From big city to seashore, a love that’s set, matched, and forever served.
October 7, 2023–Two Rivers Country Club
Valerie and Joe Norman are a match made for each other—a volleyball match, that is. The sport brought them together when they met at a New York City tournament. “It was love at first sight,” Valerie says. From their first date, everything clicked. Both had lived in Virginia yet never crossed paths until then. Joe, a professional volleyball player, later proposed to Valerie in Greenport, New York, overlooking the charming waters of Long Island Sound—her favorite place in the world.
They brought that sense of destiny and waterfront charm to their Virginia wedding at a picturesque country club in Williamsburg, where the James and Chickahominy Rivers meet in a stunning backdrop of blues. “We envisioned a dreamy ‘Bridgerton meets garden classical’ setting,” Valerie says. The day was serene, scenic, and touched with a bit of New York glam to honor the city where so much of their story began.








She Said, He Said
First look?
They said: Yes, we did an intimate first look overlooking the water, and read our vows to each other—we felt so much love and excitement seeing each other!
Personal touch?
They said: Living in New York, our goal was to have a ‘New York’ cocktail hour for our guests, which we did! We also gave our parents personalized thank you frames with notes of gratitude written into each one. Last, we had a photo booth that doubled as our guest book!
Wardrobe change?
She said: Yes, I changed into a sleek Galia Lahav dress for my second look! It was so comfortable to dance in and brought some spice into my wedding look.
Cake flavor?
She said: We chose a simple vanilla cake with a personalized wedding topper of Joe and I.
A favorite moment from your love story?
She said: The wedding ceremony. We had our friend, Chris Darcy, officiate our wedding and it was so loving with a few funny moments, so Joe and I were able to gaze into each other’s eyes and laugh at the same time!
The Details
Photo & Video: Amative Creative
Planner: Wedding Company of Williamsburg
Florals: Morrison’s Flowers
Band: Tidewater Drive
Décor: Stage Right Lighting
Invitations: Patrice Papier
Makeup: Blushtones
Hair: Flawless On Site
Dress: Kleinfeld Bridal
This article originally appeared in the February 2025 issue.