September 19, 2018
Almost 5 years ago, I stood in this beautiful venue as a Matron of Honor next to my childhood best friend. I was amazed at how uniquely beautiful Winmock was, with history dating back to 80 years, yet a classic and timeless Southern Charm.
I was thrilled when our sweet friends Caroline and David asked me to photograph their wedding at Winmock.
Let’s take it back to where it all began: “It was December 27, 2016, and Caroline was in Hershey with her parents and sister, Erin, for Christmas break, while David was up in Long Island visiting his extended family. Caroline’s dad mentions that the four of them were going to stop by the Hotel Hershey for a glass of champagne and to see the Christmas decorations before dinner. They arrive, her dad orders the champagne at the bar, and they sit at an available couch (later Caroline found out, available for a reason.) When the waitress returns, she hands Caroline a glass with a ring tied to the stem! She of course stands up and begin looking around in disbelief. Out pops David from behind the corner! He had traveled with his parents secretly from Long Island to plan the surprise proposal.”
On September 1st 2018, Caroline and David were surrounded 140 of their closest friends and family to celebrate the beginning of their new life TOGETHER as husband and wife. It was the sweetest, and most intimate ceremony. Their officiant, John Schaefer, was the pastor from my Caroline’s home church that she attended from middle school up to college!
Caroline’s mother opened up the service by reading “Union”, by Robert Fulghum:
“You have known each other from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes, to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making commitments in an informal way. All of those conversations that were held in a car, or over a meal, or during long walks – all those conversations that began with, “When we’re married”, and continued with “I will” and “you will” and “we will” – all those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe” – and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding.
The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things that we’ve promised, and hoped, and dreamed – well, I meant it all, every word.”
Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another – acquaintance, friend, companion, lover, dancing partner, even teacher, for you have learned much from one another these past few years. Shortly you shall say a few words that will take you across a threshold of life, and things between you will never quite be the same.
For after today you shall say to the world –
This is my husband. This is my wife.”
She was followed by sweet words of scripture given by a dear friend. Next, Caroline’s sister and her father stood together and sang “The Prayer.” Not a dry eye in the house. Caroline’s sister also sang during their first dance, and I honestly thought it was the ACTUAL song until I saw her in the corner singing. She has an amazing voice!
The weather was absolutely beautiful throughout the day, and without missing a beat the Carolina sky gave us an evening thunderstorm.
Caroline and David, thank you so much for letting me be a part of your wedding day.
Also, huge thank you to such an incredible team of vendors!
Hair & Makeup
Glass Door Salon and Spa
www.glassdoorsalon.com
Florist
Sedgefield Florist
www.sedgefieldflorist.com
Ceremony Venue
WinMock at Kinderton
www.winmock.com
rebecca@winmock.com
Reception Venue
WinMock at Kinderton
Wedding Planner/ Coordinator
Maliquea Starnes (Starnes & Co)
www.starnesandcoevents.com
DJ/Entertainment Services/Photobooth
Showtime Productions,
http://www.showtimeproductionsdj95.com/
Videographer
Ardsley Park Productions
https://www.ardsleyparkproductions.com/
Cake
Gigi’s Cupcakes
https://gigiscupcakesusa.com/location/winston-salem-north-carolina-nc/
Catering
Providence Catering
https://providencerestaurantws.com/catering
Officiant: John Schaefer
These are the same earrings that Caroline’s mother wore on her wedding day!
Caroline’s necklace was gifted to her and her sister to wear on their wedding day by their grandmother, who passed away in 2007.
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