Virginia Bride features weddings weekly on the blog. Being featured on the blog does not necessarily mean being featured in the print magazine.
FIANCÉE: Kristi Jenkins, 26, Registered Nurse
FIANCÉ: Tracy Whitaker, 25, Lineman for Electrical Company
CURRENT RESIDENCE: Gloucester, VA
DATE: June 5, 2023
VENUE:
Proposal: Machicomoco State Park, Gloucester, Virginia
Engagement Photography Session: Little England Farm, Hayes, Virginia
LOVE STORY
Tracy and Kristi’s love story is a unique and picturesque tale that feels like it’s straight out of a movie script. They’ve been part of each other’s lives since high school, growing up in the charming community of Gloucester, Virginia. Their shared experiences and mutual friends have woven a rich tapestry of memories. But it wasn’t until four years after they tossed their graduation caps into the air that they discovered a deeper connection, making their story truly one of a kind.
Their first official date arrived on a warm August evening in 2020 and was nothing short of magical. Kristi fondly remembers stepping into Juan’s Mexican restaurant, that cozy spot in Gloucester where the tantalizing aroma of spicy salsa filled the air. “It was a very casual night,” she recalls, smiling at the memory. “We caught up on everything we’d missed in each other’s lives. It felt like no time had passed at all.”
After sharing the last bite of guacamole, the night didn’t end there. Excitement bubbling over, they met up with some of their mutual friends, transforming what could have been just another dinner into a delightful reunion filled with laughter and nostalgia. In that moment, it became clear that their connection was rekindled, setting the stage for a beautiful love story to unfold.
About a month into their whirlwind romance, a magical moment arrived when Tracy took a deep breath and uttered those life-altering words: “Kristi, I love you.” The moment hung in the air, electric with anticipation. Before Kristi could respond, she immediately reached out and said it back. “My heart soared!” she exclaimed. Kristi had been holding her breath, waiting for the perfect moment to express her feelings, and there it was, like a gift falling into her lap.
From the very beginning, Kristi was drawn to Tracy’s vibrant personality. “It felt as if we were two halves of the same whole, our traits weaving together seamlessly,” Kristi shared. “And let’s not forget his incredible sense of humor! We’ve been together for four years and he always makes me laugh. Not a single day has gone by without his jokes or playful antics bringing a smile to my face. I believe our laughter has been the secret ingredient keeping our love alive and thriving.”
Tracy said, “I truly love everything about Kristi. I especially appreciate her laid-back personality, how easily we get along, and her cooking. When we first started dating, it felt like we had always been best friends. We have always supported each other to strengthen our relationship and help ourselves grow.”
PROPOSAL
On a crisp autumn day, October 28, 2022, love blossomed beautifully at Machicomoco State Park in Gloucester. Tracy had meticulously planned this moment, choosing a stunning setting to make it unforgettable. Kristi looked radiant in her knee-length, fall-colored floral print dress, perfectly complemented by her tan cowgirl boots. Tracy matched her vibe with stylish tan jeans and an olive shirt, effortlessly reflecting the warm tones of the season.
Just a week prior, they had captured some fantastic moments during a photo session with their longtime photographer and friend, Makayla. When Makayla contacted Kristi about doing another shoot for her portfolio, Kristi couldn’t resist. Excited yet nervous, she convinced Tracy to join her for more photos. Although Tracy seemed less than enthusiastic at first, he ultimately agreed to go along to make her happy.
Little did Kristi know, Tracy had already planned the entire session with Makayla as a backdrop for his heartfelt proposal. As they posed under a canopy of vibrant fall leaves, Tracy dropped to one knee and popped the question, surprising Kristi and capturing a moment she would cherish forever.
Accompanying the beautiful proposal was a stunning 2-carat cushion-cut halo ring set in platinum, a token of his love that sparkled as brightly as the joy in Kristi’s eyes. These photographs captured their love story and sealed a moment forever in their hearts.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION
Tracy’s proposal photos were a stunning celebration of love, beautifully capturing the essence of autumn with their moody atmosphere. However, with her spring wedding approaching, she envisioned a brighter, more vibrant backdrop for their save-the-dates and invitations. The setting for their engagement shoot was nothing short of magical: Little England Farm, a picturesque property owned by a family friend near Gloucester.
Standing amidst the breathtaking views of the farm, Kristi felt it was the perfect canvas for their love story. “I wanted to encapsulate the magic of our relationship, surrounded by the beauty of nature and that’s exactly what we did,” she shared, her excitement shining through. The stunning landscape elevated their photos, making them incredibly captivating and resonating with warmth and joy.
Dressed to impress, Kristi wore a charming blue and white striped dress from Up South, a delightful local boutique in Gloucester. Paired with chic white sandals, she was the embodiment of springtime elegance. For her second look, Kristi switched to a lovely white midi dress from The Pink Lemon, a gem of a shop in Kilmarnock, VA. She completed the outfit with tan sandals that echoed the season’s warmth.
On the other hand, Tracy showcased his style throughout the shoot. For his first outfit, he donned a crisp white Ralph Lauren polo paired with baby blue shorts, perfectly capturing a relaxed yet polished vibe. In his second outfit, he opted for a more sophisticated look with khaki pants and a stylish button-down dress shirt from Southern Tide, effortlessly balancing casual and classy.
Together, they created a joyful collection of memories that marked their engagement and set the tone for their upcoming spring celebration. This enchanting shoot at Little England Farm was more than just a photo session; it provided a heartfelt glimpse into their blooming love story, which was ready to flourish!
STOCK THE BAR PARTY
“We didn’t have an engagement party, said Kristi. We organized an even better event: a “Stock the Bar” party. I can’t recommend this enough to anyone preparing for their big day. It turned out to be a game-changer for us. Not only did we save a significant amount of money on alcohol but our family and friends came through for us. Their generosity helped us create an impressive bar setup that we loved! The event turned into an unforgettable gathering filled with laughter and good spirits. If you’re planning a wedding, consider this idea—it’s both practical and a fantastic way to bring everyone together!”
ADVICE
Kristi said, “enjoy every moment! Time goes by quickly, and you can’t relive those special times. I loved planning my wedding. Reflecting on the past evokes a delightful blend of happiness and nostalgia. So, take a deep breath, embrace the chaos, and enjoy this amazing journey together!”
WEDDING
On a beautiful spring day, April 27, 2024, love blossomed at the enchanting Malden Hill Venue in Aylett, Virginia. A joyful couple exchanged vows in the presence of 170 cherished guests. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, love, and heartfelt moments, making it a celebration to remember.
After a dreamy ceremony, the newlyweds set off on their honeymoon adventure, embarking on a luxurious cruise to the stunning shores of the Bahamas, the picturesque Virgin Islands and the vibrant St. Maarten.
Bride IG: _kwhittt
VENDORS
VENUE: Little England Farm
https://www.instagram.com/littleenglandfarm1716
PHOTOGRAPHY: Mak’s Captured Moments
https://www.instagram.com/makscapturedmoments
RING: Jared
https://www.instagram.com/jaredjewelers
RESTAURANT:
Juan’s Mexican
Gloucester, Virginia
WEDDING VENUE: Malden Hill Venue
https://www.instagram.com/maldenhillvenue
ATTIRE:
Up South LLC
Gloucester, VA
The Pink Lemon
Kilmarnock, VA
Jack Rogers
Ralph Lauren
Southern Tide
Sperry
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
