Sky Retreat

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Anyone familiar with Montreat College knows how incredibly small it is and how everybody knows everybody to some degree. I wish I could remember the first time I officially met Zee, but I think it was one of those situations where you both get to know who each other is through mutual friends. Halfway through my sophomore year at Montreat, we were officially introduced through his best friend and started hanging out some in groups. We also had one class together that semester and worked on homework and a group project together throughout that semester. I remember his light-hearted and calming presence and how much I enjoyed being around him and talking to him. He was a great guy and I really admired him and was thankful for his friendship and steady personality, but never thought anything more than that. During the fall of my junior year and his senior year, we started to hang out more. He would invite me over for movie and game nights with some of our mutual friends. However, about halfway through the movie, everyone else would always leave and it was just the two of us, I never thought anything of it though. There were many movie nights and Ingles runs to buy snacks throughout that fall semester. We texted almost every day over Christmas break that year, but I was still so oblivious. I wasn't picking up any of his hints or signals. I truly don't know why I didn't see it in myself or in him, I didn't normally text/hang out with guys like that unless I was interested in them. God was definitely working in my heart and mind during that time, and preparing me to be ready to date Zee all in good time, I just didn't know it yet. Spring of my Junior year and his Senior year is when things really started to move in our friendship but also the Lord working and humbling my heart. We began hanging out more and more one-on-one and he was becoming one of my best friends. I began to admire him more and more and always wanted to be around him. We started texting each other before we would go to the gym to see if the other was going to be there (clearly I had feelings for him but I was still oblivious). I felt calm and safe with him, I felt like I could be myself and I felt cared for and loved, even though it was just a friendship at the time. I worked in the Admissions office at Montreat and right after Spring break of my Junior year, my boss got a Husky puppy. She would bring her to the office almost every day since they were working on potty training her and whatnot. Zee always asked me to let him know when the puppy was there so that he could come see her. One day, one of my co-workers, Guido, said to me, "You know he's coming to see you, not the puppy, right?" That same week, one of our mutual friends, Carly, told me that she had been telling Zee to invite me to come hang out with their friend group but she thought he was too shy to ask. These two comments helped me to finally put all the pieces together and see what was abundantly clear but what I had just been too stubborn to see, that Zee had feelings for me, and had for a while. Over the next few weeks, I pondered and prayed a lot about what I was feeling and what I wanted. I also didn't want to jump to any conclusions based on what other people said because none of it was confirmed by Zee himself. Five days before his graduation, he drove me up the parkway in his Jeep with all the doors off. We hiked up to Craggy Gardens and sat and watched the sunset together. Eventually, he worked up the courage to tell me how he felt about me. I will never forget the last thing he said, "Above all else, I want to be your best friend." That was huge to me. That was one of the things that set him apart. He wanted a foundation built on friendship and the Lord, those were the most important things to him. Not wanting to speak too soon, or say something I didn't fully know to be true yet, I didn't really say anything back to him haha sorry Zee. It wasn't until about two weeks later that I told him I liked him back and wanted to pursue a relationship with him. We officially started dating on June 24th, 2022, and were long-distance for the first year of our relationship while I finished up school at Montreat and he began working full-time in Charlotte. After a year of long-distance, I graduated, moved, and got a job in Charlotte so that I could be closer to Zee and we could experience dating in the same city since long distance was all we had known in our dating relationship. We began talking about marriage and the next step in our relationship. Then on March 23rd, 2024, Zee asked me, on top of a mountain, to spend forever with him. That was the easiest and most joyful "yes" of my life. Zee is truly my best friend in the world and I'm so excited to build a life with him. God has been so kind and faithful throughout our lives and leading us to each other and I will never be able to adequately express the gratitude I have toward him for this sweet gift of love.

Our Story: from Brides POV

Sophomore Year 2019-2020: The first time I officially met and I talked to Anna Helen was my Jr year of college so around spring time 2020 I met her through my best friend at the time. We had exercise science class together, we did a project together which really spark our friend ship. This was how I first got her phone number. Back story, I have always known Anna Helen, or seen her around on campus. I had friends that were friends with her. Matter of fact I had a crush on her the first a couple of time when I saw her. But I kept the feeling to myself. I knew in my mind there was no way I was bold enough to talk to her. So I did not really made an effort to. She really stood out, she was tall, had a bright energy, friendly and beautiful. There was no way I can date her, she way out of my league. Sr Year summer 2021: We just hung out with friends and as friends. Had a double friends date. Over time we just gotten closer, became really good friends. We stayed connected after the school year ended. That same year we stopped on our way home from spring break to go have lunch with her in her hometown. Spring Sr year and summer being right around the corner. I made the effort to go see the husky puppy that her boss just got, in the office where she works at that time. Since she would always posted about it, and as for me I love dogs, so I did not hesitate to slide in her Dm's telling her I wanted to come see the puppy. I mean it worked out, I saw the puppy my soccer buddy that also worked in there and plus I got to see her too.. Side note, the same semester, what kinda push our friendship and open Anna Helen eyes was the moment in the book store she had with one of my friends. She was the cupid with the arrow that was needed to sparks in Anna Helen. Carly was the her name, Carly being herself goes and mentioned and throwing hints that I was interested in Anna Helen. Her words saying,"I tell Zee all the time to invite you to come hang with us". And there it was, the word is out. Even though I wasn't there for the conversation, Carly momentarily after saw me and told me about it. Me being me, still going to see the puppy in the office that day, knowing Anna Helen knows that I was interested in her. Kept it all to myself pretending like I didn't know. Sr Year 2022: At this point, I knew I wanted to date her. I mentioned it to my close friends and my mentor at that time, I vaguely remember asking him, " Do you think its worth to pursue this girl since I am graduating and leaving school and she has another year left. She's beautiful, kind, she loves the lord and she different. He encourage me to keep persistence and take my shot." So with that being said, I took my shot and showing my interest. At this time frame I threw all the sign that I had out there for her to catch but unfortunately she missed all of them. This is 2 weeks before my graduation. Anna Helen and I been chatting back and forth. Had movie nights, texting, went to get food and had some deep conversation one on one in the car. I remember one of the last week I was at gym. She also came, to the gym. Last thing I texted I believe was asking her if she wanted to hang out. At this point she stopped texting back and I did too for that week. I was like okay I'm done trying to pursue her and my hope was gone. I was stretching on the mat and she comes up to me and ask if I wanted to hang out. The conversation from their shifted drastically. That same week I decided I wanted to take her to Craggy Garden, I took all my doors off and took my Jeep up. My plan all along was to finally tell her all this time I was pursuing her. When we got of there, it was sunset so it was perfect time to confess my crush on her. We talked for a while, I knew at this point there was some type of connections for her to come all the way up. So, in my mind it either was gonna be a hard no or we continue to talk. Finally, I boldly told her I liked her, she was awfully quiet and did not respond how I expected for her to respond. But she did not say no, we both decided to continue and try to see if this long distance would work. Anna Helen, was there when I got my first job. I started traveling for work, and we made the effort to switch driving back and forth to see each other. And it worked out. She decided 2023, after graduation to moved to Charlotte NC, where I lived leaving her friends and family so that we can be closer. And the rest his history. ps: first picture we took together on Craggy garden, when I first told her I liked her and she didn't say anything back. May 10th, 2022.

Our Story: from Grooms POV

Our Story

Photos

I met Georgia at a homeschool co-op when we were 8 years old. We became the best of friends instantly and that friendship has only gotten stronger as we have been through some of the best and hardest seasons of life together. Her friendship is one of the greatest gifts the Lord has ever given me. There is no one else I would want to stand right next to me on my wedding day <3

Georgia Herskind

Taylor is my oldest sister and despite our 8-year age gap, we are very similar and share many of the same passions and interests. She has always been an amazing example and taught me so much about empathy, independence, spontaneity, and love. I got to stand by her on her wedding day almost 3 years ago and I can't imagine her not standing by me on my wedding day. 

Taylor Saar

Katie is my other sister who is two years older than me. We are the closest in age of all the siblings and unlike the older two, she did not move all the way across the country post-college. She loves hard and deeply and puts her all into the things she is passionate about. She brings so much laughter and genuineness into our family.  My wedding would not be complete without her standing by me.

Katie Marshall

Anna and I met a few weeks into our freshman year of college. From the moment I met her, I knew she was going to be an important person in my life but little did I know just how much she would impact my life. She is one of the spunkiest and most fun people I have ever known and my life is so much fuller from knowing her. From sunset hikes, endless dessert creations, and having picnics any chance we could get, to living together our senior year and standing by her side on her wedding day, Anna Sue is as loyal and steadfast as they come. I'm so thankful to have her standing by my side on my wedding day <3

Anna Griffin

Peyton and I met a few weeks into our freshman year of college as well. I actually met her and Anna at the same time and it was one of the craziest God moments I have ever experienced. It was as if he nudged me and said, "These are your girls. These are the girls you prayed for before coming to college. They are going to be your best friends." What a blessing they have been ever since. Peyton is one of the kindest and most loving people ever. She is the best hype woman and encourager and truly seeks to honor the Lord in everything she does. I had the privilege of standing by her side on her wedding day and am honored that she will be standing by my side on my wedding day. 

Peyton Prater

Jenna and I officially met on one of our first days of freshman year in a biology class. Our friendship started as a slow burn and blossomed into one of the most precious friendships. We had nearly every class together throughout college as we were in similar majors and both were a part of the honors program. Jenna has one of the most impressive work ethics of anyone I've ever known, whether in school, athletics, or how she fiercely loves and cares for others. She has a deep well of wisdom and will always provide a listening ear and judgment-free space for others to feel safe. We were roommates during our senior year of college along with Anna and we had the most fun living it up in the "Clubhouse." I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids at her wedding and could not imagine her not being a part of mine. 

Jenna Smith

Lillie and I became friends during our sophomore year of college and went on to live together during our Junior year. I say that Lillie was my saving grace in a lot of ways because my sophomore year was pretty tough, but living with her my Junior year was like a breath of fresh air. We had so much fun together. From the almost daily coffee runs and numerous camping excursions to the spontaneous day trips and excessive scary movie-watching, Lillie brings out my carefree and spontaneous side. I'm so excited to have her stand by my side on my wedding day! 

Lillie Siniard

The first time I met Ozzy was back in 2009. We did not speak any English and were communicating through hand signals. One7 ministries brought him and I together through futbol. We grew up doing everything together. We played travel futbol all over the country, to sleeping on the floor at a church, living together in the Whitehouse on shamrock dr where all the gunshots are every night, and ate bread and water because that's all we had. He was the older brother in my life I never knew I needed. 

We ended up attending university together to play. I was an introvert at the beginning of my college years. He was the one that brought me out of my shell. We ate all our meals together and roomed together. I wound up driving him everywhere, even when he was going on a date. He pushed me and encouraged me to become the person I am today. We coached and did ministry together through one7. 

I am so honored to have him right beside me. He has had such an impact on my life and has always been there for me as a friend, a brother, and someone I greatly admire.

Jesus Ramos

Noah and I go way back, we met in 2009. We both arrived in America at about the same time and ended up in the same apartment complex. We spoke zero English and were roasted by everyone.  We went to the same school growing up, he was one of many who introduced me to One7 Ministries. 

I have always admired Noah's story, what he came up through, and what a man he has become. And how much of a walking miracle he is. We just connected so easily, I believed it was a friendship that God had brought me, and it was meant to be.  We grew up at the One7 apartments throughout the years. We lived, ate, fought, and played soccer every day together through high school. Whenever Noah is in the room there is a comedy show happening. You'll always be laughing when you are around him. If you're not laughing with him you're laughing at him. Even though there were days where he just decided to pack his things and leave the state without saying anything, he was just one of my friends who became a brother to me. I always love him and have his back when he needs me. Of course, I always welcome him back, when he gets back in town he says " Yo you never hit me up when I left".

I always appreciate our friendship and I know it will go a long way. The Lord knows who you need around you. and Noah is that brother.



Noah Abbas

Marco and I first met in my junior year of college. He had just transferred from another school.  A baller from Chile who everyone was talking about. Marco was humble, friendly, elegant, and an admirer of the mind.

Even with the short time we had at school together, we slowly got closer and our friendship grew. If you know Marco, he is the nicest human being, goofy, dancer, artistic, adventurous, and very outdoorsy. My senior year, we lived in the same house on campus. He and Issac were always in my room hanging out.  I would always have music playing in my room he would come and start dancing. If not dancing he was laying on the bean bags. Marco and I's friendship really encouraged me to become the person I am today.  Our conversation, the encouragement, and his ways with words really put certain things into perspective for me. God has been at work in our friendship. 




Marco Oyarzo Compagnoni

Issac and I came into college together during our freshman year 2018-2019. We both played soccer at Montreat. Issac and I naturally just connected right away.  We always kinda stuck together. Issac is just genuine, kind, lighthearted, and fun to be around.  I know that the Lord brought us together for a reason and we were just meant to be good friends. I remember when he told me his story for the first time, it really hit because we were similar in a lot of ways. 

Throughout the 4 years, we trained and practiced together, ate together, were always in the gym, and went on many adventurous hikes together and I can't forget to mention he is a snowboarding beast.

We roomed together in the Lookout house on campus senior year. We stuck together almost everywhere.  Even though his room was upstairs, he would always come to my room to come hang out and play his Morgan Wallen songs on the guitar.

I really appreciate our friendship, sometimes impacts are made without knowing. 

Isaac Wilkening

Kyle and I met my Sophomore year in the writing center inside the library. Kyle played basketball at Montreat. I knew and heard of Hannah, Kyle's wife (girlfriend at the time) before I knew Kyle. It's crazy how friendships are made. If you know Montreat, you know it's small and everyone knows everyone.  It was funny because we both needed help in the writing center at the same. We instantly became friends, we had classes together and that kinda started a fire in our friendship.  We were always in the library studying together trying to pass all the science classes haha.

I feel like I always knew Kyle for a long time even though it was in a short period.  Kyle is the hype man that everyone needs around them. If you know Kyle, you know he has that wild energy and fun personality, and most importantly he is a friend that encourages you.

Over the years, after he graduated we stayed in contact, we just became closer. We had similar goals.  That made us push and encourage each other every day.  He was another friend I call brother. And I am honored to have you up there with me.

Kyle Sturgeon

Jonathan, whom all of our friends growing up called Matuka, and I go way back to our futbol club at One7, he was playing 2 years above my age group. Jon would come from the west side of Charlotte with his friends to come play futbol at the Finchley court in East Charlotte. I got closer to Jon in College and played for one year together. I did not take that time for granted. Jon is a fearless leader and loves the Lord. I remember when he used to invite me to attend one of the worship nights on campus every Thursday that he was leading. Jon and I got a lot closer my freshman year of college and I would always go to him for advice and he was always there with open arms.

Jonathan is someone who I look up to and admire. As a man of his family who loves the Lord deeply. When I look at him I see a warrior, a friend, and a mentor. Jon is one of the reasons that Anna Helen and I are getting married. I remember clearly, my senior year, 2 weeks before graduation, I FaceTimed Jonathan, and I told him, "Jon there's this beautiful girl at school, she loves the Lord, but you know I am leaving and done with school. Is it worth pursuing her?". He replies, "Take your shot and I'll be praying for you".  Jon and I's friendship has made a huge impact on my life. I know when I need something and call him, he'll pick up the phone.

Jonathan Kayembe

Xlos is one of my younger brothers. We grew up together, ate together, and fought like siblings usually do.  Moving here to America for the first time and going to a school where we didn't know the language was difficult but we knew that God brought us to the States for a reason and there was a bigger goal. Xlos pushed me to become the big brother and the person I am today because I knew one day that he would look up to me. So, I am honored to have you as my brother and have you up there.

Xlos Ksor

Wedding Party

Q + A

Travel

Hilton Hotel #1&nbsp;Best Value of&nbsp;218&nbsp;Hotels near Sky Retreat"Excellent, clean and quiet hotel on King Street away from the crowds. The free breakfast buffet is average, so you might want to eat elsewhere. Small snack bar. Rooms well appointed and clean.

Hampton Inn & Suites Boone

Another Hilton property located about 30 minutes away from the venue. The cost are average and decent.

Holiday Inn Boone - University Area, an IHG Hotel

Marriott own property. About 30 minutes away from the venue. More nicer central location. Clean, large and comfortable rooms. Only drawback is the hotel is close to busy street so you may want to ask for a room facing back side. Parking seemed a little limited if the property.

Courtyard Boone

Another Marriot Property, 30 minutes from the venue. Nice and affordable.

Anna Helen & Zee

Anna Helen & Zee

Photos