This wedding was so special to me for so many reasons. First of all, it took place at my favorite venue in Lexington, VA. Our best friends Buddy and Jill own the most stunning property and wedding venue just outside of Historic downtown Lexington, Virginia. My sister got married there exactly four years ago, and that was their first official wedding! Fast forward to this past Sunday and now one of our very own youth group girls got married there too! If you have been following our story for a while, you know that Michael used to be a high school youth pastor when we first got married!
That season was back in 2010 and while it was such a fun season of life, it wasn’t easy. We were figuring out how to be married, how to do life with two VERY demanding careers, and how to do our jobs WELL. In the midst of the chaos of trying to figure out how to do youth ministry at a large church, Michael and I were blessed with specific students that made all of the work and uncertainty so worth it. There were some kids who were always there, always reliable, and kept us going even when it got hard. Katie was one of those kids.
We met Katie as a sophomore in high school. She was mature beyond her years and her smile could light up the entire room. I could always count on her to help with literally anything. Singing, games, making a new kid feel included, helping on mission trips, etc… Katie was always our go-to when we needed help and needed someone who we could count on. She was such a gift to us back then and has continued to be as we have all gotten older.
It’s hard to believe that Katie is now older than I was when we first met one another. She knew me when I was 22 and not even married yet. It was surreal to watch her walk down the aisle and become a wife herself! It made me feel old, but it also made me so incredibly thankful for the role that Michael and I have had the honor of filling in Katie’s life. I’ll never forget our talks in my car or our discussions during small group. This girl loves the Lord and that has been obvious since the day we met her.
It seems like we just met her a couple of years ago but we’re only two years short of it being a DECADE since the Lord brought Katie into our lives. That’s really hard to believe. It’s hard to believe that we’re getting old, and it’s hard to believe that Katie is MARRIED!!! However, it really isn’t THAT hard to believe when you see her with Sam. Michael and I have known since the moment we met him that he was going to be the one. I think that Sam also knew that from the very beginning of his relationship with Katie. On their wedding day, Sam gave Katie a journal/scrapbook of their entire relationship up until this point. One of his letters was from 2014 when all of this began! He knew from the beginning that he was going to spend his life with this amazing girl!
Sam, you are one lucky guy! God has given you such an amazing woman to stand by your side, and we are so happy for you both! Thank you for loving our sweet friend so well and for being such an incredible man of God. Katie, I love you so much, and capturing your wedding day was such an honor. You were radiant, and I can’t wait for you to relive your day through these images!!!! Michael and I are so blessed to have you in our life! We thank God for you and are praying that this new season is full of so much joy for you two! Enjoy St. Lucia, enjoy living in your new HOUSE together, enjoy not having to say goodbye at the end of the night, and enjoy fully living life with your best friend!
This is Katie’s handwriting inside of Sam’s ring!
These flowers don’t even seem real!!!
Katie’s niece Molly is almost the same age as Evy and I just loved seeing her run around all day!
Maybe it’s because I’m a mom…. but isn’t this the sweetest?!
It was actually raining in these images! Thank goodness for thick tree branches!
MARRIEDDDD!!!!!!!
This is probably my favorite from the day! Katie you are so gorgeous!
Venue | Big Spring Farm
Dress Store | Urban Set Bride
Florist | Amanda Veronee
Coordinator | Hannah Marie Events
Hair & Make Up | Shear Envy
DJ | Rhythm of Love
Videographer | Laux Creative
Cake | Sweet Treats
Catering | The Local
Bridesmaid Dresses | Bella Bridesmaids
Groomsmen Attire | Jos A Banks
Invitations | By Invitation Only
Furniture Rentals | Paisley & Jade
Antique Car Rental | Albemarle Limousine
Thanks for reading!
— Katelyn
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