"Chance and I first met in elementary school, where we were each other’s fourth-grade crushes. 

We grew up together, and after years of him patiently pursuing me, I finally said yes to a date during our 

sophomore year of high school and we’ve been together ever since.

On our very first date, he accidentally locked himself out of his car while dropping me off

 at home, which has since become one of our favorite memories. 

We went on to graduate high school, navigate long distance during college between Texas and Florida, 

and support each other through completing our graduate degrees.

This year, we got married on the 10-year anniversary of when we first started dating, marking a decade of love

 and growing together from age 16 to 26."

"We got married in Nokomis, Florida, on the property of Chance’s childhood home. The Cook residence sits right on the intracoastal waterway, which made it the perfect setting for our coastal Florida wedding, something that felt especially meaningful since I’m a marine biologist and we both grew up on the water.

Because Chance and I have been together since high school, his home has always felt like mine too. I grew up there in so many ways and experienced countless memories, both good and bad, here. It’s a place that has truly been part of our story.

Some of my favorite moments were the quiet ones at the end of the night. After saying goodbye, we’d hug outside, and I’d look up at the stars, which always seemed to shine brighter there than anywhere else. It always felt magical, and on our wedding day, it felt even more meant to be, as the planets aligned above us that night. That feeling stayed with me, and it made choosing this location incredibly special. There was never really another option—it was always going to be there."

"Our color scheme was coastal Florida—light blues, white, and

 a touch of green for our florals and linens; and natural

 wood for our chairs and plate chargers."

"I went into the process pretty prepared (very Type A of me) with a clear vision of what I wanted—something classic yet modern, sleek, and a little sexy. 

The first dress I tried on was a wild card that I knew

 I’d either love or hate, and I definitely hated it.

The second dress, though, was a different story. 

I chose it thinking I would like it, and it ended up being my Antonio Gual LP dress. 

I knew immediately because it fit me like a glove in a way none of the others did, and more importantly, it truly felt like me. 

My mom confirmed it right away too—she looked at me and said, 'That dress is so you, Meredith.'"

"If there was one moment to relive from our wedding day it would be our first look. 

Seeing Chance's reaction to me as a bride for the first time is something I will never forget. 

I could truly see how much he loved me in that moment. 

We then read our vows privately during this time which was incredibly intimate.

 We also read our vows during our ceremony so our closest 25 friends and family could hear them as well."

Congratulations to the happy couple! To learn more about the LP gown, click here