Collins/Armfield wedding at Highgrove Estates on November 8th, 2013

Laura and Jonathan chose the picturesque Highgrove Estates in Fuquay-Varina for their wedding ceremony and reception on a beautiful fall day overlooking a pond.  I provided a mic for one of my favorite Reverends, Ed Sansbury, and for Laura’s Father and Jonathan’s Sister to do readings.  For their music they had a violinist and acoustic guitarist, Dave and Warren, who also provided music for the outdoor cocktail hour on the terrace.  Photographer Adrienne from F8 Studios was there to capture the moments.

As pictures were finishing up, the ballroom opened with floral arrangements by Flowers On Broad Street and guests found their seats.  I had some jazz standards playing and went into the house to line the wedding party up for introductions and I could tell this was going to be a good one.  They were having a blast already!  They entered into the ballroom to “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC and Laura and Jonathan had their first dance to “God Gave Me You” by Blake Shelton.  Laura’s Father then welcomed everyone and Reverend Ed Sansbury said the blessing. The salads came out and shortly the food stations were opened.  I had a mix of country and classic rock playing for dinner.

After dinner, Laura’s Matron of Honor and Jonathan’s Sister gave toasts and we had the Sweet Memories cake cutting to “Home” by American Idol winner Phillip Phillips. Laura joined her Father on the floor to dance to “Father and Daughter” by Paul Simon and Jonathan danced with his Mother to “My Wish” and then his stepmother to “Kind and Generous” by Natalie Merchant. 

To open the floor, Laura and Jonathan wanted to have a longest married couple dance so I invited all the married couples out to the floor.  After all the couples were out and ready to slow dance, I played the beginning of “Gangnam Style” and everyone died laughing, then went into their real dance, “To Love Somebody” by The Bee-Gee’s.  I LOVE that song (The Bee-Gee’s, not Gangnam Style)!  I then opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and the floor filled with young and old. It was great to see such a mix of groups dancing together and they made a huge circle and showed off their moves to “Love Shack” including Jonathan!

After some dancing we paused to do the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and the garter toss to “Legs” and the staff at Highgrove brought out snacks of ice cream and milkshakes with home made peanut brittle.  It was sooo good!  Then, back to dancing to some 80’s and current music.  The night ended with “Wagon Wheel” and  “Sweet Caroline” and Laura and Jonathan made a sparkler exit from the front of the house.  What a beautiful wedding and I couldn’t be happier for them.