Surrounded by friends and family, Megan and Christian incorporated many family heirlooms and traditions into their love filled ceremony at the Estate at Independence Golf Course in Midlothian, VA. Destiny has been pointing these love birds towards each other for 20 years and they finally sealed the deal.
Her Story
It seems we have been trying to meet for the past 20 years! We met on bumble, quickly learning that we had been at the same events throughout town over the 10 years I lived in Lynchburg. When we went to meet my parents, he thought the area looked familiar, and it turns out that his best friend from college used to live in the area and he used to come visit often. We could have passed each other in South Carolina and back in Lynchburg.
His Story
We both met online on bumble. More specifically though we have been destined to meet through providence. I believe our lives for right or wrong through all the choices we make end up exactly how they are supposed to, it’s a good way to always live without regrets and to understand that to be happy is to recognize that you have indeed been living your good life all along. We have been circling each other for our entire lives. My college roommate lived two streets down from her, we both attended the same grad school together without knowing it, and went to undergrad “historically” sibling schools of Randolph Macon (previously known as a women’s college) and Hampden-Sydney College( men’s college), that is one of the oldest in the nation, circa 1775. She tried to put me in the friendzone when we first met, but I was just to darn charming to handle. We have been living the adventure ever since.
The Proposal
We had talked about marriage a lot after we knew that we had something special. To say she was expecting me to propose was an understatement. I booked a mountain getaway at a lodge called Steele’s Tavern Manor and Alpine Lodge cabins, specifically the Ivy Cottage which had breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. I knew she was expecting to be proposed to on a hike at the top of the mountain we were planning to hike the next day. So instead I tried to trick her, I wrote her a love poem for every season, and a special note at the end that had my proposal written out, had a picnic dinner of steak, good bread and wine, salad and potatoes with cheese and grapes waiting at the cabin, we got there late, cooked and had our meal, then I gave her the letters and proposed in our PJs using my grandmothers ring that my grandmother wore everyday of her life after her marriage to my grandfather Orvis. I selected the poems based on the seasons as a way to reflect the changing nature of love and how it manifests itself in reality. The proposal was a shock, by doing so before our hike I was able to catch her off guard, and then we could get to our hike the next day without anxiety but instead with new eyes, renewed with a sense of excitement and wonder. Our now stress-free hike went to the top of Cole mountain where we enjoyed the views with some salted meat, cheese, gluten free crackers and red wine.
The Dress
It’s my mom’s dress! My mom and I were looking at my wedding Pinterest board when she said all of the dresses looked like hers-well without the sleeves and turtleneck! Initially I didn’t know it was the one, not until it was completely altered! Once it had all of the lace moved and was very flowy, it felt right.
First Look
We had a first look and did a private vow ceremony. Even with that I was still nervous to be in front of everyone! I actually wish we had done one of those first seeing without seeing each other between a door things! But I didn’t want to be splotchy for all my wedding pictures! I knew we would cry more if we did it any other way!
Favorite Moment
For me probably looking out with my new wife and seeing all of my friends and family from over the years in one place all at the same time. Really no other time can that ever happen and it’s pretty trippy. I mean if you ever think back to a time you were at a conference, meeting, or even theater/movie/or committee event and looked out at a large crowd and spot someone you know and give them a wink but instead this time every single person is that cherished person, friend or family member that has shown you love at one point in your past through its various manifestations. That’s a pretty amazing feeling to say the least, and in that instant, they are all looking at you and wishing you well and you are bringing someone into that experience with you, that is a wonderful moment.
Advice for future couples planning their wedding
Find what few things are most important to you and put your budget there. Mine were romance and an event coordinator. His were a kicking party. This meant we focused our budget on candles, an open bar, qualified professionals, and an amazing band.
VENDOR CREDITS
Photography | Awesomesauce Photography
Venue | The Estate at Independence Golf Course
Hair and Makeup | D & D Beauty
Groom’s Attire | Alton Lane
Band | Bachelor Boys Band
Florist | Monogram Rose
Awesomesauce Photography offers colorful, fun, and emotional storytelling wedding photography at an affordable price. Based in Richmond, VA available for travel worldwide.
