Ryan Adams said it right, Oh My Sweet Carolina…

I’ve been wanting to visit North Carolina since sixth grade when I first read North Carolina was one of the best places to live in the U.S.  I was not disappointed.  I loved the rolling hills and lush green forests.  I loved the southern hospitality, the tangy bbq, the relaxed go-with-the-flow nature of the locals.

The weekend was extra special because it was the marriage of Anthony’s best friend Michael Schwartz, better known as Schwartzie, to the beautiful Jess. The wedding was simply magical. Wed on the deep green grass of an organic flower farm, they exchanged their handwritten vows before 180 teary-eyed guests. After the glass was broken and their lips locked, they linked arms and danced down the aisle to “Home,” played by a selection of their talented friends.

The first day we arrived, we swung by Duke Hospital to visit with Tim and Becky Petreikis.  They are the  parents of Seth Petreikis, whom Anthony’s been in correspondence with since December when he reported their struggle for funding for a thyroid transplant  necessary for Seth’s survival. You can read about the story here.  Please keep the Petreikis family in your thoughts and prayers. **Update: Seth passed away Sunday evening.  He touched many people’s lives and we feel blessed to have known him.

There were chickens all over the Perrywinkle Organic Farm!

Farmer Kathy

Yumm…These fresh organic strawberries were delicious. 

All the wedding flowers were grown and arranged on the farm by Jessica’s close girlfriends.

The lovely Sarah!  I had a great time chatting and laughing with her over the weekend!  We realized we both have a secret passion for flower arranging.

Jessica’s aunt shows her newly painted toenails. 

Sarah and Jessica’s mom Regina.

So lovely. Miss this already.

Antho’s looking dapper in his wedding attire.

Rockin’ the Artfully Disheveled popsicle pocket square.

My bouquet.

Love this kid-that hair’s the best!

The groom.

Farmer Kathy-what a spirit.