The Meet Cute: Courtney and Thomas met unexpectedly while playing Words with Friends. What started as a casual few games turned into friendly tournaments, late-night conversations and an immediate connection. At the time, Courtney had just been cast on a Buzzfeed show and planned to move across the country. Despite the timing, the pair knew their connection was different. Eventually, Courtney told the producers she couldn’ t do the show. Eight years, three dogs and a cat later, the pair is still madly in love.
The Engagement: The couple had picked out a ring months before, so Courtney knew it was coming, just not when. During a trip to Iceland to see the northern lights, they drove to Seljalandsfoss waterfall. The moment was stunning until Courtney had to pee. When she returned, the lights were gone. As they went to take one of their signature travel photos, Thomas asked her to turn and look at the waterfall. When she turned around, he was down on one knee.“ I wanted the northern lights behind us, but you just had to pee, and you wouldn’ t be you if you didn’ t. I love you. Will you marry me?” Courtney took off her gloves, and he put the ring on her finger with tears in his eyes.
The Venue: The couple spent hours searching for a venue with Wizarding World vibes, but nothing felt right. Then, in a magical twist, they discovered Falls Creek Farm. It radiated Hogwarts energy with a timeless, rustic charm, and the tent reminded Courtney of Bill and Fleur’ s wedding in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
A Magical Touch: In true Potterhead fashion, Courtney and Thomas filled their wedding with touches of the Wizarding World while keeping it classy and personal to them. Their wedding party was sorted into their Hogwarts houses, so their attire reflected the house colors. Guests also received a copy of The Daily Prophet that served as a wedding program. Courtney’ s bouquet and the men’ s boutonnieres included pages from the books. Each table represented a Hogwarts house illuminated with floating candles, and their sweetheart table tied it all together with Gryffindor and Slytherin banners, candlelight and a glowing sign with the word“ Always.”
September 21, 2025
DAVID BLAZE PHOTOGRAPHY @ DAVIDBLAZZE
The Highlights: While it’ s impossible to pick a favorite memory, seeing each other down the aisle was one of their favorites. Courtney also surprised Thomas with a rewrite of“ Say You Won’ t Let Go,” by James Arthur. When“ September” by Earth, Wind & Fire played, they danced their full-circle moment on the twenty-first of September, ending the night with a magical sparkler send-off.
The Advice:“ Trust your vision but also trust your team, whether that’ s your wedding party, vendors, planner or a day-of coordinator,” says Courtney.“ Always remember why you’ re there and who you’ re marrying, and everything else will fall into place.”
108 | ENGAGED IN SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND 2026