Taryn found me through a mutual friend and was so excited to have her engagement photos taken during the Fall. She and Cody are planning a destination wedding in April but really wanted engagement photos in Virginia. Of all the places we discussed, I was thrilled when she wanted Pearmund Cellars. I have photographed a wedding there and several sessions and LOVE it. And since sharing it, I have been thrilled to see other photographers utilizing this underexposed winery. It has so much to offer and it’s a great place to sit and chat and get to know your couple before a session. They can even enjoy a tasting since Pearmund is home to some award winning wines.
We had a wonderful time strolling through the vineyard and enjoying everything from the willow tree to the butterfly bench in memory of a former employee. I loved hearing about their love story, plans for the wedding day and even the amazing shop they opened online with custom law enforcement gifts…they will wow you! Definitely check out that link below too!
I only wish I their destination wedding was a different weekend because I would love to photograph them tying the knot in Mexico! They were so much fun during the session…I can only imagine what their wedding day will be like! And scroll down to ready their story in Taryn’s words!
Venue: Pearmund Cellars
Taryn and Cody’s Etsy Shop: Defender Deck
“Cody and Taryn met in December 2013 and after the first date knew they were meant to be together. The mountain man from Pennsylvania and the suburban girl from Virginia were very different but also complimented each other. For example, Cody is very handy and would tear a part a dishwasher and “try” to fix it before buying a new one. Taryn would just buy a new one. They quickly found out that they loved going to wineries and fishing together. Five months into their relationship, they took a trip for Taryn’s birthday to Williamsburg, Va where Cody dropped the “L” word. That’s right, he said “I love you” first! He went as far as to unbolt the TV from the wall and set it up next to the Jacuzzi so they could drink wine and watch their shows. Their love grew stronger as they shared pieces of their lives that the other person had never experienced. Taryn’s family owns boats and spent summers on the river, tubing and floating which Cody quickly grew fond of. Cody grew up ice fishing and although Taryn hated the idea of “being cold and falling through the ice” she ended up loving it.
After a year together, they decided to move in to a small 2-bedroom apartment that always smelled like curry. Damn neighbors! With that being said, 8 months later they purchased their first home! They didn’t know it at first but when the conversation arose, they had both grown up with Chow Chow’s and so a few months later they got their absolutely, overly loved dog Knox. About a year after buying the house, Taryn lost her job and they started a business out of the garage. With Cody being a police officer, Taryn had built him a stand for all his police gear and that idea became Defender Deck. Thankfully Taryn got another job but trying to manage two full time jobs, a business and personal life helped Cody and Taryn solidify the love they had for each other through the good and the bad.
Shortly after their three year anniversary, Cody and Taryn went up to Pennsylvania to go ice fishing and Cody asked her to marry him. Cody waited until Taryn caught her first fish of the day and then traded her the fish for the ring. He did so by almost dropping the ring down the ice hole first! When he finally noticed that there was no ring in the box and Taryn was extremely confused he scrambled to recover the ring. Then he asked her “Do you want to go ice fishing with me for the rest of your life” which she replied “ YES” about seven times.
Cody and Taryn are due to be married in Mexico on the beach in April 2018. Their family and friends will enjoy two barrels of beer brought in on the back of a donkey and sunshine by the pool or beach for a week!”
Congratulations Taryn and Cody and I hope your wedding day is amazing! I can’t wait to see photos!
