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FIANCÉE: Natalie Mullins, 21, Sales and Marketing Assistant
FIANCÉ: Christopher Blankenship, 22, Physician Assistant Student
PROPOSAL LOCATION:
Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Barcelona, Spain
Date: June 9, 2024
ENGGAGEMENT LOCATION:
Hotel Roanoke
Roanoke, Virginia
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
Roanoke, Virginia
Date: April 12, 2025
LOVE STORY
Christopher and Natalie began dating during their senior year of high school. What started as mutually beneficial weekly homework sessions evolved into a romantic relationship.
PROPOSAL
In the summer of 2024, Christopher and Natalie traveled to Europe. On the first day of their trip, they scheduled a tour of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain. Before the tour began, a photographer approached them, offering to take free photos to enhance her portfolio. Unbeknownst to Natalie, Christopher had hired this photographer to capture his proposal.
When the moment arrived, Christopher got down on one knee. He proposed in front of the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. Natalie joyfully exclaimed, “Yes!”
Christopher presented Natalie with a stunning three-carat emerald-cut solitaire engagement ring featuring a yellow gold band and platinum prongs.
On the day of the proposal, Natalie wore a green and white dress, Dr. Scholl’s tennis shoes, and Kendra Scott earrings. And a Cross necklace she had purchased at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. Christopher wore an Old Navy knit shirt, linen shorts and New Balance tennis shoes.
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
The couple selected two beautiful locations in Roanoke, Virginia, for their engagement photos: Hotel Roanoke and the Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building. Hotel Roanoke was a classic venue with a backdrop for trendy and timeless images. The Municipal Building featured iconic columns and grand stairs – another ideal setting for photography.
At the start of the photography session, Natalie wore a white satin mini dress paired with matching white heels that featured bow accents. She accessorized with pearl drop earrings and white heart-shaped sunglasses.
She chose a black blouse with bows, jeans and cheetah-print Tory Burch wedges for her second, more casual outfit. She complemented this look with Kendra Scott earrings and a Cartier Love Ring.
For the formal shots, Christopher complemented Natalie’s outfits with a grey suit and black shoes. His casual attire included a tan polo shirt, jeans, and black shoes.
WEDDING PLANS
Christopher and Natalie will marry on January 1, 2026, at the Roanoke Country Club in Roanoke, Virginia.
VENDORS
PROPOSAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Hannah Hutchins
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE
Hotel Roanoke
https://www.instagram.com/hotelroanoke
Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
https://www.instagram.com/city_of_roanoke
ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Jade Sutherland
WEDDING VENUE
Roanoke Country Club
ATTIRE
@abercrombie
@levis
SHOES
@toryburch
JEWELRY
Ivory On Campbell
https://www.instagram.com/ivoryoncampbell
SUIT/SHOES
https://www.instagram.com/menswearhouse
If you are planning a wedding in Roanoke, Richmond, Fredericksburg/Northern Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley, Coastal Virginia, or Charlottesville/ Lynchburg, Virginia, we can help with your wedding planning and ideas.
