March 2024: High School Friends to Forever in the Mountains

Zac and I first met in high school—Go Cougars! Back then, we were just friends; he was actually dating my best friend at the time. Fast forward through college and a few more years, Zac moved back home from Ohio, and serendipity struck. I had just lost a roommate, and he needed a place to live.

Even more serendipitous? We were both single. The timing was finally right for us to explore what had always been an underlying connection. We started dating in November 2019, but just a few months later, the pandemic hit, and Zac lost his job. It was a tough start, but we leaned on our fifteen-year friendship to weather the storm.

Falling in love with Zac wasn’t a dramatic moment; it was a series of small ones—a slow burn that grew through shared conversations, supporting each other through challenges, and building a vision of our future together. Now, we can’t wait to continue building that future with plans to start a family, travel the world, and experience everything life has to offer.

Why We Chose Nantahala

We wanted a wedding venue close enough for a weekend drive (under four hours) but far enough to feel like a getaway. My mom found Nantahala Weddings & Events, and the moment we saw the photos, we were hooked. The mountain views, multiple ceremony and first-look locations, on-site reception, and included décor checked every box for us.

The convenience of having accommodations for our guests and an all-in-one location sealed the deal. From the start, we knew we’d made the perfect choice.

Tips & Tricks for Other Couples

  • Guest List: Start with a list of everyone you’d like to invite, but don’t get too attached—it’s just a starting point. If parents are involved, ask them for their list and have open conversations about whether those invites feel essential or obligatory.
  • Find Your Theme: Decide if you want a local or destination wedding, indoor or outdoor, and whether you lean classic or adventurous. Websites like The Knot are great for narrowing down your vision.
  • Budget Wisely: Dream first, then determine where you’ll splurge and where to save. For us, photos and videography were non-negotiable, while we saved money by DIY-ing flowers with Trader Joe’s bouquets.
  • Write Your Vows Early: If you’re writing your own vows, start as soon as possible. Keep a running note on your phone to capture inspiration and edits. On the wedding day, transfer your vows into a keepsake vow book for a meaningful touch.
  • Plan for Joy: This is your day! Think about what your guests will enjoy, but ultimately, make decisions based on what will bring you the most happiness.

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

  • Remember It’s Your Day: You’ll never make everyone happy, and that’s okay. If someone gets upset about your choices, they may not belong at your wedding.
  • Expect Hiccups: Things will go wrong—accept it early. Focus on what truly matters: getting married to your person.

Our biggest hiccup? Our caterer. They were friends of ours, and while the food was delicious, the process wasn’t smooth. They went over budget and brought their child to our “kid-free” wedding. It was a challenge, but in the end, it didn’t overshadow the joy of our day.

Favorite Vendors

  • Nantahala Weddings & Events: This all-in-one venue is unbeatable. From breathtaking views to included décor and a list of trusted vendors, it made our planning so much easier.
  • Appalachian Wedding Photography: Emilie is amazing! She captured every moment beautifully and even helped keep our timeline on track.
  • Ginseng Mobile Bar: Tara and her team created delicious drinks, helped us calculate the right amount of alcohol, and handled everything seamlessly.
  • Georgia Doll Events: Our day-of coordinator was a lifesaver. She anticipated needs before we even knew we had them and made everything run smoothly.

How to Make the Most of Your Mountain Wedding

  • Keep your wedding party on-site to maximize time together.
  • Use the venue’s included décor—it saves time, money, and stress.
  • Divide tasks among your team for a smoother setup.
  • Be prepared for the terrain; if you’re not used to walking up and down hills, start practicing!
  • Skip the high heels, or bring a backup pair of comfy shoes.

📸 Photographer: Appalachian Wedding Photography appalachianweddingphotography.com | Emilie
📋 Day-of Coordinator/Planner: Georgia Doll | hellolovely@georgiadollevents.com
🍹 Bartender: Ginseng Mobile Bar | events@ginsengmobilebar.com