The Proposal

Cat and Duke’s story started back in 2014, when they met as college freshmen at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. “We quickly became inseparable and loved our time in Norfolk,” Cat says. Fast forward to 2020, and they had built a life together in Richmond, Virginia. The next big milestone is a picture-perfect proposal at Libbie Hill Park.

Cat had a pretty good feeling it was coming. “I definitely had an inkling that Duke was going to propose soon,” she admits. “My sister was trying to coordinate a park day for me, her, and my nephew, and I knew something was up! On top of that, Duke and I had talked so much about getting engaged, so I already knew he was in the process of buying a ring.”

And sure enough, when they arrived at the park on April 6, 2023, the signs were all there. “I immediately saw Duke’s car parked! Then I turned a corner on the sidewalk and saw him waiting with flowers and a photographer. This park has a beautiful overlook of the city, and it was truly a perfect moment!”

And just like that, their next adventure began.

The Wedding

For Cat and Duke, after nearly 10 years together, wedding planning wasn’t about stress—it was about celebrating everything they’d already built. They tied the knot at Common House Richmond, surrounded by family, friends and a whole lot of love. But just before the ceremony? Well, that’s when things took a turn.

Cat’s dress zipper and clasp broke at the worst possible moment. “When putting my dress on right before the wedding, both the clasp and zipper broke! My amazing mom truly saved the day and literally sewed me into my dress. I was ready exactly 1 minute before the ceremony was supposed to start!”

And the first thing Cat couldn’t wait to tell Duke after the ceremony? “I was so eager to tell Duke all about the situation, it was the first thing I told him after the ceremony! He made me forget all about it by comforting me and telling me how amazing I looked!”

With that, all the stress just melted away.

Life After "I Do"

The “yes” moment was all about perfect timing for them. “All the excitement! Feeling contentment, serenity, and pure bliss! I truly felt like everything was in alignment and we were exactly where we needed to be in that moment!”

Over the years, Cat and Duke have grown from college students to life partners. “Our bond and unity has only become stronger since getting engaged and married. Duke and I work so well as a team. We have shared goals for our future together, we communicate so effectively with one another, and always look forward to facing whatever life throws our way. We feel so secure with one another, and know we can conquer anything together,” Cat says.

Love in Three Words

For Cat, their love is “everlasting, supportive, and joyful.” No matter what life throws their way, they know they’re in it together, side by side.

Advice for Future Brides & Grooms

Enjoy the process, be present, and “don’t sweat the small stuff”—that’s Cat’s advice for future couples. She also reminds couples to soak it all in: “There aren't many times in life where we have all our favorite people around us at once, so really living in the moment with our people during bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, and the wedding day really made us cherish every moment” And when things don’t go as planned? Just let it go. “When looking back at some of the hiccups we faced, none of that mattered in the end.” 

And we couldn’t agree more, because at the end of the day, it’s all about the joyful moments you had and the perfect person standing next to you.