June 2023: Francesca and Austin’s Journey to Forever

Francesca and Austin’s love story is a testament to the power of love, trust, and resilience. Their journey began on an Army base in Sierra Vista, Arizona, where they were assigned the task of cleaning machine guns. What started as friendly banter blossomed into a profound friendship, and soon they became inseparable, sharing everything from feeding horses to planning adventures and playing basketball all the way through a military Intelligence course.

Their relationship faced its first challenges with Francesca’s accidental attempts to test Austin’s mettle, including a runaway horse and a saddle mishap. Despite these trials, they officially started dating on Memorial Day 2020. The unexpected addition of a baby quail named Pippin became the first test of their commitment when Austin had to leave for the Ranger Regiment assessment.

Distance further tested their bond as Francesca embarked on a cross-country trip with Pippin, her maid of honor, two horses, and two mice to Fort Bragg, NC. Their commitment endured over a year and a half of traveling between North Carolina and Georgia, with regular 7-9 hour drives during Army-granted 4-day weekends. Despite the challenges, their shared love for the great outdoors led them to discover Nantahala during a camping trip with their two energetic dogs, Kevin and Dex.

As fate would have it, life threw more challenges their way. In August 2021, Francesca’s unit received a no-notice deployment to Afghanistan, coinciding with Austin’s training exercise in Nevada. Amidst the chaos, Austin was secretly planning a proposal, which eventually took place at Universal Studios after Francesca’s return. The engagement marked the beginning of a long-distance engagement, complicated by planning a wedding for families on opposite sides of the country and Army indecisiveness related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Their journey took a positive turn when they finally moved in together in November 2022 in their current home in Kentucky. With all their animals in one place for the first time, they seized the opportunity to continue their adventures, from dog agility and SCUBA diving to supporting conservation efforts. As they prepare for another move in the future, Francesca and Austin remain steadfast in their commitment to each other, embracing whatever challenges come their way.

Francesca and Austin chose Nantahala as the perfect location for their wedding, as it symbolized the halfway point between their duty stations and families. Their shared love for the outdoors, hiking, and camping made Nantahala a natural choice, allowing them to celebrate their union surrounded by nature’s natural beauty in the smokey mountains.

Their love story is not just about the romantic moments but also about overcoming obstacles, learning from each other, and building a future together. As they look forward to experiencing all that life has to offer with their best friend, Francesca and Austin’s wedding at Nantahala becomes a symbolic chapter in their extraordinary love story, marking the beginning of a new adventure as they continue to navigate life’s challenges hand in hand.

Francesca and Austin’s Tips for Future Nantahala Wedding Couples:

  • Rely on recommended vendors for a perfect wedding day.
  • Craft a detailed timeline for seamless planning.
  • Let the venue’s natural beauty shine; save on decor costs.
  • Pay in advance to reduce pre-event stress.
  • Don’t forget vendor tips; use labeled envelopes.
  • Allocate extra time for decorating.

Handling Hiccups:

  • Replace underperforming professionals promptly.
  • Embrace unexpected issues; focus on the big picture.

Favorite Vendors:

  • Lakes End Restaurant: Outstanding service, scenery, and food.
  • Tracey Passmore (Caterer): Exceptional presentation and thoughtful touches.
  • Shae D Waters (DJ): Stylish and keeps the dance floor buzzing.
  • StarGazers (Florals): Creative design and reasonable prices.
  • Hunter Kintrell (Photographer): Personable with stunning photos.
  • Ashley Avail Weddings (Planner): Professional and organized.
  • Dustin Bryant (Bartender): Quiet professional crafting great drinks.

Maximizing Your Stay:

  • Share a pre-wedding activity list with guests for memorable adventures.

Photography by Hunter Kittrel.