“They say love hides behind every corner…” – Joe King 

Who says love can’t find you in the most unexpected places? Christen & Will met at a work conference in West Palm Beach in 2017. A year later, they ran into each other again at a conference in Charlotte, NC. “Fast forward a few weeks and a couple of dates we went kayaking and hiking on one of the hottest days ever and that’s when Will knew that this was the one.” Christen & Will say that their relationship works because “we create our own fun, we also both balance each other and have complementary styles”. The couple loves traveling, spending time hiking, making maps, and having fun together. 

The Engagement 

Christen & Will were engaged on December 28, 2020. 

After Christen found us on The Knot, we met up on the Blue Ridge Parkway for the couple’s engagement session. It was the perfect day with the Blue Ridge showing off its gorgeous colors. 

The Wedding 

Christen & Will were married on September 18, 2021, at 5:00 in the evening at the Hotel Roanoke. 

The Details 

Christen wanted a vintage travel theme for her wedding. She was able to incorporate globes, maps (she’s an amateur map maker), luggage tags, and vintage suitcases into her decor in the most creative ways. And her colors of dusty rose and navy added to the vintage vibe.

It was important to Christen to include sentimental objects in her wedding. Her veil was made by Will’s mother before she passed. During the ceremony, there was a reserved seat for her and Will also wore a tie clip with her photo on it.

Because Will & Christen’s wedding was a family affair, it was important for the couple to find a unique way to keep the kids entertained during the reception. They created a kids’ table complete with pillows (can you say pillow fort) and crafts. We love this idea! 

The cake and cupcakes from Bubblecake were a huge hit! 

The Bridal Party 

The bridesmaids looked stunning in their dusty rose Azazie dresses. And the groomsmen looked dapper in their Jos A. Banks suits. 

Christen’s Maid of Honor was her daughter. What a special moment it was watching Will as Lily walked down the aisle before her mom. 

The Bride & Groom 

Christen & Will planned a blind first look at Mill Mountain overlooking the Roanoke skyline. This special place is meaningful to the couple. 

The couple also took time before the ceremony to take some photos in front of Saint Andrews Catholic Church in downtown Roanoke. 

The Ceremony 

The couple was married during golden hour in the courtyard of the Hotel Roanoke. 

Will’s dad, Timothy performed the ceremony as Christen’s niece Chloe and Best Man Wesley looked on. 

The Reception 

Christen told us that she wanted her wedding to be joyful and full of high energy and it was. But, true to Christen’s nature, the wedding day was also sentimental and classic. It was important to the newlyweds to have Christen’s daughter involved in every part of the celebration. She was right by their side for everything from the toast… 

To the cutting of the cake… 

And instead of the traditional mother/son dance, Christen & Will opted for a Groom/daughter dance with Will and Lily. 

Then, it was Christen’s turn to dance with her dad. 

The kids’ table certainly came in handy at the reception. 

After dancing the night away, the reception ended with a sparkler send-off outside of the hotel.

We wish Christen, Will, & Lily the best in their new adventures together. This new family certainly does have the world at their fingertips. 

The Vendors 

Wedding Coordinator/Event Planner: Peggy Walker, Inspiration Weddings & Events 

Venue: Hotel Roanoke 

Florist: Lindsey Ann Florals 

Cake Artist: Bubblecake 

Caterer: Hotel Roanoke 

Invitations: Truly Engaging 

Jewelry: Azazie 

Officiant: Mr. Timothy Meyers (groom’s father) 

Party Favors: Amazon 

Makeup: Elegance Artistry 

Hair: Leslie Mitchell 

Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal 

Bridesmaid Dresses: Azazie 

Groom’s Suit: Jos A. Banks 

Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Banks 

DJ: Creative Entertainment 

Galleries 

To see Christen & Will’s full engagement gallery, click here. 

To see Christen & Will’s full wedding gallery, click here.