Judy + Cory | Intimate Black Lake Grange Wedding | Olympia, Washington
August 10, 2019
Here’s the thing about a love story; they don’t all start at 17, and not every chapter is about “The One”. Sometimes a love story is a journey of all the different loves that lead you right where you were meant to be all along. Call it fate or luck or grand design, but while Cory and Judy didn’t meet until later in life, they were, without a doubt, meant to find each other. You can see it in the way he lights up when she laughs at his jokes, and the way her gorgeous smile radiates; their pure joy is absolutely infectious, and everyone in their world has taken notice. It’s the type of love that brings people together, a love they’ve always dreamed of.
This intimate Washington wedding was not only was a celebration of their love, but it was also a chance to bring all the people in their world, who live all over the country, together. Their kids and grandkids came. Their life long friends from childhood made the trip. Cory’s brothers and their families came. Aunts, Uncles, cousins, and friends, they were all there. And to top it off, Judy’s siblings were also all able to be together for only the second time in 50-some years. You see, as young children, Judy and her siblings were all adopted to different families. Over the years, Judy and her brothers found each other, and remembered that there was also a baby. That baby was my mom! I am so lucky that they met when they did, because I get to call the beautiful, adventurous, outgoing, lovely Judy my godmother. Now they didn’t see each other much over the past 26 years, but this past year, the 4 of them finally all got together in Florida for a wedding. Fast forward to August, and here we all were in Washington. Together, helping, loving, and having the most wonderful time celebrating Judy and Cory.
The day was filled with so many beautiful details. As their closest friends and family sat in the 108 year old school house where Cory’s Grandmother attended school, surrounded by glowing paper lanterns, beautiful hand made wooden boxes filled with colorful Gerber daisy bouquets, gold jewels, and cards to write your favorite memory on, Judy walked down the aisle at 4:10 in the most beautiful black and champagne wedding dress, with her brother John by her side. The ceremony started at 4:10 because those numbers signify the date they started officially dating. Later in the evening, instead of just having the maid of honor and best man speak, they passed the microphone around the room so someone from each table could share something special with the bride and groom. Without fail, They all spoke of how happy Judy and Cory make each other, and how Judy’s smile is pure sunshine and lights up a room, how bad Cory’s joke are yet Judy still laughs at them, what incredible people they are, always looking for ways to help people. It was such a beautiful moment to be a part of, to hear how much love there was in that room, and how everyone could feel it in their bones that Judy and Cory were meant to find each other. Before the first dances, a double rainbow made an appearance, a sign I’m sure, that there is nothing more right in the world than this beautiful love story.
Cory and Judy, thank you for inviting us into your world. For letting us be a part of your beautiful day. For giving us the opportunity to witness such infectious love and joy. Wishing you both a lifetime of love and adventure. We can’t wait to visit Washington again!
Much Love,
Gabby
The Creative Team
Hair: Havilah Sabella-Stock of Sembre Bella Salon - Olympia, WA • Makeup: Maria Sabella of Sembre Bella Salon - Olympia, WA • Dresses: Cocomelody.com • Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse - Olympia, WA • Bridal Bouquets: BecauseOfLoveForal - Etsy • Fresh Flower Centerpieces: Friends Chris Knox & Shannon McCain - Olympia, WA • Venue: Black Lake Grange - Olympia, WA • Caterer: Steele Barrel BBQ Company - Yelm, WA • Cake: Aunt of the Groom, Diane McManus • DJ: Music De-Lite DJ Service - Olympia, WA • Photography: Gabby Goc of Sonnenblume Studios - Lincoln, NE