Lakeside at Welch Estate

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Freshly graduated from high school and eager to begin the next chapters of their life, Zach and Dani each signed up for "Project Peak", a college camping program. Dani caught Zach's eye when it was time to set up camp, and Dani whipped out an air mattress with the loudest air pump known to man in the middle of the quiet, serene Shenandoah mountains. With what began with a little tease, both Zach and Dani naturally developed a friendship that would extend into their freshman year of college. Right out of the gate, Zach and Dani made new mutual friends and explored the northern Virginia area. As the emotions that come with being away from home at college surfaced, they always supported each other as friends would. In December, 2019, Zach called Dani to tell her he was not coming back to college and was moving back home. It took this moment for Dani to realize she was going to miss him terribly, and that it was a stronger feeling than just missing a friend... In the beginning months of 2020, deeper feelings were beginning to develop. Strategic group hang outs were arranged so they could get to know each other better and they began to do activities alone together just the two of them, although none were labeled "dates" at that time. They made a plan for spring break: Zach would drive the two hours from Richmond up to George Mason to visit Dani. Just in time to crash our perfectly planned spring break, COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, Dani was being asked to move out of her dorm with no place to go. She had to move back to Florida. Devasted in that they did not know when they would see each other next, Dani decided to stay in Richmond on the way to Florida with Zach and his family for two nights, just to see him again. Imagine spontaneously meeting and spending the night with the entire family before you have been on an "official" date! Zach and Dani did not see each other in person again for five months. They Facetimed every night for hours, including virtual dinner and movie dates. It was clear they were going to be together, and Zach asked Dani to be his girlfriend in May, 2020. For the next couple of years, Zach and Dani had a "medium" distance relationship between northern Virginia and Richmond while Zach worked and Dani finished school. They drove every weekend one way or the other to see each other. Finally, in 2023, Dani moved to Richmond so they could be together. From there, Zach and Dani knew this relationship was serious and began to plan their future together. In 2024, Zach proposed to Dani in Crabtree Falls, Virginia at the peak of one of their favorite hikes. They are excited to be married and to have this once-in-a-lifetime experience with all of their family and friends in one place to share such a special moment with them. They could not be more grateful for everyone who has supported them throughout their relationship, and they are ready to tie the knot in 2025!

Our Story

Photos

Chris VanDerZee

Rachael Howard

Max Malinsky

Ana Beasley

Arnaldo Espinal

Kate Malinsky

Max Martino

Kayla Morrow

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel Information

When navigating to the venue, be sure to enter on the driveway right off of Anderson Highway. GPS may try to take you to the back entrance, and you will not be able to access the venue from that direction.

Lodging Information

Please see the hotel suggestions below. You are welcome to stay anywhere you'd like to suit your individual needs. If you are looking to explore the city while you are visiting, we recommend staying in Richmond, Virginia just forty minutes east of the venue. Explore historical landmarks, downtown shopping and art, and local food! For those wanting to stay next to the venue, Powhatan, Virginia is the place to look. Enjoy small town restaurants, the state park, and more of the "quiet" vibe! The hotels listed below are suggestions in between Powhatan and Richmond. From these hotels, it is a 20 minute straight drive to the venue (west) and 20 minutes to downtown Richmond (east).

Danielle and Zachary

Danielle and Zachary

Wedding Party