It’s not often that you meet two high school sweethearts that make it. A love so strong it stands the test of so many years of growth. Nicole and Ben met their senior year in high school. Although initially their interactions were filled with awkward silences around the cafeteria lunch room, Ben early on saw something different about Nicole and quickly realized that she was a woman worth knowing. He got her number, and by sheer persistence, showed her that he was someone worth knowing, too.

Their love only grew from there, and two months in, Ben’s heart was bursting with affection towards this woman he’d come to call his own. He loved her, and it was time she knew that. So, he initiated in a way that only a truly loving man can. During the intermission of a rain storm, he asked her to go for a walk with him near his home. The sweet smell of wet pavement drifted about the foggy evening air as they strolled towards a nearby pond. All was still as they reached a small dock on the water. Once there, Ben spoke. He expressed just how overjoyed he was to have found the incredible relationship he and Nicole now shared, and then he put his heart on the line and said those magical three words: “I love you.” Overjoyed to know Ben felt the same way she did, Nicole stated them back.

While this story could end here and would be forever sweet on its own, Ben’s plan had not fully come to fruition. Reaching back, he pulled out his phone and played I Don’t Dance by Lee Brice. A song that Nicole had mentioned previously as a song she’d love to dance to with Ben. With the sweet melody filling the space around, they held each other and danced through the moment, savoring this step amongst their journey that was only just beginning.

The next three years flew by. Three years of life and laughter and love culminating in the last day they’d simply call themselves a dating couple. It was Spring Break, May 2018. As they drove up towards the summit of Pikes Peak, a beautiful mountain in Colorado Springs, Nicole had no idea what was about to happen. They reached the top, parked, and after Ben took a few moments to organize the family members present, he led Nicole toward the edge, and asked her to be with him forever. Without hesitation she said yes.

It’s not often that you meet two high school sweethearts that make it… but when you do, you find something special.

The love and joy that Nicole and Ben share is extraordinarily tangible, and it bleeds out into every other part of their life. In fact, it doesn’t seem like anything could rattle the calming peace shared between these two. When a frigid wind persisted most of the wedding day, I can confidently say that it did nothing but enhance the joy felt all throughout the event.

I am happy that I got to see the next stage begin for this couple because I know that I witnessed the birth of something amazing. Nicole. Ben. Good luck my friends. One day I hope we’ll run into each other again, whether that be on the East Coast or the West. You have been a joy to work with from the very beginning, and I am honored to have shared so many laughs with you both. Stay strong, never forgetting that your marriage is something worth battling for. And no matter how long it is till we meet again, know that if you are ever in need of a friend, my door is always open.

SPECIAL THANK TO…

Day of Coordinator – Michelle Radice

Videographer – Weddings by LDF

Florist – IDOOBX Chairs

Cake Artist – Almost Heaven Bakery OBX

DJ –  757 DJ’s

Bridesmaid Dresses – David’s Bridal

Caterer – Currituck BBQ Company

A tender moment between Nicole and her soon to be mother in law.

Nicole’s “Something Old” was provided by her mother in the form of a pin previously owned by Nicole’s late grandmother.

Nicole. Elegance at its finest.

When I get a hold of this pre-ceremony selfie I’ll definitely add it here!

The bridal party was getting really cold amidst the gusts. So, why not do some sprints?

Some photographers don’t like beach weddings, and after seeing the image below, I really don’t understand why?!

Below (left): Her dress had pockets. Enough said.

Thankfully (and regrettably), no one fell into the pool all evening.

Even grandpa was gettin’ down!

See you later friends.