The White Crow

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Winter

Our Wedding

Our Love Story

Ashton and I went to high school together, which is where we initially met and grew an amazing friendship bond that turned into something more later on down the road. We had multiple classes together and we sat next to each other in most of them. We always felt something for one another, but we were too scared to do anything about it. Summer between junior and senior year, I was working at Chick-Fil-a which Ashton so happened to come through the drive-thru line that same day. Later that night Ashton had texted me and we had texted all night long and it went on like that for a few weeks until Ashton came up with the bright idea to "talk" for a little while and see where things went, well things went really well. Ashton asked me to be his girlfriend in the parking lot of Zaxby's on October 27, 2022. We just clicked from the moment we were friends to the moment we decided to be more than friends. I knew the second I told him yes to being his girlfriend, that I had found the one God intended for me to meet.

The Beginning

Dating Ashton was absolutely amazing. Him and I clicked like no one else. We were always laughing and getting along so well. We got together at the perfect time of year where all of the couple dates involved Christmas lights, Halloween dates, Thanksgiving, and all of the fun festive stuff which was great for meeting each other's families. Both of our families adored each of us which was a huge relief because I was very nervous about Ashton having a large family. Ashton and I spent so much time together throughout our whole dating history. We won prom king and queen during our senior prom. We even took classes together for our careers. We graduated high school together and went on to do college together. We helped each other study, accomplish, and succeed. Ashton and I both were fortunate enough to graduate college with our FF1 and 2 as well as our EMT certification. Through support from both of us we were able to achieve jobs at fire departments that we both are confident and happy with. Throughout it all, Ashton and I were together and very solid on our ground when it came to one another.

Dating Life

This moment was a huge surprise to me. Ashton and I went to dinner at the Melting Pot, a restaurant that him and I adore and love going to. We had gotten seated in a private booth, the same private booth we were sat at when I took Ashton there for the first time for his birthday, and we ordered drinks and food. After we had ordered Ashton had told me that he needed to use the bathroom, so I had gotten up to let him out of the booth. I sat back down and as I looked back up, Ashton had gotten down on one knee presenting a beautiful engagement ring that he had customized for me without me knowing. Ashton gave me a little speech and asked me to marry him which I, of course, said yes. That was the easiest yes of my life. Now, I get to start the beautiful journey of planning our perfect day.

The Engagement

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

The Lodge at Banner Elk is a great hotel to stay at for their closeness to the venue, surrounding food places, and they are pet friendly. Find out more on their website.

The Lodge at Banner Elk

This hotel offers not only hotel rooms but also condos. They're located on the top of Sugar Mountain ski resort. They also offer affordably options.

Sugar Top Resort

This gem is a bed and breakfast if you are looking for a small feel. They're located only 5.5 miles from downtown Banner Elk.

Taylor House Inn, Historic Valle Crucis NC

This small hotel is located on Sugar Mountain Ski Resort as well and is only 2.1 miles from Downtown Banner Elk.

The Highlands at Sugar

Not only can you book hotels in the area, but Airbnb has great, more affordable options to book in the area. You can book cabins, treehouses, bungalows, and so much more.

Travel

The mile high swinging bridge is a great place to explore. You have to buy tickets in order to go, but they are relatively affordable.

Mile High Swinging Bridge

This coaster is so much fun and definitely worth the visit. While you are up in the area, drive a few more miles and visit this coaster.

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

If you cannot get enough of gem mining, this place is an amazing go-to.

Sugar Creek Gem Mine

This is such a scenic hike. If you love waterfalls and love staying active, this activity is for you.

Crab Orchard Falls

Things to Do

Registry

The Big Day!

11:00 AM  --- Venue setup

- Wedding coordinator arrives. - Bride and groom arrive with decorations and attire.

12:00 - - - Eat Lunch / Snacks

- Hair stylist will arrive around 12:30 to setup hair station. - Makeup artist will arrive at 1:00 PM.

1:00 PM - - - Start Hair and Makeup

- Hair will begin at 1:00 PM. - Makeup will begin at 1:50 PM.

2:30 PM - - - Photography arrives

3:30 PM - - - Groom arrives to get ready

4:30 PM - - - Guest start to arrive

5:00 PM - - - Ceremony

5:30 PM -- - Cocktail Hour

5:30 PM - - - Family Photos

6:00 PM - - - Couple joins cocktail hour

6:25 PM - - - Guests transition to reception hall and Erin (Wedding Coordinator) ushers guests to sit

6:30 PM -- - First Dance

6:35 PM --- Ashton gives dinner blessing and dinner service begins

7:00 PM --- Toasts

7:40 PM --- Couple golden hour photos

7:45 --- Cake/desserts

7:50 PM --- Family Dances

8:00 PM --- Dance Party

8:30 PM --- Photography Ends

9:30 PM --- Reception Ends

 Timeline

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

41 Sites to Buy Wedding Guest Dresses

The 15 Best Places to Buy a Suit