Gillian & Stephen
March 26, 2022
We met on a dating app and actually starting talking months before meeting. We were both moving for work and rotations and FINALLY happened to both be in Clearwater Beach. Our first date was on a rainy afternoon in May right on the beach. We couldn't wait for a second date, so we had one the next day.
Our third date was a road trip from Pittsburgh to Tallahassee. I was driving down from Toronto moving to Tallahassee, and Stephen volunteered to forgo a flight back to Tallahassee from Pittsburgh to accompany me. We both knew that this was the make or break moment, and impossible to escape from each other on a 20 hour road trip. When we arrived in Tallahassee, we were both in love (but neither willing to admit it quite yet!)
Before heading on vacation, Stephen planned a weekend in St. Augustine with his friend Skip to leave him with the dogs... or at least that is what Gillian thought. A few days before the St. Augustine trip, Stephen asked Gillian if she would like to meet up with them on Saturday, “since there would be a great viewing area over the ocean to watch the Space X launch.” As somewhat of a space nerd, she obliged. When she arrived in Saint Augustine, a wrench was thrown in the works and she was told we had to meet some friends for a fancy lunch near the water. Stephen made sure we arrived to the lunch early enough to find a great vantage point for the Space X launch, however that was never the plan. When they found a “viewing spot” on the seawall overlooking the bay, Skip pretended he had to take a phone call. As he walked away, Stephen took Gillian by surprise and proposed! In the surrounding, boats were honking, tourists were cheering, and Skip was capturing the moment.
2020! A new year and a new decade. Stephen started his new job with Sanofi in Boston, but due to COVID 19, he has been able to work from home in Tallahassee. We have felt blessed that the pandemic allowed us to spend extra time together this year. At the same time, planning a wedding during a pandemic, especially one that requires international travel for family to attend is tough! We've decided to postpone our wedding from our original date to allow this terrible crisis to pass. We love you and want all our family and friends to attend, and right now, we know that's not possible. Looking forward to our new wedding date March 26, 2022!
Mar 25
2022
TO 10:00 pm
Mar 26
2022
TO 11:00 am
Mar 26
2022
TO 12:00 pm
Mar 26
2022
TO 5:00 pm
Mar 26
2022
TO 12:00 pm
Mar 27
2022
TO 11:00 am
Gillian and I have known each since the day she was born! (because I am her older sister). I live in Alberta, Canada where I am a Mother (Nixon (8), Sloane (6), and Sawyer (19 months), a Wife (to my husband Greg) and nurse at our local hospital. Although Gillian and I had our ups and downs during our childhood, we have become best friends as adults! I have only met Stephen in person once but I knew he is a wonderful, caring person who clearly loves my sister an enormous amount to come to the freezing cold to meet all of us! I am so very excited for these two love birds to start their journey and create a meaningful life together.
I am married to Gillian's brother, Kit Richmond, which makes me Gillian's (awesome!) sister-in-law. Gillian and I met in Calgary when she was a speed skater and attending the University of Calgary. I still remember the day we met - she was so warm, inviting, and engaging. And, she had prepared a delicious dinner (baked scallops wrapped in bacon). Since we met 10 years ago, much has happened in our respective lives, which has contributed to the development of a wonderful friendship and a special sense of sisterhood. I am honoured and thrilled to stand by Gillian as she enters this new chapter in her life.
I still remembers being a new kid in Central Middle School's 6th grade, and being invited to Gillian's birthday party. Instantly drawn to this birthday girl's kindness, confidence and excellence in every aspect of her already-busy life, it was the start of a life-long friendship that would be marked by long distances, monster emails, thrilling trips, and always, joyful reunions. Currently living in Calgary, I am especially excited for this next memorable reunion, where I looking forward to sharing a day of celebration, love and happiness with my life-long friend Gillian.
Gillian and I met in 2002 when my family relocated to Red Deer, Alberta. We became fast friends while both attending the French Immersion program at Central Middle School. Our friendship (and my biceps) were solidified after going on a canoeing/kayaking trip with Gillian’s parents the summer after seventh grade. Gillian is single-handedly responsible for teaching me everything I knows about speed skating, I was happy to return the favour with musical theatre. I am happy and perhaps slightly relieved that our pact to raise children together if we didn't get married by 35 is now no longer valid. Over the years we have supported each other through life’s ups and downs and I couldn’t be more thrilled to stand with my incredible best friend on this special day. I wish Gillian and Stephen a lifetime of happiness as they embark on this great adventure.
I have known Steve most of my life meeting him in first grade. Since then he has been my best friend, and someone I could not imagine living life without. We went to school together through 7 th grade and stayed friends when he moved up to Vermont. We then got to grow up together again going to both FGCU and FSU together. After I moved to Oregon, he visited me often, even spending a month on my couch for his pharmacy internship after first year. Steve is more than a friend he is a brother to me, and I will always be there for him, as I know he will be there for. When he introduced me to Gillian I knew he found someone special. She is easily one of the most genuine people I have ever met. She cares so much for Steve, and will make an amazing wife. Most important of all she puts up with me and Steve when we are together.
As Stephen's older brother, the thing I appreciate the most about our childhood was our competitiveness and drive to always outdo the other person. As adults our relationship has evolved to the point where he is now one of the best friends I have ever had. What I appreciate the most about Steve are not the days when we would dominate beer pong tournaments while I was at UNH, but the day I called him, informing him about a major health issue that required urgent surgery. While I wanted him to be there, I understood that in doing so, he potentially could suffer major consequences for leaving his pharmacy rotation. The thing I respect most is that Steve did not care. Understanding the potential consequences, he got on a plane that very evening and made it in time to be at my side. It is something that I will never forget. I tell you this to give you an idea of what kind of person my brother is. Someone that is honorable and a person you can absolutely count on to be there for you. I believe these are just a few qualities make Stephen the man he is, and why I am honored to be his best man.
Hello Friends and Family
We are excited to celebrate our daughter Gillian’s marriage to Stephen, and welcome him into our family. Please join us in this wonderful celebration.
Our incredible wedding planner and designer Samantha Nicole!
About Me: I have a deep love for designing and planning all the pretty and strive for creativity and uniqueness in all my designs. I'm an enneagram type 2w3 so it's literally my greatest desire to blow my couples away, make them happy and work my toosh off!
https://www.samanthanicoleweddings.com/
For day of wedding emergency only: 954 871-9076
Our incredible wedding photographer who truly knows how to capture the most beautiful moments.
About Me: You might be surprised to know that my parents lived in a tree-house when I was born. Soon after we moved into a tiny house and didn't own a TV or have AC. While so much has changed since then, I still live as simply as I can so I can chase the next adventure! I’m an Enneagram #7, THE ENTHUSIAST, which makes total sense once you get to know me. I’m known for living life to the fullest, cheerful determination, and overcoming fears to try new things. If my life has taught me anything at all, it is how short our time is here. We live in a fast paced world and if I can help document some of the most important moments of your life then I’ve lived a meaningful life. And isn’t what this journey is all about?
Going to get the party started with Nate from amplify entertainment!
About Me: Ever since Nate was a small child, music was a huge part of his life. He and his brother Mike would beg their parents to play 1812 Overture so they could run around the house and fight battles. Nate started his DJ career at 16 years old, working with his dad, who DJed as a side hobby to pay for his love of music. Around the same time Nate also started playing bass guitar and formed a rock band with some of his best friends. As the frontman and co-lead singer of the band, Nate loved how saying the right thing at the right time made a impact far beyond what the music could do alone. That experience of being on stage and leading a party-hard crowd in a rock show shaped his approach to DJing. He DJed his first wedding way back in 2002 when his dad was leaving the industry. Afterwards, he began subcontracting for various local DJ companies in Tallahassee and had a chance to witness the workings of the established DJ industry. As a result of his findings, he started Amplify Entertainment in 2006.
Suzette and her crew know how to make southern food shine and we look forward to having our guests taste many of her amazing dishes.
About Me: At Sass!, it is both our duty and great pleasure to make you feel at home, from the atmosphere, to the food, to the way we’ll always treat you like family. We promise to provide exceptional service and the fresh, down-home cookin’ that is synonymous with Sass!
With dishes like Shrimp & Grits, Jambalaya, Sweet Tea Brined Fried Chicken and much, much more, there is something for everybody with Sass!
Cara Dollinger is the fantastic event coordinator at Pebble Hill.
229.227.5387 (office)
229.977.4988 (cell)
Maria is a fantastic cake artist who has taken on the challenge of making our gorgeous wedding cake.
About Me: In August of 1999, I began taking classes at Kaiser College, Capital Culinary Institute in Tallahassee for Culinary Arts. The school was not offering a Pastry Program at that time. Within the year I had my first kitchen job at Kool Beanz Café. There I met an exceptional Pastry Chef, Michelle Stout, who taught me everything I needed to know about Pastry. After working there for a year I followed Executive Chef, Kevin Stout to Food Glorious Food where I became Head Pastry Chef. From there I went on to become Executive Pastry Chef at the prestigious Governor’s Club and later at the University Center Club. In 2010 I officially founded Artistic Confections and my success has led me to the opening of my own store front here in Tallahassee.
https://www.instagram.com/artisticconfections/
Laura and her team are the glam squad that will be making sure we all look our best for the big day.
About Me: Laura J Artistry is a boutique salon specializing in personalized looks for your look, wedding or event. My clients love me because I focus on personalized service, self care, and have connections with many local photographers, vendors and in the community. I love haircutting, weddings, and creating your look! Follow me on instagram to get insights and tools to be your own beautiful.
About Me: Since I was a little girl, I dreamt of beautiful events and spaces. Today, my dreams have come true with Terri Smith Details. Being a part of your special day is an honor, that I don’t take lightly. As you browse through our collection and create a wishlist that will help your vision come to life, we encourage you to reach out and allow us to help curate the perfect combination of pieces to set the tone for your guests and transform your space.
Gillian & Stephen
Gallery