All About Weddings 2019 by Mountain Times Publications

Custom unique wedding invitations to suit your style •invitations •programs •save the dates •thank you’s •stationery •menus

Boone Drug at New Market 245 New Market Center | Boone, NC 28607 828.264.9144

I do... 920 Shawneehaw Ave | Banner Elk, NC

828.898.4653 | www.HardinFineJewelry.com Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm

editor’s

note aawnc

allaboutwomenmag

aawboards

PUBLISHER Gene Fowler

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Tom Mayer

EDITOR

Photo by Natural Craft Photography

Anna Oakes editor@aawmag.com 828.278.3602

CONTRIBUTORS Heather Brandon Bonnie Church Marion Edwards Hollie Eudy Mackenzie Francisco Jessica Isaacs Heather Jordan Sue Spirit

It’s hard to imagine a better place to get married than in the mountains. Whether your dream is to exchange vows by the river, embrace in a kiss on a ridge-top summit or dance the night away amid the trees and stars, our High Country venues can provide this and so much more. The 2019 edition of the award-winning All About Weddings, a special publication of All About Women magazine, is your guide to planning the perfect celebration in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northwestern North Carolina, with gorgeous photo spreads, advice from the experts and useful resources. Special thanks goes to our advertisers and our contributing photographers for helping us create this beautiful publication. We continue to hear from brides who have found their vendors in the beautiful pages of All About Weddings, and that’s a big part of what we do — we love to help couples ﬁnd their vendors and vendors ﬁnd their customers! Brides also tell us that you can’t start planning early enough, and those planning destination weddings here in the High Country say they have had great success in their decisions to work with local vendors. All About Weddings is based in Boone in the heart of the High Country, and we are proud to promote the talented network of people who orchestrate awe-inspiring, unforgettable mountain weddings — in any season and in any weather. Say “I Do” to a wedding in the High Country, and you’ll cherish the memories for a lifetime.

PRODUCTION & DESIGN Meleah Bryan Kristin Obiso

ADVERTISING 828.264.6397

COVER PHOTO by Anchor & Veil Photography

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Southern Charm in the High Country

HOME · GARDEN · GIFTS

215 Boone Heights Dr., Boone

bbandminteriors@gmail.com

www.thebeeandtheboxwood.com

828.386.6212

We named our welcoming restaurant Elevations for two reasons â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for all of the High Country beauty that surrounds us and for the caliber of our delicious, inventive cuisine. True to our surroundings, our rustic mountain retreat is complete with antler chandeliers, cozy stone fireplaces, and live edge wood tables. Perfect for your small intimate gatherings, wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, parties or events. We will create your custom menu and pair it all with a bottle from our wine cellar.

(828) 898-9880 | 3990 NC-105 South, Banner Elk, NC 28604 www.elevationstavernandgrill.com 6 | All About Weddings 2019

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2014

• Suites • Free WiFi • Indoor Pool

2015

2016

• On Site Catering • Event Room • Full Bar

2017

• Inside Bistro • Starbucks • Fitness Center

1050 Highway 105 Boone, NC 28607 828.265.7676 • Marriott.com/hkybn

CONTENTS

tips and trends 10 12 14 16 18 19 68 69 93

Gown-Ready Regimen Prep Now for Your Best Look A Practical Guide to Wedding Gifts Floral Trends Tips for Trimming the Wedding Guest List How to Handle Reception Seating Advice from Our Brides Groom’s Looks Wedding Planning Checklist

weddings 20 24 28 34 38 42 52 56 60 64

Caroline & Luke Aubrey & Austin Emily & Trevor Hannah & Dylan Teresa & Amy Catherine & Alex Lora Lee & Ray Annie & Braxton Franny & Willie Brooke & Ben

engagements 70 71 72 73

Camila & Brandon Emily & Will Kati & Patrick Sarah & Cody

venues 74 - 83

catering 84 - 87

more 4 88 90 91

Editor’s Note Mom’s World: Storybook Wedding A Hindu Wedding Become a Foster Parent

index of advertisers 92

8 | All About Weddings 2019

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Jewelry, Watches, and Repairs in Store. Hawkins Jewelers 255 W. Main St. Mountain City, TN 37683 423.727.1600

We Cater and Host Private Events Onsite â&#x20AC;˘ Offsite

Bridal ~ Traditional & Bohemian

Catering Coordinator info@bodegasbe.com

Prom Tuxedos Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Suits The Boone Mall 828-264-8977

488 Main Street W Banner Elk, NC 828.898.7773 www.bodegasbe.com All About Weddings 2019 | 9

LIVING WELL

GownReady Regimen The big day is on its way. Soon you will be walking down the aisle surrounded by loved ones. All brides want to look gorgeous in their wedding gown. Many start thinking about losing a few pounds. With the day fast approaching, it can be tempting to do something extreme. Resist the temptation. Starvation dieting, eliminating whole food groups (as in zero carbs or zero fat) and popping stimulantbased diet pills is not the answer. These extreme measures can slow your metabolism and cannibalize your muscle. They can also zap your energy, dull your mind and put you in a bad mood. And you won’t be more beautiful. Actually, if 10 | All About Weddings 2019

you lose lean muscle, you will melt your biceps. Not a very pretty picture. Worse yet, you will start yo-yoing back with the ﬁrst bite of that wedding cake. The best way to slim down and tone up is simply to eat high quality food, in moderate amounts, and add exercise. Yes, you might still have cravings driven by bad habits and emotions, but you won’t be starving. Simple changes can help you be less bloated and leaner, with mental focus and energy so you can enjoy your journey to the altar. You will feel a difference in as little as three days, but the more time committed, the better your results, so get started now. Aim for 21 days. (Don’t forget

to ask the mother of the bride to partner with you. She wants to look good on your wedding day, too.)

EAT LEAN AND CLEAN • Eliminate bread, dairy, sugar, processed foods, sweetened drinks and starchy vegetables [potatoes, pumpkin and winter squash] and rice. • Eat lean protein – roughly the size of the palm of your hand, 3 times a day • Fill your plates with as many nonstarchy vegetables as you want. Lean towards green. • A protein/ﬁber shake a day with zero aawmag.com

sugar added is an acceptable alternative for a meal (but not every meal. Make sure you are eating the good stuff ). • Limit fruit to 1 cup or 2 medium fruits a day. • Indulge in these metabolism-stoking foods: Peppers, Garlic, Ginger, Parsley, Berries, Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Cauliﬂower and Broccoli, Green Tea, Apple Cider Vinegar, Lemon, Mustard (no sugar added) and Cinnamon. • Use a healthy oil like olive or coconut oil (2 TB. a day. Spritz, don’t soak, food.) • Drink 2 quarts of water a day. Unsweetened herbal teas are great as well • Use supplements such as multivitamins and omega 3-rich ﬁsh oil.

FINE-TUNE YOUR FITNESS This is a good time to sign up for a ﬁtness class or even to hire a personal trainer. If your schedule is tight and your funds are limited, here are some simple exercises you can do. These exercises require no money, no equipment. Ideally, this will be a habit for a lifetime.

20 Minutes of Burst-Walking: Burst training (AKA High Intensity Interval Training) stokes your fat-burning ﬁres and keeps them burning for several hours. Research shows you burn more fat and calories in the 24 hours after a 20-minute burst training work-out than you do after a steady-pace run.

• Slowly and gently, lift your torso and your legs off of the ﬂoor, putting all of your weight on your toes and your forearms and elbows. • Keep your body still and straight, imagining it as a rigid plank. • Hold the position for as long as you can, breathing steadily throughout.

• Run as fast as you can for 1 minute and then walk for 2 minutes.

• When you complete the position, gently bring your torso back to the ground.

• Repeat that 3-minute interval for 15 minutes. • Option: If you can’t run for 1 minute, walk fast as long you can. When you run out of breath, slow walk until you recover and do it again for 15 minutes.

If you are being treated for a medical condition, please consult with your physician before making any diet and lifestyle changes.

1 Plank (3 times a day): The plank is the premier overall body toner. The exercise is so-named because, when done properly, you straighten your entire body, just like a plank of wood. • Lie on a level surface, belly down with your hands on the ﬂoor beside your head. • Position your feet so that your toes touch the ﬂoor.

bonnie church Certiﬁed Life and Wellness Coach Author/columnist, motivational speaker Certiﬁed Trainer for TLS Weight Loss Solution

PROUD TO HAVE BEEN PART OF YOUR SPECIAL DAY FOR 25 YEARS PAM’S UNIQUE BOUTIQUE is located at 105 North Jefferson Avenue in beautiful downtown West Jefferson. Owner and operator, Pam Neaves, has years of experience in helping brides find the perfect dress within their budget. Pam’s Boutique carries the most popular name brands in Bridal Wear. Bridesmaids, Mother-of-the-Brides and ladies searching for a one-of-a-kind dress will certainly find just what they want at this unique boutique. Pam also offers tuxedo rentals in the latest styles and colors. If there is a wedding or special occasion in your future, Pam’s Boutique is the place to go Monday through Saturday from 10am – 6pm and Sunday from 1pm – 5pm. If you have questions please call 336-846-1651. Pam will be there for you from start to finish ensuring your special day is perfect.

Open Mon - Sat 10:00am to 6:00pm & Sunday 1:00pm to 5:00pm

Pam’s Unique Boutique

105 N. Jefferson Avenue • West Jefferson, NC Mary’s Bridal style MB3047

336.846.1651

Bonny Bridal style 6904 All About Weddings 2019 | 11

BEAUTY

Prep Now for Your Best Look

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task. There are so many moving parts. If you’ve hired a planner, you have relieved some of the stress. However, if you’re doing it yourself, it is imperative that you develop a plan of action to help you maintain your sanity. There is an ocean of information offering timelines and other helpful ideas to keep 12 | All About Weddings 2019

you on track. I am sharing a few tips around the subject of beauty and wellness that I hope are helpful in keeping you on track. Get going on yourself as far out as you can. Good habits can’t start too early. You can be your best you, and your wedding date gives you a deadline and forces you to get moving!

Develop a ﬁtness plan: Fitness isn’t only about weight, it’s about optimal health. You can be unhealthy at 120 pounds or 320 pounds. You are what you eat, so all the following suggestions are of little value if you’re not taking care of your body. Without good nutrition, exercise and good mental health, you’re building a house of cards. Why not start aawmag.com

your new life with the best possible outcome? Let’s stack those cards in your favor. Hair: This is not in my wheelhouse, but I do know it’s important to have beautiful hair to create whatever style you choose. You should get with your stylist to set up a hair regimen that will yield healthy, shining hair on your big day. Skin: A good skin prep routine is mandatory if you want beautiful glowing skin that becomes the perfect canvas on which to create a flawless look. Cleanse, tone and moisturize twice a day; exfoliate twice a week. Always wear sunscreen and reapply. Makeup: As always, I highly recommend hiring a professional makeup artist and doing a trial run for makeup and hair. If it’s DIY and you possess the skill set, just make sure you use high-quality products that will give you color payoff and lasting power throughout the evening. Choose your look — classic, glamour, romantic, sophisticated. Stay away from trendy looks. Rule of thumb: if you looked back at your photos 15 years later, would you still think you looked pretty? Your makeup and hair should stand the test of time. Take photos especially at the time of day you’re getting married so you can see how the look and colors translate. Remember, beautiful makeup is all about the colors you choose. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws, turn your attention to playing up and celebrating your unique features. Brows: They frame your face, so it’s important to get them groomed. Always follow the natural brow line and pluck strays. If you’re using a tech who’s new to you, I suggest a trial run a month prior. That gives your brows a chance to grow back if you’re not happy. If you’re getting facial or body waxing with a new person, I recommend a month prior to the wedding day. This allows your skin time to rehydrate for a more effective wax just before your wedding day for a longer period of smooth skin through your honeymoon. Those Pearly Whites: Please, please get them brightened if they are stained. The professionals can do it or you can DIY with a good home brightening kit. Nothing brings light to the face like the flash of beautiful white teeth. Remember you’re going to be smiling all day. Puffy Eyes: If you can, sleep on your back the night before your big day. This enables lymphatic drainage to flow so It doesn’t pool in your under-eye trough. Go light on alcohol consumption to avoid dark under-eye puffiness, as alcohol is totally dehydrating. Stay well hydrated. Try to relax by taking a few whiffs of a calming essential oil. Lavender, ylang-ylang, bergamot chamomile, vetiver, rose, to name a few. Experiment and see what works best for you.

gifts W E LOV E

Late 1700's English an que pocket watch part pendant on sterling silver chain. $110. Mountain Blue Gallery. www.mountainbluegallery.com

Booneshine Brewing Company has many local beers to choose from, and they always makes a great gi for any occasion. Booneshine is a great addi on to any wedding or event! Contact Peabody's for keg/package informa on at (828) 264-9476. Booneshine Brewing Co. www.booneshine.beer

Vintage Victorian dark wood rocker with chartreuse upholstered seat. $50. Habitat ReStore. (828) 268-9696. www.wataugahabitat.org/restore

Here comes the beautiful bride!

Marion Edwards Marion Edwards is a Licensed Esthetician, Professional Makeup Artist and Certiﬁed Trainer for Motives Cosmetics. She can be contacted at 828.773.1500. All About Weddings 2019 | 13

YOUNG AT HEART

A Practical Guide to Wedding Gifts PHOTOS BY HEATHER BRANDON

Find everyday dishes that you love now and forever. Solid white china goes with everything.

Ah, weddings… a magical time in a couple’s life when they try to register for everything they will need for said life in one fell swoop, while selecting items that appeal to at least four age brackets and income levels. I would venture to say that wedding registries have changed in the almost nine years since Roger and I tied the knot — in the same way that our registry was signiﬁcantly different from those of previous generations. With the rise of Amazon, online registries were becoming popular, and yet, couples were expected to register at one or more brick-and-mortar stores for friends and relatives who did not shop online. It was not only how we shopped that was changing, but also, what we were selecting. Fancy china patterns for special occasions — no thanks! Silver — nah, not 14 | All About Weddings 2019

Consider a simple, all-purpose crystal wine glass.

if I have to polish it. Like us, many couples were rejecting what once were wedding registry staples — china, silver, crystal — in favor of everyday, practical dishes and ﬂatware as well as unique items and/or cash for travel, down payments, etc. Roger and I registered at Amazon, Target and Macy’s, and we set up a honeymoon registry with Marriott. We got it mostly right! Read on to discover our registry successes, registry fails and surprises — those “off list” gifts that were either very useful or puzzling — as well as what we should have included in retrospect.

Registry Successes Plates and More: We did register for china place settings and serving pieces. It is solid white and square, classic and

Clean, modern, dishwasher safe, stainless steel flatware. Yes, please!

modern! It is dishwasher, microwave and oven safe (up to 400°). We use it every day, and because it is so simple, it goes with everything — forever. Flatware: Like our dishes, we selected a stainless steel, dishwasher safe, Oneida ﬂatware pattern that is classic and modern, and the pattern name was a bonus: Stiletto! I also recommend requesting multiples of the serving pieces. Trust me; you can never have too many serving spoons, pie servers, etc. Also, butter knives, which double as cheese knives, iced tea spoons, cocktail forks… you get the idea. Drinkware: I like an all-purpose glass. We did select crystal wine glasses, but they work for both whites and reds. We also registered for classic highball glasses that work for water, tea, beer or cocktails, and coordinating lowballs. aawmag.com

Cookware: I cannot imagine life without a rice cooker. We needed a new one when we registered, so on the list it went. We are still using the one we received. We also registered for a combo blender/ food processor and a new coffee maker. In addition, although I do not use it that often, I love my enameled Dutch oven. Towels: I discovered Ralph Lauren towels at a discount store as a poor college student, and that ﬁrst set lasted years — years! We only recently reassigned the set we registered for from “good towels” to “gym towels.” Therefore, in my opinion, quality towels are a registry must! Recycling Bin: We picked out a threecompartment bin with removable baskets that make sorting and transport super easy. It was so handy that we purchased the exact same model when the ﬁrst one disintegrated around a year ago. Honeymoon Registry: If travel is high on your priority list, I highly recommend setting up a honeymoon registry. We received enough contributions to cover the cost of the hotel on our honeymoon to St. Kitts as well as a good portion of the hotel on another trip the following year.

Registry Fails I can really only think of one — the glass bowl that I thought we would use to serve everything from salads to chips. A word of warning: always check the dimensions. The bowl is huge and heavy. I use it once or twice a year as a punch bowl; the rest of the time, it sits in the back of a cabinet.

Surprises Sometimes surprises are good, like the electric griddle we received. I never would have put this on our registry, yet we used it so much that we recently had to purchase a new one. Another good surprise was a Williams Sonoma gift card that we used to purchase a set of glass nesting prep bowls, heavy-duty sheet pans and a bunch of kitchen towels. We still use all regularly — the towels, daily. Sometimes surprises are puzzling, like the giant silver serving platter we received. It was not only large enough to hold a small child but also was engraved with a forest scene complete with frolicking woodland creatures. Considering that I had no plans to serve a small child (also,

it did not ﬁt in any of our cabinets) it went back to the store. Thank goodness for gift receipts.

Can I Get a Do-Over? What would I include on our registry if I could get a do-over? This stuff: • Panini press/griddle: Roger wanted to include one and I vetoed it, thinking that we would never use it. We purchased one a few years after our wedding and use it all the time. • Toaster convection oven: We use this more than our oven, especially since we are only cooking for two. • Quality knives and cookware: The kind that lasts forever. You may think you do not need it, but if you cook at all, you do. • Cariloha Classic Bamboo sheets: After much research and review reading, I gifted us a set last year for Valentine’s Day. Expensive? Yes! Worth it? Yes! And, when you consider the cost per use, the price seems much more reasonable. • Cutting boards: Lots of cutting boards, in assorted sizes and colors so that you can keep your boards for meats separate from your boards for veggies. While the items listed here are a reﬂection of Roger and me and our life together, my best advice to couples getting ready to register is to pause and consider what you really need and will use, not just today but for many years to come. Make it personal, make it unique and make it fun, for the two of you and for your friends and family.

Even More Ideas • Envirosax reusable shopping bags • Reusable metal straws • A good drill and/or starter tool set • Cloth napkins • Electric throw blankets • Dual-zone wine cooler

heather brandon Considers life to be one big anthropological ﬁeld experience. She observes and reports. She enjoys travel, food and wine and adventures with her husband, Roger.

All About Weddings 2019 | 15

from

Bouquet Beyond to

Photo by Wayfaring Wanderer

Floral Trends to Make the Best Day Ever Even More Special

16 | All About Weddings 2019

Flowers speak a language of their own during a wedding. Flowers reveal a couple’s personal style and set the ambience for the ceremony and reception, all while exuding fragrances so intoxicating that it’s almost impossible to not feel joy. Wedding floral trends evolve with each new year and season, but no matter the color, type or use, there’s one thing that’s survived the test of time — flowers have been an essential component of marital ceremonies for ages. According to Addison Hincke, a wedding consultant and designer at Bouquet Florist in Boone, soft, dusty colors like light blue and pink mixed into a bouquet of white flowers took center stage for spring weddings in 2018 — a trend that carried into the winter season. Dried lavender is also favored for it’s romantic color and calming smell. Fall weddings call for deeper reds and oranges blended with white flowers to create a crisp color palette that mirrors the crisp temperatures. “Many wedding venues in the High Country are off of the parkway, and October is the No. 1 month for weddings up here because of the changing leaves,” Addison says. “Our climate allows us to grow dahlias in the fall, which are always a popular choice.”

Photo by Megan Sheppard Photography aawmag.com

Thinking Outside of the Bouquet Wedding flowers are a reflec on of the couple and their personali es. They also oﬀer the opportunity for couples to be crea ve on the big day. Here are a few ways to think outside of the bouquet from our wedding experts. • Flowers aren't only for humans! Dogs can enjoy a nice Peony, too. Add some flowers to your furry friends' collar to put them in the wedding spirit and add an extra “awww” factor to your wedding pictures. • Use dried flowers for decora on or to carry as a bouquet. They're uniquely beau ful and they smell amazing.

A bridal bouquet designed by Addison Hincke at Bouquet Florist that features soft whites, lavender and green — a popular floral trend for spring weddings. Photo by Mackenzie Francisco

Seeded eucalyptus is a staple when using greenery in floral arrangements. The mild green of seeded eucalyptus contrasts well with the deep, shiny green of Italian Ruscus and the texture of Dusty Miller — another one of Addison’s favorites. “I try to steer people toward using multiple types of greenery to add texture and depth because if you use just one, your arrangements will just look flat,” Addison says. Warmer weather brings warmer colors. “Summer is looking very orange right now,” Addison says. “Summer to me has more of a fun and funky feel because you have more colors at that time and more flowers that are in season.” The King Protea, a tropical flower that local wedding photographer Megan Sheppard calls “almost Jurassic-looking,” is a popular selection among brides looking to make a statement. Megan says long, flowing bouquets are also increasing in popularity. Unique additions like the Hanging Amaranthus, which has burgundy flowers, can hang from the bottom of a bouquet and gives arrangements an extra pop of color and detail.

“I am such a detail-oriented person that when I walk into a wedding and see that the couple has cared enough to think about the way things look, that is so special to me,” Megan says. “It helps tell the story of the wedding.”

• Pass out petals to guests to throw at the bride and groom a er they share their first kiss and make their way out of the ceremony. It's fun, celebratory and will be an awesome photo opportunity. • Hang flowers at the recep on by running a wire across the ceiling and a aching flowers to the wire.

Trends to Avoid Flowers are meant to enhance the wedding experience, not hinder it. Although lilies are an elegant and classic flower, Addison advises brides to steer clear of lilies for the walk down the aisle. “Lilies pollinate even after they’re cut,” she says. “You can try to remove the pollen from the flowers before the wedding, but there’s no guarantee, and if pollen gets on a dress, it’s really hard to get out.” Megan says tall, floral centerpieces should be avoided at the reception because they make it difficult for photographers to capture the moment and guests to communicate with each other. Mackenzie Francisco Mackenzie is a journalism student at Appalachian State. She’s a big fan of the mountains, sunflowers and small towns.

Photo by Natural Craft Photography

All About Weddings 2019 | 17

Tips for Trimming the Wedding Guest List

Weddings are a time to celebrate, and many couples hope to invite as many people as possible to share their excitement. While guests make weddings more enjoyable, couples must be practical and consider their wedding budgets when creating their guest lists. The average American wedding includes 120 guests, according to a 2015 Newlywed Survey released by WeddingWire. Couples who are ﬁnding it difficult to create and pare down their guest lists can employ the following tips. • Create initial lists. When jotting down potential guests’ names, write down everyone you want to invite, regardless of budget. Then list the must-have guests for the wedding. This should include the family and friends with whom you interact on a regular basis. Create a separate column for guests who don’t make the must-have list. 18 | All About Weddings 2019

• Separate friends from friends’ friends. If you don’t see people outside of events set up by mutual friends, you should not feel obligated to invite those people to the wedding. They are more likely friends of your friends and not your close friends. • Know the guest list ceiling. Catering halls or reception rooms often can only accommodate a certain number of people. Know this number before making a ﬁnal list. The limits of the space may serve as the catalyst for trimming the guest list. • Consider coworkers carefully. Think about whether you’d still be friends with your coworkers if the company dissolved tomorrow. If not, you should not feel obligated to invite them. • Have we met? If you don’t remember interacting with a person (your parent’s long lost friend from high school) or the person has never met your signiﬁcant

other, then they probably can be cut. If parents insist on inviting someone you barely remember, they should help defray the costs. • Cut out the kids. Even though children’s dinner costs may be lower than adults’, inviting children can signiﬁcantly increase the guest list. A no-child policy at the reception can save money. • Avoid uncomfortable situations. Unless you have remained particularly close, keep former boyfriends and girlfriends off of the guest list. • Ask for an unbiased opinion. Give the editing pen to someone else if you cannot make a decision. This person may help weed out extraneous guests. Paring down a wedding guest list can be a difficult process, but couples should work together and respect each other’s concerns when creating their ﬁnal list. aawmag.com

How to Handle Seating of Wedding Guests Receptions may be big or small, lavish or casual. But regardless of their size or style, receptions all share a common element: They will require that couples set up seating arrangement for guests. Even though assigned seating isn’t mandatory, selecting seats for a sit-down dinner makes things simpler and reduces confusion. Some reception venues may even require assigned seating so that catering staff can service tables accordingly. Seating guests can be tricky, but employing a few strategies can make the process go quickly and smoothly. • Use a seating chart. A seating chart, whether it’s venue-speciﬁc or one couples make themselves, is essential. If you using a self-made chart, inquire with the venue about the shape of tables, how many guests each table can seat, and the location of tables around the space.

Couples can ease themselves into the task of seating by doing the easy tables ﬁrst. The primary one is the wedding party table. This traditionally can be a dais or a sweetheart table ﬂanked by the wedding party. According to Martha Stewart Weddings, the table should be centrally located and the wedding couple should sit in the middle. A male-female pattern follows on either side of the couple, consisting of the ushers, bridesmaids, best man, and maid of honor. If much of the wedding party is already married, couples may opt to have the wedding party sit with their spouses instead of at the dais. • Organize family tables. Tables for parents, grandparents and immediate family members of the bride and groom also are high priority. Both families can be combined at one table, or they can be separated into two tables. These tables should be the closest to the bride and groom.

• Consider mobility issues. Next seat guests who have specific needs at tables. Elderly guests may want to be away from the band, deejay or speakers. Guests in wheelchairs may need an accessible seat near the exit. • Get some help. Enlist the help of parents to seat their friends and extended family members. Parents may know best who gets along and who should be separated. • Seat dancers near the dance floor. To encourage dancing, place guests who tend to be lively close to the dance floor so others can see them getting up to dance and join in. Couples can use apps, lists or selfmade charts to plot their reception seating arrangements. Create place cards or a central chart so guests can find their seats promptly and easily.

• Start with the wedding party table. All About Weddings 2019 | 19

Mo untain Weddings

caroline & luke

May 19, 2018 Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church and Blowing Rock Country Club | Blowing Rock, NC Spring flowers and Catawba rhododendron were in bloom for Caroline and Lukeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s romantic wedding in a historic mountain resort town, beginning at a 100-year-old church and followed by dinner and dancing at the nearby Blowing Rock Country Club. P h oto s by B u r to n P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Caroline, pharmacy student Groom Luke, nursing home administrator and MBA student How they met “We were lab partners in our genetics lab while students at App State. Several months after lab ended we reconnected through mutual friends.”

vendors Bride's Dress Nitsa’s cake Ugga Mugga Event Coordination The Elegant Event Flowers Milleﬂeurs Hair Canvas Beauty Bar Makeup Bliss Salon Music (reception) Smokey Breeze Music (String Quartet) Audrey S. Bass Photo booth Boone Photo Booth Photography Burton Photography Videography Matt Powell Productions

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Mo untain Weddings

aubrey & austin

June 16, 2018 The Blowing Rock | Blowing Rock, NC Silver Fork Winery | Morganton, NC Aubrey and Austinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day began at The Blowing Rock, which provided an amazing scenic backdrop for their intimate wedding ceremony with immediately family and close friends. Then it was on to the reception hall at Morgantonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silver Fork Winery for a gathering with even more loved ones. P h oto s by Ja i m e J o h n s o n P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Aubrey, teacher Groom Austin, Navy diver How they met “We were high school sweethearts at Avery County High School.”

vendors Bride’s Dress Jillian’s Bridal, Hickory Cake Alex Bell Catering Silver Fork Winery, Morganton DJ DJ Freddie, Dow Oak Events Flowers Golden Thistle Design Men’s Suits Men’s Warehouse Photography Jaime Johnson Photography Transportation Platinum Limousine Venue Ceremony: The Blowing Rock, Blowing Rock Reception: Silver Fork Winery, Morganton

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Mo untain Weddings

emily & trevor

August 25, 2018 Blue Ridge Mountain Club | Boone, NC Emily and Trevor’s boho-glam wedding at the ridgetop Blue Ridge Mountain Club incorporated fun, laid-back elements — like a popcorn bar and barbecue — that paid tribute to their history as a couple.

P h oto s by Way fa r i n g Wa n d e r e r

the big picture By J es s i c a I s a ac s

After more than seven years together and a romantic proposal on the Carolina coastline, local couple Emily Scarborough and Trevor Smith said “I do” to a sweet, easygoing late summer wedding at Blue Ridge Mountain Club. The two joined the same social circle while working together at Woodlands BBQ in Blowing Rock, and their friendship continued to blossom over time. When it came to orchestrating their big day, the same effortless dynamic became the foundation of their experience. “The vibe of our wedding day was pretty natural, organic. I would describe our relationship as being very much the same,” says Emily. “A lot of aspects of our relationship happened very easily. We became best friends, and from that grew a relationship rooted in easy, genuine and mutual love for one another. We are both laid-back individuals, and we ebb and ﬂow easily together. The open landscape of the venue and our laid-back timeframe very much represented how we orchestrate our daily lives.” Thanks to Meris Gantt and her team at The Whole Shebang, along with many other vendors, everything was handled at the venue so the bride could focus on enjoying the experience. “I was calm pretty much the entire day and I felt really relaxed. We rented a house right next to the venue, so I had some peace of mind knowing that I was already so close to the event,” Emily recalls. “All my bridesmaids, my mom and my aunt stayed at the house with me, so we were having a great time. “After planning the wedding for over a year, there were so many details that I thought up in my head and just didn’t know how they would all come together, or if they would. I was so relieved when we walked up to the site and saw how Meris and her staff had laid it all out. It was perfect.” After a lot of planning and a day full of preparation, excitement began that day with what Emily believes will be one of her most lasting memories. “It’s hard to say what my favorite memory will be because it all happened so fast, but it’s probably the moment I walked down the aisle with my dad. It was like everything came together all at once,” she says. “I could see all our guests that had gathered for the wedding. I could see Continued on next page All About Weddings 2019 | 29

Trevor, my family, his family, all of our friends. It was overwhelming to finally have sights on the big picture. It’s hard to explain that feeling, but I’ll certainly never forget it.” Before the party began, the two stole away for a few private moments, with their photographers on hand to mark the occasion. “Before the reception, Trevor drove us down a dirt path to a hidden lookout down the road from the venue. It was special for us to just get to take a second together, have some photos taken and to enjoy some time alone.” The couple’s favorite wedding day elements were the personal touches that were totally perfect for making it their own, like catering provided by the restaurant where they met and a popcorn bar between the ceremony and reception. “Our popcorn bar, which ended up being a last-minute decision, was one of my favorites. Trevor absolutely loves popcorn, and he would visit me while I was bartending in college just so he could chow down on the free popcorn,” Emily said. “Incorporating that into our cocktail hour made perfect sense, and it was so much easier than trying to assemble hors d’oeuvres. “There were all these tiny aspects that family and friends helped us pull together that really represented where we come from and our great network of people that we have around us.” Having just tied the knot, the awesome reality of the experience hit home for the new Mr. and Mrs. as they took to the dance floor with loved ones and friends. “We both had so many people to thank and say hello to that when we got a free moment to hit the dance floor we were all over it! Our families were out there with us and our DJ totally rocked out,” says Emily. “The whole wedding party was having a blast, and it was so much fun to get everyone gathered together. When you finally get the opportunity to look around and realize that everyone is there for the both of you, it’s a pretty magical moment.” Now that they’re married, Trevor and Emily are even more excited to do life together. “We are totally different individuals. Trevor is very structured and consistent, while I tend to be a little more flexible, or artistic, if you will. We complement each other nicely,” Emily explains. “What I lack, he exemplifies. I think that’s why we find such peace together. The age-old saying ‘opposites attract’ definitely rings true for us. “In similarities, I can say that we are both incredibly hard workers and we both have super big hearts. Part of the reason it took us so long to actually get hitched is because we have been so busy building our careers. I think we will have a family someday (that consists of actual children; right now it’s just our completely spoiled dog, Lady). I would say our future is bright, and we’re both excited for the adventure in getting there.” Continued on page 32 30 | All About Weddings 2019

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When you finally get the opportunity to look around and realize that everyone is there for the both of you, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a pretty magical moment. - Emily Smith

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vendors arch Aaron Bishop, Snaggy Mountain Iron Works Beer & cider Appalachian Mountain Brewery and Cidery, Lost Province Brewing Co. Bride's accessories Kendra Scott Jewelry Bride’s Dress Melissa Sweet cake Courtney Cutillo-Boccardy Catering Woodlands BBQ DJ & Music Jamie Overcash Donuts (gluten free) Local Lion Flowers Devin Lacey, Thunder Hill Farm Groom's attire Jos. A. Banks hair & makeup Canvas Beauty Bar Photography Wayfaring Wanderer planning The Whole Shebang Rentals Mark Miller, Chair and Equipment Rentals

their story Bride Emily, personal banker and part-time bartender Groom Trevor, director of operations, App State women’s basketball How they met “We met in college at ASU. We had crossed paths when I was working at a local barbecue restaurant, Woodlands. Trevor had worked there prior and would pick up shifts from time to time. His best friend, Adam, also played a large part in getting us together.” 32 | All About Weddings 2019

Ring The Stone Jewelers Stationery Minted tanning Mountain Mystic Spray Tanning tap trailer Happy Trailers Refrigerated Rentals Transportation The Rock Venue Blue Ridge Mountain Club, Watson Gap Pavilion Videography Zac Giebel aawmag.com

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(828) 264-3333 All About Weddings 2019 | 33

Mo untain Weddings

hannah & dylan

August 18, 2018 Twickenham House & Hall | Jefferson, NC A venue amongst the trees and boulders with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains — which reminded Hannah of her home in Colorado — was a “dream come true” for this elegant bohemian wedding.

P h oto s by N at u r a l C r a f t P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Hannah, ER nurse Groom Dylan, real estate broker How they met “My husband and I met on Oct. 31, 2014, in Boulder, Colo. One of my girlfriends was begging me to come out for Halloween and I was not going to at ﬁrst, but then had a feeling that maybe I should. That’s when I met Dylan. He was friends with her boyfriend. He was dressed as a box of crayons when I ﬁrst met him. He was a Southern gentleman and so sweet. Been together almost everyday since then!”

vendors Bartending, Catering and Cake Frugal Gourmet Catering Ceremony Music Faith Barry DJ Epic Party Entertainment Company Flowers and Decor Golden Thistle Design Hair and Makeup Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty Officiant High Country Ministers Photography Natural Craft Photography Planning The Elegant Event Rentals Happy Trailers Tap Trailer and Peabody’s Wine & Beer Merchants Shuttle High Country Tours Venue Twickenham House & Hall

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Mo untain Weddings

teresa & amy

September 8, 2018 Private Airbnb rental | Banner Elk, NC Teresa and Amy’s rustic countryside wedding was rich with vintage and diverse details representing a blending of cultures — including Teresa and Amy’s homes in Phoenix, Ariz., and Charleston, S.C. — with many guests pitching in special touches for this destination event. P h oto s by Way fa r i n g Wa n d e r e r

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their story Brides Teresa, nurse Amy, ﬂorist and small business owner How they met “We met at an Appalachian State/Wake Forest football game in 1990, Sept. 8. Exactly 28 years before our wedding day.”

vendors Cake Ugga Mugga Bakery Catering Gadabouts Catering Dinnerware Miss Match Rentals Dress Store Camille La Via, Phoenix, Ariz. Flowers Blanche Darby Florist Officiant Lynne Lear Photography Wayfaring Wanderer Planning Teresa Jones Rentals A Bushel & A Peck Vintage Rentals Venue Private Home on Airbnb All About Weddings 2019 | 41

Mo untain Weddings

catherine & alex

June 2, 2018 Mountaintop Vistas of NC/TN/VA (Airbnb) | Sugar Grove, NC Spectacular views of the mountains and themes of nature and the outdoors were the colorful cornerstones of Catherine and Alexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vibrant and intimate destination wedding.

P h oto s by N at u r a l C r a f t P h oto g r a p h y

all we really ever wanted by H o l l i e E u dy

On June 2, 2018, surrounded by family, friends and the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina and East Tennessee, Catherine and Alex began their lives as husband and wife. Their chance meeting seven years earlier as employees at a movie theater near Florida State University proved both a timely and life-changing event. Throughout the seven-year courtship that followed, Catherine explains that it was “a bunch of events and small gestures that sealed the deal for her.” She elaborates, “Alex threw me a successful surprise birthday party. No one has ever managed to surprise me at all. Then there were times when he was extremely supportive with what I wanted. He’s the ﬁrst person in my life to really get me and all my weirdness. There’s nothing like having someone who you can be weird with together every day.” Alex “knew” he was smitten “when we ﬁrst went camping and it was literally the coldest night of the year in Florida — 30 degrees with a harsh wind chill — and we had insufficient equipment.” With a BA in English and a MA in library science from FSU, Catherine works as a librarian and also teaches yoga. Alex is an environmental science major who will graduate from FSU next year. He plans to become an environmental consultant. Catherine adds, “Alex is also an Eagle Scout, and I love pointing this fact out because I actually think it’s pretty awesome. I want our future children to join the scouts so I can be a part of the group, too!” Busy with school, work and falling in love, Catherine and Alex began their wedding planning decisions well in advance and with certain “must haves” in mind. Both wanted to incorporate nature as part of the ceremony and festivities while also infusing their day with the sense of togetherness and community of close family and friends. “We chose Boone because nothing in Florida worked for what we wanted within our budget. Alex suggested I try Airbnb, and after a number of months searching, I found a page with goats featured in front of a beautiful mountain background. The moment I showed it to Alex, he knew it was right for us,” Catherine explains about their choice to marry in Sugar Grove, NC. Taking time a year prior to meet with vendors, Catherine and Alex also visited their chosen locale Continued on next page All About Weddings 2019 | 43

in January to sign contracts and taste the catering menu. Despite the snow encountered during their trip, both were happy with their choices. “We like to support real people who do honest work and put their heart into it. We didn’t mean to, but we ended up being all local. Everyone did a great job at what they do — just at a wedding!” Catherine’s search for her dress didn’t prove as easy. “I hunted for months and months and was just very unhappy. Anything that tickled my fancy was way out of my budget. I would never have picked up the dress I chose, because it was strapless. The consultant said I might like it, so I agreed to try it on. And, of course, I loved it.” The bride wore both gold flats and Lems hiking boots after the gold ones were soaked during the ceremony: “It was playful and matched our relationship. I love to dress up, but really love getting outdoors.” The deliberate planning and careful choices the couple made set the tone for their day. Catherine and Alex chose to officially marry prior to the June 2 ceremony to allow a friend to serve as their officiant on the day of their mountain “location” celebration. A last-minute decision not to have their dog, Penny, walk in as flower girl gave their best man the job of tossing rose petals along the wedding party’s path. Performing a Celtic hand-fasting ceremony of literally “tying the knot” with ribbons and friends’ blessings added to the community feel Catherine and Alex so desired. The ceremony itself was a compilation of Catherine’s words and the couple’s feelings and sentiments. One of Catherine’s favorite memories is when her mother shared how much she loved the ceremony. “When she said she loved it, I started crying with joy. I ruined my makeup and my maid of honor had to rush me to the house to fix it. It was a beautiful moment.”

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Our favorite moment was the first look — just us together. It’s all we really ever wanted. - Catherine Seavey

The reception included a taco bar that featured items for carnivores, vegan and vegetarians diets. The wedding cake was a blend of chocolate orange layers atop salted caramel vanilla layers. Although the wedding party split their venue to prepare for the ceremony, dividing the house by bride and groom, the reception brought everyone together in moments spent dancing, watching the sunset and sharing in Catherine and Alex’s first moments as a married couple. It was what happened before the ceremony, before sharing the day with their guests and before their first dance of the foxtrot that Catherine and Alex both hold to as their favorite moment. Using one of the trails on the property as the place for their “first look,” Catherine describes, “Our favorite moment was the first look — just us together. It’s all we really ever wanted. It was the best part because we didn’t have to worry about anyone else. Our photographer made sure to let us have our experience and just capture all those moments. We were crying and saying all the beautiful things we were feeling out loud — telling each other what we loved most.” Surrounded by incredible views of Boone, Sugar Mountain and the peak of Grandfather, Catherine and Alex’s wish in each other came true. Their first look forward was filled with natural wonder, the bonds of community and the promise of lasting love. Continued on next page All About Weddings 2019 | 45

their story Bride Catherine, library specialist Groom Alex, full-time student, environmental policy How they met “We worked at Regal Cinemas together.”

vendors cake Ugga Mugga Catering Galileo’s Flowers Shady Grove Gardens (DIY designs by bride and groom) Hair Shear Shaktie Photography Natural Craft Photography Plates/Glassware Rental Miss Match Rentals Rentals Boone Rent-All and Parties Too! Venue Mountaintop Vistas of NC/TN/VA (Airbnb)

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2018

your moments. forever. TENTS • TABLES • CHAIRS • ARBORS • CANDELABRAS • FOUNTAINS • LINENS • DANCE FLOORS • DECOR

Boone Rent-All Parties Too | 1818 Hwy. 105 Bypass, Boone, NC | www.paritestoo.com All About Weddings 2019 | 47

COUNTRY CLUB AND RESORT

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the historic New River, Jefferson Landing is a gated mountain resort community offering an award winning golf course, exceptional dining and beautiful accommodations. Jefferson Landing is the premier wedding venue of the High Country. We would love to help you plan your special day and create the perfect wedding memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

From ceremonies to receptions, rehearsal dinners to luncheons, we have everything covered. Whether you prefer grand or intimate, country chic or traditional elegance, we're your venue. You have the option of an outdoor wedding, rehearsal or reception dinner down by the stunning New River at Riverside Park, or you may desire a more elegant reception at the recently renovated Club House with seating for 200 plus. The centerpiece of the luxury rustic Club House is the Main Dining Room with its 33-foot-high vaulted ceiling, a ďŹ&#x201A;oor-to-ceiling stone ďŹ replace and breathtaking views of the mountains, perfectly landscaped scenery and beautiful golf course. To get you even closer to nature, the Club House doors open to a 6,000-square-foot patio with spectacular panoramic views for your special event.

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The newly renovated Manor House at Jefferson Landing is perfect for bridal party accommodations and also provides another option for an outdoor ceremony location. The luxurious house sits under the majestic Mount Jefferson with unparalleled views and creates the perfect backdrop for an incredible sunset ceremony over the mountains. For the ultimate dream wedding opportunity, you can have your ceremony in the gorgeous and rustic Orion Chapel. Opening its doors in 1900, with an interior of American Chestnut wood, the original pews still accommodate 100 people creating the atmosphere for a truly one-of-a-kind wedding experience. From the original artwork and church bell, to the fully restored original pump organ, words cannot describe how truly beautiful this Chapel is. It is truly a magical place to have your fairy tale wedding ceremony. Jefferson Landing Country Club and Resort is a full service banquet and catering facility. A full catering menu is available offering everything you will need, from buffets to plated luncheons or dinners, as well as your own custom requests for our Executive Chef. Our expert events and catering staff will assist you with planning every detail to insure that your event conveys a sense of excellence and make your beautiful day stress free. Luxurious rustic lodging options for your wedding party and guests are abundant and varied at Jefferson Landing. All lodging has just ďŹ nished extensive renovations and your guests can choose anything from our Lodge rooms, Town Homes or luxurious Manor House. We are designed to accommodate large groups, families and couples. In addition to our spectacular course, you and your guests can enjoy swimming, tennis, ďŹ tness or just relaxing and taking in the scenery. Dining options in the Clubhouse include our 19th Hole Grille for lunch with evening dining available on scheduled days throughout the week.

Only minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway and just under two hours from the Charlotte and Greensboro airports, Jefferson Landing is located in the Northwest Mountains of North Carolina. You and your guests will feel more than welcome, and we will work our hardest to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Let us host your special occasion! Call us at (336) 982-6405 to schedule your tour!

Mo untain Weddings

lora lee & ray

June 8, 2018 Chetola Resort | Blowing Rock, NC With vivid purple details, a fire pit and dancing dinosaurs, Lora Lee and Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden party wedding was all about fun and laughter.

P h oto s by M eg a n S h e p pa r d P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Lora Lee, college administrator Groom Ray, accountant How they met â&#x20AC;&#x153;We met through an online dating site, and we both knew after just a few dates we had found our person.â&#x20AC;?

vendors Bride's Dress Calvet Couture cake and desserts Ugga Mugga Bakery Coordination The Whole Shebang DJ Mountain Peak Sound Photography Megan Sheppard Photography Venue Chetola Resort

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Mo untain Weddings

annie & braxton

May 27, 2018 Leatherwood Mountains Resort | Ferguson, NC At the rustic Leatherwood Mountains Resort, Annie & Braxton treated their guests to a getaway experience and full weekend of activities â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from a wine tasting to a yoga class to a contra dance â&#x20AC;&#x201D; culminating with their Sunday evening wedding, when everyone felt like family. P h oto s by A n c h o r & V e i l P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Annie, teacher Groom Braxton, investment banker How they met “We ﬁrst met in pre-school in Durham and ended up going to the same school for kindergarten. We became best friends in eighth grade. Our junior year of high school, Annie decided to ﬁnally give Braxton a shot at dating. Eight years later we got married and the rest is history!”

vendors baker Cake Expressions by Lisa Catering Green Planet Catering Desserts Ugga Mugga Flowers Fuschia Moss Floral Design Hair & Makeup Beautiful Bride on Location Music (ceremony) Bargerstock & Simmons Music (contra dance) Sureﬁre Bluegrass Band and Tom Woerner, caller Music (Reception) PUNCH Photography Anchor & Veil Photography Planning McLean Events Rentals Cooke Rentals Rentals (bathrooms) Boone Rent-All Rentals (Farm Tables) A & J Rental Rentals (Kitchen) Queen Bee Party Rentals and Cooke Rentals Transportation Carolina Livery Venue Leatherwood Mountains Resort Videography Carolina Story Film Co. All About Weddings 2019 | 59

Mo untain Weddings

franny & willie

September 8, 2018 Pond Mountain & Friendship Baptist Church | Jefferson, NC Although Franny and Willie envisioned a mountaintop wedding, weather forced a change in their plans. But quick adjustments allowed them to capture beautiful moments on Pond Mountain before the rain came, and they joined family and friends for their intimate wedding and reception at Friendship Baptist Church. P h oto s by Lo r i E a st r i d g e P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Franny, office manager Groom Willie, owner, Blue Ridge Painting How they met “Willie and I had known of each other but hardly ever spoken to one another. Then one day God stepped in and a phone call was made and we have never quit talking.”

vendors Bride’s Dress Design David Tutera Bride's Dress & Shoes Pretty ‘n Pearls cake Ingles Flowers Linda Little Groom's Suit Pretty ‘n Pearls Hair & Makeup The Cutter’s Edge Photography Lori Eastridge Photography Rings Saslow’s Venue Friendship Baptist Church Venue (Bride & Groom Photos) Pond Mountain

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Mo untain Weddings

brooke & ben

July 28, 2018 Grandfather Golf & Country Club | Linville, NC Soft hues of cream, blush and gold, roses, greenery, lantern centerpieces and lace were among the details of Brooke and Benâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vintage-styled wedding at Grandfather Golf & Country Club.

P h oto s by T r ac y B r e w e r P h oto g r a p h y

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their story Bride Brooke, ﬁfth-grade teacher Groom Ben, brokerage ﬁrm How they met “We met when Ben was working as a director of strength and conditioning, and I was managing a girls basketball program. His program used my gym, and we would see each other every day. Finally one of our mutual friends through the gym introduced us, and like they say, the rest is history.”

vendors Bride's Dress New York Bride & Groom cake & Cupcakes Nothing Bundt Cakes and Back Street Bakery Catering Grandfather Golf and Country Club Flowers Lori Benﬁeld, Mountain Visions Florist Hair & Makeup Clynda from R Salon Photography Tracy Brewer Photography Venue Grandfather Golf & Country Club

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“BE TRUE TO YOURSELVES. It’s supposed to be a day about the bride and groom — keep it that way. If it’s important to you, then it’s worth keeping as part of your day.” - Catherine Seavey

“ONE THING OF ADVICE I would offer is to not worry so much about the little things. To enjoy and take in every single second you have in your special day because it goes by so fast.” - Hannah Allonier

“DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. We focused on the big things we wanted to be part of our day. Then we kind of let the rest go.” - Lora Lee Johnston-Kavey

“SOMETHING WILL INEVITABLY NOT GO ACCORDING TO PLAN, but take a deep breath and know that your guests have no idea what was planned in the first place! Take time to actually enjoy your reception instead of rushing around to see everyone — your guests will understand. You will remember dancing your heart out way more then you will remember the quick table conversations.” - Annie Giarla-Carr

“DON’T FRET ABOUT THE SMALL THINGS. There’s a thousand things that could go wrong the day before or even the day of, but it won’t matter once you say ‘I do!’” - Aubrey Robbie

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TIPS

from our brides “THINK ABOUT WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT to you and your partner and focus on that. For us it was making sure that our friends and families had the opportunity to get to know each other before the wedding. Make time for each other; make time for your guests! Let your venue be a reflection of the two of you. Photography is very important — don’t be afraid to spend a bigger part of your budget here. When you look back on your day, that will be the most important thing you have. You can’t start planning soon enough!” - Teresa Jones

“THE BIGGEST THING I TELL ANY BRIDE/ GROOM is that it is your day. It does not matter if you do what everyone else wants, or if you live up to what people want of your wedding. As long as you are happy, and pleased with your day, than that is all that matters. Just be honest with the people you are working with (even your family) and let them know that you are doing what you think is best for you and your spouse!” - Brooke Thomas

“ENJOY IT! Give yourself enough time to plan a few special details that really represent you both. And for all the other things, let it slide, because the moment alone will be beautiful enough no matter what.” - Emily Smith

“JUST ALWAYS REMEMBER TO BE HONEST and respectful to God and each other and you will always have your true love for the rest of your life!”

“MAKE SURE TO TAKE IT ALL IN. Taking in every moment will make the memories of your wedding day even more special!”

- Franny Richardson

- Caroline Childs

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Anchor & Veil Photography

GROOMS Natural Craft Photography

From boutonnieres to bowties to bourbon, grooms and groomsmen bring personality to the big day.

Natural Craft Photography

Anchor & Veil Photography

Megan Sheppard Photography All About Weddings 2019 | 69

E ngagem ents

camila & brandon

their story Camila, hotel customer service representative Brandon, thermal storage engineer for commercial HVAC systems

How they met “We met July 4 (2017) at Todd Island Park on the New River. Brandon was there by himself when I got there. We started talking over some beers and conversation ﬂowed pretty easily. We enjoyed the day in the sun together, tubing, playing with my pup Grace, getting to know each other. When it was time to go our separate ways, we exchanged contact information. We went on one ‘official’ date after that and the rest is pretty much history!” The Proposal “Brandon had a really special proposal planned for me, but it was in January and was miserably cold outside. His plan was to take me Todd Island Park, where we met. It would have been truly romantic, but my stubborn butt was not having it. So, he proposed to me after making me breakfast, in the privacy of our own home. It deﬁnitely took me by surprise.” Engagement Photo Shoot Roan Mountain, Tennessee

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Engagem ents

emily & will

their story Emily, registered nurse Will, chef

How they met “We met seven years ago on an online dating site. We started talking and then a few days later we met for coffee in downtown Boone and have been together ever since.” The Proposal “Will and I went down to Ocean Isle with his family for a vacation before I started back to graduate school. He wanted to go out to dinner that night, and I invited everyone in his family, but they all declined to go. We went to dinner at one of our favorite places that had such a pretty river view. Enjoying the dinner and talking, the check arrived and was given to me. I opened it and something had fallen out, and luckily I caught whatever it was between my legs. I picked up a ring. At that time Will was next to me on his knees and asked me to marry him!” Engagement Photo Shoot Valle Crucis Park, Valle Crucis

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E ngagem ents

kati & patrick

their story Kati, psychologist Patrick, restaurant owner

How they met “We met for the ﬁrst time in Patrick’s restaurant but began dating online.” The Proposal “Patrick proposed to me in the kitchen of the house we had just bought in downtown Boone.” Engagement Photo Shoot Thunder Hill Overlook, Blue Ridge Parkway

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E ngagem ents

sarah & cody

their story Sarah, cattle and poultry farmer Cody, cattle and poultry farmer

How they met “Our parents have been mutual friends through farming so we had always known of each other but really met in middle school. We dated all through high school and then broke up and went our separate ways for four years. He never stopped ﬁghting for me, always sending text messages and snap chats. In September 2017, we were back together.” The Proposal “Our engagement happened on a Sunday in March. We went to church, came home, ate some lunch and went to go check on the calves. He was taking longer then he normally does making sure they all came in to eat. Little did I know he was just setting it all up with the perfect view of the mountains so his phone could video all of it on the back of his truck. He asked me to get out to see if I could get one cow to come around to eat (that’s when he hit play on the phone). I came back and he took my hand and got down on one knee. I was beyond happy and thrilled.” Engagement Photo Shoot Danner Farm, Statesville, NC P h oto s by L a z e L Fa r m P h oto g r a p h y All About Weddings 2019 | 73

Natural Craft Photography

VENUES Say “I Do” on top of a mountain. “For Better or For Worse” in the valley of an ancient river. “I Thee Wed” on the grounds of a sprawling estate. Party in an elegant dining room, inside a rustic barn or al fresco. There’s a reason the North Carolina High Country is a top wedding destination, and there are many venues for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, luncheons, brunches and other special occasions. Following are a few of our recommendations.

Banner Elk W i n e ry & V i l l a WINERY: Whether you are interested in a wine tasting, learning more about the art and science of winemaking, or just relaxing with a glass of wine, we welcome you to Banner Elk Winery & Villa. VILLA: The Villa is the perfect place to spend your vacation. If you're looking for a summer getaway, corporate retreat, family vacation or destination wedding...it's the perfect place to relax, re-inspire, rejuvenate – both inside and out. WEDDING: Imagine family and friends surrounded by the majestic High Country mountains in celebration of one of life's most special occasions. A wedding at Banner Elk Winery is the event of a lifetime. 8 2 8.8 9 8. 9 0 9 0 e v e n t s @ b a n n e r e l kw i n e ry.c o m w w w. b a n n e r e l kw i n e ry.c o m

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T h e B a r n at C o r n e r s to n e

A RELAXING, ELEGANT, AND RUSTIC BARN VENUE Located in the mountains on eight beautiful acres, our property features meandering streams, two ponds, and waterfalls making it the perfect setting for your wedding. The barn is yours for the entire weekend allowing you to decorate, play games and relax in the authentic log cabins nestled around the barn.

Photo by Ray Schrader

6 4 C o r n e r sto n e C i r c l e Banner Elk, NC 28604 w w w.t h e b a r n atc o r n e r sto n e .c o m fac e b o o k .c o m / t h e b a r n atc o r n e r sto n e Photo by Fox Grove Films

Photo by Roan Wedding and Events

G l e n da l e S p r i n g s I n n & R es tau r a n t We are located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 259 in beautiful Ashe County, NC. The venue includes manicured lawns and a covered lighted stage for outdoor ceremonies and receptions. The restaurant provides space for smaller intimate events as well as world class locally sourced cuisine customized for your celebration. The historic Inn offers ďŹ ve bed and breakfast rooms that are perfect for hosting the bridal party, family, friends or as a post-wedding honeymoon for the happy couple. We would be honored to be part of your special day. 74 1 4 N C H w y 1 6 G l e n da l e S p r i n g s , N C 2 8 6 2 9 3 3 6. 9 8 2 .3 1 0 3 w w w.g l e n da l e s p r i n g s i n n .c o m

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T h e B low i n g R o c k Weddings at The Blowing Rock Attraction The Blowing Rock offers a property and experience like no other in the North Carolina High Country. The Blowing Rock provides a magical setting for any event and one that you and your guests will remember for a lifetime. We offer beautiful long range mountain views for your special day with the feeling of being suspended thousands of feet over the Johns River Gorge, with the splendor of Grandfather Mountain, Hawksbill, and Table Rock. You may utilize our venues to accommodate your special day in our beautiful garden or above the clouds on the observation tower. Our mountains, in all their glory, promise to make it a breathtaking event for you special day. 4 3 2 T h e R o c k R oa d B low i n g R o c k , N C 2 8 6 0 5 8 2 8. 2 9 5. 7 1 1 1 w w w.t h e b low i n g r o c k .c o m

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T HE I NN

CRESTWOOD

Stay.

Dine.

Unwind.

Join us for an unforgetable experience in the High Country. Offering a unique venue and the ďŹ nest in southern hospitality.

Our in house restaurant, The Table, offers delicious options for catering your special event.

The Spa at Crestwood is pleased to offer a variety of body treatments for rejuvenating mind, body and soul. Our facility provides a peaceful escape with serene forest views.

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H o l s to n Ca m p What makes Holston Camp unique is our location in the High Country of western North Carolina where the rocky peaks of Beech, Sugar and Grandfather Mountains embrace the towns of Banner Elk, Boone, and Blowing Rock. We have the perfect setting for your outdoor ceremony. Imagine your celebration at Wildcat Lake surrounded by your friends and family. You can reserve the entire camp so that everyone can stay right here. We will lodge you, feed you, and provide activities (if needed). Let us work out the details with you. We invite all people, regardless of their faith or denomination, to be our guests. 6 9 9 3 H i c ko ry N u t G a p R oa d Banner Elk, NC 28604 8 4 4 .4 6 5. 7 8 6 6 w w w. h o l sto n c e n t e r .o r g

L e at h e r wo o d M o u n ta i n s

BREATHTAKING VIEWS AND PASTORAL VALLEYS WITH GRAZING HORSES SET THE STAGE... We can accommodate an intimate afternoon gathering or a weekend-long event for several hundred of your closest friends. You and your guests will enjoy luxurious accommodations at our very special mountain hideaway.

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M o r g a n to n Communit y House This newly re-designed and remodeled facility has updated furnishings showcasing chandeliers, original barrel ceilings, a green room for the Brideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relaxing and dressing in comfort. An elevator for ease of entry for your guest. A baby grand piano and plenty of space for several types of entertainment. High speed Wi-Fi is freely accessible. The lobby level offers ample space for your crowd to roam as needed in a larger event. Plus many more beautiful works of art in our nooks creating beautiful backdrops for potential photography opportunities on your special day. Additionally, our beautiful outdoor courtyard area can be used for your entire wedding location or added as a multi-room venue. It features a pergola, surrounded by trees and ďŹ&#x201A;orals with seat walls and an attached front porch with oversized rocking chairs offering endless decorating ideas. 1 2 0 N K i n g St r e e t M o r g a n to n , N C 2 8 6 5 5 1 .8 2 8.4 3 8. 5 3 6 4 m o r g a n to n c o m m u n i t y h o u s e .c o m

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Photos by Dream Catcher Photography

Timber Rivers FOLLOW YOUR HEART... ...to where the North Carolina Mountains meet the peaceful sounds of the North Fork New River and you’ll ﬁnd the perfect place to celebrate the wedding of your dreams. Timber Rivers Wedding Venue is located 5 miles from West Jefferson, on the New River and rests on 40 acres which includes 1500 feet of river front beauty. Timber Rivers offers an array of ceremony location options for your special day. Envision an outdoor wedding enjoying the New River as a backdrop. Or you may prefer an indoor wedding inside a beautifully decorated 50 'x 100' custom built timber framed venue with seating for 350 guests. The bride will delight in the elegant Bridal suite upstairs and the groom will appreciate a separate cabin beside the venue. Rent just the venue, or have a turn-key wedding, from ﬂowers to food, planning and directing to receptions. Call us for catering and decoration options. Weddings are all about memories and it is our desire to make sure the bride and groom, their families and guests enjoy a day that they will never forget.

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A true Mountain Christmas Wedding can only take place with some snow. Mother Nature gifted Jordan and Taylor with 22 inches of beautiful snow for their December 15th nuptials. Nestled between the beautiful New River and snow covered mountain tops, Timber Rivers provided to be the perfect location to celebrate two high school sweethearts that decided on forever. With 40 acres of nature’s finest landscape and a timber frame venue, guest felt as if they were part of the Christmas Fairytale of the year. The venue and surrounding land complimented the falling snow perfectly, as Christmas trees and twinkling lights greeted guest and well wishers. The venue illustrated the couples love for Disney through small touches, and each table was perfectly designed to make guests feel the warm spirit of Christmas. Dancing and a sparkler send off concluded the most perfect day for the couple, and they went off for their first ‘married little Christmas.’ – Taylor Crouse Continued on next page

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Photos by Dream Catcher Photography

I had always dreamed of an outside fairytale wedding for when I got married and my dreams came true at Timber Rivers. God blessed our wedding day with rainfall but cleared the sky when it was time to walk down the isle and say I do. Now Cole and I will live happily every after and we owe it all to Timber rivers and the host Stacey and Brandon Dillard. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rikki Ball 1 70 3 N o r t h F o r k N e w R i v e r R d L ansing, NC 28643 3 3 6. 9 7 7. 2 5 6 2 t i m b e r r i v e r s @ g m a i l .c o m w w w.t i m b e r r i v e r s .c o m w w w. fac e b o o k .c o m / t i m b e r r i v e r s

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CATERING

OVERNIGHT GUESTS

RECEPTION SITE

CEREMONY SITE

CAPACITY

VENUE

V e n u e I n f o r m at i o n

BANNER ELK WINERY & VILLA

75 inside, 200 outside Y Y Y N AMENITIES: 7 Bedrooms, 6 with Jet Tubs, 2 Suites with Fireplace, 1 Handicap Accessible; Hot Tub, Rec Room, Commercial Kitchen, Meeting Rooms, Foosball

THE BARN AT CORNERSTONE

175 inside, 200+ outside Y Y Y Y AMENITIES: On-site Lodging, Handicap Friendly, Hot Tub, Catering Kitchen, Restrooms in Venue, On Grounds Parking, Covered Porches, Rustic Arbor, Gas/Wood Fire Pits, WIFI, Dance Floor, and much more

THE BLOWING ROCK

30 - 200 Y Y N Y AMENITIES: Observation Deck Capacity 30, Enclosed Annex Building Seating Capacity 48 (set up for caterers), Outdoor Deck Capacity 30, Capacity on the Grounds for Wedding 200, Handicap Accessible

GLENDALE SPRINGS INN & RESTAURANT

50 inside, up to 150 outside Y Y Y Y AMENITIES: Five Bed and Breakfast Rooms, Full-Service Restaurant with Full ABC License, Multiple Venue Options Including Indoor Small Private Dining Room, Main Dining Room, Outdoor Veranda Lawn, Main Event Lawn, Covered Lighted Outdoor Stage, Historic Inn with Wrap-Around Porch

HOLSTON CAMP

150 dining, 150 beds Y Y Y Y AMENITIES: Large Congregation Areas; Dining: Dining Hall Seats 150, Grigsby Hall Seats 60; Lodging: Guenther Lodge Private Rooms with Baths, Sleeps up to 46, Other Semi-Private Cabins Available; Various Ceremony Sites with Views of Lake, Large Tent Space, Parking; Activities: Rock Climbing, Zip Lines, Canoes, Kayaks, Swimming, Paddle Boards, Hiking, Camping

THE INN AT CRESTWOOD

250 Y Y Y Y (no outside catering) AMENITIES: Spa with an Indoor Pool, Facials, Swedish Massage, Couples Massage, Terrace with Two Gazebos, Large Yard Perfect for Ceremonies, Yard Games, Fire Pit, Southern Bistro Restaurant featuring Chef Adam Policinski; Lodging: 39 Rooms Available, Including 4 Cottages, 4 Villas, and the Inn, Breakfast Included with Your Stay, an Elevator, a Handicap Accessible Room

JEFFERSON LANDING

175 - 500+ Y Y Y Y AMENITIES: On-site Catering, Dining, Dressing Rooms, Patios, On-site Event Coordinator, Multiple Sites for Ceremonies, Receptions, Showers, Pastor Referrals, Overnight Accommodations, Swim, Tennis, Fitness, Golf, and more

LEATHERWOOD MOUNTAINS

75 inside, 300+ outside Y Y Y AMENITIES: Luxury Cabin Rentals, On-site Restaurant, Horseback Riding, Hot Tubs, Full Service Coordination Available

MORGANTON COMMUNITY HOUSE

200 inside, 75 outside

AMENITIES: Bridal Suite

TIMBER RIVERS

350 inside, 350+ outside Y Y Y Y AMENITIES: Can Accommodate Capacity over 1000 if needed, Indoor and Outdoor Venue Options, On Grounds Parking, Dressing Rooms, Restrooms, Dance Floors, Reception Area

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Anchor & Veil Photography

CATERING There’s no question that the food is an important part of any celebration — most especially weddings! You’ll ﬁnd that hiring a caterer is a crucial step in planning the perfect wedding day, whether you serve a casual buffet or a full service dinner. From hors d’oeuvres to dinnerware to linens to drink stations, your caterer can handle all of the details to help you pull off an amazing reception.

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B e l l a’ s Neighborhood I ta l i a n R es tau r a n t s Bella’s is a warm, friendly, authentic, family-style Italian restaurant with excellent food and affordable prices. Our full service catering offers a professional staff, complete set-up and service, rentals, linens, décor, and venue selection. Choose from one of our many available catering packages or contact us to customize your menu. B a n n e r E l k Lo cat i o n 3 5 8 5 T y n ec a st l e H i g h way Banner Elk, NC 28604 b e l l a s b a n n e r e l k .c o m 8 2 8.8 9 8. 9 0 2 2 , a s k f o r C r a i g

B o o n e Lo cat i o n 19 0 Bo one Heights Drive Boone, NC 28607 b e l l a s b o o n e .c o m 8 2 8.3 8 6.61 0 1 , A s k f o r J i m m y

B e l l a’ s B r e a k fa s t 1 4 2 N M a i n St r e e t Banner Elk, NC 28604 8 2 8.8 9 9. 2 5 9 3, A s k f o r K r i st i

C R Cat e r i n g The Finest Boone Has to Offer and Beyond... Whether it be a ﬁreside dining experience or a large catered gathering. Full service catering & special events venue perfect for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, farewell brunches & any other memorable moments. Now Booking for 2019!

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Gamekeeper Main Ingredient: Love. If you’ve dined at the Gamekeeper, you already know our fabulous food and creative flair. If you haven’t, come get a taste of what we do! You’ll find originality and attention to detail in everything we touch, the same attention that will be given to your event. We listen to your desires and together we create a custom menu. Every facet is a reflection of your personality and individuality. On the day of your event, you’ll know that you are in good hands. Our professional team of Gk servers, chefs and bartenders will bring unparalleled personal service and culinary expertise. We are committed to making your event memorable, creative and catered to your every desire. Let’s get together. 3005 Shulls Mill Rd Boone, NC 28607 8 2 8. 9 6 3. 74 0 0 w w w.g a m e k e e p e r - n c .c o m 86 | All About Weddings 2019

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t h e P e da l i n ’ p i g Southern style full service catering with a gourmet ﬂair. Let us cater to you! Enjoy as our pig goes off the trail. We cater to all groups and events, large to small. Smoked meats by the pound. Sides and Drinks. B a n n e r e l k lo c at i o n 4235 hwy 105 south banner elk, nc 28604

b o o n e lo c at i o n 29 68-a hwy 105 boone, nc 28607

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Proper Hometown southern cooking with a modern, seasonal slant. Perfect for your small, intimate gathering. “Small batch" catering and custom wedding cakes. 8 2 8.8 6 5. 5 0 0 0 w w w. P r o p e r m e a l .c o m

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MOM’S WORLD

Storybook Wedding I know there are some girls who fantasize about the perfect wedding. It might be a quaint church nestled among old oak trees, with leaves creating the perfect collage of colors begging to be photographed. Or perhaps there is a castle, a beautiful white Cinderella gown, attendants riding with dignity on white steeds and rose petals falling everywhere. Another girl may imagine standing at the ocean’s edge, waves lapping at her feet, as she gazes into her soulmate’s eyes, with the sun setting in a magnificent glory of pinks and oranges and purples. I truly don’t remember having a set fantasy about marriage or my own wedding. I think I figured I would get married eventually, once I moved on from making movies with my best friend in our back yards, traveling the world to see new cultures and completing my education to “do what I love” – whatever that turned out to be. Fantasy has a way of being eclipsed by the adult world of practicality and status quo, because the reality of bills to pay, dishes to do and meals to make sometimes can overshadow the unicorn and rainbow experience. When I first entered the relationship with my husband, who I have now known for nearly 30 years, we both had to learn how to run a household together and, well, let’s just say it wasn’t pretty. Our cooking excursions included Ramen noodles, egg and canned tuna with the occasional venture into making something from the Moosewood cookbook; moussaka was my favorite. We 88 | All About Weddings 2019

also followed the hunter/gatherer style of doing laundry — in which you hunt for that piece of clothing you need in the piles that have gathered. After ﬁve years of us practicing adult life together, he proposed in one of the most unromantic ways possible, on Easter Sunday 1994, while clipping his toenails in our dark basement apartment in Seattle. We were married that August, on the 13th, in a small, wonderful outdoor wedding surrounded by close friends and family. When I think of the aspects of our wedding that were most memorable, they were not those elements that coincided with the storybook wedding. In fact, they were more those events and circumstances that were probably the most counter to a fantasy. Even though the proposal was, ahem, a little lacking, our honeymoon of traveling the California coastal highway 101 and staying at bed-and-breakfasts along the way was a phenomenal start to our marriage. We learned that we like good food, traveling and engaging in conversations with each other and other people, sometimes complete strangers! Even though we joke about how long our wedding processional went on as our friend Julian played guitar and beautifully sang every last verse to “Kathy’s Song” by Simon & Garfunkel, I smile every time I hear that song on the radio and think of the opportunity we had to look into each others’ eyes until the last chord was strummed. I remember changing into my wedding gown in the tiny bathroom stall of the elementary school that had been converted to an outdoor music venue

where our wedding was held outside of Bedford, Va., as my sisters and maid of honor tried to keep me sane and happy. I remember dancing to a bluegrass band ‘til I sweat in the August heat and going swimming at the hotel where many of our friends were staying. I remember the fancy bed-and-breakfast we stayed at in Lynchburg on our wedding night feeling too formal for the people who we were and still are. I suppose what I have realized after 24 years of marriage is that those things that you think are going to be really, really important at your wedding — the color coordination, seating arrangements, catering, guest favors, ﬂowers — none of those things make up the memories. The memories are the people that surround you as you start your venture, the toast made by your best friend, the song that went on too long, the shoes that got ditched because they felt too tight when dancing, the tiny bathroom stall you changed in, the joy seeing your grandparents dance, and the love that roots it all. I have no regrets about how my husband proposed to me. In a world where many marriages fail, I am grateful that we continue to work hard on ours. We’ve made it almost 25 years, with love, sweat and tears that have gone a lot farther than the storybook fantasy. Here’s to 25 more. heather jordan, CNM, MSN Comments or questions? 828.737.7711, ext. 253 landh@localnet.com

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TRAVEL

Jogi’s and Reena’s Joyous

Hindu Wedding “We understand each other well and respect each other,” said our travel guide Jageshwar “Jogi” Kashyap, speaking of his marriage in India to his wife Reena. “It feels after 12 years together that we just married last week.” Jogi, Reena and their two boys, Chandrash, 9, and Vedansh, 5, were hosting us four Mother Miracle School volunteers for a delicious dinner at their favorite New Delhi restaurant, Naivadhyam (“Blessed Food”). It was the last night of our twoweek medical volunteer trip, and a very special occasion. Reena was charming and shy, trying out her English, and the boys bright-eyed and sweet. Jogi had ordered many new dishes for us to try: a spicy tamarind and coconut soup, papad (a thin crispy bread made of rice and lentil flour), a thali platter (a plate of various small savory dishes, with puffy, light poori (bread) and a buttermilk drink with coriander. In our first days in India Jogi had told us some of his life story, how he as a youth washed cars, distributed newspapers, delivered milk and finally went to college to study history and tourism. He included a brief account of his arranged marriage to Reena. We knew that when Jogi was 19, the youngest of eight children, his parents declared that it was time to find him a bride. Now, over dinner, we heard the whole story. His parents’ first step was to go to spiritual ceremonies in a temple of Hanuman, the monkey god. There they met a couple who were looking for a husband for their daughter. The pair agreed to meet Jogi’s parents again in a few months. By chance, his parents ran into the other couple again at a friend’s wedding. The couple showed their daughter to Jogi’s parents, who then agreed to the relationship. Next the bride’s parents and relatives 90 | All About Weddings 2019

Jogi and Reena share a memory of their Hindu wedding. Photo submitted

visited Jogi’s parents’ home so they could see and test Jogi. Jogi passed with flying colors. “A few months later,” Jogi remembered, “with the help of an astrologer and a priest, our four parents set the date for the wedding, April 18, 2006. This was done with the right position of stars in my life and my future wife’s life.” Wedding invitations were then sent to the relatives of each family. The wedding took place over a period of five days. The first day was kept for Jogi’s and Reena’s purity. In their respective houses, both took a bath with milk and honey, and a turmeric paste was applied to their bodies and left on for three to four hours, followed by another bath of milk and honey. The second day featured entertainment at Jogi’s house, including the folk song of marriage. Still the bride and groom had not seen each other. A feast in honor of Reena’s family was held at the groom’s house on the third day. On the fourth day, Jogi, dressed like a king, rode out on horseback. Friends and relatives paid him respect by applying holy dots of sandalwood on his

forehead. He also stopped at local Hindu temples for blessings from various deities. Next Jogi walked with his family and male friends nearly 100 kilometers to his in-laws’ village and to Reena’s house. He remounted his horse in her village and stopped at local temples for more blessings. Reena, age 17, was dressed like a queen in the traditional red bridal sari. “Such beauty I had never seen in my life before. I fell in love at first sight, in that moment,” Jogi declared. More than 1,500 people joined them for dinner. The fifth day, the wedding day, dawned. To begin the ceremony, priests chanted holy mantras for over two hours. The young couple walked seven times around the sacred fire, making seven promises to each other for seven lives, in the presence of the five elements (earth, air, water, fire and sky) and the five deities (Ganesh, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga and Lord Sun). Jogi’s parents presented gold and silver jewelry to Reena, and her parents and relatives gave the couple many household gifts, such as kitchenware, furniture and even an air conditioner. Jogi’s family did not give a dowry to Reena’s family, as they were against that practice. The next day Reena went to Jogi’s ancestral home in the village. A month later the couple went on a honeymoon in the mountains. Dinner was over at “Blessed Food” restaurant, and so was the wedding tale. What interesting customs, and what a beautiful family! We left Jogi, Reena and the boys with tearful hugs, promises to keep in touch and memories of an unforgettable evening. sue spirit Writes poetry and essays about nature, spirituality, writing, and travel. She has a little cabin in the mountains. degreesoffreedom@frontier.com aawmag.com