Real Virginia Weddings: Christen & William

December 22, 2021 1304 views

This week’s real Virginia wedding comes from Roanoke, where Christen and William tied the knot in September, with loved ones gathered close by.

The pair met at a conference for work, in Charlotte, NC. “During the day, I went to his presentation, then at the social that night, we were formally introduced. After the social ended, we hung out with a group of people at uptown. We stayed out way too late and ended up going to grab breakfast around 3 am. The next day, my flight didn’t leave until the evening. I didn’t have any plans, or Will’s phone number. While packing up at my hotel, I saw a LinkedIn message from Will pop-up with his phone number. I texted him and we ended up spending the whole day together.”

For their first date, they went to Cabo Fish Taco for lunch, the day after the meeting when they met. “After lunch, Will showed me around the cute neighborhoods in Charlotte, then took me to a brewery for a beer flight before my flight home to Orlando.”

The Scoop

Bride: Christen, 30, GIS Coordinator, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority

Groom: William, 38, Senior Solution Engineer, Esri

Wedding date: September 18, 2021

Number of guests: 98

“On September 18th, 2021, William and Christen were married by William’s Father, Timothy Meyers. The wedding was held at Hotel Roanoke, where Timothy’s sister, Mary DeBonis, was married 35 years earlier. Growing up in Virginia, the Meyers Family would frequent the Hotel because of their membership and association with Norfolk Southern. Even though Christen was born and raised in Orlando, FL, they knew having the wedding at Hotel Roanoke would be the perfect place to start their lives together.”

In honor of their first date, the rehearsal dinner was held at Cabo Fish Taco in Roanoke. “Although it was low key, it was perfect for the couple as it took them back to their first date.”

Their travel-themed wedding was filled with compasses, globes, and suitcase décor. “The Hotel set up a small children’s area, that was filled will giant pillows, kids passports, stickers of various countries, and travel coloring books. Christen’s nine year old daughter, and all her friends, loved this area.”

“Although William’s mother is no longer with us, her presence was felt throughout the day. Dianne Tatum Meyers previously made a veil for another wedding in the family, which Christen wore on her wedding day. A charm with her on it was worn on William’s tie throughout the ceremony. There was a special seat reserved and dedicated to her as well.”

“During the wedding ceremony, Timothy Meyers officiated. In his homily, he had everyone from their family stand up to show the roots of the Meyers and Tatum families in Virginia. Family members from Salem, Harrisonburg, Roanoke, Richmond, and Martinsville were all present. William’s 90 year old grandma was even in attendance.”

“The wedding took place just after the spike of the coronavirus delta variant. When they were initially looking at wedding venues in Virginia, the maximum number of people that could attend was limited to 10 by the governor. Christen and William almost considered postponing the wedding, but ultimately decided that they would keep their original wedding date. Luckily, with time, the number had increased so they could have their wedding.”

“Christen’s dress was a mermaid style with beads and lace. Although Williams Mother, Dianne Tatum Meyers, is no longer with us, she had previously made a veil for another wedding in the family, which Christen wore on her wedding day. A charm with her on it was worn on William’s tie throughout the ceremony.”

“We wanted colors that reflect us. I am very into neutrals, and Will is very into blues. The dusty rose complimented the navy perfectly without being too much.”

“The wedding was held at Hotel Roanoke, where Will’s Aunt Mary DeBonis, was married 35 years earlier. Growing up in Virginia, the Meyers Family would frequent the Hotel because of their membership and association with Norfolk Southern. The Meyers family also attended many high school dances at Hotel Roanoke, in the same ballroom as the wedding reception.”

“William’s Grandma, who was 90 years old, was able to attend the wedding. Although she was in a wheelchair, she was out on the dance floor a majority of the night.”

“Will and I both work with Maps and Mapping software. For his career, he travels frequently, flying throughout the southeast. I knew a travel theme would be appropriate, especially because they met at a mapping conference. The guest book was set up as a ‘Passport photo station’ where people would take their photos instead of just signing. Compasses with tags were used for seating chart mementos. ‘Pre-flight beverages’ were served during the cocktail hour, and “baggage claim” included small suitcases filled with candy for party favors.”