Wedding Day

The Dominion Club

Ceremony

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

FIRST DATEJanuary 28, 2018 at Aroma's in Williamsburg, VA ENGAGEMENTJuly 27, 2023 in IcelandNoah: The long road to Selkot, my family’s farm in Iceland, was bordered on one side by the vast Atlantic and on the other by the rocky, near-alien landscape; inside, I sat nervously running through what I would say to her. It seemed impossible to sum up our love in a mere minute-long speech before asking the most important question of my life, but that didn’t matter – it was a question that my heart and soul could go no longer without asking.&nbsp; I made my way up the mountain with bated breath, my love a step in front of me in a beautiful, flowing dress (perhaps not the best for hiking – a minor oversight).&nbsp; My plan was simple – I suggested we take nice photos of each other, and told her to face away from me, towards the horizon, as I dropped to a knee. And it was there that I waited … and waited … and waited, for what felt like an eternity but must have been only a minute, for her to turn around. I’ll never forget the look in her eyes as she turned around – a beautiful, excited gleam of surprise that I knew I could only capture once.&nbsp; And so began the rest of our lives.&nbsp;

Billie:A hike up a steep, grassy, windy Icelandic mountain in a dress, what was I thinking even with the premise of taking photos? The beautiful countryside views and spending time with the love of my life brought back memories of the first time Noah and I travelled alone to Iceland and stayed with different members of his family. We spent many days sitting atop the steep hill adorning Selkot, his family’s farm. We had talks about love, life, dreams, and everything else under the sun (which doesn’t set in the summer!). Those beautiful, secure feelings stayed with me long after we got back to the States.&nbsp; Being back in Selkot four years later, having established our own little family of two cats and a bunny, resurfaced those feelings stronger and more confident than ever.&nbsp; Noah seemed quiet on the two hour drive to the farm - I figured we were both just tired from exploring Reykjavik the day prior, but looking back I can’t help but appreciate how nervous he must have been. I took photos of him first, the wind blowing his hair back and the sunlight highlighting the most beautiful parts of his eyes - perfect, just like him. I took various photos of him standing against a run-down brick silo and then he took the camera and asked me to face toward the horizon. It seemed he was taking forever just to snap a few photos so I asked: ”Can I turn around yet?” “If you want to,” the sweetest voice. When I swung back around, there he was: down on one knee, hands shaking while holding the leather ring box that once belonged to my grandmother. I could tell he had so much more to say, but between the nerves and the excitement, it all blended into the background. There was only him. “Billie Jade, will you marry me?” “Of course.” This was the easiest question I have ever been asked. Through tears and hugs, we sat alone with the gentle breeze and the swaying grass, basking in the glow of the light we’d nurtured together. That moment could have lasted forever. But there were many more memories to be made and celebratory champagne to be had - so we hiked back down the mountain to begin the rest of our lives together, and have never once looked back.

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

Michelle and I met in 2018 after going through Gamma Phi Beta recruitment; we quickly bonded over our shared humor while playing Cards Against Humanity. Before officially becoming “big” and “little,” Michelle and I bonded over similar life experiences, often with Noodles and Company, and I quickly grew to trust and rely on her. Michelle is the definition of “true and constant” - she is so intelligent, kind, and creative, and I couldn’t ask for a more well-rounded, patient, and reliable role model in my life. Michelle has a Bachelors in chemistry with a minor in mathematics at William &amp; Mary and a Masters of Fine Arts in creative writing from American University. She currently works as a Technical Writer-Editor for the National Archives and Records Administration.

Michelle Ott

Allie and I met in 2017 as freshmen at William &amp; Mary, both feeling lost and uncertain having been thrown into the collegiate experience. We had an immediate connection - spending countless nights discussing our lives and aspirations, going to Buffalo Wild Wings, and hankering down to study psychology together. Allie is funny, authentic, and so incredibly intelligent. She has a Bachelors in psychology at Salisbury University and Masters in counseling psychology at Columbia University; Allie is currently both a barista at Minglewood Bake Shop and a professor at Bryant Stratton College.

Allie Wright

Jasmine and I met in 2018 while going through recruitment for Gamma Phi Beta. From the start, I thought she was one of the funniest and most quick-witted people I’d met thus far in college; becoming her “twin” in Gamma Phi ensured I’d spend the rest of my time at William &amp; Mary in good spirits. She introduced me to lavender lattes, owning a cat, and Sonny Angels. Jasmine is bright, intuitive, and charismatic, having a keen eye for those around her. She has a strong sense of justice and an unwavering loyalty to her close friends and family. She has a Bachelors in Sociology and American Studies at William &amp; Mary and currently works as a Media Research Manager at ReproAction.

Jasmine Geonzon

Holly and I met around 2012 through a mutual facebook friend; we were both interested in anime and cosplay and really hit it off as internet friends until one day we realized we actually lived in the same neighborhood (talk about meant to be!). We grew even closer after bonding over similar life events and mental health struggles, always keeping each other afloat through it all. Holly is one of the most sincere, honest, reliable, and creative people I know. She has a Bachelors in psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and currently works as an office administrator at Infinite Solutions Behavioral Services.

Holly Chamberlin

Groomsmen

Jacob is one of my oldest and most trusted friends, as the two of us met all the way back in elementary school. After a brief middle school feud, Jacob and I reunited at Tallwood High School and even roomed together at William &amp; Mary. Based out of South Carolina with his partner Jordan Strawbridge, Jacob is now the Crew Leader for the Upstate Trail Corps of the Upstate Greenways &amp; Trails Alliance (UGATA).

Jacob Macnab

Brendan &amp; I first crossed paths in our freshman year at Tallwood High School, all the way back in 2013, and grew close over a shared nerdiness for history. We have remained close friends since, bonding over board games, protest marches, and even a trip to Germany. Armed with a repertoire of knowledge on infectious diseases and medicine, Brendan is currently a Critical Care Transport Nurse for MedStar, and lives in Washington D.C. with his partner Kelsey Murray.

Brendan Shull

Kane is my long-time best friend and we've gone through countless trials and tribulations together, ranging from the aisles of Kmart to the UFC gym's octagon. We once would have to walk 30 minutes to Burger King just to find something to do growing up - and now we're both getting married within a two month span; Kane and his wife Vyctoria were married this November. Together, we founded Valor Fight Team, a mixed martial arts league aimed at teaching our friends how to fight.

Kane Gress

Through the complicated magic of Icelandic family, Valdimar is technically my uncle, but we both consider ourselves cousins (because he’s younger than me). He was proud to be responsible for my first case of COVID after taking him out clubbing in Reykjavik. Valdimar is Iceland's #3 ranked golfer and was pre-selected for their Olympic team before a hamstring injury sidelined his plans.

Valdimar Ólafsson

Wedding Party

Q + A

We have a block reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn in Glen Allen, which is 11 minutes from the venue. If you're looking for alternative hotels, there's also the Hyatt House Richmond/Short Pump and the Hyatt Place Richmond/Innsbrook, which are closer to Short Pump Town Center, a great indoor/outdoor mall for shopping.

Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Innsbrook

We don't have rooms blocked off here, but it's a good option if you're interested in shopping while you're in town.

Hyatt House Richmond / Short Pump

We don't have rooms blocked off here, but it's another good option if you're interested in shopping while you're in town.

Hyatt Place Richmond/Innsbrook

Travel

Richmond Ice Zone - Ice SkatingPublic Skating Lace up your skates and take advantage of the many opportunities weekly the Richmond Ice Zone has to offer for Public Ice Skating. Ice Skating at the Ice Zone is one the most affordable forms of entertainment and exercise available in the Capital Region.&nbsp;Grab your friends, family, co-workers, or come on out yourself and enjoy skating at the&nbsp;Richmond Ice Zone. Skates are available to rent. Richmond Ice Zone offers discounts for groups and parties,

SkateNation Plus

Short Pump Town Center is an open-air shopping mall located in the Short Pump census-designated place of unincorporated Henrico County, Virginia on West Broad Street, approximately 1 mile west of I-64, exit 178A/B. Short Pump Town Center is home to many restaurants and stores including Macy's and Dillard's.

Short Pump Town Center

The Richmond Funnybone Comedy Club & Restaurant

Drive Shack is your entertainment and event headquarters in Richmond, VA. Located just 20 minutes from downtown Richmond, Drive Shack’s one-of-a-kind experience combines a high-tech golf driving range and games with an upscale sports bar atmosphere. We’re also one of the best places to eat in the Richmond, VA area, featuring a full menu of chef-inspired food and drinks—perfect for you and your crew or as a venue for your next event.

Billie & Noah

Billie & Noah

Photos

April 01, 2018

August 01, 2018

February 20, 2019

August 02, 2019

May 01, 2020

October 01, 2020

May 22, 2021

May 22, 2021

July 01, 2021

March 01, 2022

September 09, 2022

July 20, 2023

July 27, 2023

November 26, 2023