Matt and I met on New Year's Eve at my brother and sister-in-law's wedding weekend welcome party! Matt and my brother were quick friends after serving at Saranac Young Life Camp several summers ago, and stayed in touch over the years. After briefly introducing ourselves, our paths kept crossing throughout the night. As my cousin put it, he was tall, dark and handsome, so I didn't mind! At the wedding reception, I was REALLY hoping he would ask me to dance! Sure enough, he did and he (literally) swept me off my feet with his dance moves. Not only was I impressed with his dancing, but I was also very impressed with his credentials: Hampden Sydney student body president, Young Life Leader, die hard UVA fan, etc. and all of my family was giddy over him as well. We had the best time at the reception (and he caught the garter)! Our conversation was cut short at the end of the night, but because we were having so much fun, I had a good feeling we would see each other again. The next day, he asked me on a date (without my brother's permission...). However, he passed the big-brother test pretty quick! I knew he was a keeper when he drove all the way from Farmville, VA to Chapel Hill, NC in a blizzard to take me on our first date, BUT I found out later he had to be given a pep talk to take me on a second date! I guess there were no sparks on his end at first... there sure were on mine! I believe his family and friends knew I was a keeper when he gave up his home UVA vs. UNC basketball ticket so he could watch the game with me at a local bar. After a number of sorority functions and dates, Matt made it official! He told me he loved me in Charlottesville. I met his family in Charlottesville. We've spent countless hours hiking in Charlottesville--now we're getting married in Charlottesville!

The days leading up to the moment that I would ask Tessa to marry me were some of the longest of my life. Thankfully, all of my pent-up excitement and jitters led into what became the most joyous day of our lives to date. The game plan was fairly simple with a high element of surprise but was executed to perfection (if I do say so myself)… At the time, Tessa and I were dating long-distance. She was in Falls Church, Virginia, and I live in Raleigh, N.C. A great friend and groomsman in our wedding scouted out Cherry Hill Farm a few days before, so I had a general idea of where I wanted to take her. Cherry Hill Farm is a house that is dated back to the Civil War era, so I wanted to be sure to avoid all Civil War reenactments. We successfully avoided that obstacle on Saturday morning, and made it to the predetermined spot at the farm. Despite the initial ring presentation being draped in pocket fuzz, and Tessa saying “no, no, no .... what are you doing... YES!! ” we celebrated with our families and her close friends for the balance of the day. The surprises started at Tessa's favorite restaurant in D.C., Founding Farmers. As we turned the corner to walk into the restaurant, the entire Jones and Goodrich gang were waiting outside ready to scream, hug and celebrate us. After a lovely brunch with the family, we headed to a nearby brewery where several of Tessa's closest friends jumped out of a bush to surprise her as well. The last surprise was an incredible cookout hosted by Tessa's host family in Falls Church. Lots of Tessa's closest friends and family were there. We laughed, played baseball, ate brisket, and celebrated the remainder of the night! We are so very grateful for the encouragement and love from friends and family all over the world. If you are reading this note, make sure to pack your boogie shoes for November 10th... It's going to be a barn-burner!