Thousands of miles had separated Anne Marie and Myles since they began dating 3 years ago. Hampton Roads was home for Anne Marie, and Myles was all the way in Colorado studying at Denver Seminary. But although he had many wonderful friends and mentors in Colorado, it was never home. Because from the moment that he met Anne Marie, he knew she would be home.
As they held hands under their wedding arch, surrounded by all the people who loved them most, both of their hearts were a flutter of excitement. This was the start of the rest of their lives together. Side by side. Working together as a team. Facing whatever challenges came their way. Their guests bore witness to their promises of a lifetime of love. Supporting each other. Believing in each other. Serving each other.
At the end of that beautiful summer night, they ran through a shower of lavender, hand in hand. And neither of them could stop smiling. Because after years of having half the country between them, they were finally sharing the same space on the earth and the same moment in time. And from that day on, they wouldn't have to say goodbye. Only goodnight.
Congratulations, Anne Marie & Myles! It meant so much for me to be part of your wedding day! You two are some of the sweetest people Ryan and I have ever met! It was such a joy to serve you and your family! I'm so thankful for both of you!
Anne Marie and Myles wove a lot of personal touches in throughout the day, but one of my favorites was the little newsletter placed at each table setting. Playing off their last name, Shipp, they created The Shipps' Manifest, complete with the commissioning story, their Shipp Mates, and the Crew. It was adorable!
Myles didn't expect to be so overwhelmed with excitement and emotion when his bride walked down the aisle. He will be the first to tell you that he isn't very expressive with his emotions. But in that moment, as Anne Marie and her father turned the corner and walked towards him, he found himself wanting to laugh and cry and jump up and down all at the same time.
I love the song that Anne Marie and Myles chose for their first dance: True Believers, by Darius Rucker. It was perfect for them and they radiated joy as they danced together.
We are one before our God in Heaven
We are one road when the going gets rough
We are one now and forever
We are one name, one life, one flame
We are one heartbeat in the darkness
We are one lasting answered prayer
We are one unbroken promise
And we are two, true believers
We are two, true believers
Thank you to the amazing wedding team:
Venue: Women's Club of Portsmouth
Wedding Gown: Silk Bridal Studio
Catering: Traditions Catering
Cake: Carolina Cupcakery
Florals: Norfolk Wholesale Florals
Minister: Dr. Michael Altherton
Ceremony Musicians: Robert Girardier, Timothy Briggs, Allie Moseley, and Julia Moseley
Beauty: Debbie Hall at Options Hairstyling
Bridesmaids: Union Station
Groomsmen: Men's Wearhouse
Favors: CPB Honey Farm
Honeymoon: Cherokee Mountain Cabins in Nantahala, NC
Is there a sparkly ring on your finger? Say hello and see if I’m available for your wedding date!
If you enjoyed this wedding, you might also enjoy Megan and Ryan's wedding at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond.