Samantha
&
Eric

All Things Christmas

Our first trip to Chirstmastown at Busch Gardens!  This is where Eric really got to experience the full scale of Sam’s Christmas spirit for the first time.  It was inspiring for him to see someone so filled of joy, though he wasn’t too thrilled about the crowds and the off-seasoned warm temperatures, he was a great sport.

“Dream Big,” she said

This is the second time Eric came to see Samantha at the farm but the first time he got to see the families humble lavender fields, before major expansions and renovation.  Sam’s mom was painting the picture of whats to come in her vision for the land. Eric began to  experience just how big this family can dream and apply that mental vision to reality.

First Kiss

This black and white photo is the same time as the picture above but from a different perspective.  This is when Sam took Eric to go see “tree impossible”.  Putting proof into the power of the families dream and a first kiss.  This is now where a 1600 sqft deck nestles around the special tree.

Charlie’s first trip to the farm

This picture holds a cherished memory between the couple, this is where they brought together two of their respective loves together for the first time.  Eric, bringing his adorable son Charlie, and Sam showing him her animals and sharing her undoubtable love for them.  This is also Charlie’s first time on a horse- Sam’s beloved “Petey” or as Sam would refer to him  “Petey the Paint”.

A little steamy

This steamy photo (or at least the weather certainly was) is one of Eric showing his true love for Samantha- compromising for two things he does not enjoy- the heat of the southern summers/ its acquaintance- 100% humidity and the act of scooping horse shit.  Truth be told though, he enjoyed it- the time with Sam, and the “getting to know the ropes” or I guess you could say  “lead rope”- while learning new skills.  We share this picture in loving memory of Sam’s horse.  Though this sentient being was indescribably more than a horse to Sam, she heartbreakingly had to lay her best friend to rest in September of 2021.

Hiking, Pictures and Good Food

This picture was a whirlwind of a trip for the couple to Asheville, North Carolina.  This also happened to be their first trip together and they…let’s say- got to learn a lot about each other the entire time.  The two embarked on a 6 hour road trip to a hotel nestled in the mountains.  The emphasis of the trip was for Sam to expand on one of her new found passions-photography.  The climax of the journey being that they got to go on a guided photography tour of hidden waterfalls and even going over the border into Kentucky to get some up close shots of elk.  A long story short- this is where Eric decided to show Sam just how…”funny” he can be.  While at a phenomenal pizza and beer establishment- Eric (who points out the fact that he was wearing western style boots) decides (while..’engaged” in conversation with Sam) to interrupt and states “there’s one thing I need to  before we leave” and slowly gets down in a kneeling fashion and whispers “I need to tie my shoe” then chuckles and heads to the bathroom.  Needless to say, Sam wasn’t exactly thrilled at the joke.  The trip was rewarding with stops at wineries, an  amazing restaurant featured in countless magazines to include Bon Appetit “early girls” and even the North Carolina State Zoo on the way back.

Hey Brother, Pour the Wine

Hey Brother, Pour the Wine! as Dean Martin would say- or A magical first Valentines day- as the couple would embellish.  The two spent a magical evening full of interpersonal surprises at one of Wlliamsburg’s long standing Bed and Breakfasts “The Williamsburg Sampler”.  They lovingly vested the night together, consumed with laughter, flirtation, great steak and fine wine at Opus Steakhouse built in a prime location of Williamsburg’s Newtown.

Who Actually Won?

Sam learns how her Leo lover’s passion for winning outshines the courtesy of love by not allowing her to win, though she claims differently (to who won). Their relationship is the kind of movies and juicy love novels where the two are also best friends. This is a glimpse at how playful competition between the two is common and only plucks at the fine tuned wind instruments of their love.

Our First House

We soon learned the joys of turning a house into a home. We repainted the entire inside of the house with what seemed to be a magical paint that changes colors with every room we painted. This was the start to our home together, new paint, Mickey Mouse fire pit in the back and our families surrounding us with love and support.

Rugby or Football?

For those of you that know Sam, you know that rugby is a far superior sport.  Well Eric thinks differently!  This dedicated “cheese head” has slowly fostered Sam’s tolerance for football.  It has actually been a lot easier as she loves to watch him get thoroughly invested into the game.

WE GOT ENGAGED!

While Christmas day was wildly different for each of us it resulted in a common theme: Love.  Sam had no idea what was about to happen, she fought with her mom to get dressed and even fought with Eric to move the beanie that was covering her eyes.  The speech was so much more than I could ask for but of course I checked yes to marrying my best friend.

Disneyworld!

I had been planning this trip for a full year!   We laughed, talked, sweated so much but above all Sam got to share her love for Disney with Eric in the most magical way possible.  We had a blast from favorite rides to long nights at the parks.  The best was watching every country celebrate New Years Eve in Epcot.

Let the wedding planning begin!

While preparing the gifts for our bridal party we decided to join in on the fun!  Here’s to the Bride and Groom!  We can’t wait to see y’all in January!

Matron of Honor:  Brandie Martens

Intro to Therapeutic Riding gave me one of my closest friends for life.  Brandie and I found out early on that we shared so many of the same passions that our bond was cemented from that first day.

Bridesmaid:  Haley Ward

You never know where you will find your ride-or-die girlfriends.  Hayley and I started out as co-workers, quickly became work besties and I am honored to now call her a life-long friend.

Bridesmaid:  Morgan Smith

Oh where to start…  childhood is probably a good place.  Morgan and I have been friends since kindergarten.  It’s a little crazy to think we have been friends for 24 years (yikes, I just dated us).  Coast to coast, we’ve shared so many memories together.

Bridesmaid:  Katie Smith

My very first best friend!   Katie and I have been friends since Miss. Ballenger’s kindergarten class.  Where one of us went the other one followed.  She is a friend that even though I may not see her for weeks, months, or years our bond is still as strong as ever.

Flower Girl:  Kylee Brewer

Flower Girl:  Aaliyah Battle

Flower Girl:  Louise “Peachy” Mullins

Best Man:  Nikita Booker

Kita and I met as coworkers that developed into a close friendship. He tackles life with a smile and continuously challenges himself whether it is in the gym, the garage, or at work. He keeps me accountable to myself and in conversation he’s never short on humor.

Groomsmen:  Aaron Davie

Cooking professionally is a passion, only truly understood by those dedicated to the craft.  In industry- when you combine one part passion with one part friendship it emulsifies into a brotherhood that I am honored to share with him.

Groomsmen:  Patrick Brewer

PJ is my (little) big brother- naturally kind and full of love. He has been there through all the chapters of my life and in certain ways, I wouldn’t be the man I am today without him.

Groomsmen:  Michael Bannock

Michael is Sam’s brother (in case you could not tell by the picture, or her expiring last name-LOL). As my soon to be brother-in-law I am beyond fortunate to first call him a friend.

Ring Bearer:  Charles Brewer