April 2, 2020
The global covid-19 pandemic stopped many things, but it could not stop love! In September 2020, Katie and Michelle went for a hike in Asheville, and while a friend distracted Katie, Michelle set up a speaker and played their song, "I Will Always Love You" and asked Katie to marry her. Katie was surprised, and said yes!
With no clear end to the pandemic in sight, Katie and Michelle decided not to wait to get married, and planned a beautiful hybrid in-person/virtual gathering to celebrate their exchange of vows. They invited a handful of their closest loved ones, all of whom wore masks and were vaccinated so long as they were able to be, and they invited guests who could not be there in person to be present through a livestream of the ceremony and interact via Zoom.
A silver lining to intimate weddings such as theirs is that they inherently have a smaller impact on the environment and provide the opportunity for more quality time!
The two were married on the rooftop of the Durham Hotel, a lovely outdoor space with a beautiful view of Downtown Durham. They were joined by their immediate family members and their ceremony was led by their good friend and yoga instructor, Carson.
Katie was escorted down the aisle by her father, their mothers assisted them in lighting their unity candle, and Katie's brother delivered a beautiful reading of What a Miracle by Rumi. Upon being pronounced wife and wife, the recessional music was played by the talented Jashaun Peele, a saxophone rendition of "I Willl Always Love You" - a surprise that Michelle had planned for Katie!
The nuptial was LiveStreamed and recorded by Atlanta Dahlia Photography, and following the ceremony, Katie and Michelle said hello to their loved ones who could not be there in person on Zoom. They and their family enjoyed celebratory drinks and h'orderves prior to photos around downtown, and dinner and dessert at the Durham Hotel.
Photographer: Kelley Deal Photography
Venue: The Durham Hotel
Livestream: Atlanta Dahlia Photo
Officiant: Carson Efird
Flowers: Flowers By Gary
Saxophone: Jashaun Peele
Dress: Tre Bella
Shoes: Bradley Mischka
Suit: Lile's Custom Suits
Hair: Elika Emorick
Makeup: Modern Alchemy NC