We met in mid-March of 2009, when a mutual friend introduced us after months of trying. Several declined invitations to get Courtney 4-wheeling at Richie's were not cutting it, but we finally ended up at the right place at the right time...McMahon's Irish Pub in Warrenton for a St.PatrickГЇВїВЅs Day celebration. Michele Dawson introduced the couple, and they chatted breifly about Richie's band. (Little did she know, she'd become a lifetime groupie!) Courtney went back to the cozy Irish pub the following weekend to see RichieГЇВїВЅs band play, and afterwards he asked her out on a dinner date. We had our 1st date the following week, despite Courtney's exhaustion after her 16-mile training walk for the Avon Walk for Breast CancerГЇВїВЅ.she wondered if a 5-hour energy shot would keep her awakeГЇВїВЅBut, we met at OsakaГЇВїВЅs Japanese Steakhouse for dinner, and really hit it off from the beginning. We didn't seem to want the evening to end, went bowling afterwards, and have been inseperable ever since. Weekend after weekend we spent time together, whether it was watching the band play, going out on RichieГЇВїВЅs boat, or eventually, spending time as a family with RichieГЇВїВЅs son, Drew. Michele, we may have teased you for trying to be a matchmaker, but now we will always be grateful!!
Exactly one year after our first date, Richie made dinner reservations and we went to CarrabbaГЇВїВЅs to share a quiet Italian dinner and some wine. At home, Courtney went upstairs to fetch her gift for Richie (a homemade photobook of our 1st year together). She came back down to a candlelit living room, a big silver giftbag with the small word "forever" printed on the front. When Courtney opened her gift from Richie, she pulled a wedding planner out of the bag. Too confused or shocked to realize what was going on yet (although she noticed and dismissed it as imagination that he seemed to get on the edge of the couch and turn towards her as if looking for easy knee-accessГЇВїВЅ), while she pulled out the 2nd gift (a wedding magazine), Richie got down on one knee and pulled a ring box out from under the couch. He told Courtney that she was more than he could ever have asked for, and asked if she would marry him. (She, of course, said Yes!)
We couldnГЇВїВЅt be happier or more excited, and plans are well underway. We have so much fun together, and always enjoy each otherГЇВїВЅs company no matter where we are. It seems Richie dabbles in a little bit of just about everything, so the past 2 years have been pretty fun, exciting and adventurous. Courtney has had a blast boating, watching Richie play drums and race his drag bike, as well as trying new things with Richie and Drew such as 4-wheeling and snowboarding. We both enjoy each otherГЇВїВЅs laid back personalities, and love to laugh together. RichieГЇВїВЅs sense of humor always keeps things fun and lighthearted. Staying at home on the couch with dinner and a movie is always just as special. Music, friends and especially family are very important to us, so we canГЇВїВЅt wait to share our fun, special day with all of you as we start our life and family together. |
On June 4th, 2011, weГЇВїВЅll get married just before sunset at the Inn at KellyГЇВїВЅs Ford. The Inn is located on the historical site of the Kelly's Ford Civil War Battlefield. Check out their website: www.innatkellysford.com. For those interested in accommodations on the grounds for the weekend, please call (540) 399-1779. They will reserve a room for a deposit. We will also reserve a block of rooms at a nearby hotel, across the Culpeper line about 8 miles away. More information coming soon.
Directions to the Inn at KellyГЇВїВЅs Ford: (16589 Edwards Shop Road, Remington, Virginia)
From the Washington, D.C. area, take I-66 West for 20 miles to Exit 43A (Rt. 29). Go south for 26.25 miles to Elkwood. Turn left on KellyГЇВїВЅs Ford Road (Rt. 674) and go 5 miles to Edwards Shop Road (Rte. 620), then go 1/2 mile on Edwards Shop Road, where you will find the Inn at KellyГЇВїВЅs Ford on the left.
Please park your vehicles at the top of the hill. The garden where the ceremony will be held is not a far walk down a gravel path, but for anyone that needs assistance or does not wish to walk, the Inn staff will be available with golf carts to transport you to the ceremony site. |