A Saint Andrews Catholic Church Wedding – Roanoke, Virginia
Francine and Anthony were married on April 28th, 2018 at Saint Andrews Catholic Church and held their sweet reception at the Maridor in Roanoke, Virginia.
I knew when Francine first contacted me, her and Tony would be so madly in love and a breeze to photograph. It’s crazy, because I knew that, but then meeting them in person for the first time during their GORGEOUS snow filled SPRING (you read that right) engagement session (you can find that here), it was that and more! They have that sweet look they share with each other and aren’t afraid to share it in front of others either. Talk about MAGIC!
Moving on to April 28th, their wedding day…ohhhhh those looks and feels were 10 fold!!! It was incredible to be such a part of such a romantic day with them. After their PRECIOUS first look to listening to them exchange vows (Francine TOTALLY crying) and seeing them come back down the aisle hand-in-hand just smiling ear-to-ear. Oh just the BEST!
Such a relaxing and low stress wedding day for these two. I have to say, hands down, we should do it again at least 10 more times! What do y’all think? Haha! Congratulations again you two!! SO happy for you both!!!
P.S. Francine SLIGHTLY altered and wore her MOTHER’S wedding dress!!! Amazing, right?!
Their Love Story
When and where did you both meet?
Francine and Tony met at the end of 2012 when Francine arrived at Roanoke Tower as one of the FAA’s latest ATC Trainees. She was one of a few trainees that had arrived at Roanoke in the last few months and as locals would ask, “Y’all ain’t from around here, are ya?” So it was a little intimidating to meet people. Thankfully, Tony and a few other controllers took pity on the newbies, and invited us to hang out. From there, a friendship was born. One night at the beginning of 2014 we were all supposed to go out for dinner, and conveniently, everyone else backed out except Francine and Tony. We ended up having a great night – but it wasn’t a date! We went on several more “not dates” and finally on February 8th we went on our first actual date!
When did you know he was the one and vice versa?
Tony: Canada 1 or 2, can’t remember which one exactly. But seeing you get along with my friends for an extended period of time and us all enjoying the time together helped me believe I wasn’t making stuff up, being blinded by something else. ** Francine’s contribution about Canada. This is a week long extravaganza every year with about 25 of Tony’s friends to a cabin, on an island, on a lake, in a tiny town in Canada – aka – super unplugged – no cell service, spotty internet, the works…Big time water sports, hard core board game playing, and bonfires galore! Supplemented by lots of beer. It’s pretty great.
Francine: When my family came to visit for Easter, and we had only been dating for 2 months, and he met everyone and hung in there with all our craziness – and between my brothers and I, there’s A LOT!
What is the one thing you both love each other the most for?
Francine: He will have the tough conversations with me. I can say things that come out sounding horrible and he will always listen and try to talk it through. And I can ask his opinion on anything and he will give it honestly but without judgment. He never makes me feel like my worries are unimportant.
Tony: Our shared values and similar backgrounds that make being together easy.
How did he propose?
At the end of 2016, Tony asked Francine if she wanted to go on a trip to Puerto Rico squeezed in between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We had traveled a lot that year, and she was reluctant since she knew there would be more traveling over the holidays. But he convinced her. We would just go and relax – maybe explore in the rainforest and definitely lounge at the beach. Little did Francine know, Tony had big plans! So on December 15 we hiked up to a lookout tower in the rainforest with a beautiful 360 degree view. At some point while we were taking it all in, Tony turned, hugged Francine, and totally surprised her by asking, “Do you want to get married?” For a few seconds she was speechless! Somehow she got out a, “Yes!”, and in between a few more hugs and kisses he managed to put the ring on! We made it back down the mountain, and Francine didn’t lose the ring in the process – phew! – we were both very concerned about that! And the rest is history!
Photographer: Heather Chipps Photography
Second Photographer: Thomas Wells Photography
Ceremony: St. Andrew’s Roman Catholic Church
Reception Venue and Catering: The Maridor
Florals: Gloriosa
Hair and Makeup: Rose Agee Co and GLAMHOUSE Day Spa
DJ: Quest Entertainment
Cake: Willow Pond Bakery
Wedding Dress: Mother’s Dress altered by family friend, Lori
Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal
Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Warehouse
Invitations: Tulaloo
Wedding Bands: My Irish Jeweler
