Our unique love story begins at the notoriously romantic American Automobile Association (AAA). Our parents had enrolled each of us in drivers ed permit classes, because they got a discount if we completed the classes in-person vs. online (like most of our classmates). The idea of going to school after school two nights a week seemed so tedious, that is until we spotted each other across the room at orientation! All of a sudden this night school situation didn't seem so bad... our interests were piqued and those night classes became the highlights of our week!

We exchanged smiles the first class, and sat next to each other the second class (as well as every class thereafter). A few weeks in, Carly hinted to Tom that she'd love to go see the new Tristan & Isolde movie, but that it was probably waaayyy to girly for him. Tom was quick to deny that and we promptly made plans for our first date! That night at the movies, we held hands and as the credits rolled, we became girlfriend + boyfriend! We can't remember a thing about that movie, but it holds a very special place in our hearts.

After being together for 13 years, we thought it was time to finally get engaged! We decided to plan the proposal together because that's how we do things best, together. We privately snuck away to England, on what we titled our "Love Trip"! With our very own cottage in the Cotswolds (the dreamiest village called Bibury - to be precise) We woke up early on October 6th and took a walk about the fairytale town. With everyone asleep, dreamy dewdrops covering the gardens, and no on out other than the birds, we became engaged on Arlington Row! We celebrated for a whole week! We drank champagne and swam in the healing waters of Bath. We toured the ever-charming towns of the English countryside and cuddled by candlelight in endless pubs. We visited Stratford to pay homage to Shakespeare and made friends with the swans upon the river Avon. In London, we were neighbors with the Queen, our bedroom window beautifully framing the clock tower of Buckingham Palace. We had afternoon tea at The Ritz, and introduced our new ring to the Royal Jewels at the Tower of London. We danced, we talked, we dreamed and created a beautiful little cocoon for our long-awaited engagement.

When we had to cancel our first wedding, we weren't sure how long it would take for the world to get back to any state of "normal". So we set about planning a minimony, as a sort of insurance policy that we would indeed get married, even if we had to cancel the big wedding a second time. Our lovely little ceremony was held on May 21st at a gorgeous house on Church St. in Charleston, South Carolina. A very, very kind couple that we happened to meet offered to let us use their beautiful garden for our wedding. It was the most generous gift we've ever received, and the perfect setting for our magical, intimate, and intentional ceremony. Although we said "I do" in Charleston, we won't feel fully married until we also exchange vows and celebrate with all of you!