Wedding Day

Adam Thoroughgood House

Wedding Ceremony

DoubleTree by Hilton Virginia Beach

Cocktail Hour

Reception

Let's try this again !

Welcome back! As we continue to monitor the ongoing Covid-19 situation, we hope to see you all on June 12th to celebrate with us. Thank you all so much for your patience! Right now we are still moving forward but will continue to monitor and make adjustments as need be; this will be the best place to check for updates! We hope to see you all in June and would like to express our desire to you to please do what makes you most comfortable; if you'd like to wear a mask, go for it! If you'd like to celebrate from afar, we totally understand. Please do what makes you and your loved ones feel safest. We love you all and hope to see you soon!

Our Wedding

They always say sometimes you find the best things when you're not even looking, and in this case that couldn't be more true. As is typical, when I met Kelly there was no way of knowing that I had just met the love of my life, especially considering all the work, attention, care and growing that we had ahead of us. Kelly taught me what it means to love someone romantically, unconditionally, and with real, genuine care. For the longest time, we struggled trying to pin down what exactly our first date was; in the early days we spent most of our time together at Old Dominion University, or simply driving around "Backwoods Virginia". Some of my best memories of our early days were weekends spent snowed in at ODU together, or going to Kelly's swim meets; no matter what it was, we absolutely loved spending time together. Kelly and I's beginning was important to our foundation as a successful couple because it was during this time that we came to know each other as best friends first, and this carries on to this day she really is my best friend! -John As a senior in high school, I only had college on my mind. When I met John, I assumed we would hang out some and then eventually fizzle out; he was so friendly and lively, and I was quiet and reserved. I had no idea how much we would have in common, nor that he would play such a big role in my life at that time. The beginnings of our relationship were fun and exciting, after all, John was my first real boyfriend. When we spent time together he made me feel like I was the most important person in the room. We'd drive around at night listening to music, he'd take me fishing, and I'd take him to Doumar's. After getting accepted into Virginia Tech and realizing we'd have almost an entire state between us, I knew John was someone special to hold onto. We experienced the highs of first love and the lows of being two crazy and emotional teenagers. With John I learned how to be patient and forgiving; to let the people you love know you love them. But we still had so much more to learn, and a lot more growing to do. -Kelly

The Beginning

A few years and curveballs later I found myself stationed in Pensacola, Florida very happy and excited for my naval career to finally start, but from time to time felt I will missing something. I missed Kelly. For a few months, her and I had fallen off and out of touch, after a few letters and some serious reconnecting, Kelly made the leap and came down to Pensacola where we came back to each other deciding to give this another try. She still had some time left at Virginia Tech, and I had more to do in Pensacola, so from here we committed to long distance; it was tough but I love to look back and see all that we made it through with that distance and realize there isn't much we can't do at this point! Kelly and I made it a regular thing, either I would come up to see her, or she would come down to see me almost monthly, we made the best of it and because of that we made it through it all, all the way to where we are now almost married! -John After spending months apart, things weren't the same without John. I had spent a little while thinking about it until one night it hit me: I didn't want to spend anymore time without John in my life. I talked (and cried) to my mom because I didn't want it to be too late. I knew John was in Florida, but I was so afraid that he had moved on or wouldn't be willing to try again. But he was! (aww) So we took the leap; I flew to Pensacola so we could see if we still could make it work. We soon found that our time apart, though sad, was necessary. There were certain things we needed to do and learn alone before coming back to each other. But the next year and a half was a challenge. I still had to finish my time at Virginia Tech and John had to finish in Florida. Throughout that time, Pensacola was our escape. We'd spend weekends together lying on the beach, fishing, or watching movies in hotel rooms. I even managed to take John camping ;) When John got orders to Virginia, it felt like a weight had been lifted. -Kelly

Virginia Tech & Pensacola

Our Story

There are 15 rooms blocked on a first come, first served basis.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Virginia Beach

If you aren't able to stay at the DoubleTree, there are a number of other accommodations near the reception venue, oceanfront, or further inland. If you'd like any recommendations don't hesitate to ask!

Kelly & John

Kelly & John

Engagement Photos