The locale for today's e-sesh from our Fave Chelsey Boatwright Photography is both beautiful and meaningful: the bride grew up in this charming historic house perched right on the Indian River Lagoon, and it was also the place where the couple became engaged. Add a romantic stroll through Rockledge's iconic orange groves, and you have a day that's just sweet to resist!
Chelsea and Will met at the University of Florida law school. They had all of their classes together, becoming friends during their first year before they began dating in their second. Says Chelsea, "Law school is a stressful environment and it was great to find someone that you love and who understands exactly what you are going through, because they are going through the same thing!"
One week after the two graduated from law school, they visited Chelsea's parents at their Rockledge-area home. Having asked them a month before for their permission, Will had everything in place for the big question: "Right before sunset one evening, Will asked me if I wanted to take the boat out with him. I had no idea what was coming, I invited my parents along for the ride and they politely declined. When we were in the middle of the river and watching the sunset, Will got down on one knee and popped the question. I was so surprised! I obviously said yes and we shared some champagne together. When we rode back to the dock my parents and sister were there waiting for us with more champagne to celebrate."
The couple chose Chelsea's childhood home, built in 1905 and sitting right on the Indian River Lagoon, both because of its beauty and all the happy memories Chelsea had of growing up there. They also spent some time in nearby Harvey's Groves in Rockledge, an iconic spot in an area historically known for citrus production - the backyard of Chelsea's home was actually once a test site for different citrus varieties! Chelsea tells us that they stock up on their "fantastic citrus and juices" every winter.
Will and Chelsea were married this past October in St. Augustine; Chelsea tells us that "It truly was one of the happiest days of our lives." Congratulations, guys!
