Rachel & Tyler's story reminds me of Pride and Prejudice. Two passionate, amazing people start off with a bad first impression and continue to misunderstand each other for hundreds of pages. (Fun Jane Austen fact - The original title of the book was First Impressions!)
After this rocky beginning, Rachel & Tyler found themselves working for the same company. Although he seemed distant, Rachel tried to be nice and say hello whenever she saw him, because she didn't want him to think badly of her.
And then one day a couple months later, he sent her a text asking her to get coffee. Rachel didn't think anything of it and suggested they have dinner instead, figuring he wanted to talk about the difficult situation that they had both been part of.
But halfway through dinner, Rachel realized that they were on a date. How had she not seen this coming? For so long she had thought of Tyler as a distant acquaintance. And all at once, she realized how handsome he was, how perfect they would be together, and how much she instantly felt for him. So when he walked her to her car and asked if he could see her again, she said yes.
A year later, Tyler was on one knee and Rachel didn’t have to think twice about her answer.
And on a beautiful cloudy day in August, family and friends gathered to see them exchange vows. But unlike the classic novel I love so much, the wedding day is not the final chapter, it is just the beginning.
Renaissance Court was the perfect spot for bridal party portraits! This bridal party was so elegant, and the architecture here couldn't have matched them better! I can't wait to do a ceremony in the Renaissance Court space! So perfect!
Rachel and Tyler chose to do a first look, which meant we could use gorgeous spots throughout the gardens for their portraits! But in spite of already seeing each other, walking down the aisle was still a sacred moment for both of them. Rachel fought back tears as she held onto her dad’s arm. Tyler’s smiled just as widely in that moment, surrounded by their family and friends, as he had when he first saw her.
How beautiful is the terrace outside of Baker Hall? It was the perfect spot for the ceremony and cocktail hour! I love those beams!
Rachel & Tyler,
You had such a beautiful wedding day! It was classic, elegant, joyful, and Christ-centered. Thank you for choosing me to tell the story of this day and for welcoming me into it. I loved every second.
Always,
Caitlin
The Wedding Team:
Photography: Caitlin Gerres Photography
2nd Photographer: Amber L Richards Photography
Coordination: Amie York
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Norfolk Botanical Gardens
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Bridesmaids Dresses: Etsy
Groomsmen Attire: Joseph A Bank
Officiant: Mike Walters
Catering: Sweetwater Cuisine
DJ: Joe Fortuna Entertainment
Rentals: Distinctive Event Rentals
Linens: Linen Tablecloth and CV Linens
Is there a sparkly ring on your finger? Say hello and see if I’m available for your wedding date!