"Who would have known that a 7day free trial offer would end up in marriage! This love story we all celebrate today began when Haidee decided to take match.com up on their free trial offer back in September of 2009. She filled in the profile information and a few days later, Steve sent her a note just as the free trial offer expired so she quickly signed up for 3 months so she could find out more about this Steve guy." Needless to say they really hit it off right from the beginning and Steve proposed on November 12, 2010. This was the happiest moment for both of them. They started planning their wedding for October 21, 2011 at Brier Creek Country Club and met with me in January to plan their ceremony. 
October 21st was an absolutely pristine autumn day. The weather was crisp and pleasant and the sun was shining. It was a perfect day for a wedding. Above is the lovely portico at Brier Creek Country Club where weddings are held on good weather days. Below is the view of the portico for a wedding I did in 2005. Back then there was considerable construction underway in the new subdivision in the background and sheer panels were hung to block the view. The vines had not matured and grown up and across the top of the portico like they are now. For Haidee and Steve's wedding, the panels were removed because the ornamental grasses have grown up and make a stunning background, especially with the sun drenching them at this wedding as you will see in the following photos. Haidee and her Maid of Honor, Wendy, and flower girl, Mary, were posing for photos before the wedding.
Mike Phongsa was their photographer and Robin and Linda Crews with
Bay Leaf Video Productions were videoing the wedding. Note the pretty grasses behind the portico.
Steve Stowe with
Joe Bunn DJ Company was providing music for the ceremony while Joe was upstairs in the ballroom preparing to host the reception. All three of us love working together. Steve and Joe also have a joint venture called
The Lincoln Agency which books bands and entertainers.
This scrumptious cake was baked by
Sugarland, a premier wedding cake baker in Chapel Hill and now also in Cameron Village in Raleigh.
This is the grand ballroom where the reception took place. I understand from reading
Joe Bunn's blog, that they had some special entertainment show up!
It is time for us to process in. Steve and Haidee were so happy they could include their furry 4 legged child, Jazz, in the ceremony. He is a rescue pup that is part chow and part terrier. I would love to see a DNA test done on him to get his specific heritage. He is a very friendly and well behaved dog. Steve and Haidee feel so fortunate to have him because they had a cancer scare with him not too long ago but he has fully recovered and is considered cured.
Wendy and Mary start their long walk down the aisle.
Haidee was born in the Phillippines and dedicated herself to become a nurse and immigrate to the US. Her father is deceased so her Uncle Edwin had the honor of escorting both Haidee's mother and Haidee down the aisle.
Behind them is Rachael, our honorary wedding director. She was on the ball and everything flowed seamlessly.
I was surprised that the aisle runner stayed put as well as it did. They brought some weights wrapped up like little gifts to hold it in place.
A friend of Haidee's from the Philippines did triple duty--he ushered, helped roll out the aisle runner and then did a reading during the ceremony.
Steve's friend was in charge of keeping Jazz from wandering around too much during the ceremony.
Kenneth was Steve's best man and Kenneth's son, Tyler, was the ring bearer.
Haidee is making her vows here.
Haidee and Steve, you are such a wonderful couple and your love for each other shines all around you. I wish you health, happiness, peace and joy!
