When I first met Colby, she was—as we sometimes say in the South—knee high to a grasshopper. A slight exaggeration, maybe, but I’ve known her for a long time. My husband was a teacher at her high school, and by the time I actually met her in person when Colby was in her early 20s, I’d already known her name for years. Because Colby lived in our neighborhood, we’d sometimes run into her when we were out for dinner or drinks, and we’d always find an excuse to sit together and talk. I remember thinking that this was a girl I wanted to know. She was smart, articulate, and talented. I thought she was charming and beautiful.
Fast forward a couple of years and Elyse appears at her side. Only it wasn’t that simple, or that sudden. These two were old friends who came to know each other in high school, stayed in touch, and then discovered their love interest when the time was right for both of them. That time happened to be when Colby and Elyse—both of whom are insanely talented musically—were playing together in a duo they called Commonwealth. One day during rehearsal, their eyes met in a particular way…and the rest, as they say, is history.
What makes this beautiful couple work so well is that, like some of best couples, they’re opposites. They compliment each other. Colby says that she was attracted to the kindness of Elyse’s soul, to the strong and empathetic role Elyse played not only in her life, but also in the lives of so many other people in her life. Elyse says that she was drawn to Colby’s ability to truly live in the moment. No matter what Colby is doing, she’s always able to stop and to give Elyse her complete attention and affection.
Their engagement was just as magical as this perfect couple. Elyse—out of the blue, to Colby, at least—had a town car pick them up at home. They wound their way through Myers Park, prompting Colby to ask if Elyse had purchased a house they could never afford. Instead, they ended up at the Elizabeth Lawrence House and Garden, which Elyse had rented out, and it was there that Elyse popped the question. Afterwards, they ate a decadent dinner at The Fig Tree, one of the best meals they’ve ever had.
At this point I should say, in total honesty, that Colby and Elyse are two of our people. My husband and I love them—they’re our family. That our two daughters have women like these to know, love, and learn from is everything to us. So are all the small moments we share with Colby and Elyse whenever we can. Glasses of wine on our porch, the occasional meet-up at a restaurant, whatever. When I think of the beauty and grace a good relationship can bring to the world, I think of these two. I can’t wait to see what the next few years bring. I’m just hoping for the pitter-patter of little feet.
Location: Anne Springs Close Greenway, Fort Mill, SC
Hair and Make-up: Lovely by Lindsey
Dog: Presley, as himself
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