The sun’s rays were shining a warm glow through the porch windows and onto Stephanie’s skin. She stood there, in the quaint farmhouse on Winding Creek Farm, in Lovettsville, VA, awaiting the arrival of her dad so she could give him his card. She searched high and low for the perfect gifts for her family members, but during her search, she realized nothing would be more special than the memories they share and the love she has for them. So, Steph took the time to handwrite a beautiful message to her mom, dad, and her soon-to-be husband, Cole.

As her dad, Bill, made his way to the porch, he was sharing stories of his relationship with Stephanie and how close they have been since she was a little girl. “You know, we have been dancing together since before she could even walk or talk. She may not remember, but she has been my dancing partner since day one,” he shared as he made his way across the dining room and then into the living area. He stopped again. “I sat right there on that couch the day I surprised Steph during their venue visit! I was out of town, so she didn’t think I would be there as they walked through the venue a few months before the wedding, but I took a last-minute flight in and I was here waiting when she got here. When she walked in, she yelled, “Daddy!” Do you remember that, Steph?”

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It brings tears to our eyes just writing about the love and connection they share as father and daughter. To witness a relationship so strong and to hear the memories they share from a lifetime of experiences is an inspiration. Lucky for us, our chances to witness their beautiful relationship didn’t stop there, we learned that her dad also helped her go dress shopping and choose the perfect dress.

During the reception, Mr. Bill Cody, or SBC (Sexy Bill Cody) as he was called throughout the celebration, made a beautiful speech. He shared what it was like to teach Steph how to ski, what it was like having a little girl in a house full of brothers, and how lucky he is to have her in his life. And then their father-daughter dance came. He twirled her across the dance floor as they sang to each other, and tears of joy were being shed throughout the barn as her mom, and his wife of many years, snuggled in and watched as she laid her head on her eldest son’s shoulder.

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Stephanie and her dad are clearly connected at the hip, but that isn’t the only relationship we noticed during our time celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Mabie. We witnessed the love Steph shares with her brothers, and how she was her oldest brother (their officiant), Todd’s little buddy growing up. We shared special moments with Steph and her mom as she gave her a gift and shared tears of joy as her mother kissed her upon her forehead after she stepped into her gown.

And… of course, we had the distinct honor of witnessing the everlasting love she shares with Cole. Cole wasn’t concerned about the little details of the day (the timeline, what tie to wear, if his cufflinks tied into his outfit just right, etc.) He was marrying his best friend, the girl of his waking dreams, his forever person. That’s what mattered most to him. When asked about any such details, Cole’s automatic response was, “Whatever she (Steph) wants… that’s all that matters to me.” The perfect answer there, Cole! Keep that line of thinking, and it’ll be smooth sailing for the rest of your days together! #happywifehappylife, are we right?

Mr. and Mrs. Mabie, we love you both and we are so happy for you! Congratulations and may you live happily ever after!

creative team