My heart skipped a beat as I pulled into the driveway of the beautiful Pavilion at Weatherly Farm. This stunning estate is perfectly nestled on the shore of the Potomac River, offering panoramic views in every direction. With a newly renovated bridal suite and amazing services and hosts, this venue really is a dream! They truly helped make Jillian and Alan’s wedding day magical.

One Couple, two weddings, one the ground and in the sky. No this isn’t the start of a Dr. Seuss story book but the amazing description of Pam and Matt’s wedding day! When Pam and Matt first told me about their plans, I was giddy with excitement for them. I love seeing couples get creative and do non-traditional, fun things on their wedding day! So when Pam and Matt told me that they were going to have two ceremonies, a quick legal exchange in VA, then rush across the border to Maryland for a second ceremony for a hot air balloon wedding in the sky, I knew this was going to be a special day!

No this was not the big wedding Lucy and Luke had originally planned. Not only did COVID-19 completely postpone their original date, but then the threat of forecasted heavy rains all day didn’t make anything easy. These two banded together and with their closest family and friends to plan and organize the perfect intimate wedding. Their wedding was complete with a handmade floral arch, a puppy ring bearer, and a zoom broadcasted ceremony.

They say the first year of marriage can be the hardest. Though I’m not quite sure who ‘They’ is, I can contest that the first year of marriage is usually a big adjustment for most couples. But some couples have more obstacles than others. Like 800 miles worth of obstacles! Yep, you read that right, 8000 miles! Can you imagine being married and celebrating the greatest moment of your life and a month later, saying goodbye to that love for a whole year?? I can’t! But that is exactly the situation our next PHOTO’S FOR HEROES winners, Greg and Krystle Miller, found themselves in a little over a year ago. Their love story is just like a fairy-tale filled with fables of true bravery, a noble quest, perseverance and above all else, love!

In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic it is easy to be scared, anxious, and lonely. We have all shut ourselves away from the world physically, cut off from our family and friends, longing for the day we get to reemerge into society. Our separation puts into focus what matters and what we hold most dear. I am longing for the day I get to hug my mom and dad again.