this hotel
All the Right Grooves DJ Services
Pros: Less expensive than other DJs. Did a great job. Didn't upcharge for extra microphone, etc. Gave us a CD of songs from our wedding which was a nice touch. As promised, she wasn't all cheesy.
Cons: Hard to get a hold of right before wedding to confirm details.
Overall Rating: Excellent - would definitely hire again
Heather A. Hawkins, Make-up Artist
Pros: She has a great personality and does a great job on both hair and make-up.
Cons: We were running a little late for pictures before the ceremony because hair and make-up got a little behind schedule.
Overall Rating: Excellent - Just make sure you allow extra time for bridal party to get ready
James Mendez Photography
Pros: Amazing engagement photo session, great guest book layout, extremely easy to work with, got some great shots of the wedding, gave us digital rights to pictures for personal use
Cons: A little on the pricey side, we were a little disappointed that we didn't get all the shots of just the two of us we wanted at the wedding, but to their credit, everything was kinda rushed at that point. Accidentally took most of the cake pictures from the wrong side.
Overall Rating: Excellent - Just pre-plan all the formal shots you want to get beforehand
April's Floral Expressions - Silk Florist
Pros: Everything came out wonderfully. She did our cake decorations for no charge. She is very easy to work with and was dedicated to making sure I was happy with what I got. She even came to set up all the decorations and decorated our arbor.
Cons: She works full time during the day so can best be reached after regular business hours. At first, she sent me some ugly pictures trying to gauge what I was looking for. That made me a little worried, but she pulled everything off perfectly in the end!!
Overall Rating: Excellent - Would definitely hire her again, no question!
Brenda's Cake Gallery
Pros: Located in Belmont close to the garden which made for a lower delivery fee. Almond cake with butter cream frosting is delicious!! Faith is very friendly and easy to work with. We got exactly what we wanted.
Cons: Brenda is a little distracted when you try to speak with her. They tend to be very busy during wedding season, so it is sometimes hard to confirm details on your time schedule. They weren't able to do a simple floral cake topper that we wanted, so we had to have our florist do it.
Overall Rating: Good - having a yummy cake is important. Must check to see if they can do the design you are looking for.
Head over Heels Wedding Planning
Pros: Took off a lot of stress the day-of wedding and during the rehearsal. Got our food for us from the buffet and added a few nice touches like personalized guest baskets in the bathroom. Successfully pulled together all the details.
Cons: Didn't do too much before the wedding, but helped a lot for day-of set up. Some family complained that favors and other wedding decorations were thrown away instead of saved.
Overall Rating: Good - Make sure to let them know if you want to keep everything that is left over from the wedding
Joan Johnson Harpist
Pros: Fairly priced, played well
Cons: Initially friendly but later hard to reach as she was traveling. Wanted us to rent a tent as cover for her harp which would have cost an extra $100 or so dollars.
Overall Rating: Good - didn't go above and beyond but did well enough
Lily Rose Bridal
Pros: Carried the Casablanca 1831 dress that I wanted. Cute little boutique.
Cons: Denise, the owner is pretty rude. The seamstress, however, was very friendly. Price wasn't the lowest, but was reasonable enough.
Overall Rating: Okay - had I been looking for better customer service or a lower price, I might have shopped around a little more
Creative Solutions Event Rentals
Pros: Lindsay was very detailed in making sure our contract was correct. They were extremely familiar with the garden so we didn't have to worry about that aspect.
Cons: They were the only vendor we could choose from for DSBG. They weren't very creative, they just gave us what we asked for and didn't really make any suggestions.
Overall Rating: Okay - they got the job done
Karen Warren Catering
Pros: The coordinator Dottie was great because she had worked for the garden before. They were much lower priced than the other preferred DSBG vendors. They were very flexible and let us buy our own alcohol. Plates, napkins, glasses, and silverware were included in their price.
Cons: They started serving the appetizers a little late. The food was good, but it wasn't so great that it knocked your socks off.
Overall Rating: Good - value was right
Pros: Beautiful garden, unbeatable location
Cons: Event service coordinators are not very accommodating (when you can actually get a hold of them). All requests were pretty much promptly met with a "no." Preferred vendors for catering get charged by garden and that charge is passed on to the customers. Extremely expensive. Nothing is included, everything is extra.
Overall Rating: Okay - better value if you go with one of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg parks
Sheraton Hotel Charlotte Airport
Pros: They had a competitive group rate and offered online reservations
Cons: Everything else. Some guests were not given the group rate initially. The contract tried to make us liable for guests' damages. It also made us accountable for 90% of the rooms we booked for the group rate - meaning if enough guests didn't reserve rooms, we would have been charged. They did not notify us that they would be doing CONSTRUCTION during our wedding event. They promised us a suite where the bridal party could get ready, and I had to personally walk down and talk to the hotel manager (don't mess with a bride on her wedding day) the day-of because they still did not have a room ready for us. Extremely unhappy.
Overall Rating: Horrible - never again doing business with this hotel
All the Right Grooves DJ Services
Pros: Less expensive than other DJs. Did a great job. Didn't upcharge for extra microphone, etc. Gave us a CD of songs from our wedding which was a nice touch. As promised, she wasn't all cheesy.
Cons: Hard to get a hold of right before wedding to confirm details.
Overall Rating: Excellent - would definitely hire again
Heather A. Hawkins, Make-up Artist
Pros: She has a great personality and does a great job on both hair and make-up.
Cons: We were running a little late for pictures before the ceremony because hair and make-up got a little behind schedule.
Overall Rating: Excellent - Just make sure you allow extra time for bridal party to get ready
James Mendez Photography
Pros: Amazing engagement photo session, great guest book layout, extremely easy to work with, got some great shots of the wedding, gave us digital rights to pictures for personal use
Cons: A little on the pricey side, we were a little disappointed that we didn't get all the shots of just the two of us we wanted at the wedding, but to their credit, everything was kinda rushed at that point. Accidentally took most of the cake pictures from the wrong side.
Overall Rating: Excellent - Just pre-plan all the formal shots you want to get beforehand
April's Floral Expressions - Silk Florist
Pros: Everything came out wonderfully. She did our cake decorations for no charge. She is very easy to work with and was dedicated to making sure I was happy with what I got. She even came to set up all the decorations and decorated our arbor.
Cons: She works full time during the day so can best be reached after regular business hours. At first, she sent me some ugly pictures trying to gauge what I was looking for. That made me a little worried, but she pulled everything off perfectly in the end!!
Overall Rating: Excellent - Would definitely hire her again, no question!
Brenda's Cake Gallery
Pros: Located in Belmont close to the garden which made for a lower delivery fee. Almond cake with butter cream frosting is delicious!! Faith is very friendly and easy to work with. We got exactly what we wanted.
Cons: Brenda is a little distracted when you try to speak with her. They tend to be very busy during wedding season, so it is sometimes hard to confirm details on your time schedule. They weren't able to do a simple floral cake topper that we wanted, so we had to have our florist do it.
Overall Rating: Good - having a yummy cake is important. Must check to see if they can do the design you are looking for.
Head over Heels Wedding Planning
Pros: Took off a lot of stress the day-of wedding and during the rehearsal. Got our food for us from the buffet and added a few nice touches like personalized guest baskets in the bathroom. Successfully pulled together all the details.
Cons: Didn't do too much before the wedding, but helped a lot for day-of set up. Some family complained that favors and other wedding decorations were thrown away instead of saved.
Overall Rating: Good - Make sure to let them know if you want to keep everything that is left over from the wedding
Joan Johnson Harpist
Pros: Fairly priced, played well
Cons: Initially friendly but later hard to reach as she was traveling. Wanted us to rent a tent as cover for her harp which would have cost an extra $100 or so dollars.
Overall Rating: Good - didn't go above and beyond but did well enough
Lily Rose Bridal
Pros: Carried the Casablanca 1831 dress that I wanted. Cute little boutique.
Cons: Denise, the owner is pretty rude. The seamstress, however, was very friendly. Price wasn't the lowest, but was reasonable enough.
Overall Rating: Okay - had I been looking for better customer service or a lower price, I might have shopped around a little more
Creative Solutions Event Rentals
Pros: Lindsay was very detailed in making sure our contract was correct. They were extremely familiar with the garden so we didn't have to worry about that aspect.
Cons: They were the only vendor we could choose from for DSBG. They weren't very creative, they just gave us what we asked for and didn't really make any suggestions.
Overall Rating: Okay - they got the job done
Karen Warren Catering
Pros: The coordinator Dottie was great because she had worked for the garden before. They were much lower priced than the other preferred DSBG vendors. They were very flexible and let us buy our own alcohol. Plates, napkins, glasses, and silverware were included in their price.
Cons: They started serving the appetizers a little late. The food was good, but it wasn't so great that it knocked your socks off.
Overall Rating: Good - value was right
Friday, August 22, 2008
Wedding - Family Portraits
Family Portraits courtesy of James and Cherie Mendez our wedding photographers are now posted.
View All Family Portraits
Watson, Mom, Kim, Tony, and Max (isn't he too cute?)
View All Family Portraits
Watson, Mom, Kim, Tony, and Max (isn't he too cute?)Wedding Pictures from Guests
Here, I will be adding links to the wedding pictures from various wedding guests if they chose to upload their own digital albums or send me picture CDs. What did people do before digital cameras and the Internet?
It is cute because you can tell whose pictures are whose by the number of pictures of that family's kid. So far, the kids in my family take after me - they are definitely camera hams. :-)
Kim and Tony's Pictures
Kristin and Gary's Pictures
Kevin and Melinda's Pictures
Haya and Mahdi's Pictures
It is cute because you can tell whose pictures are whose by the number of pictures of that family's kid. So far, the kids in my family take after me - they are definitely camera hams. :-)
Kim and Tony's Pictures
Kristin and Gary's Pictures
Kevin and Melinda's Pictures
Haya and Mahdi's Pictures
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Honeymoon Pictures
Honeymoon (and a few pre/post-wedding) photos are now posted.
View Photos
We really enjoyed the cruise to Sicily, Athens, Kusadasi, and Crete. Rome was awesome too! It was my first trip overseas, and I am lucky that it was with my wonderful husband!
Wedding pictures will be posted soon. If everyone could do us a favor and mail us a CD of any pictures taken at the wedding or pre-wedding, that would be great! Then I can post them all for everyone to enjoy.
View Photos
We really enjoyed the cruise to Sicily, Athens, Kusadasi, and Crete. Rome was awesome too! It was my first trip overseas, and I am lucky that it was with my wonderful husband!
Wedding pictures will be posted soon. If everyone could do us a favor and mail us a CD of any pictures taken at the wedding or pre-wedding, that would be great! Then I can post them all for everyone to enjoy.
Wedding Favor Photobook
We made a photo book story of how we met and our life together up 'til the wedding to share with our wedding guests as a wedding favor. I think they were very much liked.
Any wedding guests who did not bring one home or who would like an extra one can order a copy on-line from MyPublisher.com. Or if you just want to flip through the digital version, you can use the link as well.
Any wedding guests who did not bring one home or who would like an extra one can order a copy on-line from MyPublisher.com. Or if you just want to flip through the digital version, you can use the link as well.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Frankie's Italian Grill
I can't wait to see everyone this week! For those in town Wednesday 8/6, I have a reservation at 8 PM at Frankie's Italian Grill in Charlotte. I have been there before, and it is has a good atmosphere and great food. They have family-style Italian and also individual entrees. I will be in the Sheraton lobby at 7-7:30 PM to meet those who want to drive over together. Otherwise, the above gives you the address as well as the menu selections at the restaurant.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Rehearsal Celebration
Everyone attending the wedding is invited to the rehearsal celebration on August 7th, 2008 starting at 4 PM at our house.
The rehearsal was originally going to be a cookout, but we decided instead to have it catered so everyone can experience authentic Carolina Country BBQ. We will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and chicken "cooked slowly eight to nine hours with Hickory Wood and served with famous souther style barbecue sauce." Sides will include cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies, and sweet tea (Hey, Ya'll come on out!).
My mom is also going to provide fresh fruit, various other sides, and dessert while Mike's Mom Barbara will provide the alcohol including beer and sangria. Can't wait to see everyone!
The rehearsal was originally going to be a cookout, but we decided instead to have it catered so everyone can experience authentic Carolina Country BBQ. We will be serving pulled pork sandwiches and chicken "cooked slowly eight to nine hours with Hickory Wood and served with famous souther style barbecue sauce." Sides will include cole slaw, baked beans, hush puppies, and sweet tea (Hey, Ya'll come on out!).
My mom is also going to provide fresh fruit, various other sides, and dessert while Mike's Mom Barbara will provide the alcohol including beer and sangria. Can't wait to see everyone!
Friday, July 4, 2008
Mom Dresses
So, my mom is going to be the accent color in our wedding - a burgundy red. Not quite the traditional Chinese, red, but close enough for me. She will match the bows on the programs and the burgundy in the middle of the cream colored moth orchids in our bouquets. She will be walking me down the aisle. I bought her dress on Ann Taylor's website on clearance. She had to get it taken out, but as of yesterday she could get into her dress. Yay!
Mike's mom originally bought a latte colored dress, but I don't think she was in love with it. So we went shopping at Cache and found her this dress. The ivory and black will match perfectly with our sand ceremony and the ivory satin table cloths and black river rocks on the tables. I showed Mike this picture, and he said, "my mom is wearing WHAT?" I had to reassure him that the dress was actually knee-length on his mom, not a mini-skirt like the model. :-)
Mike's mom originally bought a latte colored dress, but I don't think she was in love with it. So we went shopping at Cache and found her this dress. The ivory and black will match perfectly with our sand ceremony and the ivory satin table cloths and black river rocks on the tables. I showed Mike this picture, and he said, "my mom is wearing WHAT?" I had to reassure him that the dress was actually knee-length on his mom, not a mini-skirt like the model. :-)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
License to Wed
Mike and I went to the Mecklenburg County Courthouse today to apply for our marriage license . . . and they gave it to us! Now we are licensed to wed!! Woo hoo! Evidentally, you have to go to the Register of Deeds to get a marriage license. Mike was concerned that meant I was going to have a deed on him now. Hehehe.
We have quite a few more details to work out before the wedding, but everything is starting to come together. Unfortunately, I think I am starting to come down with a cold. Argh.
We have quite a few more details to work out before the wedding, but everything is starting to come together. Unfortunately, I think I am starting to come down with a cold. Argh.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Hair and Make Up
Originally, I was going to have the bridal party get ready at William Henry Salon in Belmont, NC. However, I did a bridal consultation, and I really did not like the Bare Escentuals make up that they used. I even had to wash it off and redo my own make up before our engagement portraits. Yes, it was that bad.
So after being not-so-impressed, I decided to search out another solution. Since we really love our photographers and Cherie is actually also a model, we asked them for a suggestion. They referred me to Heather Hawkins who is a make-up and hair artist. She mostly does make up and hair for models and commercials, but she takes bridal customers with referrals. She came and did a consultation, and it passed the test! One very cool thing is that she uses airbrush make-up with lasts for 16 hours. We tested it - my make up was done at 10 AM, we took a afternoon nap, and my make up was still good for dinner that evening.
So, Heather is going to do my hair and make up as well as Kim, Michele, and Lisa's. Jill, Mike's cousin, is also a cosmetologist, so she will be helping out and doing hair and make up for my mom, Mike's mom, Rachael, and Emily. So, all in all, it works out for the best!
Here are some pictures from my consultation:
So after being not-so-impressed, I decided to search out another solution. Since we really love our photographers and Cherie is actually also a model, we asked them for a suggestion. They referred me to Heather Hawkins who is a make-up and hair artist. She mostly does make up and hair for models and commercials, but she takes bridal customers with referrals. She came and did a consultation, and it passed the test! One very cool thing is that she uses airbrush make-up with lasts for 16 hours. We tested it - my make up was done at 10 AM, we took a afternoon nap, and my make up was still good for dinner that evening.
So, Heather is going to do my hair and make up as well as Kim, Michele, and Lisa's. Jill, Mike's cousin, is also a cosmetologist, so she will be helping out and doing hair and make up for my mom, Mike's mom, Rachael, and Emily. So, all in all, it works out for the best!
Here are some pictures from my consultation:
Monday, May 12, 2008
88 Days Until 8/8/08!
We officially have 88 days until our wedding on 8/8/08!
- View important wedding/travel information
- Reserve your hotel room at the Sheraton
- Feel free to buy us a gift from one of our registries
- View our guest list
- Check out the wedding event time line
- Check out some things to do in Charlotte
Monday, May 5, 2008
Bridal Shower
I am very thankful to have such great friends! Amy is Matt's wife, and Matt is the first friend that I made in Charlotte who started the PhD program with me. Anyway, Amy offered to throw a bridal shower for me. I thought it was very sweet!
(A picture of Matt and Amy)
(A picture of Matt and Amy)The bridal shower will be at their house on May 24th at 2 PM. I just gave her a list of local people who I thought might be able to make it. I wasn't sure if I was supposed the invite far away people who wouldn't be able to make it anyway. I know they have books for etiquette about all this stuff!
Friday, April 25, 2008
Charlotte - Things to See and Do
-
Bank of America Stadium
S Graham St, Charlotte, NC
Spend an autumn afternoon with the rest of Charlotte and root for the 2003 NFC Championship Carolina Panthers. -
Price's Chicken Coop
1614 Camden Rd, Charlotte, NC
Pick up a box of the best fried chicken in the Carolinas and head to Latta Park for a picnic lunch. -
Double Door Inn
218 E Independence Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Catch a first-rate blues act at this famous Charlotte haunt, winner of the W.C. Handy Award for best blues club. -
Lowe's Motor Speedway
5555 Concord Pkwy S, Concord, NC
Forget the luxury box: Snag a pit pass and watch your favorite racing team work its NASCAR magic. -
Discovery Place
301 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC
Walk through a giant replica of a human eyeball and watch fascinating electricity demonstrations at one of the best hands-on science museums in the nation. -
Metrolina Expo
7100 Statesville Rd, Charlotte, NC
Hunt for treasure at the biannual Antiques Extravaganza, the biggest antique show in the South. -
Ranch House Steak House Of Charlotte
5614 Wilkinson Blvd, Charlotte, NC
Feast on fiery shrimp "cocktale" and a juicy steak while basking in this Charlotte institution's old-school ambiance.
Top 7 Sights to See Excerpted from Charlotte City Search
Our Compilation of Things to Do
- Levin Museum of the New South
- Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
- US National White Water Center
- Carowinds
- Lazy 5 Ranch
- Raptor Center
- Discovery Place
- Cricket Arena
- North Davidson "NoDa" Art District
Additional Suggestions from our Wedding Planner at Head over Heels
Amber Crest Winery: http://www.ambercrestwinery.com/
There are several vineyards in Albemarle if you wanted an all day activity
Lake Norman Comedy Club: http://www.lkncomedyzone.com/
Queen's Landing (boat ride around Lake Norman): http://www.queenslanding.com/
Concord Mills: http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=1239
Lowes Motor Speedway: http://www.lowesmotorspeedway.com/
You can also check out the other museums downtown. The art and design museum has a free event with live jazz music every Thursday night.
Latta Plantation: http://www.lattaplantation.org/
Birkdale Village (has free outdoor concerts in the summer): http://www.birkdalevillage.net/
Amazing Pottery: http://www.amazingpotterybirkdale.com/
Dan Nicholas Park: http://www.dannicholas.net/
You can also check out Visit Charlotte for more ideas about our Queen City.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wedding Event Timeline
We are still finalizing some of the details, but here is the latest as far as the agenda of events for the wedding (since Matt couldn't find it in the novel below).
Wednesday August 6th
1:30 PM - Mike's Bachelor Party at the US National White Water Center. Michele (Mike's sister and best man) has sent out an eVite for those who are invited to attend.
7:30 PM- Bridal dinner for Pam's family who will be arriving that day. Hosted by the bride. Location TBD.
Thursday August 7th
1 PM - Rehearsal for wedding party at DSBG
4 PM - Rehearsal Cookout at our house for everyone!!
Friday August 8th
6 PM to 11 PM - Wedding Ceremony, Reception immediately follows
Wednesday August 6th
1:30 PM - Mike's Bachelor Party at the US National White Water Center. Michele (Mike's sister and best man) has sent out an eVite for those who are invited to attend.
7:30 PM- Bridal dinner for Pam's family who will be arriving that day. Hosted by the bride. Location TBD.
Thursday August 7th
1 PM - Rehearsal for wedding party at DSBG
4 PM - Rehearsal Cookout at our house for everyone!!
Friday August 8th
6 PM to 11 PM - Wedding Ceremony, Reception immediately follows
Monday, April 21, 2008
Bamboo Fans
We just purchased these bamboo fans for the wedding ceremony from Bliss Wedding Market. Here is a Photoshopped version of the program design that we are aiming to do.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Favor Frenzy on eBay is Evil
I purchased a tiara on eBay at a store called Favor Frenzy, and I never received my tiara.
3/23 - I purchased and paid for my item
4/4 - I inquired about the status of the item
4/8 - I inquired about the status again
4/14 - I inquired again
4/17 - I have not received any response to my inquiries and have not received my product
Left negative feedback on eBay, and the seller had the nerve to leave ME negative feedback then request for a mutual withdrawal of the feedback. How absurd!
Don't buy stuff from Favor Frenzy on eBay, ladies.
3/23 - I purchased and paid for my item
4/4 - I inquired about the status of the item
4/8 - I inquired about the status again
4/14 - I inquired again
4/17 - I have not received any response to my inquiries and have not received my product
Left negative feedback on eBay, and the seller had the nerve to leave ME negative feedback then request for a mutual withdrawal of the feedback. How absurd!
Don't buy stuff from Favor Frenzy on eBay, ladies.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Wedding Officiant
I didn't even know what the guy who performed the ceremony was called until all this wedding planning started! However, JR Carrel (and his wife Bonnie) are coming all the way up from Clearwater, Florida to perform our ceremony. I feel really blessed that they will be able to make it.
JR was the pastor at NE Christian church which was a non-denominational church I attended when I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his wife were there for me when Sean and I broke up and hurricanes Frances and Jeanne flooded my house. I was going through a very tough time, and they were literally a God-send. Bonnie calls me her adopted daughter, and we spent some quality time together going to lunch, painting pottery, and going to a Christmas tree expo. I am looking forward to seeing them again because I only had the chance to visit them once since I moved to Charlotte three years ago.
Having JR perform the ceremony is also special to me because he was the one who baptized me. I made a special request to get baptized at St. Pete beach instead of inside the church, so they invited the whole church to my baptism in the ocean. It was very moving to have a church family care so much about me.
In fact, that wasn't the first church family I ever had. Pastor Patrick and his wife Linda are also making the trip from Gainesville to attend our wedding. Pastor Patrick is a deacon at the family church who first prayed with me when I became a Christian, and Linda is a Christian counselor who mentored me as well.
I might not seem as "religious" as some people, but God is a very important part of my life. He has always brought people into my life at the exact time I really needed them. Although I have had many struggles over the years, somehow God has kept his promise not to give me more than I can bear by bringing loving people into my life to help me through. Amen!
JR was the pastor at NE Christian church which was a non-denominational church I attended when I lived in St. Petersburg, Florida. He and his wife were there for me when Sean and I broke up and hurricanes Frances and Jeanne flooded my house. I was going through a very tough time, and they were literally a God-send. Bonnie calls me her adopted daughter, and we spent some quality time together going to lunch, painting pottery, and going to a Christmas tree expo. I am looking forward to seeing them again because I only had the chance to visit them once since I moved to Charlotte three years ago.
Having JR perform the ceremony is also special to me because he was the one who baptized me. I made a special request to get baptized at St. Pete beach instead of inside the church, so they invited the whole church to my baptism in the ocean. It was very moving to have a church family care so much about me.
In fact, that wasn't the first church family I ever had. Pastor Patrick and his wife Linda are also making the trip from Gainesville to attend our wedding. Pastor Patrick is a deacon at the family church who first prayed with me when I became a Christian, and Linda is a Christian counselor who mentored me as well.
I might not seem as "religious" as some people, but God is a very important part of my life. He has always brought people into my life at the exact time I really needed them. Although I have had many struggles over the years, somehow God has kept his promise not to give me more than I can bear by bringing loving people into my life to help me through. Amen!
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