She walked out onto the patio at Hazelwood Weddings. Her mom straightened her train and fluffed her veil. On the other side of the patio her groom, back turned, waited. When everything was perfectly arranged, she walked carefully toward him, reached out a hand, and laid it on his shoulder. He turned and gasped. She was a vision with a million dollar smile. As the tears flowed from both of them, Chantelle reached lovingly up, wiped Drew’s tears, and stepped into his arms: his bride.
College sweethearts, Chantelle and Drew first met their freshman year at Messiah College. He thought she was cute; she didn’t pay much attention to him. Not at first, anyway. But, a few days later, Drew asked a mutual friend for her contact information and immediately messaged her. He asked her on a date; she said “yes”; things just kept progressing from there. Two and a half years later as they began their final year at Messiah, Drew planned a special date. Chantelle wasn’t necessarily expecting anything that day (how was she to know that he’d been hanging onto a certain ring for the last two months?), but she did take a little extra time dressing up just in case. They went to their favorite restaurant, enjoyed a delicious dinner, and then Drew asked if she wanted to explore a new park he’d recently “found.”
As they wandered through the park, they rounded a corner where Chantelle saw candles flickering and rose petals. Afraid to interrupt someone’s special moment, Chantelle grabbed Drew and said, “Stop!! This is FOR SOMEONE!!” Instead of turning away, however, Drew knelt down, and Chantelle realized that the “someone” was actually her. She said “yes.” 🙂
Chantelle and Drew exchanged vows a couple of weeks ago on a rainy autumn morning at Hazelwood Weddings near Gettysburg, PA. It. Was. Perfect. They shared personal vows they’d each written for one another during their first look, and this moment was genuinely the most beautiful moment I’ve ever witnessed at a wedding. I have no idea what they said, but I couldn’t stop tearing up just seeing the love on each of their faces. And the fact that their parents stood around them while they exchanged these personal vows? It was stunning. A brand new marriage flanked by two 30+ year marriages. What a legacy of love.
Chantelle and Drew, you guys have a relationship that can only be described as meant to be. It is so clear to me that the Lord brought you together and that He has incredible plans for your life together. I cannot wait to see these plans unfold! No matter what the days or the years hold, know that together you can not only conquer anything but also find joy in it. I wish you every blessing this life has to offer!
Chantelle and Drew’s gorgeous autumn day at Hazelwood Weddings was brought to you by an incredible team of vendors. As the venue, Hazelwood Weddings hosted the day, and Deb Ayers of Taryn Blake Events planned and coordinated the day to perfection. Storytellers Films captured and created a wedding video that I know Chantelle and Drew will cherish forever. Olive and Orange created the most stunning florals you could ever dream up, and the bride was absolutely gorgeous in her Lovely Bride Philadelphia dress. Hair and makeup were expertly styled by Ava Jordan Designs, and Moore Desserts by Julie and Sweet Velvet Macarons created desserts that were beautiful and delicious. Andrew of Complete Weddings and Events DJ’d the reception and kept the party going the whole time. Groom and Groomsmen images taken by my talented and amazing second shooter, Elsa Judkins Photography. All other images are mine.
It was truly an honor to celebrate Drew and Chantelle at their Hazelwood Weddings wedding day. Oh! And, Chantelle? Check your email– it’s also Gallery Delivery Day!!
September 29, 2021
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