In the midst of the COVD-19 Pandemic, when the world seemed to be at a standstill, fate found a way to bring Julia and Nic together in Washington, D.C. Their first date, scheduled for a Sunday night, seemed destined to fail. Yet, from the moment they met, Julia felt an unexpected ease in Nic’s presence. Despite the strict lockdown in the city, which curtailed their multi-hour dinner date from continuing at a bar, they parted ways with a shared sense that they had encountered something truly special.
Shortly afterward, Julia returned to her hometown of Orange Beach for 10 days to pack up after spending several months there and to prepare for her move to D.C. During her drive back to the capital, she and Nic talked for hours on the phone. With each conversation, Julia became more certain that she had found someone extraordinary—a loyal and kind soul who made her feel cherished. Their connection only deepened, leading to a memorable proposal during a vacation to Ireland. Julia had an inkling that Nic would propose, which added a delightful tension as they drove to the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher. Along the misty cliffs, surrounded by rolling green hills, crashing waves, and the occasional bleating of sheep, they found a quiet moment to seal their future together. That evening, they celebrated in true Irish fashion, finding their way to a pub and toasting to their engagement—the first of many nights spent together at the bar.
When it came time to plan their wedding, Julia drew inspiration from the natural beauty of hydrangeas, her favorite flower. She envisioned a day filled with warmth, intimacy, and the vibrant colors of a garden in full bloom. Every detail was carefully curated to reflect their personalities and shared love for food, drink, and music. Just a week before the wedding, Julia decided that all she wanted on the morning of her big day was an everything bagel with smoked salmon, red onion, and cream cheese. Their favorite bagel place in D.C. made sure they had enough for the entire wedding party, adding a quirky and personal touch to the day. The couple also wrote their own vows, which they kept in special booklets gifted by their stationer. Their reception was a true reflection of their frequent party-throwing style, featuring food they loved, cocktails inspired by their travels, and a band well-versed in all their favorite tunes.
For the wedding cake, they chose carrot cake—a nod to the cake they always ordered during the first year of their relationship. In a signature gesture, they ensured that no guest left without coffee, a tradition from their own home. One of Julia’s favorite moments from the day was when it truly hit them—it was their wedding day. As they danced with all the people they loved, she realized they would never have everyone in one place like this again. Fueled by love, she danced the night away without needing a single break. After the wedding, the couple set off on a honeymoon adventure to South Africa, where they went on safari, adding another unforgettable chapter to their love story.
