Element

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Shenandoah Valley Golf Club

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

It all began in June 2022, when Brooke was tasked with training the newest member of the team at work, Christopher. What started as a simple introduction quickly turned into easy conversation and an undeniable spark. By October 2022, Christopher asked Brooke out on a proper date. They shared dinner at Mangetsu, one of their favorite Melbourne spots, and just a few days later, made their relationship official. Both Christopher and Brooke were part of a rotational program at work, which meant they were required to relocate come June 2023. Luckily, they were both assigned to Dallas, Texas. Embracing the next chapter together, they decided to make this cross-country journey as a team and officially moved in together. Living in a new city came with its challenges, but Christopher and Brooke embraced the adventure and leaned on each other. In their free time, they discovered new favorite coffee shops and learned how to play tennis together. After a year in Dallas, Christopher and Brooke were relocated once again — this time to Herndon, Virginia, where they live now and plan to make their permanent home. In July 2025, Christopher and Brooke took their first international trip together. During a romantic walk through Iveagh Gardens in Dublin, Ireland, Christopher got down on one knee and proposed. After the proposal, they celebrated with an "engagement-moon" along Italy's Amalfi Coast. They are now excited to celebrate the start of their life together, surrounded by the love and support of their family and friends.

Our Story

Courtney is Brooke's older sister. They talk daily, often exchanging fun activities and pop-up events they see in each other's home state. Courtney and her husband Patrick visit Brooke and Christopher often and always enjoy each other's company, exploring breweries and new restaurants together. Courtney has helped out with many of the finer details of the wedding and always has creative ideas. Courtney is currently living in Jacksonville, FL and works as an occupational therapist.

Courtney Hester

Baylor and Christopher met in high school and have been close friends since. Together they have shared many adventures, including multiple cross-country trips and have even backpacked Europe for a week. The two of them lived together in Melbourne when Christopher met Brooke, witnessing the early stages of their relationship. Baylor and Christopher talk daily, sharing many common interests. Baylor is currently living in Brooklyn, NY and works as a financial analyst.

Baylor Linn

Ashleigh is Christopher’s older sister. Recently married and having planned her own wedding last year, she has been incredibly helpful with details and advice. She loves spending time on her growing homestead, caring for her animals, tending to her garden, and baking. She makes beautifully decorated sourdough loaves and homemade jams using berries grown on her property. Brooke is excited to gain another sister who shares so many similar interests. We are grateful to have Ashleigh standing by our side as we celebrate this special day. Ashleigh currently lives in McCormick, SC.

Ashleigh Simmons

Derek and Christopher met their freshman year of college and lived all four years at UCF together. Derek and Christopher have remained close since graduating college, always looking for opportunities for their paths to cross. When they do get together, Derek and Christopher usually pass time by enjoying some drinks and reciting niche movie and TV show quotes. Derek was among the first to hear about Brooke as Christopher told him about her after their first interaction. Derek is currently living in Boca Raton, FL and works as a commercial property appraiser.

Derek Lipp

Neermala and Christopher went to high school together and remained friends after graduating. After high school, Neermala moved to Washington, D.C. and studied at American University. Once Brooke and Christopher moved to Virginia, Neermala was their unofficial D.C. resident guide, showing them around the best local restaurants. Brooke and Neermala enjoy exploring farmer's markets, wineries, and grabbing coffee or matcha together. Neermala is currently living in Falls Church, VA and is studying for her Master's Degree.

Neermala Persaud

Caleb was initially a coworker with Brooke and Christopher but quickly turned into a close friend. While living in Melbourne, Brooke and Christopher would enjoy game nights with Caleb, Baylor, and Caleb's girlfriend, Mackenzie. Christopher and Caleb make their best attempts at solving the world's problems while also tackling the latest in conspiracy theories. Caleb and Christopher have plans to attend the 2026 Augusta National Women's Amateur. Caleb is currently living in Orlando, FL and works as a data architect.

Caleb Greek

Patrick is Brooke's brother-in-law whose easy-going personality and vast football knowledge, especially of the Gators, made for an easy connection as Christopher began to be around the Thompson home. Patrick, along with Brooke's sister, Courtney, have visited Brooke and Christopher in each state they have moved to and always bring the party. Christopher and Patrick also have a strong rivalry in each year's College Football game.

Patrick Hester

Wedding Party

Q & A

Registry

Rate:&nbsp;$170-180This&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;is&nbsp;just&nbsp;around&nbsp;the&nbsp;corner&nbsp;from&nbsp;our&nbsp;venue&nbsp;and&nbsp;was&nbsp;beautifully&nbsp;renovated&nbsp;a&nbsp;few&nbsp;years&nbsp;ago!Parking:&nbsp;Complementary&nbsp;self-parkingBooking&nbsp;Deadline:&nbsp;September&nbsp;24,&nbsp;2026

Brooke & Christopher

Brooke & Christopher

Photos