The Braeloch

Welcome Party

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

In November of 2016, Christopher and I were juniors in high school. We attended an Avett Brothers concert together because nobody in our friend group at the time were fans of them. At this concert, a lot of big stuff happened. I got to see Christopher in awe of his favorite artist and develop this new internal drive towards music. That was the first time we'd really spent time with one another. I recall leaving and my mom explicitly asking me "So what's going on with you and this boy?" To which I adamantly insisted there was nothing going on. Looking back, there was absolutely something going on, but I'd continue to deny that for a while! Throughout the rest of 11th grade we attended several concerts together. Some with friends, but some with just us. We went for coffee nearly everyday after school. We spent the majority of our free time with each other. If you know Christopher, then you love him. I don't know a soul that doesn't because he is the most kindhearted, calming, patient, and good-natured person I know. I was no exception to falling in love with Christopher. HOWEVER, because I was a teenager I obviously could not let him know this no matter how reciprocal I felt the feelings might be. Just before our senior year, I finally confronted this dance we'd been doing, to which Christopher took the position of "I like you, but I do not want to date you." What are ninny, right? Anyways, I wanted to close that door so badly and move on and date around and be happy. I did date people I thought were the opposite of Christopher, but the entire time I had the voice of Ezekiel James Exline in the back of my mind- "He's just scared. Don't give up on him." And subconsciously, I never did. Eventually I had heard that he regretted telling me he didn't want to be together. I swiftly broke up with the person I was seeing. I can really remember how unsure I was. This information was months old at this point and Christopher couldn't still feel that way, right? Well, I was actually too scared to ask him outright so I just assumed he didn't. But that STILL did not help me move on. Through the entire year of dates that we never actually called dates, I kept a journal of everything I desperately wanted to say to Christopher but was too afraid to. I thought that only way I could really move on was if Christopher knew everything. So I shakily gave him the journal and rushed out of the library (a usual place for us to grab coffee after school). We spent hours on the phone that evening. I remember explicitly thinking and truly believing that if we could get past whatever teenage nervousness we had, this would be it. This would be the real deal. We were best friends. We knew everything about each other. We loved each other, even if only platonically in the moment. We did get past it, and it absolutely has been the real deal for the last 6 years. I recently had a conversation with a friend about how much fun it is to get "swept up" in the beginning of a relationship, all lavender haze and rosy eyes. We still create moments where I feel just as swept up in us as I did when I was a kid. It is, quite literally, a dream come true to be marrying Christopher.

From Analee's Point of View

In large part, this started with a series of calculated betrayals by my friends. Throughout high school, Analee and I grew close as friends. We also had several mutual friends with whom we were very close. With closeness comes trust and with trust comes confiding. One particular friend, my best man, Zeke, was not one to keep a secret to himself when it served my better interest. So, for the months spanning mine and Analee's late-junior and early-senior years of high school, I would constantly spill the beans to Zeke about how I was maybe, perhaps, somewhere in my mind, crushing on Analee. Zeke, being the great double agent that he was, would then go and discuss the matter with Analee. Once he knew the feelings between me and her were mutual, I believe he got to planning. One moment I remember being particularly pivotal in me realizing I liked Analee for real was after we had gone to a concert with Zeke, Kayla, and Ethan. We all rode 3 hours together to see a band we liked. On the drive back, Analee volunteered to stay awake with me while I drove. Zeke, Kayla, and Ethan all fell asleep in the back seat. In the front, our conversations were so genuine and trusting that I felt safe sharing anything other than the fact I was catching feelings for her. As that summer went on, she and I started hanging out a lot more, sometimes just the two of us. Eventually she decided it was time to talk about it. I was standing in my driveway and she was in her car. She asked if we had any direction, or if we were just leading each other on. Because, deep down, I am a weenie, I said I didn't want to date her because college was gonna come soon and we'd be apart and blah blah blah. Pretty dumb. As soon as Analee started showing signs of moving on (externally, at least), I realized I had made a mistake that I might not be able to take back. According to her brother Matt, with whom I had woodshop, I didn't look too well in those days. I remember trying to convince myself into making peace with it, but my friends definitely saw through it. It was after her birthday party one day, when I was driving back with Zeke, Kayla, and Ethan that I had told those three that I was pretty torn up about saying I didn't want to date her, but there was nothing I could do about it now that she was dating someone else. None of the three of them were big fans of the person Analee was dating at the time, so they went back to the planning boards, behind my back. Analee and I kept in touch through this whole time, though the conversations felt a bit different. THEN, she broke up with her boyfriend on Thanksgiving. After THAT, the conversations started to feel a bit more similar to the ones we would have before. About a week later, she wanted to grab coffee after school, which was not unusual for us. So we went for a normal "homework" and coffee-talk hang. Only this time, she gave me a journal of some of the stuff she had felt over the past year. Dated and all. The next night we called and talked, waiting for a good chance to bring up the book. We finally did and decided to officially start dating. Fittingly, the main betrayer and architect behind us ending up together shares a birthday with our anniversary. In the 6 years since then, we've built our relationship on trust and commitment. And I've realized that sometimes, when your friends go behind your back, they do it so you don't miss out on the love of your life. So, thank you, for betraying my trust in my best interest.

From Christopher’s Point of View

Our Story

Photos

Lauren is Christopher's older sister. More importantly, she is my ride-or-die, crisis-intervention, binge-watching best friend. When I say that I do not know how I would have survived college without her, I mean it. Between the lengthy facetime calls, literally putting me up at her home, and always knowing exactly when I needed coddling or when I needed a reality a check- she has become my go to person. She is someone I look up to in all regards and someone I consider a real life superhero.

Lauren Morris

Kayla has literally seen EVERYTHING leading up to Christopher and I's relationship. Not only that, but she has been a constant ear for listening. Kayla is a friend I feel immensely proud to have grown alongside through high school, college, and now adulthood. She has played such a crucial role in my life and this day would not be complete without her.

Kayla Exline

If I wasn't marrying Christopher and Grace wasn't marrying Zack, you better believe we'd be marrying each other. Grace and I were roommates for three years in college. During those three years we became inseparable, our then-boyfriends became inseparable, and I learned that I could look to Grace for anything. She is the most adorable and kind-hearted human that I love to pieces. 

Grace VanDerMeid

Anna Adams is the most naturally cool person I know. She is authentic, creative, and downright hilarious. We shared a suite during our freshman year at VT. We have always naturally clicked through our love of the same country-roots artists. The depth of our relationship didn't begin until we found ourselves accidentally carrying conversations for hours on end. Anna is a rare person I feel I just fit naturally with and  this day wouldn't feel right without her.

Anna Adams

Jordan has always been someone I connected to in a subtle, off-screen way. We weren't going out together and tailgating, but always found ourselves carrying deep conversation in our shared suite, then at my kitchen table, then at random coffee shops. We've gotten to see each other grow and change as people and in our careers, it's only right that she plays a role in this life change too.

Jordan Robinson

Ashley is my beautiful and patient older sister that was forced to share a room with me until she moved out of our parent’s home. She’s 5 years older, so y’all can imagine how much fun this was for her. For me, though, this was the best. From watching Beauty and the Beast EVERY night, adopting her pop punk taste in music, and learning all things about girlhood- I have always looked up to and admired Ashley. She was there for my first crush, first broken heart, first love, and now my wedding. This day simply would not be complete without her.

Ashley Smith

My oldest sister. Halee has ALWAYS been sunshine to me. She is the person I can count on to be honest with me, to look out for me, and to guide me with advice. As corny as it sounds, Halee truly illuminates those around her. I literally ALWAYS feel lighter after being with her, and not always because she’s hyping me up or something. Sometimes I feel lighter because of insight she’s given me or tough love. And even those harder moments are filled with a warmth that uplifts me. Halee is an unbelievable human whose warmth and sunshine will be by my side.

Halee Huber

Zeke has a strong zeal for making interesting and (sometimes) deep conversation. It was this trait that started what would turn into one of the most important relationships I've had throughout my life. We've been through it all with each other since middle school, which means he's seen me through my most laughable phases and my most frustrating ones. Something that I've come to realize is priceless about a friend like Zeke is that I feel totally comfortable around him without hiding any part of my personality, my behavior, or my interests. 

Zeke Exline

Ethan has always been the type of friend who will just live life with you. He is someone I know I can count on to be there, whether for traveling across the country or picking up some shamrock shakes on the drive home from school. He has always been a sounding board, a strong supporter, and a trusted confidant for me. He's also been a constant source of levity with his quick wit and expressive reactions.

Ethan Trout

Nothing teaches you the importance of space in a relationship quite like sharing a room with someone for 13 years. I was always close with Timothy growing up (spatially and personally), but we weren’t always friendly to each other. That began to change after we each got our own room in the house. Now I am happy to be able to call him one of my closest and truest friends. He’s always had my back, and I’ve always been his accomplice; we’ve always been each other’s competitive outlet.

Timothy Spano

Many things about my life would look very different if it weren’t for Matthew’s influence. He was the first to introduce me to my love of music. My first acoustic guitar was a hand-me-down from him. He was one of my first role models, bandmates, and co-writers. I’ve always been sure that I can trust his judgement to be objective and have my best interest at heart, even when it comes with a challenge. Being able to look up to him and get insight from him has pushed me to be better.

Matthew Spano

John has an infectious personality. I’m thankful that he’s not going into sales, because I would be broke if he did. We met in a songwriting class and from the first writing session, I could tell that he was going to be one of my long-haulers, not just professionally, but personally too. He’s been an inspiration to talk to and a seemingly endless source of encouragement and motivation. Ask us about our time in Nashville.

John Traylor

John might be the most consistently creative person I know. If you need someone to write a long-form song in one day, ask John. If you need someone to come up with a backstory involving and intergalactic drug trafficking ring run by your dog, ask John. If you need someone to create extensive inside jokes, ask John. As long as I've known him, I've been able to count on John, whether as a friend or as a bandmate, and I'm thankful that he's pushed me to be more creative.

John Mesh

Fun fact: I have 3 Johns in my side of the wedding party. Only, one of them goes by Mason, or Masion, or Manswoon, or Manswi... well, you get it. John Myzasontine-Empire Overby is one of the funniest people I know. He's also one of the most thoughtful people I know, which can be a hard line to walk, but he does it well. In the time I've gotten to know Mason, he's showed an intentional care for fostering a strong community in his circle. I'm thankful that I found my way into that circle.

Mason Overby

Gavin is, at the same time, one of the most unyielding and understanding people I know. He's not one to sugar-coat anything, but he's also not one to make anyone feel unwanted or excluded. Make one tier list with him and you'll know what I mean. After what will likely turn into hours of fierce, biting debate, he'll be there to talk through anything with you until you know that someone hears you and cares about what you're going through. 

Gavin George

I cannot emphasize enough how crucial Delaney has been to my life for the last few years. She is effortlessly cool, but she’s also an incredible human. In the same way as Christopher (iykyk), she just makes you a better person- not be galvanization, lecture, or pleasing. She has high expectations for herself and how she treats other life on Earth and the more you’re around her, the more you adopt these same expectations. I love Delaney and am so in awe of how formative she’s been to me in such a short time, so it only fits she’s a part of another formative experience.

Delaney White

Wedding Party

Q + A

Near Roanoke Visitor CenterStay in one of 330 guestrooms featuring flat-screen televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with Egyptian cotton sheets. Wired and wireless Internet access is complimentary, while video-game consoles and cable programming provide entertainment. Private bathrooms have complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.A stay at Hotel Roanoke & Conference Ctr, Curio Collection by Hilt

Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center Curio Collection by Hilton

Near Arts Council of the Blue RidgeMake yourself at home in one of the 127 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and LCD televisions. Complimentary wired and wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming provides entertainment. Bathrooms have shower/tub combinations and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include desks and complimentary weekday newspapers, as well 

Hampton Inn & Suites Roanoke Downtown

Hyatt Place Roanoke Airport/Valley View Mall

Comfort Inn - Roanoke Civic Center

AirBNB and VRBO: These are both GREAT affordable options close to our venue. If you search these two sites, be sure that you are searching in Vinton, Roanoke, Bonsack, Stewartsville, or Rocky Mount!

Travel

This coffee ship was a staple when Christopher and Analee first began dating. They came here nearly everyday after school in the first few months of their relationship. Christopher ordered a plain, black coffee until he eventually ventured out to a latte. Analee would try any seasonal specials or a have a chai latte.

Mill Mountain Coffee & Tea

Christopher and Analee frequently had Parkway dates where they picked up fast food, played some Avett Brothers, and road the Parkway. In August, the weather is perfect to drive to the Peaks of Otter (about 35 minutes from the venue) to check out a sunset. When they're home, this is still a favorite passtime.

The Great Valley Overlook

Since they were teenagers, Christopher and Analee have loved Benny's. They went after concerts, softball games, and youth group. As adults, Christopher and Analee still rely on Benny's for a go-to cheap but delicious meal.

Benny Marconi's

This is MUST if you are visiting Vinton. Christopher and Analee both lovingly refer to this restaurant as "Big Jesus Pizza" (Drive by, you'll understand!) It is a delicious place the couple visits together and eats frequently with their families. If you stop in, don't be surprised to see a giant family, from granny to grandson, behind the counter working.

New York Pizza 