Courtney and Shy married in April at The Estate at River Run in Maidens, near Virginia in the USA, choosing the same spring weekend they first started dating. They had always pictured a beautiful. relaxed outdoor celebration that embraced all the florals – so the day was built around a chic garden wedding full of seasonal colour.
Spring played a vital role in the styling of the day – there were ibrant, blooming flowers, pale blue accents and relaxed, garden-chic details throughout. Courtney loves painting and flowers, so she incorporated both into the design in a very hands on way; she painted parts of the invitations and signage herself, and the couple commissioned a watercolour of their dog that appeared on the DJ booth and favours and now has a home on their wall.
Courtney chose a gown with an elegant train, finished with a cathedral veil. A ceremony led by Courtney’s brother, a poolside cocktail hour and an easy, generous evening of food stations and dancing all helped keep the focus on time together in the garden on a beautiful spring day.
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I always knew I wanted an outdoor wedding, and we knew we wanted to bring our love story full circle and get married the same weekend we started dating, so spring-time was the perfect solution. I also love flowers, specifically watercolor / painting flowers, so really wanted to be surrounded by the vibrant colors of blooming flowers. The idea of a garden chic celebration seemed like the perfect way to capture the beauty of such a special day. As my wedding planner told me “color is in, and it is a great way to show the love and happiness you two have for each other.”
The Ceremony
My dad walked me down the aisle to the sound of ‘Take Forever’, by Cooper Alan – specifically during the time he sings “so this is it, take it in – when the world gets hard girl remember this” and I remember just overlooking the balcony at my husband and all our loved ones and it’s a memory I’ll never forget.
My brother officiated our wedding adding a personal touch to our ceremony, a long with our personal vows being read to each other, this was one of my favorite times, because it was happy, cheerful, funny, and emotional all in one – guests couldn’t stop telling us how magical and special the ceremony was and how great of a job my brother did.
We did write our own vows. My husband’s vows were absolutely beautiful and made me tear up. We don’t actually have our vow books right now; they are being made into artwork.
Our photographer was Nicki Metcalf and she was absolutely amazing. I love the brightness and way she captured candid moments. She makes you feel loved and so comfortable, 100% would recommend to everyone and anyone.
Sam met me and my dad halfway down the aisle and gave him a huge hug before taking my hand. That was the most significant and emotional moment of the day for me.
How They Met
Our love story began on a typical move-in day, during our freshman year of college. As fate would have it, we were assigned to the same floor in our dorm.
With a mix of excitement and nerves, and with little knowing that I would soon meet the love of my life.
Feeling a little bold, I decided to leave my phone number on his door with a playful note.
However, it was not until two years later that our love story began, in one of the most unexpected places, a sorority banquet in Gatlinburg, TN on April 20th, 2017.
Thanks to a friend’s invitation, Shyheim joined us for the weekend getaway. Little did we know that this chance reunion would truly be the start of something new.
Seven years later, on the very same weekend, April 20th, we said “I do.”
The Reception
We knew we wanted our dog to be a part of our wedding day, so we commissioned a beautiful watercolor painting of our furry friend. This artwork was then printed onto our DJ booth, adding a fun touch! We also printed her on koozies for guests to take home.
Adding even more personal touches, I painted our wedding invitations and some of the signage. It was a fun way to express my creativity and make the day truly unique.
We also commissioned a custom wedding crest that incorporated all of our favorite things. This one-of-a-kind piece now holds a special place in our home, reminding us of the love and joy that filled our wedding day.
We wanted to make our dinner a truly enjoyable experience, so we decided to offer a selection of food stations.
Our guests loved the opportunity to choose from pasta, sliders, and barbecue, and the variety of options ensured there was something for everyone.
Evening & Dancing
The Perfect Duet by Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé – felt like it truly captured our past being two younger people falling in love at college, and dancing the night away. While also capturing the past it shines a light on what we want for our future, overall a powerful and beautiful song that spoke to us!
Truly, every moment of our day was amazing, from the morning when we had a party bus pick up the girls and take us to the venue to get ready in the amazing suite upstairs. The guys getting ready at the pool playing games and having fun.
Another favorite surprise was my dad a picked our father daughter song, and surprised me the day of our wedding – truly making that a special moment.
However, I think our mutual favorite was cocktail hour on the poolside. We went for a fun tropical vibe, with margaritas and orange crushes, Lilly Pulitzer tablecloths, and fun glasses. The vibes were so fun, and really set the tone for the rest of the wedding… especially when shyheim and I went around and talked to all the guests as the new Mr and Mrs!
Our wedding was an incredible and magical day. From the first look, being so nervous but then seeing each other and the worries melt away, but also having butterflies and almost falling in love all over again.
I truly felt like everything went perfectly during our wedding day. From getting ready with all my girls, to walking down the aisle and dancing the night away everything went spectacular.
I can go on and on, but those are my tops!
Words of Wedded Wisdom
Pinterest is your best friend to start building your vision – and a wedding planner who can see your ideas and bring it to life truly goes a long way. We hired the wonderful Lane Stewart Events.
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