Sky Retreat

Rehearsal Dinner (Immediate Family and Wedding Party)

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail hour

Reception

Our Wedding

We first crossed paths in Buffalo, NY -Alan was in residency and Joan was working in the operating rooms at the VA. Somewhere between the beeping machines and surgical masks, romance happened. Joan held up a sign that said, “You’re hot” in the back of the OR. Subtle, right? But hey, it worked. And just like that, a lifetime of adventures began. Our first official date? Chicken wings and Bills football. It wasn’t the fanciest outing, but it was perfect for us: a shared level of spicy food, questionable decisions, and the best football team in the NFL. In Buffalo we built friendships that felt like family, explored breweries, frequented "dog park island," and discovered that snow is best enjoyed together. Those years taught us how to lean on each other, laugh through chaos, and savor the small, quiet moments that make life so big. Then came the big move to New York City. We packed our little tribe—dogs, cats, and yes, even the plants—and left Buffalo behind for Alan’s fellowship. It was a huge change, but we made it our first home. Between navigating the subway and carrying our groceries uphill from Trader "Joan's," we grew as a couple, learning how to tackle life together and celebrate every victory, big or small. NYC gave us the perfect backdrop to build memories. Finally, we landed in Columbia, SC, where we bought our first house. Every year, we exchange Christmas ornaments, each one marking a special moment in our journey - but this year, Alan hung the most special ornament of all. It was under the twinkling lights that Alan proposed and just like that we officially took the next step in our adventure together. A tiny sparkle on the tree, a giant leap in our story, and a memory we’ll treasure forever. From Buffalo snowstorms, to New York skyscrapers, to Carolina sunshine, our journey has been full of laughter, love, and many adventures. We can’t wait to celebrate this next chapter surrounded by all of you—our favorite people, our favorite memories, and the love that’s only just begun.

From Chicken Wings to Christmas Rings

Our Story

Photos

Bridesmaids

Maid of Honor

Kelly Traina

Matron of Honor

Julie Varnadoe Burger

Ashley DiFrancesco﻿

Michelle Epps

Groomsmen

Best Man

Levi Rejonis

Matt Gravina

Colin Lopez

Derek Matt

Parents

Father of the Bride

Douglas Burger

Mother of the Bride

Kathleen Burger

Father of the Groom

Gregory Rejonis

Mother of the Groom

Jeanne Rejonis

Officiant

Daniel Burger

Wedding Party

Airports

Charlotte-Douglas International (CLT)

Located in Charlotte, NCApproximately a 1 hour and 45 minute drive to the blocked hotels and a 2 hour drive to the venue

Piedmont Triad International (GSO)

Located in Greensboro, NCApproximately a 2 hour drive to the blocked hotels and the venue

Travel

Ashe County Livery

A complimentary shuttle service will be provided to and from the venue from Boone, NC. Shuttles will pick up guests from the Courtyard by Marriott in Boone and Holiday Inn Boone - University Area beginning at at 3:30 PM, with continuous trips running throughout the evening. Return shuttles will operate until 11:30 PM, ensuring everyone can relax and enjoy the celebration safely. There are extra details and a sign-up sheet for the shuttles to ensure everyone is picked up in a timely fashion. Those can be accessed here:<a href="https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4BA9A62AA6F4C43-63212163-alan#/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wedding Shuttle Sign-up</a>

Shuttle

Courtyard by Marriott Boone, NC

We have rooms blocked that can be booked with the following link: <a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1770724311182&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Rooms</a>1050 NC-105, Boone, NC 28607~Shuttle will pick up from this location~Approximately a 35 minute drive to the venue<a href="https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hkybn-courtyard-boone/overview/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/hkybn-courtyard-boone/overview/</a>

Holiday Inn Boone -University Area

We have rooms blocked that can be booked with the following link: <a href="https://www.ihg.com/redirect?path=rates&amp;brandCode=HI&amp;regionCode=1&amp;localeCode=en&amp;checkInMonthYear=042026&amp;checkInDate=1&amp;checkOutDate=3&amp;checkOutMonthYear=042026&amp;hotelCode=HKYBO&amp;GPC=TRJ&amp;numberOfAdults=1&amp;numberOfRooms=1&amp;adjustMonth=false&amp;showApp=true&amp;monthIndex=00" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book Rooms</a>1075 Highway 105, Boone, North Carolina 28607~Shuttle will pick up from this location~Approximately a 35 minute drive to the venue<a href="https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/boone/hkybo/hoteldetail" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/us/en/boone/hkybo/hoteldetail</a>

Park Vista Motor Lodge and Diner

10 recently renovated rooms available for rent with accompanying diner1907 Park Vista Rd, West Jefferson, NC 28694About a 7-8 minute drive to the venue<a href="https://parkvistanc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.parkvistanc.com</a>

Wonderlust Acres

5 Airbnb cabins available throughout the areaStargazer Farmhouse, Sommer Haus, and The Woodys Owl are all approximately a 10-13 minute drive to the venue.Ivy house and The Bluebell cottage are approximately 17 minute drives to the venue.<a href="https://wonderlustacres.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wonderlustacres.com/</a>

Other Hotel Options

There are several hotel options in the area, and you are welcome to stay at any nearby hotel that works best for you. Please note that our wedding shuttle will be running primarily to and from the Courtyard by Marriott Boone.Some other nearby hotels include<a href="https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/hkybohx-hampton-suites-boone/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hampton Inn &amp; Suites Boone</a><a href="https://www.graystonelodge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Graystone Lodge</a>Quality Inn and Suites Boone -- University Area<a href="https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/laquinta/boone-north-carolina/la-quinta-inn-and-suites-boone-university/overview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">La Quinta Inn &amp; Suites by Wyndham Boone</a>

Hotels & Accomodations

Q + A

V&B Experience

Exclusive for Sky Retreat Couples and GuestsOffering beer burrows, animal photo opps, massage, yoga/goat yoga, tubing/kayaking.<a href="https://www.vandbexperience.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.vandbexperience.com</a>

Barefoot Guides - Guided Fly Fishing

Guided fly fishing tours in Boone or West Jefferson for beginners and seasoned veterans<a href="https://fly-fishing.guide/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.fly-fishing.guide/</a>

SKY VALLEY ZIP TOURS

Zipline adventure over the Appalachian forest with suspension bridges and cliffside rappelling. Even offers, a nighttime zip tour<a href="https://www.skyvalleyziptours.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.skyvalleyziptours.com</a>

MYSTERY HILL

Quirky Blowing Rock landmark where physics takes a playful twist! Offers hands-on exhibits, gem mining, and axe-throwing<a href="http://www.mysteryhill.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mysteryhill.com</a>

Dark Sky Observatory

Appalachian State University’s Dark Sky Observatory (DSO) is a research facility used to conduct observational research in astrophysics. It is equipped with four telescopes and offers monthly public viewing nights<a href="https://dso.appstate.edu/public-access/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">dso.appstate.edu/public-access/</a>

Things to Do

What Should We Wear?

For men: Please wear a suit with a tie or bow tie. A tuxedo is not necessary, but formal wear is preferred. For women: We ask that you wear a mid-length or long dress. Evening wear or formal dresses are ideal.

Are there any special considerations for footwear?

Our venue has an indoor reception space and a covered wooden patio, so most of the evening will be heel- and dress-shoe–friendly. The ceremony will be held on a stamped concrete pad, and there’s also a grassy knoll for photos and mingling. If you plan to wear heels, we recommend block or wedge styles over stilettos to keep things comfortable.