On Saturday, August 26, Christi and Nik were married at the beautiful Morningside Inn in western Howard County surrounded by family, friends, and beautiful open fields.
Christi and Nik met in college at The University of Maryland College Park; these two lived in the same dorm during their sophomore year, and they quickly hit it off. About five and a half years ago, Nik surprised Christi with flowers before a UMD basketball game and asked her to be his girlfriend – and then last October, he surprised her once again with a sweet proposal! Nik set up a scavenger hunt around Christi’s hometown, with family members waiting at each spot to give Christi the next clue. The final clue took Christi to a local park where Nik and Christi liked to spend time, and Christi was surprised with a sweet walk down a trail lined with pictures and flower petals. After Christi happily said yes, their family members joined them to celebrate with a champagne toast. What an adorable proposal!
This wedding was so special to me, not only because I adore Christi and Nik, but because I adore their families too! And Christi and Nik almost feel like family to me! I first met Christi’s sister, Katie, when I photographed her and Ryan’s engagement in early 2016. When my friend, Stacy, saw the photos, she told me that her son, Nik, was dating Katie’s sister, Christi! It wasn’t long after Katie and Ryan’s wedding that Stacy told me that Nik was going to be proposing to Christi in just a few days! I was SO excited and kept checking Facebook for their big news! And I was just as excited when Christi and Nik emailed me to say that they would love to work together for their wedding! I feel like I know Christi, Nik, and their families so well, and I have to say – these are some of the sweetest people you could ever meet. It was such a joy and honor to be part of Christi and Nik’s day – and just wait until you see what a GORGEOUS day it was!
The day began at Christi’s parents’ home, where Christi, her bridesmaids, and her family were getting ready. Then it was time to head to beautiful Morningside Inn, where Christi and Nik shared their first look under a beautiful willow tree beside a pond. It could not have been more perfect! And while the day was a little cloudy, the sun came out for Christi and Nik’s portraits – and just wait until you see their portraits! They are BEAUTIFUL! The wedding party hiked all the way down a long hill to join us for portraits in this gorgeous location, and then it was time for the wedding ceremony. Christi and Nik were married on the Morningside Inn deck overlooking acres and acres of rolling hills. During the ceremony, a family of deer were grazing in the distance behind them. It was beautiful! Christi and Nik’s shared a sand ceremony, where their parents poured sand into containers that Christi and Nik then combined. After the ceremony, we had a few more pictures as the sun set, and then it was time for the reception! Christi’s dad and sister, Katie, gave the sweetest speeches, and then Nik’s brothers and sister gave speeches and performed a song for them! After dinner, everyone moved downstairs where the dance floor, photo booth, and cake waited, and then it was time to party – and WOW! This group knows how to party! I have never seen such a fun dance floor. I want to go back and be a guest at this wedding! Christi’s family loves to dance, and Nik’s family REALLY loves to dance; there were some incredible choreographed dances and the dance floor was packed! Kelsey and I could not stop talking about what a fun wedding this was during our drive home; these two were meant to get married so that their families could have an epic dance party! It was so fun seeing everyone having such a great time – Christi’s family, Nik’s family, and all of their friends had so much fun dancing, enjoying the photo booth, and celebrating with friends. I also loved seeing Katie and Ryan again – and right before their one year wedding anniversary! – and I was so happy to see one of my 2018 couples, Julia and Ryan there too! It was a wonderful wedding.
Christi and Nik, your wedding was PERFECT, and we absolutely loved being part of it. You two are so sweet and you are such a wonderful pair. Congratulations, and enjoy your gorgeous wedding highlights!!
Christi’s niece had the most adorable reaction when she saw Aunt Christi!
First look time!
These two have the dip kiss down! WOW!!
Christi and Nik were so brave to venture into this willow tree!
Another favorite :)
Christi, you are a STUNNING bride!
I have so many favorites!!
You two are adorable!
Christi, you are so gorgeous!
Married!!
We had so much variety for portraits at Morningside Inn – this was such a beautiful wedding!
Reception time!
Nik’s brother and sister performed a song for Christi and Nik! It was so sweet!
During Christi’s first dance with her father, family members came out and held photos of Christi and Frank. It was SO sweet; I honestly don’t think a single person there was able to hold back tears during this special moment (myself included!)
Congratulations, Christi and Nik!!