Katie+Tony // Blacksburg, VA Wedding

We really need to get to perfecting the ability to shrink people down and put them in our pockets to carry around because I would definitely shrink Katie and Tony and bring them out to smile at me every once in a while. They both have infectious, super radiant smiles that are amplified when around each other, around family and friends, and around HokieBird, the Virginia Tech mascot that seems to be a giant turkey (who knew?). Their wedding was held at the expansive and beautiful property of the Beliveau Estate Winery in Blacksburg, Virginia and we were lucky enough to join them (and become very educated in the ways of the Hokies). Katie and Tony booked us a long time ago after a Skype meeting and a much-appreciated referral from our good friend Janice at Big Dog Little Bed Productions, and we were lucky enough to all get to work together as a big happy family on their wedding day, drones and all.

When we arrived at the winery, we already suspected Katie and Tony of being super stellar humans, but this was confirmed to us several times throughout the day by outside source as well as Katie and Tony themselves, who were SO NICE! And I told all wedding guests I met how beautiful Katie looked in her awesome wedding dress (all the sparkly gold wedding dresses, please!) and had two completely separate people tell me, “She’s beautiful inside and out.” So – it was confirmed. In addition, Katie’s Maid of Honor Laura told a fantastic little story about how she used to hang out at Katie’s apartment only to find her favorite foods inexplicably waiting for her, including pre-cut-up fruit, after Laura mentioned that fruit is a pain to prepare. I both identified with this story (fruit is a pain and I’m glad I’m not the only one who thinks that) and found it wonderful that some people out there are still thoughtful, truly special people who listen and care about others in the way that Katie does. But it’s not even just Katie! Tony’s best man Dave told a story about how Tony once, without being asked, decided to help Dave’s family out by ironing Dave’s little sister’s tutu to help ease the pressure of them running a bit late. Laura also said that Tony helped her ride the subway to her new job in DC to show her the best way to get there. And we saw them do this all day. Smile at everyone, hug everyone, and be the nicest people in the room.

So… I’m sorry, everyone. But both Katie and Tony, two of the most selfless individuals we’ve had the pleasure of meeting, are already taken. And I feel like their relationship will just be one of those where they both show up after a long day and Katie will be like, “Tony, here is a milkshake I brought home for you to surprise you!” and Tony will laugh and be like, “But Katie, here is a milkshake I bought YOU!” and they will giggle and hug because that’s the kind of people they are and they’re proof the world is still a good place.

– Date: July 29, 2017
– Ceremony + Reception Venue: Beliveau Estate Winery // Blacksburg, VA
– First Dance Song: “You Are The Best Thing” – Ray LaMontagne
– Katie’s Occupation: Education Finance Researcher at Georgetown University
– Tony’s Occupation: Client Manager at Square One Bank
– How You Met: At a party! Fell in love over our shared admiration of hip hop.
– Interesting Fact: We’ve lived together in studio apartments for two years and still want to get married! We also went to the same college (Go Hokies!) at the same time and didn’t know each other.
– Vendor Credits: Officiant – Pamela Creekmur. DJ – Horizon Entertainment. Florist – DIY arrangements with flowers from Stonecrop Farmers. Desserts – Our Daily Bread. Caterer – Beliveau Estate Winery. Hair/Makeup – Polished by Clair V. Videographer – Big Dog Little Bed Productions.

Lindsay+Austin // Just Married.

Lindsay and Austin are just wonderful and let us drag them all over the place on a very humid, buggy night and made them climb on rocks and move pieces of old boats for us. They were super good looking while doing all of that, too. And A+ attitudes for also sitting on rocks and putting feet in the water and swatting away hordes of gnats and climbing up and down sandy embankments in formalwear. They were really, really happy to do all of this, and maybe it’s just because they’re positive, happy people, or maybe it’s because they were just married on Sunday, July 23rd and are madly in love, or maybe it’s both. Either way, we enjoyed working with them immensely. Although they did answer that It is their favorite movie and I totally forgot to make a “They all float down here” reference despite being surrounded by water and a place that Pennywise could totally, definitely live. A little disappointed in myself.

These two met through a mutual friend who became Austin’s roommate. And this friend is actually the husband of a lovely lady named Meg (Hi, Meg!) that we’ve met because she’s attended the weddings of a couple of our clients and made me delicious gluten-free cupcakes at the one. Lindsay also knows other past client-friends of mine and it’s all very much a small world here at CSP and we do love it. Together, Lindsay and Austin have made Durham their home despite Linsday having once lived in a mud hut in Africa and Austin having once lived in South Dakota. They enjoy their furry companion friends, hiking, and disliking Little Finger on Game of Thrones. We are so happy we got to meet them and document their faces forever and ever.

MaryAnne+Bob // Raleigh Civil Ceremony

MaryAnne and Bob met 30 years ago in the Naval Academy and finally tied the knot on Tuesday, July 25th at the courthouse in Raleigh, NC after reuniting via the joys of Facebook three years ago. They were joined by us, MaryAnne’s son Thomas, their friend Jen, and Jen’s baby daughter Barrett as they happily wed downtown. And when I say happily, I mean happily. MaryAnne and Bob are meant for each other, and giddy and adorable in one another’s presence. MaryAnne tells us that Bob even eats beets now because of her. That’s dedication. He proposed on Pike’s Peak in the snow and also requested a Bird of Paradise boutonniere for the wedding so I’d say he’s a keeper.

Bob is retired and living in Texas, he’ll be joining MaryAnne in Raleigh shortly. MaryAnne owns a killer 1920s home near downtown that she’s renovated to be fabulous where we took some of the pictures. Together they will raise their cute chickens (who produce delicious eggs that they were gracious enough to gift us!), watch Star Trek, and hunt for mid century modern furniture. Their love is pretty adorable and they keep each other laughing nonstop. We were happy to be a part of their celebration! LIVE LONG AND PROSPER, MARYANNE+BOB.