Katie and Will have one of the most unique and exciting stories I have ever heard. Ready for some goosebumps?
“We met on Friday, October 17, 2014 when Katie was on a bachelorette party vacation in Puerto Rico and Will was on a rescheduled boys’ weekend, also in Puerto Rico. He had originally planned on going to Cabo for that trip but had to relocate the weekend to Puerto Rico, due to Hurricane Odile destroying Cabo (this is also comical because Will is a meteorologist). We were coincidentally staying in the same hotel and met at the club in that hotel in San Juan, despite both being from the DC area and working 3 blocks away from each other in Silver Spring, MD at the time. We had our first date the weekend after we both returned from Puerto Rico – dinner and gelato in Arlington. Sometime around our 4th date, Will revealed that he learned our families were very closely connected when we were children, as my aunt (and Godmother) was his younger brother’s dedicated nurse at Children’s Hospital when he was undergoing a serious surgery as an infant. Thus, his parents and my aunt/uncle developed a close relationship when we were just babies. Neither of us have memories of having met each other as kids, but we are certain we were at many of the same family/friend gatherings in our younger years.”
Will proposed in October two years later with the exact flavors of gelato they ate on their first date, and one empty gelato box containing a diamond ring. In lieu of favors for their wedding guests, Katie and Will made a donation to Children’s National Foundation, where they initially “met” as her Aunt cared for his brother. Additionally, Katie’s nephew, Owen, is currently under the care of the medical staff there in his battle with congenital CMV.
The significance and meaning behind this wedding was an absolute privilege to enter into. The stories represented by the many friends and family present were priceless. Just to name of few:
- Katie’s wedding band was made from diamonds out of her Granny’s anniversary band.
- The wrap on Katie’s bridal bouquet was made from her maternal Grandmother’s wedding gown and her Grandpa’s WWII army uniform buttons. She shared a duplex with them while attending Duquesne Law School for 3 years. The blue badge on the back of the bouquet was the Presidential citation her Grandpa received as his Army unit (29th Infantry Division) was part of the 2nd wave landing at Normandy on Omaha Beach.
- Guests in attendance included long standing friendships from high school, the NOAA corp, and even Puerto Rico- where the couple first met. Katie and Will started the night of dancing with surprise costumes for their guests to help them recreate the club scene in which they first met.
We all teared up when Chris, Will’s brother and best man, described Will’s faithful friendship at any cost (including forgoing free concert tickets!). And then again when Lisa, Katie’s sister and Matron of Honor, described the couple’s generosity to host her entire family for two months (toddler, baby and dog included!) without complaint or reserve. The picture of this couple was one of steadfast kindness and grace.
I personally loved their first look- that they began with reading notes from each other, and all the meaningful elements that Katie’s mom so thoughtfully included for her detail images (including a silver platter from her own wedding!). Also, my assistant was such an added bonus to the day- she brought warmth, professionalism, service AND an extra creative eye. Ashley, it was a delight to have you on my team.
Katie and Will, your character as a couple is such a gift to those around you. It was a joy to serve your family and celebrate with you. Enjoy some of my favorite images from your day (as you enjoy Middleburg!).
These images are truly stunning. You really captured the day and how much fun we all had celebrating their love & commitment.
Thank you so much, Mrs. Talley!