Middle school is a rough and awkward time for pretty much everyone — not exactly where you expect to meet your soulmate. But anything can happen! Annapolis natives Lindsay and Austin became friends in the eighth grade. Though they remained friends throughout the years, their romance didn’t begin until Lindsay’s junior year of college.
Austin was on his way to Wyoming (to work as a wrangler on a ranch!) and he stopped in Blacksburg to see Lindsay. For some reason, things just “clicked” and their relationship seemed different all of a sudden. Lindsay flew out West that summer to visit, and when Austin returned East in the fall, those warm, fuzzy feelings were still there. They’ve been together ever since!
After four years of dating, Austin took Lindsay to their favorite Italian restaurant. During their post-dinner stroll, they stopped to rest on a bench and Austin slyly opened his hand to reveal an engagement ring!
The lovebirds had purchased a fixer-upper home and decided to do as much fixing-up as possible during their 7-month engagement in order to have their wedding in their backyard! For their relaxed, outdoor event, Lindsay chose a loose palette of greens and browns.
Lindsay contacted The Green Kangaroo with an idea for a custom design; she’d been referred by her good friend, a previous custom-design customer and Uniquely You featured bride, Sharon.
She envisioned a whimsical, slightly abstract tree and the Design Team crafted the graphic and used the Square Folio Pocket as the base for their invitation.
On June 12, 2010, Lindsay and Austin’s friends and family gathered under a tent in their backyard… to avoid an [of course, unplanned] summer storm! The ceremony was supposed to occur out in the open air, but the stubborn weather forced the whole event to occur within the reception area.
“I was a little bummed that things didn’t go accordingly to plan, but I think it was a blessing in disguise because the rain made the hot temperature much more bearable, and also eliminated our possible bug issue! And luckily, my mom and I had found green umbrellas at the last minute – you know, just in case it rained!”
The reception decor complimented Lindsay’s vision beautifully. From the burlap tablecloths, string lights and mason jar glasses to the lime-and-votive centerpieces, it was the picture of a sweet and homey outdoor affair! She also ordered programs and place cards to match her custom invitations.
While the newlyweds obviously had a lovely time on their big day, they were extremely relieved once it was all over! Nearly everything involved in the wedding was DIY, so after all those projects and the home renovations, Lindsay and Austin were overjoyed to leave it all behind and spend their honeymoon secluded in a Smoky Mountains cabin!
These days, the happily married couple is still renovating their home… that is, when they’re not chasing after their almost-2-year-old son, Hunter! Lindsay is at Virginia Tech again, working towards a doctorate in Animal and Poultry Sciences and Austin serves on the Virginia Tech police force. (Something tells me Hunter’s going to be a Hokie one day!)
If you’d like us to feature your unique event, please email us at blog@theamericanwedding.com.
