A Love That Runs Deep: A Wedding Among Teammates

A celebration full love and community: our unforgettable wedding day

August 10, 2019, will forever be etched in our hearts as a day filled with overwhelming joy. Seeing friends and family gathered together wasn't just about us; it was a heartfelt celebration with all those who've supported us on our journey. Our wedding was a vibrant mix filled with love, laughter, and friendship, shared alongside those who've stood by us through all life has thrown our ways.

We're Candace and Tig Archer, and our adventure began back in fall 2016 on West Virginia University cross-country team. Who'd have thought that three short years later, we'd be vowing forever with all those who cherished us right by our sides?

Our winding road toward wedding day

We got engaged in January 2018 after dating whirlwind five months. As full-time student-athletes, we had lots concerns about timing. Originally, we thought we'd wait until graduation, but by April 2019, we both felt drawn an urgent sense that it was time. So, in just five months, we pulled together our most important day ever.

Planning through chaos and craziness

Choosing an August date meant juggling around team training camp. After ceremony, we'd quickly head back Canaan Valley, where it all began. Our planning felt like team effort, squeezed between practices and rehab sessions. Teammates and coaches became our planners, photographers, even officiants.

Our catering? A fun twist! Instead gifts, friends brought food: pancakes, muffins, eggs, coffee - brunch style. A teammate's mom made a homemade cake, adding wonderful personal touch.

The trackside ceremony

Our ceremony reflected everything we shared. Bridal party, sporting rainbow bowties, stood down track as “Somewhere Over Rainbow” played. Tig stood solid at altar, but sight Candace brought joyful tears, capturing emotional moment perfectly.

Having faced intense sporting pressure, our wedding felt similar. Yet, surrounded by team now family, we were ready embrace future.

A shared beginning

Thinking back fall 2016, everything started clicking. Both injured at training camp, we connected over pain. A sudden storm pushed us under canopy, where we opened up about strengths and fears. It was there Tig saw Candace's fiery, kind spirit.

Back on campus, no rush. We decided grow individually, confident right time would bring us together.

Facing challenges, celebrating triumphs

Starting our relationship wasn't without hurdles. What would it mean team-wise? Could we handle being LGBTQ couple in conservative atmosphere? Sure, there were worries, but our love running united us.

We faced hostility sometimes, but Tig's humor and our resilience kept us going. Our love was defiance, unshakable against ignorance.

Team at WVU shone as supportive light, proving change truly possible. Candace's prior experience in less accepting environment gradually transformed over years. Our wedding highlighted this shift, with many teammates proudly standing in bridal party.

Visibility, hope, and flourishing future

We're visible share what we can who can't. We want others see truth love, feel it real as any other. Candace's pursuing master's Coaching/Sport Education, Tig's in Social Work. Together, we dream community thriving.

Simply by being us, we aspire inspire. Our marriage symbolizes love, strength, and immense power supportive community brings. Proudly, we run life race together, surrounded by love.

Story editor: J.B.

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