As planned, Chaille came to visit me in Georgia in mid-March 2022. We had talked a lot about getting married, but there was no guarantee that he would ask anytime soon. I released any expectations and prepared for a normal week together. Then he planned a decoy dinner -- we got all dressed up, went to a nice restaurant and even had a sentimental conversation you'd expect to lead somewhere. Which it didn't... until the next night. I got home from work on a Monday night, knowing that we had planned on sitting around the firepit that evening. Chaille greeted me in the culdesac, looking fresh and smelling good. He said our friends would let us use their backyard space that night. I made dinner and Chaille seemed distracted. I asked if he wanted me to help set up the firepit and he said just to wait for him to come back and get me. When we walked across the street, Chaille led me to the backyard where not only was the firepit ready to be started, but there were candles and roses and champagne. I swooned at the pretty things and he said, "that's not even the best part." Then Chaille pulled out a ring, knelt down and invited me into a lifetime of adventures together. I lingered just long enough to soak in the details of the light and the spot where we stood and the handsome face in front of me. Then it was an easy yes. We popped champagne, ate chocolate cake, took photos, admired the ring, called our families and then sat under the stars by the fire -- happy and a bit in shock. He said, "I wanted to propose here so that every time you see a firepit from now on you'll remember this night."
Actually, we are not. Even though we both have long lists of loved ones, we are having a very small in-person gathering with a high-quality, invitation-only livestream for the rest of our friends and family.
Yes, due to the limited seating capacity of the chapel, there are many people who we wish could be with us in person. And we are sending them a virtual invite to be part of the live ceremony viewing experience. More details will be sent to those people.
Cocktail attire is suggested. Also, everything will be indoors in the air conditioning. You're welcome.
The host hotel is Embassy Suites, 2925 Emerywood Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294. For you convenience, we have reserved a block of rooms under the Brindley/Shanks Wedding Party. All rooms are two-room suites with a complimentary full breakfast, cocktail reception and use of the amenities, such as a workout gym and indoor pool. We have secured a special rate for July 8-10, 2022 of $179 per night plus tax for the one King suites and $199 per night plus tax for the two Queen bed suites. Please call the hotel directly at (804) 672-8585 or use this link: https://group.embassysuites.com/kjbjkmand. Please do not use a third-party website to reserve.
We adore your children, but since we are limited on space we are not able to accommodate all of them. Feel free to ask us if you're not sure if we have seats for yours!
Well, we talked about a thousand places. But we eventually settled on Ashville, North Carolina. The mountains and cool town vibes are calling... we must go.
We prefer to let the professional photographer do her job, Tori. Check out her work here at https://tori-watson.com/. This is a small church, and to keep from inconveniencing other guests or interfering with this sacred ceremony, we ask that all guests refrain from taking pictures during the ceremony. Pictures during the reception are encouraged. And if you're lucky, you might even get the bride to pose with you.
Please eat dinner before you come. The reception will feature tasty desserts. The church venue does not allow alcoholic beverages. We love wine, so did Jesus. Just not this night. We will have some amazing mocktail drinks to share.
Chaille originally wanted a carnival theme at the reception with a dunking booth. But wisdom prevailed, and we are having a dessert/mocktail reception with a live jazz band.
Please access using the Lovecast app. You can do so via a smartphone, computer, tablet or Internet-enabled TV. Please follow this link to register or access the event: https://event.lovecastapp.com/0722-PYQK57L