Nicole + Craig || Say I Do at Crosskey Vineyards

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The adoration I have for this couple is beyond words. Sometimes you just get incredibly lucky to be blessed with sweet souls to work with like Craig and Nicole. Even with looming rain clouds they kept their spirits high for their big day. We knew that we would have very few opportunities to work outside, and when we did it would need to be quick. Everyone was so lovely to work together and make this a dream come true event. Everything truly fell into place despite a few moments of monsoon like weather.

Between the wonderful vendors, an incredible second shooter, Hannah hofheinz, at my side, a picturesque little corner where we took advantage of dry ground, and a wonderful couple to celebrate this was just a dreamy wedding all around.

I met Nicole in college at WVU, we may not have known one another well, but I think we secretly respected each other from afar, because we were both those over achieving, involved in just about everything kind of ladies. We grew to become friendly acquaintances working at The Mountainlair Student Union and crossing paths at events. I always thought so highly of her. I actually had the chance to film her on a few occasions as the videographer for Dancing with the Mountaineer Stars where she showed off her dancing skills.

When she called to ask me capture her big day I was beyond honored.

Nicole is from Moorefield, WV, attended West Virginia University, and currently works for the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Craig grew up in both Preston County, WV and Oakland, MD. He attended the University of Maryland for his undergraduate degree and is currently getting his MBA from West Virginia University. He works for EQT Midstream.

I love Nicole and Craig’s love story. It is SO sweet and all about second chances. They met in Morgantown, and had their first date at Black Bear. The date went well, who doesn’t love burritos and great conversation? The problem is then no one called. Unfortunately, there was a bit of miscommunication. Craig thought Nicole didn’t like him and vice versa. So fast-forward 9 months later…Craig moved to Morgantown, he touched base with Nicole to see if she’d like to grab coffee. Nicole agreed but more than anything said she wanted to know why he didn’t call. Well, after quickly clearing up any misunderstandings on their second “first” date they hit it off and never looked back.

Nicole and Craig chose the perfect backdrop for their big day at Crosskey Vineyards in Mt.Crawford, VA. Not only did this location boast gorgeous backdrops for the couple, but the entire staff was just wonderful.

They also specifically chose April 19th in honor of Nicole’s grandparents anniversary, which couldn’t be sweeter in my opinion.

On that note, their entire day was truly about celebrating their union as husband and wife in the company of friends and family. It was a beautiful affair. Even when we had to forego our evening bridal portrait session due to dreary weather I love that Nicole suggested going around to capture each table with the bride and groom. I feel they’ll cherish those moments and photographs always. Such a special idea that I would highly recommend to all of my couples.

Nicole and Craig did a beautiful job making their day a wonderful celebration of their love story. Between sweet sentiments like heartfelt letters to one another, Nicole carrying pieces of her grandparents with her down the aisle, the gold and blue cross/rope ceremony made from wood and rope from both of their families properties, to Craig and his mother’s first dance kicking off the reception …the day was nothing short of wonderful.

Thank you both so much for inviting me to share in the fun and capture your beautiful memories for you. It was such an honor and I hope you’ll enjoy looking back on these moments for many many years to come.

You are such a beautiful couple!

Oh, and be on the lookout for their wedding video! It was such a pleasure working alongside Mountain Memories and I have no doubts it’s going to be a stunning final product.

Wedding Coordinator : Nikole Taylor with Crosskey Vineyards

Florist: Mountain Laurel Marketing

DJ: Christain Lane of Music

Photobooth: Photobooth of Charlottesville

Videography: Mountain Memories

Charlotte Paige || Oh How You've Grown || Fourth Birthday

Oh Sweet Charlotte, you are still just a bundle of giggles and curls. This blog post is coming in a bit late because you’ve recently done away with your afternoon naps, mama’s time to get these little projects done. But that’s okay, it just means I get more sweet cuddles with you and we embrace quiet time together. Although we’re still learning what quiet time is J

I couldn’t be more thrilled for the year ahead; you are officially four and have become such a big girl. Later on this year you will start a very big new chapter of your life, preschool. However, until that very special milestone occurs, this mama plans to enjoy every last little minute I can with you. I love that you still cuddle up and hold my hand and still want rocked to sleep with the “sleep in heaven” song.

You just eclipsed 30lbs and I’m not even sure you’re on the growth chart but I know you’re likely going to be long and leggy unlike you’re mama. You are still just all sugar and spice and everything nice. You are polite, saying please and thank you, and are learning to clean up after yourself, for which I’m grateful for.

 You have never met a stranger and are happy as can be striking up a conversation with anyone you come across. You’re strong, inquisitive, stubborn, bubbly, smart, sweet, rough and tumble, curious, confident, creative, helpful, caring, and most certainly determined and headstrong which we hope to guide you gracefully with in the right direction. You are a strong negotiator. You are a thoughtful, loving, and guiding sister.

This year you lost your first best friend to a big move and met a new dear friend for your weekly play dates. You and your brother were baptized and the whole family came in to celebrate. You started your first class in ballet and haven’t missed a day you love it so much. You went on your first big vacation to Savannah, Georgia to see Uncle Nate and you still talk about the jungle park weekly. You went to your first zoo with Nana and Papa where you got to play up close and personal with all the birdies. You transitioned your love from horses to unicorns.  You are now seeing the joys of having a dog in our family. You are smart, so smart, your daddy and I are constantly saying how are you only 3? Now 4? You really are beyond your years. We are so proud of you and just can’t wait to see all you will accomplish. The world is your oyster, sweetheart.

You love the outdoors. You love sunshine and everything the world has to offer. You still love, bubbles, adventures, tickles, and chase. For the first time ever, you’re exploring new foods but still love lox, fruit, noodles with miso soup, and syrup as if it were it’s own food group. You don’t let mommy and daddy sneak chocolate because you’ll investigate and ask to smell our breathe, haha. You love to sing and dance and tell stories. You constantly say, “ Mommy…Daddy…I have to tell you something.” You love baking with mommy and look forward to pancake Sundays with daddy. You love your visits with your grands, who don’t stay away for long because they adore you and your brother so much. You love park days and play days. You have grown into such a sweet young lady. You still love dresses and beautiful costumes but request braids over bows. You want to extend bedtime just as long as you possibly can, which feels like a two hour process sometimes. Every night we play in the bath (your daddy’s special time with you), we read books you pick out, sing about seven songs in sequence, and say our prayers. As we tuck in cooper you get an extra cuddle and extra song. We will cherish this for as long as we can because we know the little is running out and time is moving fast. We’re thankful that you still cherish these moments as much as we do.

You are our absolute world, my love. We can’t wait to see what this year brings. We LOVE you!

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