Katie and Sam

I’ve known Katie since I was in 7^th grade and she took me under her wing. There are so many stories, that if I were to list them all, this post would be pages long. Katie is the sweetest woman of God and I will never forget the phases I was there for, the changes in life, the friendships, the high school drama, the boys (between both of us) and the wisdom and encouragement I gained from her. I looked up to her and always looked forward to our time together whether it was a quick coffee after church before she headed back to CNU or a drive through the country with ice cream in hand. I didn’t have many friends in the youth group at our church, especially in my grade, and she took me in. She didn’t care that I was younger or wasn’t in the “cool” crowd, she wanted to be friends with me.

I will never forget the day before she left for Rockbridge. She was packing while I sat on her bed and she was so excited. I was excited for her, but I wasn’t thrilled about her leaving for the summer. We had been hanging out a lot, my friend group was going through a lot of changes and I had really enjoyed getting to hang out so much. She got back from Rockbridge and was only home for a short time so we hung out one last time before she returned to school, this was when I heard about Sam for the first time. I couldn’t believe it but I also couldn’t think any different…Sam was the one. Who would go to a Christain camp, where you spend time with a young crowd and are there as a mentor and come back a stronger Christian woman (who would have thought that was possible) and have a love interest?! Only Katie.

I heard even more about Sam when Katie and I would talk while away at school but I didn’t meet him until I was home for Christmas. I was leaving a service at the church when Katie, Sam, and her family were walking in. It was brief, but just in those short interactions and introductions, I could tell he loved Katie and had intentions of loving her friends well too. Fast forward to her walkthrough when I got to really spend time with them, including the ride back to Richmond and I instantly got so excited. I had heard all of the good things, seen the smiles that came across everyone’s faces when they talked about Sam, knew their intentions for the intimate Jesus centered ceremony that they wanted but I really learned about Sam in the two hours we spent in the car coming back to Richmond. I learned that we both share a miserable relationship with pollen (we both forgot our medication that day), that there are signs and shapes in different logos that he was able to talk about that I definitely didn’t know, teased Katie in the most loving manner and wanted to know our stories.

I didn’t see the two of them again until the week before their wedding. They were in agreeance with each other, respectful, happy and so excited to get married. It’s rare that I get to spend quality time with my couples, but I absolutely love when I get to. Fast forward to Saturday, the day of the rehearsal and they were both SO calm. They were relaxed, happy, talkative, constantly smiling and Katie even asked if we could do a third practice so her singers/guitar player for the ceremony felt more comfortable. She wanted THEM to feel good. Katie puts everyone else first, always. And it’s aparant that Sam does as well. Everyone in their bridal party went through the rehearsal 3 times. There were no sighs, everyone was all ears, no complaints, they all wanted the ceremony to be perfect because they love Sam and Katie so much.

I went back to my room after the rehearsal to freshen up before dinner and felt excited. The nerves I usually feel the night before a wedding weren’t there. I truly think this is because of the love and intention that was so aparrant and this didn’t end at the rehearsal. The toasts given at the rehearsal dinner brought tears to everyone’s eyes because we all knew what each other meant when we heard things like “Katie is just the most wonderful person and we knew that when she said Sam was the one, it had to mean that he was also just as amazing, and we weren’t wrong”, or “no one goes to Rockbridge to find their wife while working the snack bar, but Sam did, and we are so glad Katie was working the store,” or “Katie made me a better person when I was going through * blank * in my life.”  We each expereinced the genuine love that both Katie and Sam have for everyone in their lives.

Two hours before their ceremony on Sunday, I walked so slow, feeling so nervous, going to the house she and her friends were getting ready in because asking, “so, the chance of rain is 50%, what do you want to do?” really hasn’t gotten easier. Thankfully she said she wanted to have her ceremony outside regardless. I am SO glad she did!!!! The rain stopped literally 5 minutes before the start of her ceremony and it held off until right before everyone entered the barn for the reception. If that isn’t God saying “let’s do this” then I don’t know what it is. Your ceremony was beautiful. Literally, the florals were impecable, your ladies in aqua beside you, and the handsome men beside Sam made for a beautiful picture. But the words spoken by JB and between the two of you were even more beauitful. Your relationship is and always will be centered around Jesus and that was so prevelant the whole day.

Katie, you looked absolutelty gorgoeous and Sam, you sure do make her smile radiate even more. This wedding was full of constant joy, smiles, and laughter. I never saw someone look unhappy, frustrated or tired. The life within this group of people was incredible and I believe the love Katie and Sam have for each other was spreading throughout their guests all night. I can not wait to see what this first year of marriage looks for the two of you and many years after that.

Thank you for letting me be apart about this beautiful day. God literally showered you all with love as you two became one. May 27^th, 2018 will be a date I will never forget and I wish you two the absolute best. I love you both.

 

 

 

   

 

Thank you to the amazing vendors I had the pleasure to work with:

Photography: Katelyn James Photography // Florals: Amanda Veronee// Venue: Big Spring Farm //

Hand Lettering: Allison Dash // Dress: Urban Set // Videography: Jeromy Laux //

Cake: Sweet Treat Bakery // Caterer: The Local // DJ: Rhythm of Love, Seth Kravitz //

Wedding Planner: Hannah Marie Events