The Honeymoon Saturday, Aug 29 2009

We are going to Spain in one week for a belated honeymoon!

 Today, we talked on Skype, as we do everyday.  But TODAY Kingsley and I discussed restaurants we would like to try while in Barcelona.  I checked the forecast and we should have 28 C (80 F) during the day and 23 C (73 F) at night.  The weather could not be more perfect.  We’ve rented a little apartment near the ocean and plan to relax, eat and drink well and be in love.

Kingsley and I are still living apart while we wait for our Visa to be approved.  It has been a long, hard road to get through the paperwork and hoops but we should know the final word in 90 days.  We’ve been on two different continents too long but are still so thankful to have each other.  Here’s hoping Kingsley can enjoy the fall season in Oregon this year and experience his first “American” Christmas! 

We’ll be together for two full weeks for the first time in almost two years in September and we are thrilled.  Thank you for being a part of our story and our wedding.  We love you.

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The Toasts Monday, Jun 15 2009

I wrote this list of toasts and gave them after dinner at the reception.   Hope you enjoy!

Toasts

To my best friend and Matron of Honor, Casey. My heroine. Casey has battled against the odds to become a successful Radiology Oncologist in Chicago, IL. We have been friends for more than a decade and I love her each day more and more. Thank you for being there for me during my budding romance with Kingsley albeit over the phone and through email and thank you for being my counselor, advisor, confidant and helper. To share something funny Casey sent me to cheer me up when something wasn’t going quite right… she said, quote “We will not stoop to that level. We will behave like dignified southern ladies and get drunk.” Although Casey and I would rather become intoxicated on chocolate truffles, she always knows what to say to help find the humor. I was a part of your wedding Casey and Bert – and I thank you for being a most special part of ours.   To Casey.

To Adrian and Desiree – how did I become so fortunate to have such gorgeous, talented, sweet, life-long friends? Thank you for attending to me, keeping me calm and holding a special part this weekend.   To Adrian and Desiree.

To my father and my brother Dannen, what would I ever do without you? You are the first men in my life and the most special male influences over me. I appreciate your tender care, your love, your encouragement and support in all the endeavors I choose including hopping a plane and moving to another country. You’ve never laughed at my dreams, you’ve never scoffed at my ambitions and Daddio, mom and Dannen you’ve taken care of my cat, sweet Dewey like he is your own. I can never repay you for what you’ve done for me but I hope to continue always sharing the good life with you.   To my father, David and my brother, Dannen.

To my generous, loving mother – you have helped me achieve my dream union and I hope you know what a special, wonderful day this is for me. I have watched you become a successful business woman and a pioneer in your industry. I am proud to be your daughter and proud to set high expectations for myself in my career to model after you. You held me as a premature baby when there was a question of whether I would live and sung life into my growing lungs when you brought me home from the hospital. Thank you for teaching me how to achieve despite illness, let-downs and road blocks. Thank you for being so calm during this planning process and remaining always beautiful inside and outside.   To my mom, Debbie.

Also to my family: including my aunts Alice, Judy and Ann, uncles Stacy and Joe, cousins Amanda Lauren Darcy Jennifer and MacKenzie and my grandmother Jackie here today. Thank you for teaching me how to love and the importance of family.   To my family.

Now to my groom, my handsome, creative, talented husband, Kingsley. You are a warm cuddle when the night is cold, a laugh that brings the sunshine even in rain and my calm that helps pass the storm. We have walked the cobbled streets of ancient Rome together, rode hand in hand down the canals of Venice, stood beneath Big Ben in London while it chimed, embraced beneath the Eiffel tower in Paris and braved the cold waters of the sea while diving with Great White Sharks in South Africa. Forever we will experience life together and for that, I am eternally grateful to you and to God. What an exciting day that I become one with you. I love you more than the sand in the sea and more than the stars in the sky tonight.   To my husband.

A toast to my new family Kingsley’s family from South Africa.  May God bless you Nan, Claude and Beryl for enduring a 20 hour flight to be here in a new country. I understand the great sacrifices you have made to be here and we cannot wait to celebrate with you in your country along with Kingsley’s brother Richard, his wife Louise, Kingsley’s sister Vanessa her husband Leslie and our 8 nieces!   I have a big family now and I can’t wait for girl time.   To my new family.

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The Slideshow Monday, Jun 15 2009

Here’s the slideshow we presented to our guests during the reception. We wanted to let our friends and family see a few of our travel moments and share our love.

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The Professional Photos Wednesday, Jun 10 2009

Our talented photographer, Anne Powell McGowan has uploaded the photos from the wedding. 

Please click on this link to view them.

The event name is “Denae and Kingsley” and the password, which is case sensitive is “Parker.”

Then, you’ll type in your email to register.

You can follow directions on the site to order any pictures you might like.  Enjoy!

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Candid thoughts… Sunday, May 24 2009

(I typed all of this while chilling at the San Fran airport…waiting for my flight to Eugene.) 

I am feeling fantastic. Our wedding weekend went better than expected with all of the little details falling into place. The only damper was the steady rain that fell after our ceremony. I had designed a gorgeous cocktail hour with live sax and bass under a white tent and fuchsia lanterns overlooking the golf course. Apparently some of the guests were able to at least see it before the rain and wind began. If you arrived in time to see the tent – post a comment and let us know what it looked like please! 

Even though it was raining, our experienced, intuitive photographer, Anne McGowan waited out the drops by watching the radar on her IPhone. When the rain stopped we posed for the most gorgeous photographs in front of Old Baldy, the lighthouse constructed in 1817.  Those were the pictures I really wanted so I’m thankful for her encouragement to wait out the showers.

On the day of our wedding, I felt pretty calm. Kingsley was – by far – more nervous than me and wasn’t sure what to do or say when we met in the house before the ceremony.  He was worried about where he was supposed to get ready because it seemed a dozen different people were giving him instructions on where to go and what to do. We worked it out and I think the last thing I said to him before giving our vows was, “Please go relax with the guys. Have a beer!” I didn’t need anyone to remind me to chill. But the day before was a different story.

Saturday was messy. I was being pulled in 10 directions at once. We rushed to the 10:30 morning rehearsal – arriving five minutes late.  We needed to make sure all of the center pieces for the Welcome Dinner were ready to go as my mother had designed them all to include arrangements of shells and sand from Bald Head Island. We put together glorious glass hurricanes with huge blue-green candles that were meant to remind our guests of the sea. The best part though, were the flat blue green and iridescent marbles that reflected the candlelight around the room.

We also had a moment to lounge by the pool and relax.  Thankfully, my ladies helped me let go and enjoy the sunshine.  After the pool, we took a walk down to the beach to dig our toes into the sand!

I took my time getting ready on Saturday evening and we were slightly late to the party. I wanted to make sure my BCBG Maxi dress was perfectly accessorized by the long beads I picked out to match. The night was lovely with a nice sunset and clear skies. We mingled with our guests and I really enjoyed talking to a few friends that I knew from high school. Our music selection was Roots Reggae and we served a Seafood Boil with fresh crab legs and oysters. The open bar rocked all night with some guests finishing with strawberry mojitos.

 I don’t want to head back. I’m still feeling a vacation vibe and I cannot wait to sleep in my own bed tonight and dream about our gorgeous wedding.

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The Happy Couple Friday, May 22 2009

 Photograph by Larsen Jay, a guest at the wedding

Time flies…  Here I am back at my computer reliving the special moments from this weekend.  I already miss my friends and family but what fun!  Kingsley and I can never thank our guests enough for the kind words and support you offered by joining us on Bald Head Island and attending our wedding.

A special thank you to Lindsey Cheek from the Bald Head Island Club for helping to plan such a magnificant reception.  The food was absolutely wonderful:  hot, seasoned perfectly and paired with gorgeous wine.  Thank you to Don Baker from Brunswick Town Florist  for creating the most amazing centerpieces and bouquets.  Thanks, Ann Pickering with Island Designs for keeping us straight during the rehearsal and directing our ceremony so that everything was perfect.  I am thankful beyond belief for our talented photographer, Anne McGowan.  She put us at ease during the photo sessions and encouraged us to wait out the rain so we could get the money shot next to the lighthouse, Old Baldy.  For those of you who have asked, I think Anne will post a gallery of the wedding on her website and I will post the link here.   The Mike Wolk Jazz Band was a hit.  Mike, thank you for coming all that way to perform for us and get the crowd hopping.  Your CD is amazing and I listened to it on the way to work today.

More pictures and thank-you’s to come.  We did it and are so happy!

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The Gentlemen Wednesday, May 13 2009

I’m the writer in the family but Kingsley would like to pay tribute to the guys in the wedding party too.  So we did a quick interview.  Allow me to introduce you to the guys.

The Best Man, Paul McDermott is Kingsley’s closest friend.  They first played each other on the rugby field back when they were younger.  They didn’t know each other at the time but since have had a fierce rivalry when Arsenal and Liverpool match up on the telly. 

Kingsley and Paul have also been roommates on and off for 10 years and adjusted to life in London after moving over from South Africa in their 20s.  They traveled to Spain together and have always been known to celebrate in style. 

Paul and I and Kingsley also tested the waters off the Southern tip of South Africa together – cage diving with Great White Sharks.  It was an incredible trip and something we’ll never forget.  Paul  also arranged for a memorable night for all of us in London at Ronnie Scott’s – a world famous jazz club. 

Kingsley and I are both so thankful that Paul is crossing the pond to be there on our day.  This is Paul’s first trip to the United States.  Be sure to ask him about his Scottish roots and his love for fine scotch.   Also, feel free to mention to him that not all Americans live in caravans (lol – I’ll explain later).

Craig Mills is one of Kingsley’s oldest friends.  They know each other from growing up in Port Elizabeth and Kingsley says he thinks he met Craig when they were each around 16 years old.  Craig and Kings used to hit the town and now they appreciate a good braai (bbq) together.  They’ve perfected the concept of “Braai Master.”  Which is:  if one man is grilling meat on the barbecue, the others shouldn’t touch! 

Kingsley said Craig has been part of his family away from his family.  Craig also moved to London from South Africa years ago and they have remained close friends. 

Craig is married to Desiree who is one of the bride’s attendants and close friends.  Both Craig and Desiree are very special to us and we are thankful for all they have done to be a part of our union and celebration.  Craig and Des were also there to celebrate our engagement with a surprise party earlier this year.  It was a magical night and we felt so in love!  

Craig will be happy to talk about his job (which he actually likes) and his incredible bicycle - which looks like a Harley with pedals - on which he explores the parks in London.

Dannen D’Arcy is a newer friend of Kingsley but a strong competitor on the golf course.  Dannen, the bride’s brother, has been quick to curb his golf skills to not intimidate the groom.  Okay, really Kingsley just says he waiting for Dannen to step up and whip him in golf.  Maybe not this year…Dannen was injured last week and will be chillin’ by the pool but they will be golfing buddies for life!  

Kingsley also said he feels lucky to be marrying Dannen’s lovely sister.  (Awww.) 

Be sure to ask Dannen about his recent home renovations (performed by his own hand) and his upcoming graduation from The Ohio University in Columbus, Ohio.   Kingsley wants to remind Dannen here that he expects sometime in his life to attend an O-S-U football game.

Kingsley said he is looking forward to every moment on Bald Head Island with his mates and thanks for all the plans our guests have made to be there.

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The Time is Near Wednesday, May 13 2009

After getting engaged 11 months ago on a sunny day in London, Kingsley and I will join in marriage in just 5 days.  We are so very thankful for this opportunity to be together again. 

I left London last March to pursue my career goals in Oregon with the understanding that if things worked out, Kingsley would join me to start out new life together in the U.S.  Things HAVE worked out and we will soon be together again.  This has been a hard-fought journey.  Long distance relationships are difficult but love triumphs over the miles. 

Please take care, dear friends and family during your travels.  We are absolutely thrilled that you are going to be there with us to celebrate.  We realize you have sacrificed time and money to be with us.   See you on the island soon. 

Love, Denae and Kingsley

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The Ladies Tuesday, May 5 2009

Allow me to introduce you to the gorgeous ladies serving a special part in our wedding. 

Casey, the Matron of Honor, is my best friend from our undergraduate years at Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, TN.  We met at orientation as freshman and decided to room together with our other close friend Melody (who can’t be at the wedding because she has just moved to Budapest).  

I loved Casey from the beginning because of her quick wit, determination to serve patients as a physician and stylish fashion sense.  As I became to know her as a friend, I immediately adored her compassion and fierce loyalty.  Casey has been a special part of my life from the day we met in the summer of 1997 and always will be. 

She arranged for us to go wedding dress shopping in Chicago earlier this year and we also celebrated with a special girls’ weekend in Vegas.  Thanks to Casey for keeping me sane with a funny, at times sarcastic, response to those who dared cross me during the planning of this wedding.  Ha.  I would be lost without her sense of calm and humor. 

Casey followed the progression of my blooming relationship with Kingsley through emails and phone calls from London and without her, I may never have met my darling.  Casey inspired me to move to London because of her own bravery.  She and her husband moved across the pond for 3 months after they were first married. 

Please ask Casey about her exciting career as a Radiation Oncologist where she helps patients with Cancer, and her two sweet doggies, Layla and Annie.

Meet Adrian, a beautiful, talented woman with a heart of gold. 

Ace and I met while we were both TV news reporters at WATE in Knoxville, TN.  We quickly formed a bond as the single, night-side, female reporters and found out we both loved sushi, going for walks, giggling about boys and her dog, Jake.  

Adrian was one of my closest friends at an especially important part of life, my early 20s.  We were young in our careers and helped support each other with the demands of working long hours, holidays and weekends without family close by.  I will never forget Adrian’s availability as a friend - no matter when or where I needed her.  She also served on the “dating review board” and helped steer me to Kingsley.  For that, I am very grateful. 

We met up for a road-trip tour of Ireland last year when she and her husband, Larsen traveled to Europe.  She talked about how badly she wanted to be a mom.  Shortly after the trip, she found out she was pregnant with her son, Henry. 

Adrian and I will always be close and I also had the opportunity to be there as a bridesmaid when she gave her vows to Larsen.  Thanks for returning the favor, Ace!   

Be sure to ask Adrian about her production of movie “That Evening Sun” which won countless awards and her two horses.

Desiree is my soul sister from South Africa whom I met while living in London. 

Des showed such kindness to me when I was a bit lonely in London, very far away from my family and first dating Kingsley.  She is married to Craig, one of Kingsley’s friends but never made me feel like I was simply “Kingsley’s girlfriend.” 

Desiree is a woman of determination and drive and I am drawn to her energetic spirit.  We became friends over a bottle of wine one early evening in Wimbledon.  She agreed to meet up with me without the guys and we swapped stories on our dreams for our careers and futures.  Desiree has listened when I needed relationship advice and encouraged me tirelessly to reach for my goals even when it might mean that I leave the UK. 

A special thanks to Desiree as well for organizing a fantastic SURPRISE engagement party for Kingsley and I with our close friend, Margaux.  I had no idea they were planning a party and we toasted with champagne and danced until our feet were sore.  I felt such love and warmth that night and always feel that when I’m around Desiree.   We’ve enjoyed many a braai (South African BBQ) together and will carry on the tradition for the rest of our lives.

You won’t want to miss stories from Desiree about her summers with family in Cyprus and her professional photography of football (soccer) in Emirates Stadium in London.

I promise to post about The Gentlemen in our wedding as soon as I get the homework from the groom.  xxx

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The Wedding Dress Monday, Apr 27 2009

I get to pick up my wedding dress this coming weekend and I am very excited.  I adore the gown, silk with lovely tailoring and a classic style.   The dress is designed by Amsale and will endure a day of vows, signature cocktails, photos, dancing and being in love.  Wish I could post several pictures from my fitting but Kingsley only wants to see it when I walk down the aisle so here is a sneak preview…  We are couting the days until we see you. 

 The veil

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