A Shabby-Chic Mountainside Wedding at The Crest Center in Asheville, North Carolina

Taryn Newbold (28 and an administrator) and Jeff Gordon (28 and in real estate) both had a crush on each other during middle school and dated throughout their youth. Even though they attended different colleges, they forged a strong friendship that grew into something more after Jeff moved back to Miami. Two years later, Jeff suggested a weekend getaway at the same spot where Taryn's parents took their first vacation together. "We had a beautiful room overlooking the ocean and as soon as we got there, we popped the champagne to toast to a great weekend away," says Taryn. "To my utter shock and joy, Jeff dropped to one knee and asked me to marry him just minutes after arriving!" The pair knew they wanted to spend as much time with their wedding guests as possible and planned a small destination wedding that was still close enough for their grandmothers to attend. "We wanted a fun, unique wedding with a shabby-chic feel and thought Asheville would be the perfect place," says Taryn. "We decided on the Crest Center as a venue because it was the perfect amount of indoors and outdoors with gorgeous views of Asheville—plus we could keep the party going late!" Inspired by their mountainside locale, the couple went with a rustic theme and decorated with wood, burlap and lace accents. A springy pastel color palette warmed the indoor reception and seasonal flower arrangements added a romantic feel. Everyone was invited to all three days of activities, from the rehearsal dinner (complete with a cocktail hour, open bar and seated dinner) to the farewell brunch. "Our guests said our wedding weekend was so much fun that it felt like adult summer camp and that was exactly what we were going for!" says Taryn.