Courtney + Nic

Some love stories feel like they’ve been in the making for years, waiting for the right moment to appear. For Courtney and Nic, that moment came in the form of a simple lunch invitation to one of Roanoke's local favorites, Village Grill- a small town spot where conversations linger and time slows down.

Though they’d shared mutual friends their whole lives, their paths had never crossed until Nic reached out. What was supposed to be a casual meal turned into over three hours of effortless conversation. “I was immediately attracted to Nic’s desire to learn more about me with his intentional questions and beautiful blue eyes,” Courtney remembers. Nic felt it too-  “We never felt like strangers. I instantly knew I wanted to get to know Courtney more.”

Why Sunnybrook?

For Courtney and Nic, choosing Sunnybrook felt like coming home. It was close for both families, and the Boxwood Gardens offered exactly what they envisioned for their ceremony-  an outdoor space surrounded by blooms, with the peace of knowing there were beautiful rain plan B options.

The venue also carried family history-  Courtney’s brother had got married there years before. Initially, she worried about comparisons. But from the first tour, the Sunnybrook team assured her this would be their day, unique to their love story. 

A Spring Celebration

Planning began quickly after their May 2024 engagement. While prime dates were already booking fast, they knew they wanted a spring wedding- warm enough for an outdoor ceremony, but not sweltering. May held special meaning for Courtney: family birthdays, annual beach trips, and now, their engagement.

Their color palette reflected the season- soft whites, blush pinks, and dusty blues accented with violet for a fresh pop. Bridesmaids wore dusty blue gowns, while groomsmen donned navy suits with matching ties. Lindsey Ann Florals brought it all to life with arrangements that were elegant, timeless, and filled with seasonal blooms.

Details That Mattered

The wedding day itself flowed seamlessly-  beginning with a heartfelt ceremony and leading into a joyful reception filled with laughter, dancing, and the occasional photo booth snapshot.

But the most touching moment came after the toasts. Courtney took the microphone to welcome guests and share her gratitude. She surprised Nic’s grandfather (“Paw”) with a public thank-you for the engagement ring and wedding bands he had given them- treasures from his 70 year marriage to his late wife. Nic had the engagement diamond placed in a new setting to pair with the original wedding band, creating the perfect symbol of their love and the love that came before them.

Courtney also honored her mother, who had been a steadfast supporter through every chapter of her life. “She always pushed me to be the bigger person,” Courtney said. “She’s one of the reasons I knew Nic was the one- she’s always loved him like her own.”

A Personal Touch

One of the most memorable elements of the day came in the form of handwritten notes. Courtney and Nic wrote an individualized letter to each of their guests, thanking them for their role in their journey. As dinner began, they watched loved ones read the words meant just for them- a quiet, shared moment of connection before the evening turned into celebration.

Advice for Other Couples

Courtney, self-proclaimed “Type A,” offers this wisdom: “Try not to get hung up on the little details. Be prepared, but don’t fixate. Keep dating each other during the process and make your relationship the priority. The wedding is just one day-  your marriage is the rest of your life.”

Happily Ever After

From that first Village Grill lunch to a golden sunrise proposal and an unforgettable spring wedding, Courtney and Nic’s story is a testament to timing, intentional love, and the quiet magic of knowing when you’ve found your person. Sunnybrook was simply the backdrop — the real beauty came from the way they honored each other, their families, and everyone who had walked alongside them on their journey.