Shenandoah Valley

Jim and Kelley chose the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia as the setting for the McCarter Family reunion, their wedding and the beginning of their honeymoon. They arrived on June 28th, were joined by Julie McCarter, Jim's mom, and they all stayed at the Inn at Fairfield Farm on the Marriott Ranch in Hume, VA.

Prenuptial Dinner

A Rehearsal Dinner was held for family and friends at Coleman's Basye Bistro on Wednesday, July 2nd. All wedding guests who were in the area were invited to attend the dinner. The food at the dinner was delicious and everyone seemed to have a nice time.

Jim and Kelley chose to begin their wedding process at the dinner in the presence of all of their families. Father Paul Rowles had Jim and Kelley sign a Declaration of Marriage booklet.

Next the Reverend Roles invited the official witnesses to sign the Beckwith Parrish Register of Marriages which dates back to the Civil War era.

Then, Jim and Kelley ceremoniously handed over their rings to Brenda Beasley, Maid of Honor and Julie McCarter, Mother of the Groom for overnight safe keeping.

The wedding ceremony was held at The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, Shrine Mont, Orkney Springs, VA. Shrine Mont is an Episcopal Camp & Conference Center of the Diocese of Virginia.

The morning of the ceremony, remnants of Tropical Storm Bill were lingering in the area, so the ceremony was held in the little chapel behind the Cathedral Shrine.

The skies began clearing during the service and lots of photos were taken outdoors.

Everyone had a great time... it really was a fun wedding!

Wedding Luncheon

After the ceremony a sumptuous luncheon was served at Coleman's Basye Bistro. The menu was designed to honor the heritages of the bride and groom. Kelley is an eastern seaboard gal, so she chose Yellow Fin Tuna (full fish!) Jim is a midwesterner, so Beef Tenderloin was the natural choice.

The colors and decorations for the wedding were based on a beautiful Asiatic Lilly with white petals, pale salmon to green bracts and bright red pollen. The linens, table favors and wedding cake were all chosen to compliment these colors.

Julie McCarter hand stitched the wedding favors for the occasion. She made a special ornament/bookmark that complimented the flowers and the colors of the wedding. Jennie Ussery hand lettered place cards as well as the invitations for the wedding.

Wedding toasts were offered by Jon and Jeff McCarter, Brenda Beasley and Jennie Ussery. When the couple cut the cake guests were surprised to see that it was Red Velvet. The cake was delicious with champagne and "strawberry bubblies" all around.

Family and group photos rounded out the occasion on the front steps of Coleman's and in the front yard.

The Duffields & Usserys

The McCarters

The Heartland Honeymoon

Jim and Kelley had a busy honeymoon that started July 3rd and extended through August 17th. It included visits to:

Inn at Narrow Passage, Edinburg, VA

Bella Vista Village, Arkansas

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Simpler Times Inn, Grand Lake, OK

Bridal Veil Falls in Index, WA.

More photos to come!