March 2025: A Grounded Mountain Wedding at Nantahala, A Love Story Built on Friendship
Their Love Story
Hannah and Jonathan’s story began with friendship. The two met in college, forming a close bond long before they ever saw each other differently. By the end of their junior year, that friendship had grown into something deeper, and they fell in love in Chattanooga—a place that still feels like home nearly a decade later.
Their relationship was never rushed. Built on trust, mutual respect, and time together, their love grew steadily. They describe themselves as opposites in many ways, yet perfectly balanced—each stepping in where the other falls short. What they built together is not just love, but a true partnership rooted in support, growth, and understanding.
Why They Chose Nantahala
When it came time to plan their wedding, Hannah quickly realized the traditional wedding industry did not align with what she wanted. She knew one thing for certain—she wanted to get married outside. Western North Carolina fit that vision perfectly.
After considering everything from eloping to getting married out of the country, she found Nantahala Weddings & Events on Google Maps. Although the venue was fully booked, a phone call led to an invitation to their open venue day—and from that moment, everything clicked.
Walking the property overlooking Lake Nantahala, it felt like a place meant for them. The setting, the support, and the experience offered made the decision feel effortless.When they stepped foot in Nantahala and saw everything that was included, it was a no-brainer. Not many wedding venues do it right like Jess & Jody, they said. “They are just simply on your side!”
Planning Highlights & Vendor Experience
At the open venue day, they met their photographer, Hunter Kittrell, whose familiarity with the venue helped shape the flow and timeline of their day. They also brought in a planner to help coordinate logistics, which proved to be a valuable decision.
The vendor team as a whole created a seamless experience, allowing Hannah and Jonathan to feel supported throughout the entire process—from planning through execution.
Vendors:
Photography: Hunter Kittrell
Coordinator: Rae Weddings and Events
Caterer: The Ark
Guest Experience & Lodging Tips
One of the most helpful tools during planning was the venue’s lodging resource page. With so many nearby cabin rentals throughout the Nantahala area, guests were able to easily find accommodations that fit their needs. Sharing this resource allowed everyone to coordinate their own stay with ease, removing a major layer of stress.
Their wedding party stayed onsite in Fie top which has four (very separate) bedrooms and the Mateos, while family stayed in rentals one road over and linked by trail via Chapel in the Sky. This made it easy for guests to book cabins near each other while still having space, turning the weekend into a shared experience rather than just a single event.
Yoga, Presence & Weekend Energy
What started as a simple addition became a true shift in the energy of the weekend.
It created space to slow down, breathe, and fully arrive in the moment. Beyond just relaxation, it brought a deeper, almost spiritual energy to the experience—helping both them and their guests feel more present, open, and connected heading into the celebration. Check out Optional Services for more about yoga.
Words from Hannah: “Our friends and family all have various views on life and religion. Chapel in the Sky has a special energy that tends to give people exactly what they need. Although ours was not a deeply religious ceremony, it felt that way to those guests who are. It was undeniably spiritual, beautiful and full of life and love.
We were married in the mountains, where the earth felt steady beneath us and a river moved quietly nearby. The air was fresh and alive, surrounded by towering trees and the kind of stillness you only find in nature. The mountains stood strong and timeless around us, while the lake and river flowed beside us, constant and full of life. It felt like a place meant for beginnings. Peaceful, grounding, and deeply connected to something bigger than ourselves. We have taken that moment and used it as the foundation to our marriage.”
Tips & Advice for Other Couples
Keep It Simple: You do not need all the extra details—this setting is already incredibly beautiful.
Be Present: There are not many times in life when everyone you love is in one place. Soak it in.
Use the Lodging Resources: Sharing Nantahala’s lodging page makes coordinating guest stays much easier.
Trust Your Team: Having vendors familiar with the venue makes a significant difference in how smoothly the day flows. Ask the venue staff for the link to their local vendor page.
Words from Hannah: “My best advice is to relax & enjoy. You don’t need all the fluff – it is truly beautiful without. I was not stressed about anything during my wedding weekend. Did everything work out perfectly? Probably not. But, I had no idea. There aren’t a ton of times in your life where every person who loves you is in one place. Soak it up!”