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This is an older post and a chance for me to attempt to migrate blogs over from weebly!

I take on very limited weddings each year…. but on November 6, 2021, this intimate and down home wedding in Grantsboro, NC was one that so many will remember. Not because it was held at some huge estate, not because the weather was absolutely perfect (because it wasn’t), but because the two people at the center of it are just….. good, sincere, kind, loving people.

Because of Katie, “I” Said Yes

This is the second ‘large’ wedding I have been asked to be a part of. I really didn’t have a choice… saying no would be a LITTLE difficult.  You see, Katie is in my choir at First Christian Church in Wilson where I am the Minister of Music. She is also the most giddy, optimistic person I think I have EVER met.  How do you say no to Katie?  Back when she got engaged, it was the first question she asked…. ‘would I be her photographer’.

My first warning was, ‘you know I don’t do this on a regular basis?”. She had all confidence. But behind it all, I knew that the experience would be great because of one thing…. Katie.

There are a lot of ‘happy’ and sincere people that I know. many who I want to be around… and who stay positive…or try to.

…but Katie is infectious.

Her happiness, optimism, kindness and sincerity are always what I see.  Because of this, there was no question that this day would be an amazing experience.

Excitement Happens Before the Vows

During the course of her wedding day, someone else in the wedding industry had mentioned how this season had been fairly tough on those involved with weddings… angry folks, demanding situations, harsh words spoken.  Having experienced these beforehand, it didn’t surprise that on this day they said, “This is the first positive experience and genuine wedding that they had experienced all year.”

Going into the day, the chance of rain heightened, and things had to be altered.  The outdoor ceremony was suddenly being crammed underneath the reception tent.   Katie remained positive and happy throughout….it wasn’t about the ‘show’, it was about coming together with her best friend that she had become reacquainted with over the last few years.

Katie and Donnie went to high school together… life continued to unfold, they went about their lives… a year or so ago, they actually reconnected on a social media dating site. Lo and behold, these two once high schoolers in Pamlico began seeing each other. When she mentioned his name to me at church, it was different…. it was a giddy reaction…. a bubbly reaction…. a Katie reaction.

The ceremony was held on her parents property in Grantsboro. The day started with music blaring from iphones, morning festivities in her parents home where the bridal party was getting ready. Donnie and his groomsmen began by skeet shooting – one thing I should have documented!

An Emotional First Look

As the day progressed and she began to get ready, the excitement began! They had a first look on the water where so many began crying in happiness! We had a lot of laughs (and clearly I am enthusiastic in this post by all of the exclamation points!) At one point, I asked Donnie to “dip Katie”…. he gave me a look. His response? : “In the water? ” Katie: “No, no! Right here, like this!” Donnie: picks her up “Imma dip her in the pond….”

By the ceremony we were SO ahead of schedule and everyone had time to relax! We took care of all the wedding party portraits in large thanks to my husband…. who probably wanted to talk more fishing with Donnie than pictures, but was such a rock for me! The wedding party was huge when they all came together. One person has asked about the different color dresses! The blue dresses were Katie’s “something blue!”

The little details such as recreating a scene of Katie, her sister and her mom on their family steps where years of conversations were had showed her love of her family above all.

Outdoor turned Indoor Ceremony

The ceremony ended up being inside the reception tent which was a little close in quarters, but SO incredibly intimate. The cutest little highlight was her niece coming down the aisle in a wagon! After the vows were spoken we proceeded to grab some of the largest family formals ever. A testimony to the love and care that surrounds their families!

The night was FULL of fun and dancing! Katie, in her all true self, made sure not to leave anyone out including the kids! Her little cousin led the blessing for the meal and as the night went on, she led a rousing dance of “Baby Shark” especially for the kids that EVERYONE enjoyed!

Instead of a bouquet toss, they had an Anniversary Dance. All married couples went to the dance floor and began to dance.. and one by one, they were called off by the number of years they had been married. Those left standing? Her grandma and grandpa Gatlin on the floor 🙂 It was the sweetest thing!

As the night progressed, dancing continued, cornhole began and as the rain set in towards the end, they had their exit. The day was beautiful! Katie, thank you for trusting me to be a part of such a special day in your life.

This Couldn’t Have happened without these Amazing Vendors!

Thank you to the wedding vendors who made this day beautiful:

VENUE: Brinson Family Property

FLORALS: Harris Teeter Florals

HAIR : Andrea Elks

OFFICIANT: Leigh Finnegan-Hosey

DJ: Callahan Bandstand

WEDDING DRESS: Thornbury Brides – Kelly Faetanini

RINGS: Vaughan’s Jewelers

BRIDESMAID DRESSES: Azazie

DECORATIONS: Memory Makers

INVITATIONS: Shutterfly

CAKE: A Little Slice of Joy

CATERING: Thee Catering Company