How and when did you meet?

Zach and I met at a Starbucks in Charlottesville about 3 years before the wedding. We had some mutual friends and were both just looking to meet new people in the area. He was working as a police officer and I was newly enrolled in graduate school. The first time we met, we actually closed down the Starbucks! We talked for over 3 hours…

Tell us a little about the proposal!

Rachel was coming home from a conference early to spend some time with Zach and his family, but also to attend a local wine festival. We had plans to go to a nice dinner with Zach’s friend on that Saturday night. When we got there, he let me know his friends “couldn’t make it, but he still wanted to take me out.” I actually believed him. After dinner, he asked if I wanted to go walk down by the river by his parent’s house, so I said yes. When we pulled up to the location, there were candles lighting up the pier and a table with chairs next to some wine. I knew something was going on at that point and started to put all the pieces together. We walked out onto the pier and his best friend snapped some secret photos. He said a few kind words and then got down on his knee to ask me to marry him. I obviously said yes! (And no… he didn’t drop the ring through the slits on the pier like his mom said he would.)

About the Wedding Venue, Windows on the Waterway

Owned by Celebrations Catering & Events, Windows on the Waterway is an exclusive waterfront venue on Hilton Head Island. This amazing venue sits along the Intracoastal Waterway with views of Pinckney Island and offers gorgeous sunsets, elegant Southern style, and custom tailored wedding day celebrations. Surrounded by moss draped live oak trees, Windows on the Waterway is the epitome of Southern coastal wedding style.

“We wanted to focus on the natural beauty of the venue…”

What made you choose the locations for your event?

We chose Hilton Head Island because my family is from IL and his family is from VA. The only states to meet half way would be KY or OH, which didn’t seem appealing to us. Our first vacation was to Hilton Head Island, so we thought about having it there and fell in love with the Windows on the Waterway venue early on in our search. We kept comparing other locations to it, regardless of the state, so we knew it was the right location for us.

Describe the vision for your day and if you had a theme

We wanted to focus on the natural beauty of the venue and only enhance it by adding a few small flowers and lighting options.

Tell us the details about your fab dress, shoes & accessories.

I found my dress when shopping in Chicago with my mom and mother-in-law. I liked most of the dresses I was trying on which made things difficult. We told everyone we were getting married on the beach (which didn’t happen) and I wanted to wear something that would be comfortable in that setting. My cousin found a dress that I was skeptical of, but tried on anyway. After adding the straps, I knew it was the one – Yes, I cried!

Highlights of the day or any fun surprises?

Our highlight, other than the whole getting married part, was the first look location and weather. We had a sunny day for the most part when getting ready, but when we got to the first look location, we could see a storm rolling in. Some may think this is a bad thing, but we got some seriously AMAZING photos out of the day. We also had so much fun just taking pictures together. It really was such a happy day for both of us and our families.

“Our highlight, other than the whole getting married part, was the first look location and weather… we could see a storm rolling in. Some may think this is a bad thing, but we got some seriously AMAZING photos out of the day.”

Honeymoon in Charleston, SC

We went up to Charleston for a few days to do some touring while our out of town guests remained in Hilton Head. Mid-week, we came back to just relax on the beach and enjoy some great food in Hilton Head. We really just wanted to relax after all of the excitement and enjoy our time together!

Fabulous Vendors for Rachel & Zach’s Wedding

• Photography: Lisa Mark Staff Photography
• Venue: Windows on the Waterway
• Flowers: Cloudberry & Willow
• Cake: Publix
• Catering: Celebrations Catering
• Entertainment: Double B Entertainment