Marriage is finding your best friend and becoming friends for life. Now, friends don’t always agree on everything … but what they do agree is that no matter what happens, they will always stay friends and work through their differences. It’s a giving and receiving motion, this thing called marriage. Sometimes you’re the one giving, and sometimes you’re the one receiving – but each partner is working just as hard as the other on making this adventure work, and doing whatever they can to make their partner happy.

Today we dive into Chelsea & Ben’s story – how they met, some advice that they have to share, and the celebration of their beautiful wedding day overlooking the ocean at Gurney’s in Montauk, New York – captured by wedding photographer Brklyn View Photography.

How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?

Ben and Chelsea met when they attended graduate school at Wake Forest University in 2013. We had an instant connection and pretty much became inseparable after week one. We both knew that there was something pretty special between us, and we think the rest of our program knew too! What originated as an amazing friendship blossomed into a wonderful relationship, and the rest is history.

Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!

Before Ben and Chelsea even met, their families crossed paths without even knowing it in 2005! Ben was actually Chelsea’s little sister, Brittany’s, golf camp counselor at Pine Needles Golf Camp in Pinehurst, North Carolina! When Chelsea was first accepted into the Wake Forest program, Brittany knew Ben was going because she had been at undergraduate at Wake Forest with him previously and immediately told Chelsea she should be friends with Ben, and that she knew Chelsea and Ben would get along so well. Chelsea sort of rolled her eyes at the time, but clearly Brittany is an amazing matchmaker.

Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.

Ben being originally from North Carolina and Chelsea from New York, it was difficult to convert Ben to become a lover of New York post-graduation. Ben tried out D.C. when they first graduated, and we were forced to do long distance, which is always difficult, however, Ben claimed he had to chase Chelsea up to New York, but clearly six years later it was worth it!

Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?

We were fortunate enough to have Ben’s cousin officiate our wedding, which was really special because he was able to make the ceremony very personal to the both of us. Chelsea also had a watch of her grandfathers engraved with “For all of time. 9.29.18” and gave it to Ben on the wedding day as a grooms gift. Chelsea’s grandfather unfortunately passed away before Ben ever was able to meet him, so it was a really special moment. Chelsea also pinned a butterfly broach that belonged to her Grandmother to her bouquet that her Aunt passed along on the wedding day. Chelsea’s grandmother also passed away many years ago, so it meant a lot to Chelsea to have a piece of her with her on her wedding day.

What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?

It was just truly magical to have Ben’s friends and family from North Carolina and Chelsea’s from New York to all be reunited on the beautiful beaches of Montauk, NY. To have everyone who loves and supports us under one roof was truly all that mattered to us. Oh, that and an amazing band to facilitate the most ultimate dance party (which totally happened)!

What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?

Chelsea has learned from Ben how to truly live in the moment, and how North Carolina barbecue is superior to all others. Ben has learned from Chelsea, how to advocate for what he believes in, and the existence of the bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich.

What is your favorite thing about each other?

Ben loves that Chelsea is so passionate, determined, and driven. Chelsea loves that Ben is so caring, dedicated, and loving.

What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?

Our favorite part was being able to work closely with both our mothers to create the ultimate wedding planning dream team. It was so special to collaborate on a dream day and then see it all come to life in September. It really was a wonderful bonding experience. Of course, having the most talented vendors also made it totally seamless and enjoyable.

If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?

Don’t take any one thing, or one decision too seriously. At the end of the day, no one remembers the napkins, but they do remember the love and warmth they felt in the room on your wedding day.

What is the most honest thing you can say about love?

Love is so special because you get to share the rest of your life with a best friend. You have a built in support system to be by your side at every up and down. Once you find it, you will never want to let it go because you know that life is better with a partner holding your hand at every turn.