The Ceremony

Just after sunset, Tina and Russ' guests gathered facing the iron scrollwork verandah at Duff Green Mansion, where hydrangeas, roses, and candles in hurricane shades lined the front staircase. Tina and Russ climbed the stairs hand in hand to reach their officiant on the verandah. It was important to us that our friends and families not only witness the ceremony, but feel as though they were active participants, Tina says. So the couple incorporated a simple but meaningful candle lighting ceremony, in which each guest held a taper lit from the unity candle. It was such a magical moment to look down on a sea of candles illuminating everyone's faces, Tina remembers.