Bartizan

Welcome Party

Hilton Richmond Hotel and Spa Short Pump

Shuttle Service between Room Block Hotel and Wedding Venue

Dover Hall

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Reception

bar-ti-zan

Farewell Brunch

Our Wedding

FAQ and Wedding Details

We met not long after Nathan moved back to Williamsburg from Germany after getting his Masters degree, and I had just graduated from law school and learned that I had passed the Virginia bar exam. The dating opportunities in Williamsburg left something to be desired, and we both ended up on a dating app. Just as I decided I was completely over any further attempt at online dating, I matched with Nathan. We had our first date at a Williamsburg institution, Aromas, and walked around Colonial Williamsburg on a cold November afternoon with our coffee (for Nathan) and hot chocolate (for me). He waxed poetic about the architecture, and how the gardens brought him joy. I tried to say something to make him laugh. Eventually, we discovered we had several connections in common. It turned out, I had even already met his youngest sister, Anneliese, before even knowing Nathan existed. He got a lot of credit for that--she is sweet and lovely, and everyone adores her. So obviously he comes from a good family.

The Beginning

Just after our first Valentine's Day (a trip to the Virginia Military Aviation Museum for a Big Band Swing Dancing event, in close-to-correct-time-period costumes), we suddenly had plenty of time to decide whether we could stand to be in close quarters for long stretches of time, because the world shut down for the pandemic. I happily discovered that yes, in fact, I do like him enough to share a home office while we worked from home, with no return-to-work plan in sight. From there, our relationship developed and improved over years of learning about each other and ourselves.

The Lead Up

When we decided to go to Vermont in September 2025, I didn't have any idea Nathan had plans to propose. We had talked about it often, but this trip was as spur of the moment as I am able to be, and planned on two weeks' notice. We stayed at a run down summer cabin, right on the shores of Lake Champlain. We explored upstate New York, rafting down the Ausable Chasm, and visited Fort Ticonderoga. Unbeknownst to me, Nathan had an engagement ring in his pocket the whole time. Yes, including on the rafting adventure.On our final full day, he told me he was sad we missed the sunset on the pebble beach the night before, and he would love to dress up, go to a nice dinner in Vergennes, and come back and catch it that night. As the Type A Planner I am, I calculated exactly what times we needed to be in each place to make this happen.Except that we had too much fun at the fort, and we were behind exactly 15 minutes. That didn't stop Nathan from insisting we needed to use our admission token to access the top of the nearby mountain before it closed to visitors. I anxiously watched the clock tick faster and faster, but thankfully, we only ended up on the mountain for about 10 minutes, before we headed back to the cabin to change for dinner. By then, we were 25 minutes behind schedule.We got to the restaurant and had an absolutely glorious meal. We sat outside, and I watched the sun sink lower and lower in the sky, trying not to panic and ruin the moment by rushing as the staff brought the check. It was all Nathan had asked for all weekend, and I didn't want him to be disappointed! We could just make it if we hurried. We Tokyo-drifted into the cabin parking area and raced down the stairs to the Adirondack chairs and I triumphantly beamed at the mostly set sun, proud that I got us back just in time to catch the last glimmer of light. I turned my head to see if Nathan was enjoying the view, and he was down on one knee, with a ring box I could barely see in the dark. I was so stunned. But, of course, I said yes! It was so special and unexpected. One of my favorite memories of the night we got engaged: as Nathan detailed all the times he almost popped the question all weekend, he ended with, "I wanted to propose on the mountain top, but I didn't want you to have to tell people we got engaged on the top of Mount Defiance!"

The Proposal

We have been through so many life experiences together. I turned 30 with Nathan, and for that birthday, he built me a ceiling-high blanket fort, complete with fairy lights, and we watched movies in the fort all day. We instituted the over-the-top Brei family Easter by creating a scavenger hunt complete with lip sync challenges, clues in plastic Easter eggs, and physics tests, all within 48 hours. We moved my mom, brother, five cats and a dog from Pensacola to Williamsburg (via a stop in Bethesda) over 17 hours. We have traveled together to Canton, New Orleans, Bari, Matera, Alberobello, New York, Pensacola, Orlando, Asheville, Dublin, Kilarney, Galway, Venice, Ljubljana, Krka National Park, Dubrovnik, Medjugorje, Mostar, Split, Zadar, Trieste, Dusseldorf, Weeze, Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga, and finally, Vergennes. We have dressed our cats up in Christmas sweaters to send out our first Christmas cards as a couple (we are aware we will never be able to top this pinnacle of Christmas cards). We have learned (very basic) Italian together. And we have made a home with each other.We couldn't be happier to share this story with all of you, and continue to build our lives with all of you on our wedding day and beyond!

The Future

Our Story

Rachel and Lindsey met in the 8th grade, and have been best friends ever since. Rachel has been with Lindsey through every imaginable high and low, and has been a rock to steady Lindsey in any circumstance, no matter how far apart they lived. They have traveled the country together and with the whole Whitlow clan, from Alaska to New York, Orlando to Hawaii, and continue to make unforgettable memories. She is thoughtful, generous, kind, loving, and selfless. Rachel is not just a friend, she is family. 

Rachel Logan

Kelly is Lindsey's cousin, and former college roommate. Lindsey feels lucky that even though she has no sisters, she has Kelly to stand in and spill the family tea. Kelly is such a champion for Lindsey, and has always rooted for her. There is really nothing like the family's traditional "Girls' Christmas" sleepover and cousin Starbucks runs, or standing beside each other on the other's wedding day. She is funny, clever, and incredibly caring. "I have to call you family, but I get to call you friend."

Kelly Acosta

Claire and Lindsey have been best friends since they were 10 years old, and even managed to end up as roommates in grad school (Lindsey's first time around). Claire always knows the right thing to say to start a fit of laughter and has always been a zealous advocate for Lindsey's belief in herself. From writing their first soap opera to dancing at each other's weddings, they have been through it all. She is loyal, brilliant, and compassionate. Lindsey couldn't be more grateful to share all the happy tears with Claire on Lindsey's big day.

Claire Carroll

Sara was Lindsey's first friend in Virginia. They met just before law school and got along immediately. Then when Lindsey joked a week later on Facebook about spending a weekend with a bucket of ice cream and Sara volunteered as tribute to join for a Disney movie marathon, the friendship deal was sealed.  Through the fires of law school, loss, and online dating, to board game nights and Disney vacations, Sara has been there through so many highs and lows, and Lindsey is so happy to have her stand by her side next January. 

Sara Spartz

A testament to just how many times Lindsey has moved, Katie rounds out the third and final former roommate slot, but their friendship was forged long before that, in the fires of frontline hospitality work. Katie was pivotal in Lindsey's ability to stay sane studying for the LSAT, and endured a road trip all the way from Orlando to William & Mary just for a one-hour tour of the school and the subsequent roommate abandonment, all so Lindsey could follow her dream. Katie is joyful, loving, and thoughtful, and Lindsey is thrilled to have Katie share in her wedding day.

Katelyn Husenaj

Lindsey met Lindsey Nelson through the Graduate Council at William & Mary, while Lindsey N. was getting her Masters Degree at VIMS, and Lindsey W. was trying to find a way to meet people outside of the law school in her 3L year. It was an easy friendship from the jump, and Lindsey N. was supportive, thoughtful, and loving throughout what ended up being Lindsey W's toughest year. She is a steadfast and protective friend, and Lindsey W. could not have gotten through 3L, nor could she get through her wedding, without Lindsey N. by her side!

Lindsey Nelson

Anneliese is Nathan's youngest sister. Lindsey met Anneliese just after Lindsey started her Fellowship at William & Mary, where Anneliese happened to also be interning as an undergraduate. They shared an office a few times before Lindsey and Nathan even had their first date. After Nathan introduced Lindsey to his family, their friendship grew steadily and Lindsey's appreciation of Anneliese's thoughtfulness, intelligence, and generosity deepened. Having Anneliese by her side as Lindsey marries Nathan is sweet icing on the friendship and future sister-in-law cake!

Anneliese Brei

Shea and Lindsey met through work, at a small law firm that had no staff and the inner workings of a startup. Shea was put through trial by fire as the two navigated through the early growing pains of the company, and they both came out stronger on the other side. They even enjoyed working together so much, they ended up at a different firm together  down the line. Their friendship has blossomed quickly and happily. Shea is selfless, brilliant, and caring, and Lindsey is overjoyed to have Shea be part of her wedding day.

Shea Michalak

Scott is Lindsey's brother, and is excited to become Nathan's brother-in-law. From bonding over teasing Lindsey, to a mutual love of all things Lego, Nathan and Scott have enjoyed getting closer over the past few years. Scott is witty, thoughtful, and imminently patient, and Nathan is thrilled to have Scott by his side on the big day!

Scott Whitlow

Matthew and Nathan are cousins, and share, among other things, respect for a Boston winter and family history. In fact, a family production of a great, great-aunt's long-lost play over a Roman feast at New Year really sealed the deal on this mutual appreciation. Matthew is talented, intelligent, and kind, and a perfect addition to the wedding party.

Matthew Hooper

Tyler and Nathan met at a New Year's gathering at Lindsey's apartment. Tyler came as Bridesmaid Sara's plus one, and the universe once again proved the world is small because they all quickly realized Tyler and Nathan both work at Jefferson Lab, but had never met. Since then, they have connected over lab happenings, technical discussions about physics, software, and anything in between, and dinner parties. Tyler is clever, generous, and supportive, and Nathan is happy to have Tyler stand up with him on the wedding day. 

Tyler Lemon

Zac and Nathan met through the Lindseys--Bridesmaid Lindsey met Zac while the Lindseys were on Grad Council together, and Lindsey and Zac were well-coupled by the time New Years 2020 rolled around. They came to Lindsey W.'s New Year's Eve party and played ridiculous games until the ball dropped. Zac and Nathan have since bonded over architecture and construction techniques, martial arts, and everything in between. Zac is hilarious, thoughtful, and the best storyteller. Nathan is grateful for Zac's support in the engagement season and on the wedding day!

Zac Allen

Thomas and Nathan met at Jefferson Lab. Since Thomas and Nathan met, Thomas has been a steadfast friend, inviting Nathan to join a long-running game of Spoons at the cafeteria tables during the lunch hour when Nathan first joined JLab, to hosting board game nights, to providing many of the bottles that will be used as decor on the dinner tables at the wedding. Thomas is passionate, caring, and brilliant, and Nathan is grateful to have Thomas stand with him on his wedding day. 

Thomas Britton

Ayan and Nathan met at Jefferson Lab as colleagues, and have been friends ever since. Ayan has joined Lindsey and Nathan for coffees and farmers' markets on the weekends, day trips to apple orchards in Charlottesville, and weekend trips to Shenandoah. Ayan even spent a whole day cooking dishes from India for Nathan and Lindsey, just because he wanted to share it with them. Ayan is selfless, generous and thoughtful, and Nathan couldn't imagine the wedding day without him!

Ayan Roy

The Mark Anthony Jones and Nathan met at Jefferson Lab, when Mark Anthony Jones got put on projects with the scientific computing group and thoughtfully (and proactively) reached out to Nathan to make sure Nathan had the physical tools and software systems he needed to do his job. He has been a quiet supporter who became a fast friend over tricky software questions and philosophical discussions about life. Mark Anthony Jones is intelligent, quirky, and curious, and Nathan is delighted to have him as part of the big day!

The Mark Anthony Jones

Wedding Party

Engagement Photos

Dress Code

This room rate includes free overnight parking. Shuttle transportation will be provided to the wedding venue from the hotel for guests who respond "yes" to shuttle transportation as a part of their wedding RSVP. Reserve no later than December 15, 2026 to book at this rate, using the dates and Group Code above at the link below: <a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=RICWSHF&amp;groupCode=90M&amp;arrivaldate=2027-01-15&amp;departuredate=2027-01-17&amp;cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&amp;fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Whitlow-Brei Wedding Block</a>

Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump

It is easiest to fly into Richmond International Airport, after which it is a short 20-minute rideshare or taxi to the Hilton Hotel and Spa Short Pump.

Richmond International Airport

Travel

The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, Virginia, is one of the largest comprehensive art museums in the United States. In addition to presenting a wide array of special exhibitions, the museum provides visitors with the opportunity to experience a global collection of art that spans more than 6,000 years.&nbsp;VMFA’s permanent holdings encompass nearly 40,000 artworks, including the largest public collection of Fabergé outside of Russia, the finest collection of Art Nouveau outside of Paris, and one of the nation’s finest collections of American art. VMFA is also home to important collections of Chinese art, English silver, and French Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, British sporting, and modern and contemporary art, as well as renowned South Asian, Himalayan, and African art. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the only art museum in the United States open 365 days a year with free general admission.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Agecroft Hall is a 16th-century Tudor-style manor house that was moved from England in 1925 and rebuilt on the banks of the James River. The grounds and gardens reflect the glorious style of England's Tudor and early Stuart periods.

Agecroft Hall & Gardens

Tucked behind a 27,000 square-foot Tudor-Revival mansion (now home to the Branch Museum of Architecture and Design) is a walled garden with an appealing and secluded simplicity. Relax in this little-known public green space located on Monument Avenue, "One of the 10 Great Streets in the Country." Garden secret: This is one of the largest backyards in the Fan - a historic neighborhood named for its "fan" shaped array of streets.

The Branch Museum of Design

The Enchanted Garden was designed in 1921 as Virginia's first monument to a writer and its layout was taken directly from Poe's poem "To One in Paradise." Look for plants mentioned in his literary works among a pergola, walls, paths, and benches created from materials salvaged from buildings where Poe lived or worked. Garden secret: The ivy came from Poe's mother's grave in St. John's Church.

The Poe Museum

Maymont, located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, is a well-preserved 100 acres where all are welcome to connect with history, nature, wildlife and each other. Built as a Gilded Age estate overlooking the James River, Maymont opened to the public in 1926 and today offers free admission to explore miles of walking paths through rolling hills, enjoy historic landscaped gardens, and meet friendly farm animals and the rescued native animals of the Virginia Wildlife Trail.

Maymont Mansion

The Science Museum of Virginia is a catalyst for inspiration, a place that sparks curiosity and generates ideas. Through hundreds of experiential exhibits, awe-inspiring artifacts and interactive technologies, the Museum presents dynamic programming to hundreds of thousands of guests each year. The Science Museum features permanent hands-on exhibits about wellness, innovation and speed—to name a few—and hosts touring exhibitions from around the world. At 76 feet, The Dome&nbsp;features&nbsp;the largest theater screen in Virginia and provides guests with the ultimate "you are there" experience.&nbsp;

Science Museum of Virginia

By appointment only. Great for a group activity; access to a car is required. Nestled along the banks of the James River, this 8,200-square-foot gallery evokes the spirit of pre-Revolutionary Russian patron estates, where artists found both inspiration and sanctuary. Lazare Gallery offers a carefully curated collection representing over 70 artists spanning the 19th century to the present. Nineteen of these artists are distinguished alumni of the Surikov Institute—one of Russia’s most revered centers of classical training. The remaining works are rare and meaningful discoveries from across the post-Soviet world and select American painters who share a commitment to traditional realism. The gallery also holds a significant collection of 20th-century Russian masters, offering collectors a unique opportunity to explore the enduring lineage of this rich artistic tradition.

Lazare Gallery

Colonial Williamsburg is open 365 days a year. Most Historic Trades and Sites are open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. After hours, check out Evening Programs, which run well into the night.&nbsp;The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are open daily from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Restaurant and store hours vary.

Colonial Williamsburg

The Virginia Air and Space Science Center (VASSC) is a world-class facility where aviation and space exploration come to life. Since opening its doors in 1992, VASSC has welcomed millions of visitors with immersive, hands-on exhibits designed to inspire and educate. The Center proudly houses over 30 historic aircraft and rare space artifacts, including the Apollo 12 Command Module Yankee Clipper, Mercury and Gemini capsules, and the Orion Pad Abort- Test Vehicle. Alongside these treasures, guests can engage with over 35 interactive STEM experiences highlighting innovation, courage, and discovery at the heart of air and space sciences. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or a curious explorer, the Virginia Air and Space Science Center offers an unforgettable journey through flights past, present, and future.

Virginia Air & Space Science Center

From inspiring stories of mariners who risked it all for freedom to true tales of man conquering the wild seas, our indoor galleries will spark curiosity, wonder, and an appreciation for our shared maritime heritage. The Mariners' Museum is home to the USS&nbsp;Monitor&nbsp;Center. The ironclad Monitor was made famous in the Battle of Hampton Roads&nbsp;in 1862 during the American Civil War, and its remains were located on the floor of the Atlantic Ocean about 16 miles southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. The wreck site was designated as the United States' first national marine sanctuary, the only one of the 13 national marine sanctuaries created to protect a cultural resource rather than a natural resource or a mix of natural and cultural resources.

Lindsey & Nathan

Lindsey & Nathan

Engagement Photos