It's (finally) Happening!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kElsSRJr8eQ

Tollie and Matt met at the University of Virginia during final exam week in 2013. Although they weren't well acquainted at the time, both were enrolled in a Managerial Accounting class in which the professor inexplicably postponed their final exam. Tollie overheard Matt discussing the mystery on the balcony of his apartment building and asked that he join her in the courtyard to share intel. Rather than take advantage of the extra study time, Tollie, Matt, and a group of their friends headed to UVA's (in)famous Corner to celebrate their good fortune! Later that night, they enjoyed their first dance at Trinity, the local college pub! At the end of the school year, Matt and Tollie had to go their separate ways given summer internships on opposite sides of the country. Luckily, mutual friends, Celia and Jessie (bridesmaids, of course) convinced Tollie to join them on their visit to see Matt and his UVA Squash friends at a rental house in Sea Island, GA. After a great weekend at the beach, Matt and Tollie spent the rest of the summer talking on the phone while living on opposite coasts. Matt and Tollie officially started dating at the start of their third year at UVA, when finally reunited in Charlottesville.

Matt and Tollie typically spend July 4th in Virginia. In 2019, Matt called BOTH of Tollie's dads in advance of the trip to ask for her hand in marriage, keeping the proposal a secret from his future wife. That Saturday, Tollie wanted to relax by the pool after an exhausting week of business travel, but was cajoled to participate in a girl's day, getting manicures and pedicures. She was again whisked away from pool time to dress for a tour and dinner at the historic Cavalier Hotel on the oceanfront in Virginia Beach. Tollie's father, Rock Bell, had an integral role in the hotel's restoration and was eager to show off the property (or so it seemed). After ordering welcome drinks in the hotel's distillery (Matt nervously chugged his cocktail to speed up the process), Tollie leisurely ordered another round for the group as they started the tour. Finally, Matt guided Tollie to the predetermined spot on a manicured bluff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean where he dropped to one knee and proposed. Tollie's mother, Susan, hid in the bushes with a 400mm lens (she's an amateur bird photographer) to capture Tollie's surprise and affirmative response. The group then walked merrily to a nearby guest cottage, where all of Tollie's siblings and Matt's parents waited to acknowledge the momentous occasion. What a great surprise - all arranged by Matt. When they arrived back in Norfolk that evening, Tollie was again surprised to find some of her closest childhood friends waiting to celebrate!

We are so excited to gather with all of you after so much time apart. To ensure everyone’s safety, we’ve implemented the following precautions to protect against COVID-19 spread and make everyone feel comfortable: Welcome Reception at Red Pump Kitchen: The welcome party will be held in a restaurant (with plenty of fresh air coming through open oversized windows), and the patio will be open as long as the weather cooperates. The Big Day: Our ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception will be outside on the grounds of a sprawling Charlottesville vineyard. Rest assured, our venue has ample space to move around and a large open-air tent to protect us from the elements. In addition, we’ve arranged for outdoor seating and bar space on the lawn beside the tent, for those who prefer to be under the stars. We have also limited the guest list to stay below 70% capacity to allow for more room between guests. If you are using the transportation provided, we ask that you please wear a mask on the bus to and from the venue. Be Safe: We know of no one on the guestlist who has not been vaccinated, other than our flower girl and honorary ring bearer (both <4 years old). However, if you are not vaccinated, we request a negative COVID-19 test less than 72 hours before wedding festivities begin. Please do not attend if you are experiencing any COVID symptoms. We will have hand sanitizer and masks available for everyone. Thank you for your help protecting our loved ones. We can’t wait to see you!