Partnering with other creatives around the Richmond area has truly been a highlight. There have been meetups, warm hullo’s exchanged, and opportunities to just play with all things pretty! Earlier this summer a new venue just outside of the Richmond area, Oak Hill Events, hosted a simple and intimate styled wedding. The team was led by Wendy – a fellow photographer and friend – and oh my, what a lovely evening we had! From the florals, stationary, vintage props, and rustic elements of the venue, I was all heart-eyed.
Nick and his lovely bride-to-be, Taileah, were the sweetest couple too! It wasn’t long until their love story unfolded and laughter rang throughout those gorgeous oak trees tucked away in the Virginia countryside. Their love for each other was evident and contagiously joyful. And as the sunset painted the sky pink and gold behind them, I knew I had not only gained new friends but also images that would forever be favorites! Keep scrolling because their love story (and how he proposed) is adorable!…
Did I mention that Nick is from England? Also. Did I mention that the only friend I have in England is his friend too and is the one who introduced Nick & Tai to each other?! Such a small world…
Oh, and did I mention that Nick’s suit is from London and that he traveled there to be specifically fitted? Good style runs in his family with sisters who are stylists and designers. Yeah…
“Nick was with his friend (which is that one random, mutual friend!) and I thought they were joking around when I heard their English accents when I first met him. I had just turned 21 and Nick had just returned back from Costa Rica where he was about to get signed to play pro soccer. It was sometime later, however, when I first got a good look at him. We were with our own separate group of friends in the school’s cafeteria, but I guess you could say that it was that night I went out on a limb and stopped playing hard to get (he had messaged me a year before but I never replied). We hung out and I just remember the conversation flowing so easily and naturally – as though I was talking to an old friend…
“You could say we had a weak spot for one another. I don’t think we anticipated caring for each other as much as we did. It’s almost as though we were in denial about our feelings for each other as things began moving quickly – from just dating to saying those three little words. And one thing I love about Nick is that brings out qualities in me I never knew I had . That, and I can always just be myself around him.
Seriously, these two!!!…
“For the proposal, he had the help of 16 kids from the soccer facility he coached. It was SO adorable and SO him – he scored a goal and slapped the hands of each kid that had lined up. As he did so, they turned around holding up an individual hand painted with blue and pink letters that spelled out, “Will you marry me”? Before I knew it, he had gone through the line and got down on one knee in front of me. He had my baby sister bring him the ring and asked me to be his wife. Bruno mars was playing in the background and everything.
“Later when I asked him how he thought of the idea, he said he was driving one day when he had a “vision” and he could just see himself doing it. This is what I love most about our relationship: nothing ever feels forced. Things haven’t been and aren’t always easy, but they are definitely real. We are learning to build our lives together and we work on our relationship every day. And really, that’s what being a life partner is about.”
Nick & Tai, You. Are. Wonderful.
Also, a huge, huge thank you to Wendy for letting me photograph along side of her! And all the other Friendors for all their hard work and talent they invested into this shoot and this sweet couple!
Friendors —> || Venue: Oak Hill Events. Primary Photographer: Images by Windy. Stationary: English Tea Paperie. Florist: Lynn Killberg Thoreson. Hair Stylist: Beauty by Brittany. Make Up Artist: Katelyn Seal Artistry. Wedding Dress & Shoes: Provided by Wendy. Groom’s Suit: TOPMAN. ||
Always,
–Tara M.
