May 17, 2025
Some love stories begin with a swipe or a chance encounter. Layne and Tanner’s began decades before they ever met. Back in the 1970s, their mothers became dear friends and remained close through the years. Fast forward to their time at James Madison University, where the two were finally living in the same place at the same time.
In September 2020, Layne attended her sister’s wedding, where both moms made lighthearted comments about Tanner. Curious, Layne asked for his number “just to grab lunch.” Lunch turned into apple picking, which turned into movie nights, dinners, and countless drives between their Harrisonburg apartments. Through study abroad semesters and long stretches of distance after graduation, they continued cheering each other on.
In August 2023, they closed the distance for good and moved into their Harrisonburg apartment, adopting a sweet kitty named Jody and building their life side by side.
The following May, during a long-anticipated trip to Greece, Tanner suggested a walk to a lighthouse in Crete before dinner. After asking a “random photographer” to snap a photo, Tanner got down on one knee. As Layne said yes, a sailboat passed and the crowd erupted in cheers. They spent the rest of the week celebrating across Greece.
Their wedding was exactly what Layne had envisioned, a smile-filled, botanical, dance party. The couple filled the venue with blooms, lining the aisle with potted hydrangeas and hanging wisteria from the ceiling. Color was everywhere, from the florals to the tablescapes. One of the most unforgettable moments came during the father-daughter dance. As they swayed to Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman, Layne’s dad surprised her with a tiara. Not a dry eye in sight. “I will always be his little princess,” she shared.
Their first dance to Life at First Sight by Alexander Stewart was heartfelt and romantic, while Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey kept the dance floor packed. A private last dance to From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay closed the night.
Their advice to couples? Remember this is one of the few times you will be surrounded by everyone who loves you, a once in a lifetime honor.
