Wedding Date on Aug 27, 2016

Matt and I met in high school, the summer of 2009. I can still remember seeing Matt for the first time almost nine years ago. He was doing what he loves, finishing up a run on the track. After meeting each other post-workout, we would began our seven-year long distance relationship, which spanned over 851 miles and three different states (Tennessee, North Carolina, and Boston). Finally in March 2015, Matt pulled off the most unexpected and beautiful proposal on Menemsha beach in Martha's Vineyard. When it came to planning our wedding, we wanted to include as many friends and family in the celebration as possible. This extended to our vendors and choice of venue. We chose RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee as our venue. This breathtaking retreat is nestled in the woods near Maryville College, where I went to school, and allows you to reserve the entire lodge for your wedding weekend. Our wedding would not have been complete without the special talents of our friends. A teammate of Matt's performed our ceremony, a family friend put together all of our flowers and decorations and styled my hair and my bridesmaids, another volunteered to do make-up, while another built the cross for our altar, and still another brought together his band for our reception! It was truly the wedding our dreams made even more perfect by the outpouring of love and support of our family and friends. Even after a year and a half of planning, the wedding day was not without its surprises. At about 3:00 PM, three hours until the ceremony was to start, the skies opened and heavy rain started falling. Before we knew it, a full blown storm was brewing which caused the electricity to go out and trees to fall--including one on the van transporting guests from their cars to the lodge! After ambulance sirens and tripped fire alarms, the storm finally passed and the early evening was peaceful and calm as we lined up and the musicians started to play. We said I do, danced until we couldn't dance anymore, and then capped off the night with a visit to Cook Out! To all the brides and grooms out there, I just want to say that your wedding day is truly one you will always want to relive over and over again.