By Terry Meadows

Austin and Taylor hail from the close-knit community of Bristow, VA, and have made their home in the neighboring town of Manassas. Despite growing up a mere five minutes apart and circulating within overlapping social circles, their paths surprisingly never crossed until 2015. It was during Taylor's sophomore year and Austin's junior year in high school when destiny decided it was time for their stories to intertwine.

The setting for their first encounter was the high school gym, buzzing with the excitement of the wrestling season's opening day. Austin, with his leadership role as the team captain, and Taylor, stepping in as the team manager with an eye on the upcoming lacrosse season, were brought together by their shared commitment to sports. Austin jokingly claims it was love at first sight for him, although Taylor playfully disputes the immediacy of that sentiment.

As the season progressed, their interactions grew from casual, practice-related exchanges to more personal conversations, sparking a connection beyond the wrestling mat. Their friendship deepened, leading to their first date, which coincidentally fell on Taylor's 16th birthday. They chose an Irish Pub named Grafton Street for their celebratory meal, followed by a cozy movie night at Austin's house, where they watched "Land of the Lost," adding a touch of humor to their romantic evening.

Their journey from high school friends to a deeply committed partnership stands as a testament to their enduring affection, setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness together.

The Engagement

Downtown Leesburg

"We could really focus on making our day special and enjoying the wedding planning process rather than have to haggle with vendors a coordinate with a bunch of different people."

The Rehearsal

Dinner: Rigatoni and Meatballs | Cannolis

"As soon as we got to the venue the Friday before our wedding everything was taken care of and we didn’t lift a finger until Sunday when we were back home. "

Brooke’s Bridal

Joseph A Bank

Dresses by Azazie | Suits by Joseph A Bank

"We got married in the fall so the colors of the woods were stunning and added to the classic, elegant feel we wanted for our day. "

The Ceremony

Processional Music: Taylor - One Less Lonely Girl | Austin - Prayed for You

The Reception

Dinner: Smoked Brisket with Duck Fat Roast Potatoes and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese | Donuts

Vanilla and Buttercream

What advice would you give to other wedding couples?

"Just book it. It’s worth every penny. Take everything one step at a time. The staff and crew at Zion will not let your wedding fail. And when in doubt don’t be afraid to ask Laura, she’ll handle it. I PROMISE. "

Celebrating Your Special Day at Zion Springs

If you're feeling motivated and keen to explore potential ideas for your ideal wedding, we encourage you to check out our Real Weddings stories on our Answers and Advice page. In this space, you'll find a range of distinct and memorable celebrations that have taken place at Zion Springs as well as information on our catering and lodging services. As an all-inclusive wedding venue, our goal is to simplify the wedding planning process for you, enabling you to concentrate on the most important aspect - celebrating your "best day ever."

All photos in this article are courtesy of Zion Springs' in-house photographer.