Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

The one good thing to come out of the crazy year of 2020 was two soulmates finally meeting. During the lockdown Risto and I both chose one evening to go with a friend to walk and hang out by the water in a state park in Florida in downtown St Pete. He was with a guy friend and I was with a girl friend of mine when our paths crossed. We struck up a conversation about the moon rising over the bay and then ended up sitting by the water on a bench talking for many hours. This was the beginning of a beautiful romance. We spent a few months meeting at the beach or pool getting to know each other until the world opened up again and we went on our first date to restaurant called Hawkers where we learned that we had the same seafood and nut allergies and our waiter joked that we were destined to be married. A year later Risto was moving in with me and a year after that we went on the grand adventure of moving together to my dream home in a little country town tucked away in the mountains outside Asheville, NC. Life together has been easy - while the world continues to be crazy - we find many moments of laughter, love and bonding. We have bonded over our deep love of animals, nature and spirituality. Health became a priority the more we have loved one another and together we enjoy working out, hiking, doing yoga and started gardening as we enjoy having a home with a beautiful yard. Risto helped me through my cat - my other soulmate - becoming ill and passing away which I will always appreciate. Together we parent a dog and two cats now. We hope to parent children together soon too. When we moved states together we had discussed that we wanted to get married upon being settled in a new place and me adjusting to a new career of virtual teaching and being a department head of the virtual school. Risto also had his hands full working on an ap and launching an app - a creator content platform - with his best friend that officially soft launched this year! This app is called Viffy if you want to download it and give it a good rating that is helpful! Both of us have been pursuing our goals and encouraging one another which has meant so much to each of us. Risto also pursues me in my poetry ventures as well. Then last May right after his birthday Risto proposed to me with a beautiful ring that he had once given his mother as a child and she gave back to him to give to me. I had always wanted a gemstone ring and this ring happened to be a beautiful colored gemstone and so much more which was a fun surprise. While we love adventuring and traveling together, we have had many trips to Maine and around Florida and North Carolina together, our happiest moments have always been in our home, building our life and having those little moments that are really the big moments together, so Risto got down on one knee in our living room when I was least expecting it and made me the happiest woman in the world by proclaiming that he wished me to be his wife and be with him the rest of our lives. Together we have planned a wedding that reflects our shared values and celebrates the life we are building together. The venue is a local farm owned by a local couple tucked away in the mountains we love so much. Being in and enjoying the great outdoors, as well as, supporting local farmers and eating good local food is a significant core belief we both share. This farm is fully functioning and the meal at our wedding is all farm to table. Also, every vendor we are using is a local business in Asheville (flowers photographer, DJ, Pastor, hair and make up) and some are even owned by our friends. My wedding dress was also bought at a local boutique made by an American designer. We believe very much in supporting local business. We will have all of our loving family and closest friends present and are so delighted to celebrate our love with commitment to one another with all of you! While Risto and I are sober - another health value that we share- and will be enjoying the sparkling cider and lemonade bar at the wedding there will be beer and wine for our guests to enjoy. Life together has been sweet and full of romance, but also us supporting and encouraging as we both have pursued health, discipline and work goals together. That is our favorite thing that we work towards constant self improvement together rather than settling for less than we can be. We are so very excited to celebrate that we finally found our person and are only becoming better people because of it with all you who we also love so much!

Our Story

Photos

Our wedding and ceremony will all be held at The Farm. This venue is conveniently located just 10 miles outside of Asheville. 

Address: The Farm215 Justice Ridge RoadCandler, NC 28715 Phone: 828 - 667 - 0666 x725

<a href="https://thefarmevents.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thefarmevents.com/</a>

Wedding & Ceremony Location 

If you use the link provided here you can book for the wedding block rate. If you call instead ask for Fusco- Laaksonen wedding block. Many guests will be staying there if you want to be with others attending the wedding. Also, there will transportation to and from the wedding from this hotel.

Element Asheville Downtown

Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village

We have booked a few cottages at the farm in which we will be getting married. These are very limited. If you would like to stay here, please call and use our name to book.

The Farm, a gathering place

Travel and Hotels

Holly is my incredible big sister and lifelong friend. 

Holly Skowronski 

This amazing woman has been my friend for over a decade and was my next-door neighbor 8 years. 

Alicia Libertore

Jen is my big sister and also lifelong friend! 

Jennifer Fusco

Sam is Risto's friend since high school and we are honored to have him at our side!  

Sam Winslow

Cole is a dear friend to Risto that shares his hobbies and values. 

William Cole Laverde 

Risto and Wes have been friends since they were 12 years old! So happy he can be at his side. 

Wes Greeley 

Risto and Seva have been close friends since college. Delighted that he can be with us on this special day. 

Amy & Risto

Amy & Risto

Q + A

Q + A coming soon!