2016 Spring - Summer I Do

I Do!

Spring / Summer 2016

™

Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

A Perfect

Mountain Wedding 10 REAL WEDDING STORIES

2 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 3

4 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

Featured Brides

OCTOBER 6, 2012

Endia & Jay Ying Yang Love

JULY 4, 2015

Megan & Jake

Red, White and Webster

JULY 5, 2014

APRIL 18,2015

8 Rachel & Pat

(Pictured on cover)

12 Allie & Michael

JUNE 6, 2015

16 Jen & Lateef

Magical Rose Garden Ceremony A Perfect Mountain Wedding

Online Romance

SEPTEMBER 12, 2015

SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

24 Deanna & Austin

DnA - Partners In Crime

SEPTEMBER 19, 2015

28 Emily & Justin

Harvest Moon Love

31 Marileigh & Drew

Destination: Asheville

19

34

Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide

It was six years ago when we published the first issue of I Do! Along with this issue, we will have featured photographs from over 70 real brides. Thank you to all of the brides who have shared their love stories with our readers.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

Courtney & Bobby

If you would like your wedding to be featured in the 2016 Fall / Winter edition of I Do!, please email us at writer@sophiemagazine.com,

36

School Crushes Meet Again

Cover photo by Brittany Sikes of Inspired Life Photography

NOVEMBER 28, 2015

Lauren & Matt

38

An Enchanting Evening Dowtown 2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 5

I Do!

™

Sophie Magazine’s Wedding Guide GENERAL MANAGER/PUBLISHER

Patricia Martin Betts

IT/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Jeff Ruminski

CREATIVE EDITOR

Debi Manfre

CREATIVE SERVICES

Carrie Harder Rachel Hoeft Randy Whittington PROOFING DIVA

Karen Shepard

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Meg Hale Brunton Pam Hensley Rick Jenkins Rose Lunsford Crystal Pressley

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Sam Howell

To advertise in the 2016 Fall/Winter edition of I Do!, Please call 828.274.8888 ext. 310 or e-mail editor@sophiemagazine.com.

Sophie Magazine 22 Garfield Street, Suite 100 Asheville, NC 28813 828.210.0340 I Do!, a publication of Sophie Magazine, has accepted contributions which may not reflect the opinion of the publisher. No portion of I Do! may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

6 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 7

W

e met in late 2007 through some mutual friends.

After talking with each other for a few months over the phone, we went out for the first time, Martin Luther King weekend 2008. From that moment forward we knew that our relationship wasn't like others. That weekend truly opened our eyes. It was during that weekend we learned that we had more in common than just mutual attraction for one another. We truly were the Ying to the other’s Yang. If it wasn't our love for sports, it was our different yet similar upbringings, or our beliefs on what life was supposed be like in our eyes. The similarities and differences are truly what defined our relationship as true best friends and not the typical “we're best friends� that most proclaim in new relationships.

Neither of us were expecting this in our lives at this point. I was air traffic controller for the Navy and looking to continue my career. She was in her final year of internal medicine residency. Then after 2 years of dating long distance, it became more and more evident that neither one of us wanted to live

Endia and Jay 8 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

our lives apart. So during mid 2010 we decided it was becoming more and more difficult for us to be away from each other. In December 2010 we were finally able to be close to each other every day. It was then we truly realized that we were made for each other. Then in March of 2012 we officially became engaged and on October 6 at 3:00 p.m. of that same year we became husband and wife.

u

JAY’S PROPOSAL: Jay's proposal was simple and sweet. I was out of town working and Jay and my mother had this big plan of proposing to me by having my ring placed in a wine glass while we were having dinner and dessert. But once I arrived home from my trip, Jay just skipped all those plans and woke me up from sleep and told me he couldn’t wait any more and he had to make it official at that moment and he proposed to me on his knee while I was lying in bed.

Top 5 Favorite Moments:

1 Endia’s oldest brother and cousin break dancing challenge.

2 Money dance.

3 Endia dancing with her 3 brothers.

4 Jay dancing with his aunt.

5 Oldest married couple dance.

BRIDE: ENDIA JOHNSON • GROOM: JAY PITTS HAIR AND MAKEUP: JEANNE'S HAIR AND MAKEUP STUDIO CAKE: SHORT STREET CAKES ASHEVILLE, NC VENUE ( PROVIDED DJ, PHOTOGRAPHER, CATERER, LODGING, EVENT PLANNING): SLEEPY HOLLOW INN, SWANNANOA, NC

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 9

10 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 11

Rachel and Pat

I

Math, along with your other major related classes. One such required class is Cultural Anthropology. The class could've been really cool and fun, but it was one of those made intolerable by the professor.

Marshall University has this thing called the Marshall Plan. In a nutshell, no matter what your major is, you are required to take basic classes, like English and

As fate would have it, Pat also was in that class and in the few short days of attending, we were forced into a group because of our majors being the same. Let me say first off that I hate group projects, especially those awkwardly forced college group projects. Second, I could tell that everyone in my group were not the type of people I liked to be around, including Pat. When I introduced myself to him, he did not look up from his laptop and mumbled,

had just started my Freshman year of college at Marshall University in West Virginia and was in no way looking for any kind of relationship. Coming from a 7-12th grade high school consisting of approximately 250 people, I was overwhelmed by the amount of people already, let alone going out of my way to date. I had my mind set on school and studious things, like any responsible college goer...boy was I about to break that promise to myself.

12 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

"My name's Pat. I'm glad we'll be working together." I couldn't help but think that this would be an awful experience.

As the days went by, our group would meet regularly to work on what would be the final project of the class and every time Pat would avoid any eye or verbal contact with me unless forced. I hated him. Then one day, (this was back when MySpace was still relevant), I received a message from him! I was confused because the message titled "Hola Senorita" was nothing like he was in person; funny, relaxed and caring. A few messages back and forth and I realized that he was definitely into me.

I was intrigued by Pat and decided, "why

not?" and thus we began to date.

We were together for 5 years (engaged for 2 of those years) before we tied the knot. It's hard to explain in words, but I knew as soon we began our official dating relationship, that this was different. It had felt like I knew him for years, and I knew I wanted to be with him for the rest of my life.

Planning a wedding is so hectic. My mom and I did the bulk of the work while Pat was in charge of music, rings and his and his groomsmen's attire. After I got my dress (I cried as soon as I tried it on), we had to figure out what to do for flowers and decorations. My mom had the brilliant idea of fake flowers, so we created all the arrangements and decorated the venue as well as the reception area ourselves.

I always wanted an outdoor wedding and the Rose Garden at the Huntington Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia, just fell into place. We were fortunate enough that it was neither too humid or rainy on our July 5th wedding date. It was however windy, which almost caused the archway where we were standing to almost fall on me, the flames on our unity candles to continuously blow out AND our runway to twist on itself.

All in all, it was magical and totally worth the chaos. I loved every second of it and would do it again in a heartbeat.

Top 5 Favorite Moments:

1 At the time of the wedding my father had been passed

away for 3 years, and I was devastated that he would not be there to give me away. Instead my mom took his place and that walk down the aisle with her will forever be one of my favorite memories. She kept telling me to take it slow, take everything in and not to forget anything. We left a reserved chair for my dad and when we walked passed it, I placed a single rose. I could definitely feel him there with me that day.

2 During the day of, Pat kept giving me a hard time about

possibly being late to the wedding, but he ended up delaying it because he left the rings at the hotel! He said that he was surprised that he didn't get pulled over from the way he drove.

I'm just glad it wasn't my fault for the delay.

3 The speeches that my Maid of

Honor, Cortney, and his Best Man, Kevin, gave were so sweet and thoughtful. I especially loved it when Cortney mentioned how after classes when I met up with her how much I complained about how rude and awful Pat was.

4 Our first dance was something

else. At first it was awkward because I could feel everyone's eyeballs, but soon it all melted away and it was just us. It was perfect.

5 After everyone left, we walked

to our hotel room and began to decompress. Everything that happened didn't seem real. It was in that moment that I realized what true bliss was, and was so thankful and excited for the journey that this new chapter in our lives would bring.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 13

BRIDE: RACHEL HOEFT • GROOM: PAT EASON PHOTOGRAPHER: JOSH NIBERT PHOTOGRAPHY BRIDE’S DRESS: DAVID’S BRIDAL BRIDE’S JEWELRY: DAVID'S BRIDAL & BORROWED FROM MOTHER BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: DAVID’S BRIDAL GROOM’S ATTIRE: JOS. A BANKS GROOMSMEN'S ATTIRE: JOS. A BANKS MAKEUP: JENNY BURGESS BRIDE’S HAIR: CHARLOTTE HUTCHISON CATERING: PULLMAN PLAZA HOTEL CAKE: FRANCOIS PASTRY SHOP RENTALS: A TO Z RENTALS VENUE: HUNTINGTON RITTER PARK ROSE GARDEN RECEPTION: PULLMAN PLAZA HOTEL BALLROOM

14 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 15

Allie and Michael

M

ichael and I met in the most unusual way. I was a senior at Appalachian State University studying Elementary Education and interning at a school in Warrensville, NC. On my first day, a teacher approached me and asked if I had a boyfriend. After telling her I did not have a boyfriend she asked me to meet her son.

I reluctantly agreed to let him “add me on Facebook”. After Facebook messaging for two weeks we finally met for the first time on September 18, 2010 at an ASU Football game. We became inseparable.

Michael and I overcame a long distance relationship when I moved home to Charlotte, NC after graduating and took a teaching position. Michael decided 8 months later to finish his degree in Finance at UNC Charlotte and eventually got a job in Charlotte as well. We spent our 3½ years dating going to soccer tournaments, hiking trails in the mountains of NC, and attending outdoor concerts.

One Sunday morning in June 2014 Michael and I took a hike, which was normal for us, at Rough Ridge off the Blue Ridge Parkway. After making it to the top, Michael handed me a book full of 16 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

significant dates and memories from our relationship. The last page had that day’s date on it and was blank. That is where he got down on one knee and promised me forever!

We knew we wanted to get married in the North Carolina Mountains. They are such an integral part of our lives and relationship. The Farm in Candler, NC was the last venue we toured, because it was perfect for us. It fit our classic southern theme so well!

On April 18 2015, at 5:00 p.m., it was raining. This delayed the wedding for about 45 minutes but our guests and vendors were so patient. We were married with the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background, under a gazebo decorated with flowers, and horses running beside the ceremony space.

The reception allowed us time to celebrate our marriage with family and friends. We enjoyed classic southern food (barbecue, mac & cheese, Cheerwine (out of the bottle), took turns in the photo booth, and danced the night away. Michael and I were sent off with a confetti exit in a 1955 Rolls Royce. The day was truly a fairy tale!

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 Seeing Michael for the first time: Michael and I chose not to

do a first look. We wanted the first time we saw each other to be when the doors opened and I began the walk down the aisle.

When we first met with our photographer I remember saying the most important picture to me was one of his face when he saw me for the first time. Brittany did not disappoint. This was the most special moment of the entire day for me and it is captured in pictures, forever.

2

The doors: When we toured The Farm we knew it was the place we would be married. The only “fault” for me was the entrance.

I wanted to be hidden until I started my walk down the aisle.

Michael worked for months building doors to keep me hidden. He even made a Pinterest to get ideas! Michael found antique doors, sanded them down, painted them white, and then built a frame. I don’t know all of the little details that went into making the doors but I know they were made from love. When the doors opened and I was standing behind them on our wedding day I couldn’t help but cry. It meant so much to me.

3 The father/daughter dance: I am a daddy’s girl. My dad decided

that he wanted to pick the song that we danced to on my wedding day. At first, I was skeptical. I wondered what he would pick? We danced to “Walk with You” by Edwin McCain. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room. It was perfect, Dad!

4 The rain: It may sound cliché, and at the time I was freaking out, but the rain gave me more time. It began to rain about 30 minutes before the ceremony was to start. What seemingly was a disaster actually gave me more time with my family and bridesmaids before the whirlwind began. We were able to relax, take silly photos, drink mimosas, and just enjoy the time together.

5 All of our friends and family in one place: We had friends and

family travel from all over the country to celebrate our wedding with us! I remember walking down the aisle and looking out from dinner thinking how awesome it was to have all of our favorite people in one place. How often does that happen? It meant so much to be loved and supported by so many people who mean so much to us. We had the best time dancing the night away with them!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 17

BRIDE: ALLIE POPE • GROOM: MICHAEL GRAYBEAL VENUE (CEREMONY & RECEPTION): THE FARM • PHOTOGRAPHER: INSPIRED LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY (BRITTANY SISK) BRIDE’S DRESS: ALLURE BRIDAL FROM NY BRIDE AND GROOM • HAIR: TRICIA ZINKE - ASHEVILLE HAIR DESIGN • MAKEUP: ALL LAWLESS FLOWERS: YOUR VASE OR MINE • CEREMONY OFFICIANT: REV. THOMAS RUSSELL • CATERING: MOE’S BBQ • DJ: A BRIDE'S DJ TRANSPORTATION: ELITE LIMOUSINE LLC • WEDDING COORDINATOR: JESSICA ALEXANDER

18 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

L

Jen and Lateef

ateef and I "met" through an online dating website. The funny thing is that we ended up actually seeing each other for the first time at our work place cafeteria, not knowing exactly where the other one worked! After seeing his gleaming smile in person I decided it was go-time and scheduled a date as soon as possible, which was nearly 6 weeks after we had begun writing each other. Our first date was at what used to be Pizza Pura in the River Arts District. It was the perfect quaint little spot; just us by the end of the evening. We hit it off and from that moment we both knew this was the start of something special.

We first agreed to marry each other when we were on a road trip out West, walking through San Francisco. We happened to be walking by the steps of the court house where a beautiful bouquet of flowers were laying. Lateef looked at me with his huge smile and said, "let's get married; how about now?!" It was the first time we actually talked about marriage out loud and it was very exciting, but we decided we wanted our friends and family there so we started planning a wedding.

The real proposal happened a couple months later, on December 22nd. I had just started a new job where I work with the elderly and was so focused on work and the upcoming holidays at the time. Little did I know Lateef had been scheming with his parents, friends, my boss, and all of my co-workers who were in on the surprise. My boss told me that morning that I had an extra last minute client to meet with in the afternoon, in my already busy day. I was appropriately frustrated and annoyed, but agreed to meet with this client.

Later in the day my coworker grabbed me literally off an important phone call to take me to this client who had apparently been waiting. When I came into the room, an elderly gentleman had his back turned to me. I noticed the grey hair, grey mustache, wooden cane, wool sweater and sport coat and little extra belly on this person. I greeted him and upon seeing his face, immediately recognized Lateef, dressed head to toe, as an elderly man! He proceeded to give me a speech about wanting to grow old with me and got the ring out and asked me to marry him. I was so shocked and couldn't believe he had pulled off such a surprise; for all of my coworkers to see (and film!). It was such a fun day and he continued 2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 19

with the surprises all night. He took me out to dinner at Zambra's and later to drinks at MG Road, where all of our family and friends gathered for a surprise party. It was quite a fun and memorable Monday night!

We decided to have a quick engagement due to Lateef's residency schedule, and fell in love with the first venue we visited. Brahma Ridge Event Center was absolutely perfect and we loved Holly and Rob from the moment we met them. The venue had everything we wanted, including an intimate space to rent out all weekend for our family and friends to stay and camp.

Our wedding day was exactly what we had envisioned. In the morning I had the lovely Mackenzie Thomas teach a yoga class under the tent for guests and Lateef, an avid cyclist, took a large crew of folks out on a mountain bike ride in Bent Creek. It was our perfect morning, to be active and centered, with those that we love most. Our ceremony took place at 4pm, under an arbor next to the apple orchard. Lateef and his 3 groomsmen entered the ceremony with some rowdy hollars on mountain bikes, riding down the mountain to the site. It was quite the crowd pleaser and eased any nerves I had, reminding me this was just a big celebration of love and we were here to have fun! Jeanne Sommer was our officiant, leading the ceremony with perfection, having listened to our every request. I walked down the aisle with both my mom and dad, to live music, and carried flowers that we had picked and arranged ourselves at Full Sun Farm. Our brothers gave speeches and prayers written by our parents. We wrote our own vows and had a blessing of the hands before exchanging rings.

The reception followed with cocktail hour on the dock over the pond, a huge group photo, and dinner under the tent. Our delicious food was provided by HomeGrown, the beer provided from local breweries through Winehaus, and our cake was made by our talented friend, Jenn McDuff. The speeches given by both of our fathers and my bridesmaid and Lateef's groomsman were all publish-worthy and incredibly moving. The celebration went on and the dance party exceeded all expectations thanks to our DJ, Jakub Holy, of Bright Light Entertainment. I think everyone was blown away by the crowd and everyone's ability to stay on the dance floor all night! We also cannot thank our photographer and friend, Nick King, enough for capturing all of these moments throughout the day. All of our vendors were truly a joy to work with and blew us away with what they were able to make happen.

It was a magical day and we couldn't have asked for a better community to come together to make our celebration possible.

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 Lateef and his groomsmen riding into the ceremony on mountain bikes.

2

Our authentic and meaningful ceremony, perfectly pieced together to reflect us.

3 Lateef showing up with multiple outfit

changes during the reception; and me getting thrown into the air while wearing an adult onesie tiger suit.

4 The speeches given during dinner; so moving and beautiful.

5 The last song of the night, John

Denver's "Country Road" playing and everyone circling around us, feeling wrapped up with support and love.

20 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

BRIDE: JEN VAUGHN • GROOM: LATEEF CANNON VENUE: BRAHMA RIDGE EVENT CENTER • OFFICIANT: JEANNE SOMMER RINGS: FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND JEWELS THAT DANCE FLOWERS: PICK YOUR OWN AT FULL SUN FARM • CAKE: JENN MCDUFF FOOD: HOMEGROWN AND CHAI PANI (REHEARSAL DINNER) BEER: LOCAL BREWERIES FROM WEINHAUS PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK KING PHOTOGRAPHY MUSIC FOR CEREMONY: REV. BEN CASTEEL & JD ANDERSON RECEPTION MUSIC AND MC: JAKUB HOLY OF BRIGHT LIGHT ENTERTAINMENT

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 21

22 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 23

Megan and Jake

J

ake and I were both attending graduate school at Lenoir-Rhyne when we met. We were first introduced at a Hickory Crawdad’s game but we were both interested in other people. A few weeks later, our paths crossed again at a hole in the wall bar, where Jake saved me from meatheads trying to get my number. After that night we spent every free moment together.

We grew to love each other’s passions from animals to volleyball to traveling to music. We developed more than a surface relationship- we started discussions that had deeper meaning (faith, our future, 24 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

virtues… etc.). While I began my last 12week rotation, Jake started his job search.

He started looking for jobs that included a position for me, and wanted my opinion on where we were going to start our lives together. We made a choice to take on Florence, SC and split the difference in distance between our families (Charlotte, NC and Loris, SC). As soon as my rotation was over I headed to Florence.

The week after I started my new job, we drove to Myrtle Beach for a volleyball tournament and to celebrate my first paycheck. We ate a nice dinner and headed out for a stroll on the boardwalk.

Jake suggested the sky wheel, which took me by surprise because he was afraid of heights. Once we were in the sky wheel, Jake started pouring his heart out to me then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

As we began planning, a 4th of July wedding was always a big joke, until we found our amazing venue. It was only October but they only had two weekends available in the summer, July 4th and July 11th. We sat in Olive Garden and decided our joke was coming true- a 4th of July Wedding. Our families had a field day with red white and blue, and

everything American: from flag wedding dressing to centerpieces, you name it- they found it. Then it became even more of a joke when I picked out my bridesmaids' dresses. I went to the University of Kentucky for undergraduate and wanted my bridesmaids in Kentucky blue. After exploring many accent colors, we decided red had the best pop. Our big day developed into a red, white and blue 4th of July wedding. Or as we said #RedWhiteAndWebster.

Weeks before our big day I was checking the weather. Our wedding was planned for the lawn in front of mountain views at The Crest Center in Asheville, NC. Everyone repeated to me that “rain on our wedding day is good.” It did not feel good.

But we moved our wedding inside and it was just as beautiful. At the end of the day, the only thing I wished for was more time to spend with our guests.

Thank you to everyone to who has been a part of our lives. We are so blessed to have amazing family and friends that made our 4th of July wedding incredible.

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 Walking down the aisle- As I made my way down the aisle with my father, I spotted Jake, a man I never saw cry, actually shed a tear. That image alone opened my floodgates.

2 Prayer of the faithful- As part the ceremony I asked my great

aunt to say the prayer of the faithful. I knew exactly what it said and I knew that she would be praying over those who had gone before us, one of which was my Papa John. It would be a hard moment to hear and I needed strength more than ever. The moments before she read, Jake gave my hands a squeeze in reassurance.

3 Our Venue- Two planners from the Crest were assigned to our

day, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. They were absolutely phenomenal, along with all the other staff members.

They were always making sure that we had everything we needed and more importantly, that we were having a good time. Besides the people, there was an amazing mountain view!

4 Our sparkler exit and bus ride- The exit was beautiful and

amazing. We climbed on the bus, surrounded by our friends and

family, and headed to the hotel. The entire bus ride I couldn’t help but exclaim “THIS IS MY HUSBAND.”

5 The first day of forever- The morning after the wedding we met family and friends at the hotel restaurant. It was the first day of forever with Jake.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 25

BRIDE: MEGAN PRESLEY • GROOM: JAKE WEBSTER PHOTOGRAPHER: KATY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE & CATERING: THE CREST • PASTOR: HOWARD HANGER BRIDE’S DRESS: POFFIE GIRLS, MORILEE HAIR & MAKE UP: TAYLOR SIGMON BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: NORDSTORM- DONNA MORGAN GROOM/GROOMESMEN: MENS WAREHOUSE CAKE: INGLES • FLOWERS: THE BLOOM ROOM DJ: MITCH FORTUNE PRODUCTIONS

26 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 27

Deanna and Austin

A

BOUT US: DnA. Partners in Crime. Best friends. He is my rock. She is my fire. He makes me feel like I am always at home. She reminds me that I am loved.

He forced me to say Tango is “our dog” and I love him for it. She taught me about “organic” food. He makes my heart sing.

She sings along with me to songs on the radio. He inspires me to be true to myself.

She loves me for me. He reminds me to play. She shows me how much I can accomplish with her love and support. He is my shorty. She is the same size as me.

He makes me want to be a better person

28 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

every minute of every day. She makes me want to be a better person every minute of every day. We still giggle. We feel at peace in nature. We play and make up games. We still smile every time we look at each other.

We know, no matter what one of us does, the other will always be there. We love each other with every fiber of our beings.

u THE PROPOSAL: Date: September 14, 2014. For their 5 year anniversary, the couple decided to go hiking to the top of a mountain on one of Deanna’s favorite trails. Austin was insistent upon leaving the dogs at home which was unusual.

The clouds were very low that day, so they hiked through the mist into the middle of nowhere.

As Deanna chattered away, Austin began scouting for the perfect place. He stopped in a clearing next to a group of awesome trees and asked Deanna to come over. He pulled the oldest trick in the book and said, “What’s that over there?” Deanna, knowing this was bear season, got incredibly excited and started looking for a bear. When she turned around, Austin was on his knee with a ring. Deanna

screamed, ran a bit, while Austin started saying how she makes him feel like he’s on top of the world. “I want our yesterdays, today, and tomorrows to be together forever. Deanna, I love you and I want you to marry me.” Deanna, crying, responded with, “YES! I would love to marry you!”

After a long embrace, Austin pulled a bottle of champagne out of the hiking pack to celebrate and the two carved their initials “DnA” into the tree, marking their spot forever. They then sat in silence and took in the moment that their future began.

u THE WEDDING DAY: September 12, 2015. Murphy’s Law applied to the planning and engagement period of this wedding in every way possible. From family medical emergencies to having to find a new photographer and a third officiant only five days before the wedding, the planning of the wedding was comically tragic. They even had to abandon all plans of their original ceremony site the night before the wedding due to the rehearsal party being swarmed by ground bees.

However, thanks to the help from every friend, family member, and guest, all came together to make it a most amazing and memorable wedding.

As the couple's friends were bustling to reorganize the ceremony site and set

up for the wedding, Austin and his Gents hid in the basement of Laughing Water’s beautiful main house while they got ready.

Deanna and her Ladies danced and got ready on the third floor.

The gang used walkie talkies and code names to prevent Austin from seeing Deanna before the ceremony. They would hear through the walkie talkie, “The Package (Austin) is on the move towards the mimosa and fruit table. Hide Hedwig (Deanna)! Over.”

Walkie talkies plus great friends makes for the best game of hide and seek ever.

As ceremony time approached, Austin and his Gents headed towards the tent to greet guests and help everyone get situated for the ceremony.

Deanna walked down the aisle with both of her parents and when she turned the corner, she found Austin waiting with his hands over his eyes so he wouldn’t see her coming. One of the Gents signaled Austin that he could open his eyes - seeing her for the first time in her wedding gown almost brought tears to his eyes, she was so beautiful. Deanna was so excited she kept trying to kiss Austin during the ceremony until he reminded her that she couldn’t do that until they said, “I do”.

The ceremony was beautiful. Austin and Deanna wrote it themselves and invited many family members to come read poems. Deanna’s father wrote, composed, and performed a song with one of her sisters and a brother-in-law. It was the first time they were allowed to hear it and everyone was in tears. The couple recited their own vows and started their own marriage tradition with a vase made by one of their friends. Finally, they were able to kiss and it was electric.

The best party anyone could ask for followed the ceremony.

There was fancy popcorn and tons of activities and yard games.

Friends brewed Deanna and Austin their own signature craft beers and everyone danced, partied, ate the best tacos, and the most delicious cake. The couple also surprised Deanna’s parents with a little celebration for their 40th wedding anniversary. Instead of a guest book, there were prayer flags upon which the guests could write a prayer or wish. As the night progressed, music jam sessions broke out, karaoke happened, and tons of photo booth props were used. With the party continuing on through the night, Austin and Deanna snuck away to a little wooden bridge in the woods and sat, looking at the stars, and reflecting on the amazing day. No amount of planning could have ever made it as perfect as it was. Thanks Murphy’s Law.

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 It was “The Gents” and “The Ladies” job to keep Austin and

Deanna hidden from one another leading up to the ceremony, so we all had walkie talkies and code names to make sure there were no Bride or Groom sightings. Austin’s code name was “The Package” and Deanna’s was “Hedwig”.

2 Deanna - Both my parents escorted me down the aisle to

give me away. When we turned the corner to where Austin and everyone was waiting, we found Austin covering his eyes with his hands so he wouldn’t ruin the surprise of seeing me.

3 Austin - Holding my best friend's hands as we exchanged our vows, knowing that soon she will be my wife.

4 The surprise song Deanna’s father wrote, composed, and

performed with her sister and brother-in-law for our ceremony, "Here It Is".

5 The venue and decorations were perfect - being in the middle of the woods we feel the most connected to God. We had created our own little heaven on Earth.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 29

BRIDE: DEANNA JANNUZZI • GROOM: AUSTIN BANASZAK PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK KING PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE (CEREMONY, RECEPTION & ACCOMMODATIONS): LAUGHING WATERS, GERTON, NC CATERING: MAMACITAS • RENTALS & TENT: CLASSIC EVENT RENTALS WEDDING DAY COORDINATOR: JENNIFER NEWMAN FLOWERS: INGLES AND BLOSSOMS (Purchased loose flowers - all arrangements and crowns done by Deanna and friends) DJ & MC: G-VEGAS • POPCORN: POPPY'S DECORATIONS: LITTLE SPOON STUDIOS - DEANNA BANASZAK ETC: We couldn’t do it without the help of our friends. Each and every one of them came together to make our day as special as it was. Our friend Cristhian Mora Lopez make our beautiful cake. Savya Ramesh made our little cakes. Drew and Rachel Wax and Todd Iglehart brewed us beer. And a most grateful thanks to Jennifer and Jason Newman, Caleigh Bridgers, Bridgette Haley, Kate Kelleher, Gina and Bob Gill, Jessica Iglehart, Mary Howell, Jess Reedy, Martin Montelongo, Joe and Chet Jannuzzi, Kyle Miller, Jimmy Evans, all of Austin’s family, and all of Deanna’s family. We thank you all.

30 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

Emily and Justin Lee

H

ow we met: Justin and I grew up in church together and have known each other for the majority of our lives. Although we may have known about one another we never really interacted with each other until we were young adults. Our First date was December 21st 2013 he took me to an Italian Restaurant called Yiannis. I ordered 8 Buffalo wings that I didn’t eat because I was so nervous BUT I did manage to spill them all over the inside of his new truck (THAT HE LOVED). He said he knew I was “The One” if I was able to get buffalo sauce all over the inside of his truck and him not even be upset about it.

The proposal: I want to do something a little different and give you the proposal detail from the people who participated and witnessed the proposal, one being my mother: “A family beach trip is what surrounded the proposal on September 9, 2014. Justin wanted to make the proposal special by including the people they loved and by choosing to propose on that day because it was the “Harvest Moon” (farmers can continue their harvest

late into the night by the extended light of the full moon) and it was also a “Super Moon” (extra large & closer) that night.

Some people claim that the harvest moon shines brighter and more golden than during normal full moons. The whole family was able to participate in arranging and decorating Justin’s dinner proposal scene out on the beach with Emily none the wiser. That’s a major feat in itself that there were so many of us on the trip that were “IN” on the proposal. While the family was out on the beach decorating, many, many people stopped to take pictures, ask questions and even linger around to watch Justin get down on one knee and ask Emily to marry him.

Justin and Emily went for a walk on the beach once they returned from dinner.

He texted his brother Josh to let him know they were on the beach walking towards the "set up" and for all the family members to clear out of the way and go hide in the dunes (LOL YES, the family was all hunkered down in the dunes).

Justin and Emily reached the heart shaped with candles, Justin gets down on one

knee, cameras flashing like mad from the balconies from hotels from onlookers, their mothers in the dunes and a crying Emily says YES!!!”

The wedding day: From the very beginning of our engagement Justin and I talked about how we wanted our wedding to be one where every single person we ever loved and cared about could be with us to celebrate. We wanted to have the biggest party of our lives….surrounded by all the people we loved. Well it was that and more. It hit me as I stood there on the alter, hand in hand with my “almost” husband, how incredibly blessed I am.

To look around and see the face of nearly every true friend I have ever had, to have the support of 9 of the most amazing women standing up beside me, to see family who had traveled from near and far to be with us, to have parents who have shown me nothing but love, and to look into the eyes of the man I knew would stand by me forever. It is a bit hard to explain in words the depth of love I felt that day, but it is something I will never forget.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 31

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1

Getting ready with the help of all my bridesmaids and my mother. All the laughter and fun made me less nervous.

2 When one of my bridesmaids, Amy, was passing

out “Calming Oil” and my maid of honor, Trisha, put some on and ended up getting it all over her dress before the wedding. Trisha was freaking out and I thought the big “oily” spot on bridesmaid REALLY made the dress…Trisha however, did not.

3 Walking down the aisle, and suddenly being able to see him. I still can’t tell you who all was sitting by the aisle as I walked up it; it was all a blur except for him.

4 Me pulling out the selfie stick out after our first

kiss and getting a Mr. & Mrs. Sanders selfie in front of everyone.

5 Dancing with all the important men in my life

starting with my father, my brother who is also my hero in life, my stepfather and my husband.

32 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

BRIDE: EMILY FRANCES LOVIK • GROOM: JUSTIN LEE SANDERS VENDOR LOVE: CLIFFS AT GLASSY • PHOTOGRAPHY: KATY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY • VIDEO: CROWN ALLEY FILM PRODUCTIONS CAKE: TIFFANY’S • FLORAL: BLACK MOUNTAIN FLORIST (JANICE BLANKENSHIP) • HAIR: SALON 360 THE FAVORS: EMILY’S FAVORITE DESSERT, HOMEMADE PUMPKIN BREAD MADE BY MY BEST FRIEND/SISTER/MAID OF HONOR TRISHA GARNER.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 33

M

arileigh and Drew met while they were both attending graduate school.

They had a couple of mutual friends, but never crossed each other’s paths in the first year of living in the same town. They were both at the same social gathering one night, when Marileigh came up to Drew and introduced herself by making a joke that Drew found hilarious.

From that movement on Drew knew that Marileigh was the woman he wanted to marry.

Marileigh and Drew

After graduation the couple both found jobs in Charlotte NC, but would frequently venture off to Asheville for weekend getaways. When work required the couple to move to Atlanta, Georgia, the short trip to Asheville remained the getaway of choice for the couple when trying to escape from the noises of the city.

Marileigh and Drew have always loved the mountains so after about three years of dating, Drew suggested that they take a trip to Colorado together. After meticulously searching hikes Drew found the perfect place to pop the question - at 14,271 feet on top of Mount Evans. In late September it had just begun to snow and Marileigh was taking a picture of the breathtaking view.

When she turned around Drew was down on one knee. Finding herself speechless out of total shock it took Marileigh everything she had to say the word “Yes”. After getting engaged in such a beautiful mountain setting the couple knew that a destination wedding in the mountains of North Carolina would be perfect.

Marileigh and Drew’s family and friends traveled from around the country to be with them on their wedding day in Asheville. It meant so much to the couple to have the people that love them most in the world with them, despite the long distances traveled. This is a special wedding gift that the couple will never forget.

The rehearsal dinner was an intimate dinner that took place in the romantic basement of Isa’s Bistro with Marileigh and Drew’s family and close friends.

This was the perfect area for family and friends to take turns toasting the couple and reminiscing over past memories.

Marileigh and Drew's wedding took place on September 19, 2015 at the North Carolina Arboretum. Marileigh always wanted a garden wedding and finding the venue as beautiful as the Arboretum with a mountain view was ideal.

They have had so many people that have made such strong impacts on their lives. Deciding on their bridal party was hard but they ended up with a wedding party of eight bridesmaids and eight groomsmen.

Marileigh walked down the aisle in the Heritage Garden to a harpist playing. A cocktail hour soon followed in the Johnston Pool where cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were served, while Eric Everett played acoustic guitar. The reception took place on the Baker Exhibit Center's lawn, where guests celebrated into the night.

34 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 Having all of our friends and family together in our favorite place in the world.

2 Having our family friend and pastor marry us.

3 The perfect 78 degree weather for the perfect occasion.

4 For Drew: having all four of his grandparents

with him on his wedding day; for Marileigh: having her 90 year old great aunt travel all the way from Indianapolis, IN to be with her on her wedding day.

5 Seeing the wedding come together after months of planning.

BRIDE: MARILEIGH ROBERTSON GROOM: DREW COLEMAN PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK KING PHOTOGRAPHY VENUE (CEREMONY & RECEPTION): THE NORTH CAROLINA ARBORETUM BRIDE’S DRESS: WATTERS BRIDES BY LORI HAIR: ADORN SALON MAKEUP: JENN O'LEARY - BLUSH ASHEVILLE FLOWERS: TWO BUDS AND A BLOSSOM WEDDING CEREMONY MUSIC: HARPIST, LELIA LATTIMORE RECEPTION MUSIC: ZOWIE ENTERTAINMENT CATERING: FARMERS DAUGHTER CATERING CAKE: CAKES BY JANE VIDEOGRAPHER: ENVISION MEDIA

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 35

B Courtney and Bobby

obby and I met in pharmacy school at East Tennessee State University. We were friends but never dated. I always liked Bobby, I remembered what a gentlemen he was in school. I guess you could say he was my school crush. He just never knew it. I think the same could be said for him, too.

After we graduated I moved back home to Mars Hill and it just so happened that Bobby moved to Asheville for a job opportunity (he is from Virginia). We met up one day to exchange study material for our board exams and that weekend we ended up going out on our first date. We dated for a wonderful year and then he asked me to marry him on August 29th, 2014. It was completely unexpected. I had absolutely no idea. I didn't even know my own ring size much less Bobby knowing it. He met me after work one day and while I thought we were waiting for a seat to open up at a restaurant he took me down to Lake Louise to walk around and 'waste time'. He had set up his camera, I was still totally unassuming and then he got down on one knee. I was completely shocked.

Our wedding day was wonderful, it was exactly what I wanted. Romantic, soft colors, a beautiful setting and our best friends and family surrounding us. We had so many people traveling far distances to celebrate with us, that meant so much. The reception was absolutely beautiful, the flowers were beyond my expectations, the food and the cake tasted amazing! The only thing that didn't go as planned was the rain. We ended up having to move the ceremony location, which I was initially worried about, but I think it ended up being even more beautiful. The fog rolling over the mountains gave our ceremony an ethereal feel.

36 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 My absolute favorite moment was Bobby's suprise for me.

He got out his guitar after our first dance and sang me a song he had written especially for our wedding day, Who thinks that is going to happen to them on their wedding day?!

2 When we were pronounced husband and wife. That is a moment you dream about your whole life.

3 Our first look. I was so nervous and being able to see him

and having a moment just to ourselves meant so much to me.

4 I had worried about the rain constantly for a week, and the

preacher spoke a moment about God's love and his reign over us and at that moment it poured the rain and then stopped. I felt then that our wedding was being blessed.

5 The reception. It was so beautiful and everyone seemed to have such a good time. My mom even got out on the dance floor.

BRIDE: COURTNEY CLARK • GROOM: BOBBY DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHER: NICK KING PHOTOGRAPHY • VENUE (CEREMONY & RECEPTION): THE CLIFFS AT WALNUT COVE BRIDE’S DRESS: WEDDING INSPIRATION • BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES: WEDDING INSPIRATION CAKE, CUPCAKES & MACAROONS: TIFFANY'S BAKING CO. • FLOWERS: TWO BUDS AND A BLOSSOM • DJ: A BRIDE'S DJ REHEARSAL DINNER: TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ CLUB

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 37

I Lauren and Matt

n late spring of 2009 a mutual friend and coworker of Matt's introduced us. The stage was set for Matt to showcase his athletic prowess at an adult recreational kickball game. When I arrived Matt was already there laughing and joking with the team. When my friend pointed him out to me I almost bailed, thinking to myself, "He is TOTALLY not my type."

We casually chatted in between innings. My shyness meant that he did most of the talking. Finally, it was my turn to take the plate, the pitch came rolling slowly down the middle of the plate and I swung with all my might, expecting to watch the ball go sailing into the outfield.

The crowd erupted in laughter as I completely missed the ball. The rest of the game was pretty uneventful, and it seemed like it may be the end of what my friend hoped would be a relationship that would blossom like a late May flower. The next day at work my friend asked Matt what he thought of me and he made a joking remark about my outstanding kickball skills but asked her for my telephone number so that he could call and ask me out on a date. My friend gave him my email address and by the end of the day I had an email from him to set up a date for the next week. It took him 4.5 years to pop the big question and we were engaged for 2 years before we got married.

u THE PROPOSAL: Saturday, October 19, 2013. He made me rough and tough it. Matt knew there is nothing I love more than Fall in the mountains. So, he decided to plan an epic camping trip. On Friday when we checked in, the weekend was already off to an unexpected start.

Matt thought that he had booked the campsite for Friday and Saturday but really it was for Thursday and Friday. Being that it was peak weekend there was not a campsite available for that Saturday so after all the planning and food that was prepared, we only had the one night to camp. But lets be honest, deep down I was pretty thrilled that we were only going to be out there for one night. So I put on the backpack and he carried all the heavy stuff and we started the hike to the campsite.

The night of camping went well and we woke up the next morning to rain. Again, the plans had changed. Matt had planned for us to hike up a mountain because there was a pretty view at the top and that's where he wanted to propose, but because it was raining and he didn't think many people would be up there to take our picture and capture the moment, he decided to pack up camp and go somewhere else.

On the hike out when we got close to the car and the bathrooms, he stopped behind the building and took something out of the backpack I was carrying before he handed it to me so that I could get cleaned up and changed. Matt decided he wanted to take me to Wiseman's View at Linville Gorge. After finding someone to take our picture, we headed on to this rock that extended out over a drop with the most gorgeous view ever! Matt told the guy he wanted one more picture and he got down on one knee. He asked...I said yes!

u THE WEDDING DAY: I knew I was going to get married in Asheville because I grew up here. Matt fell in love with Asheville and we knew we wanted to start 38 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

our lives here. We explored a variety of venues and once we saw The Venue downtown we knew immediately that it matched our personalities and would give our out-oftown guests, the true Asheville experience for a November wedding. I have always defined Thanksgiving as a holiday that embraces the true meaning of family and togetherness.

Although both our ceremony and reception were indoors, I was still worrying about the weather. The weather in Asheville is so unpredictable in November. We have had snow and 70 degree weather. It turned out to be a perfect day.

The day started out with a bridal brunch at the Windsor Hotel where the getting ready process also took place.

After having my first look with my dad and then Matt, we had a fun photo shoot that included the wedding party that went through downtown and the River Arts District. After a perfect ceremony and reception, the night ended with an unforgettable send off with sparklers and a surprise horse drawn carriage waiting for Matt and I to take us to our suite at the Windsor Hotel.

Top 5 Favorite Moments: 1 The Ceremony/Reception DĂŠcor: The first time I was able

to see the flowers and decorations was when I was walking down the aisle with my parents. Luck from Flower Gallery read my mind and understood my vision, and exceeded my expectations creating an enchanting evening from the ceremony to the reception.

2 My grandpa's shoes: My grandfather is someone I always

imagined at my wedding. I had recently lost him a few months before. When we were going through his closet my grandma asked Matt if he wanted to see if his shoes fit. A pair of black and a pair of brown fine leather dress shoes. They fit perfectly.

Matt wore my grandfathers shoes on our wedding day since he was unable to walk down the aisle himself.

3 Surprise gift from my parents: My parents came

up with the most unique wedding favor idea. They commissioned local Asheville artist Jeff Pittman to do a rendering of a downtown view of Market St. with our wedding venue in it to give to our guests. In addition to the over-the-top wedding my parents gave Matt and I, at the end of the evening they surprised us with the original painting by Jeff Pittman.

4 The Videographer: During the wedding planning

process I was really wanting a videographer, specifically Life Stage Films. In the end we decided not to go with a videographer. My dad planned the ultimate surprise and the videographer showed up at our rehearsal dinner. I am so glad we ended up having Life Stage Films because the whole wedding day and evening was such a blur.

5 Our first look: We were having a Jewish wedding

and the tradition is at sundown the bride and groom sign their Ketubah (Jewish wedding license) together.

Because of this I didn't want to lose our initial reaction when we see each other for the first time. We decided to do a first look and seeing the look on Matt's face was priceless. I also had a first look with my dad which was really special as well.

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 39

Sealed With A Kiss

BRIDE: LAUREN DAVE • GROOM: MATTHEW WILLIAM DE LELLIS PHOTOGRAPHER: KATY COOK PHOTOGRAPHY RABBI: RABBI BATSHEVA MEIRI • WEDDING PLANNER: MARY BELL EVENTS WEDDING DRESS: LELA ROSE • HAIR: REBECCA BIGGERS WITH LOLA SALON MAKE-UP: MELISSA DEBOER WITH POP OF COLOR FLORIST: LUCK MCELREATH WITH FLOWER GALLERY OF ASHEVILLE LIGHTING: PAUL JACKSON WITH LIMELIGHTFX VIDEOGRAPHER: MATT DAVIS WITH LIFE STAGE FILMS VENUE & CATERER: THE VENUE • CAKE:DONATELLI BAKERY BAND: THE FANTASY BAND - ROCK HILL, SC CEREMONY/DINING MUSIC: DONNA GERMANO WITH CLASSIC TOUCH OF MUSIC CALLIGRAPHER: CATHERINE LANGSDORF INVITATIONS, PROGRAMS AND MENUS: BAGGIE GOOSE TROLLEYS/CARRIAGE: ELITE LIMOUSINE

40 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 41

N. Charleston Greenville Spartanburg Anderson Asheville

Tuesday, June 14th, 2016 | Greenville Sunday, August 14th, 2016 | N. Charleston Tuesday, September 20th, 2016 | Greenville Saturday, January 7th, 2017 | Greenville Saturday, January 14th, 2017 | Spartanburg Saturday, January 21st, 2017 | Anderson Saturday, January 28th, 2017 | Greenville Saturday, February 4th, 2017 | Asheville Sunday, February 19th, 2017 | N. Charleston

42 | 2016 Spring / Summer I Do!

2016 Spring / Summer I Do! | 43