The Mill at Fine Creek

Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Melanie and Andrew first met on February 21, 2012. They met for drinks at Three Monkeys in Richmond, Virginia. Hours flew by as they talked about all sorts of things but particularly connected on 2 major things - traveling and college football.For the next 3 years, Andrew and Melanie's relationship blossomed, especially around those two items. Saturdays in the fall are reserved for football. They have gone to countless games - cheering on James Madison, Virginia Tech, and Ohio State (sometimes simultaneously). Melanie took Andrew to see New York City and visit his 47th and 48th states (Connecticut &amp; New Jersey). The next year Andrew drove Melanie across the country from Virginia to see everything west of Ohio and east of Oregon.

Our First Date & Fast-Forward

Andrew proposed to Melanie on May 16th, 2015 on top of Jockey's Ridge on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The proposal completely took Melanie by surprise even though they had been having serious talks about the next step of their relationship for a while. Andrew had been working on planning the proposal for a while, but was struggling on how and where to do it. About a month before the proposal, Andrew got a call from his friend Chuck asking if they wanted to do a weekend at Nags Head before Memorial Day. That's when the how and where finally hit him: Sunset on Jockey's Ridge.He quickly set into action to get everything in place to be able to pull it off. Andrew asked Melanie's father for permission, and he approved. For the engagement itself, it was important to Andrew to have Melanie's parents, as well as his parents, there to witness and be a part of the moment. He coordinated with them on getting them down there and staying hidden all day Saturday to keep the element of surprise. The day arrived and everything went about as according to plan as one could have hoped for. Around 6 that evening Melanie and Andrew ventured to Jockey's Ridge with Chuck, his wife Larri, and son Hunter. Unbeknownst to Melanie, in an observation tower across the highway from the giant sand dune sat her mom (her dad was not able to make it due to another trip), and Andrew's parents. Melanie and Andrew made their way up the sand to the top of the ridge. Taking in the view at the top, Andrew turned to Melanie, dropped to one knee, and asked her to marry him. Melanie said yes, and the rest is history! For one final surprise, as they made their way back toward their car, Andrew pointed to the top of the observation tower where he pointed out to Melanie her mom and his parents waving from the top.

The Proposal

Our Story

Details

It's safe to say I wouldn't be the man I am today if it wasn't for my dad. So naturally it only made sense to have him next to me on my big day. My dad has always been a handyman and has spent many years teaching me his tricks of the trade. I'm slowly learning them, but I doubt I'd ever be able to fully emulate his skills. Another trait of his I've always admired is how well he has treated my mom for over 42 years of marriage. If I can be half the man he is, I will feel quite successful with my life.

Craig Smith

Melanie remembers Tori from Futura in 4th grade, but their friendship didn't really start until 7th grade. Tori and Melanie stayed friends throughout high school, college, grad school/med school.  They even traveled to Spain together after graduation - possibly one of Melanie's favorite memories. Now being "grown-ups," Tori and Melanie are reunited in Richmond again. Even though they're both busy "professionals" they make time to hang out with wine nights and trying new restaurants.

Tori Whitlow

Chuck and I have always disagreed on when we first met. He swears it was the end of Kindergarten, I swear it was the start of 1st grade. Whenever it was, we have been best friends since the day his family moved in across the street from me. Chuck and I grew up together, hanging out almost daily after school. Riding bikes, shooting hoops, building bridges for a trail in the woods, summers in the pool, weekends at the river jet skiing and fishing: you name it, we were doing it. Even though Chuck and I went our separate ways after high school to different colleges, we've still remained close friends to this day.

Chuck English

Melanie sat in front of Jen in Theories of Counseling on the first day of grad school. She looked like a fun girl and the rest is history. That corner of the room would turn into our core group of friends.  Grad school was so much more fun with Jen because she's always there for a laugh. Melanie and Jen both love college football (even though they can't stand to cheer for any of the same teams).  Jen is a busy girl so it may take a couple of attempts to find a time to hang out but it's always a blast and they pick up wherever they left off. At least Melanie and Jen both work in the same school system, so they can try to coordinate professional developments to make them a little more ... entertaining.

Jen Gerlach

Despite the same last name, Brian and I aren't actually brothers, though you wouldn't be the first to think that. Brian and I met freshman year at Virginia Tech. We lived in the Galileo Engineering Housing program that grouped freshmen engineers together in one residence hall. We formed a pretty tight knit community there. Brian was across the hall from me, and we discovered very early on that we shared many of the same interests. Football games and Basketball game were a must all four years. Even now after graduation, every football season we make an effort to get back for a game. Our crowning achievement though was traveling to Columbus, OH in 2014 to watch the Hokies take down the eventual national champion Buckeyes.

Brian Smith

Melanie also met Katie in grad school, even though she wasn't initially sitting in that awesome corner of the classroom (sorry Katie-bug). It took a couple extra months, but eventually Katie and Melanie became friends.  Katie really understood Melanie's "Northern Virginia" tendencies and helped her adjust to life in Richmond.  Even though Katie doesn't live in Richmond (for now) she is always just a phone call away.  Melanie loves when she finds any excuse to come back to Richmond.  They're both avid fans of the Backstreet Boys and Harry Potter. 

Katie Innes

Doug is another freshman year friend from Virginia Tech, also having met in the Galileo housing program. Doug being a Jersey guy and me being from Virginia, we always found ways to joke on each other, but it was always in good fun. I don't think there's a bigger sports guy I know than Doug, which made him a great fit in our group of friends. Despite moving apart after graduation in 2009, we routinely get together for visits, especially in the fall for watching football. Our biggest tradition though has been gathering for the opening weekend March Madness every year.

Doug Ferraro

Sally and Melanie have been friends since the first day of class in grad school. Since Sally was a little too distracting to sit by in class (and that still goes for professional development some days), Sally and Melanie had plenty of pool days.  Now six (!?!) years later, they are closer than ever.  You still can bet on finding them at a pool in the summer, making any day a "Philsday." or maybe some retail therapy at Target.  Double-dates are easy now that Barrett &amp; Andrew are good friends and the girls usually spend more time talking to each other than their significant other.  Sally is always there to talk and open a bottle of wine, when needed.

Sally Lewis

Barrett and I met almost four years ago here in Richmond. Shortly after Melanie and I began dating, he started dating Melanie's friend and bridesmaid Sally. We all got along immediately. We both share an interest in the blossoming craft beer scene in Richmond, and are routinely on the lookout for new and interesting beers around town. College sports are also a passion of the both of us, and he brings a different flavor to the group with being a Michigan State fan. You can usually find us on Saturdays in the fall parked at Home Team Grill, taking in the football action.

Barrett Laskey

Charity and Melanie were practically random roommates sophomore year at JMU.  We both looked pretty normal on Facebook, so we gave it a shot.  It was the luckiest pairings Melanie could have hoped for.  Despite the pictures that have all luckily disappeared from that year, Melanie had so many amazing memories. After living 5 minutes away in college, the 5 hour drive from Philadelphia to Richmond was tough.  Melanie is ecstatic to have Charity living back in Virginia.  Mini shopping trips and margarita happy hours are only an hour away!  

Charity Neer

Matt is Melanie's "little" brother. We first met in the fall after Melanie and I started dating. Being an avid fan of his alma mater James Madison, he has always been quick to remind me about a certain football game that happened a long, long time ago. One thing we can both agree on though is throwing a good tailgate before a game. We also share an affinity for craft beers. Given his current living situation in Seattle, I am slightly jealous of the number of breweries he has to choose from.

Matt Lause

Wedding Party

Engagement Session

Melanie & Andrew's Adventures

Photos

Registry

Q + A

Group block rates are reserved for the nights of 8/12-8/13.Reserve before July 12th. Use the group code "G-LASM".

Hyatt House Richmond-West

We'll have a shuttle to/from Hyatt House before the ceremony and at several points during the reception. If you choose to drive, please follow these directions:- Take Huguenot Trail W exit from VA-288 (north or south)- Follow VA-711/Huguenot Trail W (8.1 miles)- Take slight right onto Robert E. Lee Rd.- Parking will be on the right.

If you choose to stay elsewhere, there are several other nearby hotels.Aloft Richmond West3939 Duckling Dr, Glen Allen, VA 23060 Hilton Richmond 12042 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23233 Holiday Inn Express Richmond Northwest I-649933 Mayland Dr, Richmond, VA 23233 Wingate by Wyndham13991 N Gayton Rd, Richmond, VA 23233

Other Nearby Hotels

Travel

Living so close to the VMFA, we knew we had to have our engagement photo session on the property. The VMFA has a extensive art collection and always has a fun travelling exhibit. The VMFA also has a nice restaurant on the second floor and a cafe on the ground level that looks over a small pond with their own Chihuly glass sculptures.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Carytown is a mile-long street near the Museum District. It's full of fun resaturants and unique boutiques.

Shopping in Carytown

Want some nature? Visit this park near the river. You'll forget how you're essentially minutes from the city. Stroll through the paths or visit the Japanese Garden.

Maymont

The original section of Richmond is home to the State Capitol and lots of history. There are plenty of restaurants to try. Swing by the Jefferson Hotel and see their amazing grand staircase. Stroll down the Canal Walk for more Richmond History. If you have a time, take a trolley tour or plan a walking tour!

Downtown/Shockhoe Bottom

There are too many wineries and breweries to list. Richmond and the surrounding areas have over a dozen breweries. There are several wineries within a 30 minute drive as well. If you want to explore further, drive towards Charlottesville and be awed by the dozens of wineries to choose from!

Wineries & Breweries

Williamsburg is only a little over an hour's drive to the east. Colonial Williamsburg will take you back in time for the history lovers while Busch Gardens is fun for the adrenaline-seekers.