November 4, 2023
On January 4th, 2017, Sean and Dakota went on their first date after meeting online. The pair instantly hit it off, talking for almost four hours over dinner and getting to know one another. On the way home, they decided to make a quick Starbucks trip which turned into spending another few hours chatting as the conversation flowed effortlessly between them. By the third date, Dakota took Sean to a nice restaurant where he asked him to be his boyfriend with, in proper Dakota fashion, a Ring Pop. “As if the steakhouse wasn’t enough,” Sean joked.
After five years of making memories, it was time to pop the question. Sean got to it first, completely taking Dakota by surprise. He bought a ring in June, anticipating an opportunity over the summer to propose. He landed on asking during a family vacation in St. Augustine, Florida. The entire family was in on it, telling Dakota that they were going to get up early to “watch the sunrise.” Around 6:30 AM, “before I even had my coffee!”, says Dakota, Sean walked Dakota to a little nook on a platform above the beach, surrounded by palm trees and illuminated by a striking sunrise. In front of them was a blanket with a basket of champagne sitting on it, and a ring. It was here that Sean took a knee and popped the question!
For the wedding, Sean and Dakota wanted a subtle Richmond theme and incorporated city vibes into the decor. One of their signature drinks was named “Give me Liberty” after the famous speech by Patrick Henry that took place in Church Hill. The drink included a pride flag in each glass which each guest soon wore on their shirts!
As a same-sex couple, they decided to embrace going against tradition and made the wedding their own! Specifically, instead of a garter toss or bouquet toss, there was a “speedo toss” as Dakota is known for his wide range of speedos he’ll wear to the beach. To the tune of “F150” by Dixon Dallas, Sean removed a pair of speedos Dakota had put on over his pants and sling shotted them into a crowd of eager bachelors and bachelorettes.Since the wedding, a new travel
