Cousiac Manor

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Our Love Story 

Chanel It was a Tuesday at the end of July, hot and humid. I happened to pick up a bartending shift at the restaurant I worked at. Unbeknownst to me that would be a life changing decision. As Robert would be there with a mutual friend who only knew of me from social media.It was around 8pm and the bar was dead, so I got the okay to cash out and head home, but that night I was in the mood for the skillet pasta and some oysters. If you've ever been to Harpoon Larry's in Newport News, you know there are two bars. One is the main bar and directly across is a smaller bar called the "Oyster Bar". I sat down at the end of the Oyster bar, ordered my food and looked over. A guy was looking at me smiling, reached his hand out and said "Jerry Lee...your Nelly right? I think we follow each other on social media" , I said "uhh yeah hey how are you?" Looking past Jerry I noticed Robert and said "...so what your friend is mute?" Robert happened to be eating and said "huh me? I'm Rob".I wasn't wearing my glasses that day, so I couldn't really see what Robert looked like. So I got up and went to the end of the bar that he was sitting at and "grabbed some napkins". Robert shot me one smile, and instantly I was smitten.About 20minutes had passed and I had eaten, boxed up my food and was getting ready to leave. I was having casual conversation with both Jerry and Robert when a drunk guy stumbled out of the bathroom. He looked at Robert and said "Dude I love your tattoos", Me being a smart ass said "Oh I did them I'm his tattoo artist" The drunk guy said "WHAT, listen I want a shark and lion fighting each other on my back"...I had to stop him and say " I'm just kidding!!! "I remember Rob smiling and saying "yeah but I mean I know someone if you need a tattoo artist" Somehow the drunk guy and Rob started talking about wrestling, so Jerry and I continued on with our conversation, that's when I learned Rob and Jerry were moving to Florida in literally two weeks. I remember saying to myself *of course you finally meet a hot guy and he's moving out of state in 2 weeks*...About 10 minutes had passed and I was getting ready to say my goodbyes when the drunk guy said to me "wait I don't have your instagram either" I looked at Rob and said "you know what I don't have yours either!" So I grabbed Rob's phone put in my username and followed myself. The drunk guy ended up wandering away, and I remember looking at Rob, thinking this guy is seriously *gorgeous* and also thinking..*is he a cop?* Because the night I met Rob he had a mustache lol, that was the one and only time I've ever seen him with one. Fast forward one day, Rob messaged me and asked for my number, called me and asked me on a date. Our first date was on a Thursday, hot and humid in July. We went and got sushi, got a drink or two after and then I invited him to my place. We literally talked the whole night, about our aspirations, dreams, goals, what we're looking for in this lifetime and places we had traveled too. I think after that first night I had started to fall in love with Rob, and I fall in love with him even more every single day. Our relationship isn't perfect, but the strength in our love is what overcomes any obstacle that comes in our way.

Robert 

Robert In July of 2021, I attended a family party and had made plans to go out with my friend Jerry afterwards. Even though I spent a lot of time in the Hampton Roads area, I had never once been to Harpoon Larry's until this fateful day. I only had oysters on my mind and no clue that I would end up meeting the love of my life. I sat down at the oyster bar because there were plenty of open seats. There's a lot of goofy stuff on the walls and tv's in Harpoon Larrys but the second I saw Chanel she had my full attention. At first sight I saw dark curly hair bouncing all around from behind the bar. I was in awe of Chanel's beauty and knew I needed to know to more about her. So when she came over and sat close to us, I was elated because I had a chance. I just knew I had to play it cool. Somehow I achieved this without her thinking Im a total dork. I got her number eventually and took her out on a date a few days later. I wasted no time because I knew I would be moving soon. Since then we have made it through long distance and having a child together. Along with many other trials and tribulations. There is not a night that goes by, that I go without thanking god for bringing Chanel into my life when I was truly ready for her. All because I walked into Harpoon Larrys my life has changed for the better in every way. I have a beautiful family to love and I am rich in all the ways I longed to be.

Our Story

Photos

Jenny was my soul sister, someone who I could call and she would pick up on the first ring. She was the friend I could go two months without talking to and we'd pick up right where we left off. She was my right hand, my confidant, my crazy Leo girl. Unfortunately Jenny will be by my side in spirit on the day of my wedding, but I truly think she is the one who sent Robert my way. It would've felt wrong not to include her, even at a joyous time like this. 

Jennifer Isabella Loya 

Sydney has held a piece of my heart for a little over 10 years. She has seen me at my lowest lows and highest highs, all while never faltering as a friend. She has grown to be more like a sister than a friend these days. Sydney is the older sister I always wanted, someone to tell me the pros and cons to everything I'm about to do in true Libra fashion. She is my voice of reason. She is the one to tell me "Listen I know moving across the country sounds like a good idea but..". I am a true type b personality, and she is my true type a. 

Sydney Marie Morgan 

Josie and I have known each other for almost 10 years, she is my travel partner, my witch sister, my go to girl for a trip out of the country. We have seen so many amazing places together. We have some of the craziest stories and memories.  

Josie Faye Jackson 

Logan and I have known each other for about 9 years, we have gotten closer over the past 5 years. She is a girl who cares so much abut the ones around her. Always making sure I'm okay, or if my little family needs anything. I couldn't ask for a better friend. She has been a shoulder to cry on and a friend to laugh with, someone I can count on through anything. I couldn't go through this day without her by my side. 

Logan Alecia Forrest 

Beth and I have known each other since college, so almost 10 years now. She is the sweetest, kindest soul I have ever met. She will show up and show out for her friends and loved ones. To know Beth and be loved by her is a gift in itself. I am so very blessed to have her in my bridal party supporting me on my special day.

Beth MacAdam 

Hailey and I have known each other since high school, we were both in the dance program at Woodside High School. It wasn't until college where we grew closer. Hailey is my wild child, the friend who I call when I need a good time. She is quit literally a good time. I haven't had a time where I wasn't laughing or not enjoying my night while Hailey was around. Being around her instantly makes me smile. 

Hailey Nichole Lemon 

Ethan and I wrestled in high-school. We were very close in weight, Ethan pushed me to become a better wrestler every day. Wrestling together created a friendship that has lasted till this day. No matter how much time has passed, whenever I see Ethan I am transported back to a time when we were young men. I am very grateful to have known him and couldn't think of a better man to have by side at the alter.

Ethan Newell

Bunts and I met in basic training in 2013. We were in separate platoons and constantly in competition with each other. We both went to K9 school and got stationed at Fort Lee. Since then, Bunts has constantly pushed me to be better in every aspect. He is one of the most motivational human beings that I know and I am very thankful that he always takes the time to check in with me.

Milo Bunts

My brother is someone that I have always looked up to and always wanted to make proud. I was born on his birthday and always felt like this contributed to the bond we have. He has helped me navigate life on many occasions. I turn to him for advice quite frequently. I am honored, to have the man that has always been there for me by my side on my wedding day. 

Dale Leso

Uncle Jim has in many ways, shaped me into the man I am today. He has taught me many things throughout my life. Had my first beer and experienced my first big concert with my Uncle Jim. Both are important milestones.  I cherish all the time I've gotten to spend with him and I am very thankful for his presence in my life. I hope he knows how much it means to me for him to accept this role as a groomsman in my wedding. 

Jim Wilson

Jordan is another friend of mine that I made while wrestling in high school. Another bond forged on the mat that has lasted well into my adult life. Jordan has always been there for me throughout the years. I frequently pick his brain for knowledge and strive to become a successful entrepreneur like himself. We both have growing families and I hope that we can all spend lots of quality time together in the future.

Jordan Albright

Wedding Party 

Q + A

Our venue is located on the Pamunkey River, extremely rural. This is the closest hotel, about 38min away.

Chanel & Robert

Chanel & Robert

C&R

Wedding Day

Reception