“Charles and I met at a friend’s house a few years back. I remember this so vividly because when he walked through the doors, I thought he was the most interesting human being and was very curious about his story – at that time a Green Beret and great outdoorsman. Any advances came with a pause and it was not until a few weeks after that initial introduction that I found him on Instagram and we began chatting. Both of us were not really interested in finding love at this juncture – a slow burn some would say. I was taking a break from seeking out a relationship and we bonded over him sharing in that sentiment. However, fate came into play and we realized something special was in the works after our initial time together. This was a case of divine timing – If he and I had met at any other point in our lives, ‘we’ would never have been. I still joke to this day that he couldn’t not have been sent at a more perfect one. Fast forwarding through our courtship, Chuck proposed at Rabbit Ears Pass in Steamboat, which during the event weekend, could be seen by guests from our Welcome Party. Steamboat is so symbolic and synonymous with us – we knew we had to get married in the area. My mom had been fighting her battle with cancer at that point for a few years, and we wholly anticipated having more time with her as she had been such a fighter throughout that time. We had a few fun planning meetings under way and she had even ordered her hat for the wedding day! Shortly after Thanksgiving 2023, she passed away unexpectedly, leaving us all lost and trying to pick up the pieces. I never thought about my wedding day without her presence, and now had to face this reality. Chuck was so supportive, being strong for my entire tight-knit family. When we continued the wedding planning process, we wanted to ensure her presence was weaved throughout the day. Julie, my wedding planner, helped implement a little blue bird across all elemental details. It was perfect. And we do feel she appeared on our day on her own – as my dad and I were preparing to process down the aisle, a large flock of birds flew overhead! We’ll let the guests continue thinking this was all part of the plan, however we know it was just Miss Daisy flying over, saying hi – and allowing for my dad to still say “her mother and I’ in giving me away to Chuck.
– Nathalie, the bride
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