
Gosh, what a weekend celebrating one of my dearest friends. If you would have told me a year ago that Hope would get married on October 30 I’m not sure I would believe you. But of course she did. Of course it was Clayton. Of course it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Of course we all wept. Of course she did.
Because of Hope, I am who I am. Because of her friendship I’ve always had someone to dream big with me. She is truly a gift and blesses every single person she meets. If you know Hope, you know exactly what I mean. A weekend dedicated to celebrating her is a grand weekend indeed.
I flew in Friday night for the most divine dinner at Butcher and Bee where we had the pleasure of saying, “we’ll take one of everything!”
We went around the table and one by one said how we met Hope and our first memory. I finally got to put faces with names and stories that Hope has told me through the years. What a group.
After dinner it was back to the Airbnb to consume every Trader Joe treat and pop the champagne.
Saturday morning I met up with dear friends from Clemson. Shoutout to Ellie and Meriwether for the best coffee date and walk. Familiar faces in new places is always a gift.
The rest of Saturday we helped set up the reception venue, I went on another coffee date with Katie, and ended the evening with the Clemson game.
Wedding day morning means wedding day breakfast. It was complete with little H+C coffee cups, mini chicken and waffles, a divine parfait bar, avocado toast, and mimosas. It was all a dream.
It was such a gift to pray over our sweet Hope and there was hugs all around.
You, Hope, are a true beauty and are dearly loved.
The weather was absolutely perfect, the trees showed off their fall colors, and the park looked stunning.
While setting up the benches we met this little MINIATURE PIG. So now are several pictures of Caroline, the pig, and myself.
As Hope walked down the aisle, we all lost it, including this guy. My heart about exploded out of my chest watching his reaction. He loves her so well.
Their love is so evident and tangibly real.
A little laughter at Hope’s journal post back in 2010 explaining she was never going to let go of a friend like Clayton. I’m sure glad you kept to your word, Hope.
The most beautiful Mr. and Mrs.
You mean the world to me Hope and what a honor it was to be a part of your wedding day. You are stunning.
Another highlight of the weekend was spending time with this dear friend. A little over a year ago I knew Hope was moving to Nashville and Meriwether lived there as well. I just knew they were kindred spirits and did the whole “Meriwether meet Hope, Hope meet Meriwether” thing. Praise Him from whom all blessings flow that this friendship worked out! Meriwether, you are a treat, and I love that the adventures of Murry and Curry continue on.
The reception venue, Peter Nappi, was INCREDIBLE. Pictures don’t do it justice.
What a crew.
I’m so beyond grateful that this picture is a thing.
A few weeks ago when Ben and I were in Roanoke I found some old boxes. As I sifted through, I realized an entire box was dedicated to Hope. It had letters, gifts, books, cards, pictures, crafts, and diaries from when we were 12 to now. As I read several letters and pulled out pictures a rush of memories and smiles came over me. That memory box is so dear to my heart. As once written by our 12 year old selves in our first attempted book together, “Our friendship has lasted less than a year so far, but we have still shared a lifetime of joys! As you can see, we didn’t plan to be friends… it just happened and it was obviously meant to be!”
Lets add this to the memory box. Here’s to you, Mrs. Hope Chambers.
Ah! amazing. Read the whole thing.