Flying Saucer Draught Emporium

Welcome Party

The Grove at City Market

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Aly and Mason met in November 2021, just a few short months after Mason arrived in Raleigh. Over the next 3 years they grew together and fell in love. There definitely were some tribulations, like Mason dragging Aly to rural Maine for a seven day camping trip. Or Mason finally accepting Aly's cats as his own. However, on September 26, 2024, Mason finally asked Aly to marry him. They were engaged at the Grove Arcade in Asheville. But this was just another chapter in their long story, and the next was going to be even more climactic. That weekend was the same one when Hurricane Helene slammed into Western North Carolina. They had rented a small cabin in Beech Mountain for the weekend to celebrate. Unfortunately, they were unprepared for what was to come next. Helene knocked out power, roads, and water for most of the region, including Beech Mountain. Aly and Mason then spent the next 4 days in their cabin without electricity and minimal food and water, wondering what was going on outside. Thankfully, the town and residents of Beech Mountain were some of the most generous folks we've ever encountered, and making it down to the village in the afternoons they were able to chat, visit, and grab food, until the roads could be fixed and they finally were able to leave. You can see more photos below of that weekend, and our whole story in the timeline. The communities of Western NC are still rebuilding and recovering from last year's storm. We encourage those who are able and so inclined to donate here to help those recovery efforts: https://cfwnc.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.

Our Story

Ireland

The Proposal

Hurricane Helene

After the proposal, Aly and Mason headed up to Beech Mountain, NC, for a romantic getaway. However, they would be caught in the path of Hurricane Helene. They would spend the next 4 days cut off from the rest of the world, without water and power. But the great people of Beech Mountain were some of the most welcoming and helpful around. We also got to meet a pretty cat whose neighbor asked us to check on!

Engagement Photo Session

Photos

Groomsmen

Trey and Mason met the very first week of college, bonding over a shared love of Longhorn football and been life-long friends ever since. 

Trey Black

Joe and Mason first met at UT, just a few weeks into each other's freshman year, going on countless, not always remembered, adventures since. 

Joseph Voss

Andres and Mason met through Trey and have traveled across the country and internationally, getting into trouble everywhere they go. 

Andres Sanchez-Paiva

Mason's younger brother and longest had friend!

Jackson Chamblee

Bridesmaids

Kelly and Aly met on the first day of Kindergarten and have been best friends ever since. When Aly moved from Virginia to Arizona before 4th grade, they kept in-touch through letters, emails, and eventually texting. 
Photo: Kelly and Aly on the last day of Kindergarten 

Kelly MicKey

Aly’s younger sister and mandatory best friend (per Aly). 
Photo: Karoline fooling around and making Aly laugh while trying to take a picture

Karoline Gotfried

Amanda and Aly picked each other as roommates freshman year of college, after matching on living preferences that turned out to be more “aspirational” for both of them. After an initially awkward lunch at Jimmy John’s together, they quickly became best friends and stayed roommates all throughout college. 
Photo: Amanda and Aly on graduation day in their former dorm room


Amanda Betten

Mason’s younger sister and Aly’s future (bonus) sister 
Photo: Mason, Madison, and Aly at Madison’s high school graduation

Madison Purvis

Wedding Party

What Is Cocktail Wedding Attire?

Cocktail Dresses to Add to Your Cart ASAP

What Guys Need to Know About Dress Codes

We kindly ask guests to dress in cocktail attire. For women, this typically means a cocktail dress or elevated separates. For men, a suit or blazer with dress pants and a collared shirt is appropriate (tie optional). Think semi-formal—stylish, polished, and festive, but not overly formal. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Dress Code

Q + A

In Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh)Stay in one of 175 guestrooms featuring Smart televisions. Your pillowtop bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and satellite programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with bathtubs or showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.With a stay at Residence Inn b

Residence Inn by Marriott Raleigh Downtown

Raleigh Marriott City Center located directly opposite the Raleigh Convention Center. Guests can take a refreshing plunge in the pool or unwind in the hot tub. Free WiFi is offered throughout the hotel to Marriott Bonvoy Members. Dining options are available on-site. The property provides 15,119 sq ft of meeting and event space. All guest rooms at the Raleigh Marriott City Center are equipped with 55" TVs with on demand Netflix and Hulu TV. Every room has an private bathroom, coffee-making facilities, and a work desk. Guests of the Raleigh City Center Marriott can work out in the fitness center, featuring Peloton bikes. On-site parking and a 24-hour reception are offered for added convenience. Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen provides contemporary Southern cuisine. Guests can grab a signature cocktail at Rye Bar. Raleigh Durham International Airport is 20 minutes’ drive from the hotel. North Carolina State University is less than 10 minutes’ drive away.

Raleigh Marriott City Center

In Raleigh (Downtown Raleigh)Make yourself at home in one of the 353 air-conditioned rooms featuring LCD televisions. Your bed comes with down comforters and premium bedding. Cable programming and video-game consoles are provided for your entertainment, while complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected. Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers.

Sheraton Raleigh Hotel

Travel

Things To Do!

If you're in Raleigh for more than a few days or want to kill some time while you're here, below are a few of Aly and Mason's favorite things to do.

Some of Mason and Aly's best memories are hiking in Umstead Park - fun fact, the first hike Mason took Aly on was a 12-mile round-trip; she was not happy to say the least. Our trail recommendations are either Sal's Branch or the Sycamore Trail.

William B. Umstead State Park

This is a free museum in Downtown Raleigh and quite a treat! Surprisingly, Aly loves science, and one of their first dates was to the Museum of Natural Sciences.

North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

Big Ed's is a Raleigh staple and one of the best places to grab breakfast. We can't recommend this place enough, and it is, in fact, one of Aly's all-time favorite restaurants in Raleigh. Additionally, Mason once tried to complete the pancake challenge, but failed miserably. So, if you win the challenge, be sure to let him know you're better than he is!

Big Ed's City Market Restaurant

This is one of Mason's favorite haunts. He has spent more time here than he'd let on. However, it's a great place to relax and enjoy a pint. And if you look hard enough, you'll see his name on the wall as one of their top beer fans!

If you have time or are in town for a few extra days, Wrightsville Beach is a day trip away from Raleigh. It's ~2 hours each way, and during this time of year, the weather is pretty pleasant.

Wrightsville Beach Park

If you have extra time to spend Friday or Saturday, Brewgaloo will be taking place on nearby Fayetteville St. Brewgaloo is a two-day celebration showcasing more than 110 craft breweries from across North Carolina. Paired with local food trucks, vendors, and live music, it’s the state’s largest craft beer festival and one of the biggest in the country. Over 60,000 attendees flock to downtown Raleigh to sip, savor, and experience the best of North Carolina’s brewing scene.

Aly & Mason

Aly & Mason

Q + A

I’ve received my Save the Date, can I RSVP early?

Are there any specific hotels we should stay in?

What is Cocktail attire?

How do I get around?

I’m trying to RSVP, but noticed not all members of my family are listed?

Where can I park for the ceremony?