Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery

Welcome Party

King Family Vineyards

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

FROM BOSTON TO DC...

Our story began at Boston University - specifically in an apartment building at 6 Buswell Street. Through a series of happenstances, Melissa and her roommates became friends with the boys in the apartment next door, who happened to be friends with Dylan (whose apartment also happened to be directly above Melissa’s). After Dylan came out of hibernation at the end of the fall semester- thanks to the relief of getting a full-time job - we met and kept hanging out at our mutual friend's apartment parties. Our mutual interest became pretty clear early on, and as the year went on, we spent more time together and grew closer. Dylan graduated, and we spent the summer in different cities - Melissa working in Boston and Dylan back home in Lombard, IL, with plans to return to Boston full-time in the fall. But that summer in 2018, we made our relationship official, and we’ve been taking on the world together ever since. Over the years, we’ve been there for each other through Melissa earning her PhD, the start and end of Dylan’s amateur DJ career, a three-day, two-night backpacking trip in the Smoky Mountains that Dylan feared might turn Melissa off hiking forever, watching the Chicago Bears every Sunday (usually to Dylan's disappointment), several visits with each other’s families, five apartments, and eventually a move from Boston to DC. After our move, because our life was too calm and quiet, we got our crazy Golden Retriever puppy, Rooster. In May of 2025, while back in Boston for a visit, we grabbed coffee at our favorite coffee shop and took a walk through the Boston Public Garden, where Dylan proposed. Melissa, of course, said yes—officially bringing our days as just boyfriend and girlfriend to a close. In our time together, we’ve built a life filled with love, laughter, support, and growth, and we can’t wait to officially take each other off the market and celebrate with you all!

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Getting to Charlottesville

Charlottesville is centrally located in Virginia’s beautiful foothills. If you choose to fly, there are a few options at your disposal, including: Charlottesville (CHO) - 20 minute drive Washington-Dulles (IAD) - 2 hour drive Richmond International (RIC) - 2 hour drive Ronald Reagan Washington (DCA) - 2.5 hour drive Depending on your itinerary, a rental car may not be needed (and transportation is available to and from the venue). Please consider how much you would like to explore central Virginia when booking your travel!

Check in is scheduled for 3pm and check out at 11 am. Parking is $15/night and rate includes breakfast and wifi. Room block closes on July 13th, 2026.

Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottesville-At The University

Check in at 4pm and checkout at 11 am. Self parking is $22/night. Room block closes July 28th, 2026.

Graduate by Hilton Charlottesville

A bus will be provided to shuttle individuals to and from the wedding venue. Spots may be limited to the venue, but ride share apps to the venue are readily available. For guests who prefer to drive to and from the venue, parking will be readily available. If needed, guests may leave their cars overnight as long as picked up by 12:00 pm the following day. Bus transportation leaving the venue at the end of the night will be available to everyone. The bus will bring guests to the hotels.

Wedding Day Transportation

Travel

Shenandoah National Park is a short distance away from downtown Charlottesville (30-45 minute drive). Hike one of the many trails or enjoy a scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway or Skyline Drive for stunning mountain views and picnic overlooks.

Shenandoah National Park

The Downtown Mall is located in the heart of Charlottesville. You’ll find local shops, an arcade featuring retro games and pinball (Decades Arcade - a personal favorite of ours), cozy coffee spots, restaurants, bars, and often live music or street performers.

Downtown Mall

The University of Virginia’s historic campus is beautiful to explore, with Jefferson’s Rotunda and the Lawn offering a relaxing stroll. Stop by the Fralin Museum of Art or the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection for a quick (and free) culture fix while you’re there.

University of Virginia

Double down on the winery experience outside of King Family Vineyards. Charlottesville is surrounded by incredible wineries and laid-back breweries, many with sweeping mountain views. Spend your time sipping other Virginia wines along Route 151 or relaxing at a brewery with live music, food trucks, and good vibes all around.

Local Wineries & Breweries

Things to Do

General recommendations:Men: Suit &amp; Tie (tuxedo optional)Women: Floor length gown or midi/tea length dress. Sophisticated cocktail dress or elegant jumpsuits also work.Keep in mind our (short) ceremony will be outdoors in the Virginia summer.

Melissa & Dylan

Melissa & Dylan

Photos