Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Summer

Our Wedding

It's one of those stories that seems made up, a fairytale of sorts. And I am not just writing that because it's my perspective, my love story. Before Ian and I got together we crossed paths a few times before. We never really new one another, but our energy drew us to each other, as we lived in the same city, and went to the same bars/venues.With there being a few times in passing we had quick words, it wasn't until the night of my birthday it finally stuck. The night of my birthday, I was alone, with all my friends out of town, so I decided to have a good time by myself. I went out to our local music venue, and I feel a tap on my shoulder. It was the man that never called me. One I actually wanted to call me.Ian asked me if I remembered him, and of course I did. And he asked if I wanted to go on a date. I said yes. After that first date, we never left each others side. Almost eight years later, living our best life, owning a home together, we are finally getting married. Something I knew almost from the beginning.

Our Story

Photos

As you know, we are eloping for the ceremony.Here is all you need to know for the day of wedding. Ceremony Site:Black Balsam- Art Loeb Trail<a href="https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/black-balsam-knob-art-loeb-trail-hiking/#directions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ashevilletrails.com/blue-ridge-parkway/black-balsam-knob-art-loeb-trail-hiking/#directions</a> GPS coordinates are here. If you download ALL TRAILS it will take you there by Name of trail. Hike Round Trip total 1.4 .7 up .7 down.PARKING IS LIMITED. PLEASE CAR POOL. MAY TAKE ABOUT 45 MINUTES TO 1 HR TO GET TO TRAIL HEAD. LEAVE AROUND 2 PM TO ARRIVE AROUND 3PM You will drive onto The BLUE RIDGE PAKWAY, and follow it all the way until you see the sign BLACK BALSAM on your RIGHT if you are coming from ASHEVILLE, which I believe most are coming from.You will go up a paved road about 1 mile, and run into a PARKING LOT. Go to the RIGHT of the parking lot and you will see a TRAIL HEAD. There is a metal arm looking thing, to block cars from going up the trail, that's the trail head. It will look small and rocky. There will be a wider trail to your left of the smaller rockier trail, DON'T take this one. Take the small rocky trail, to insure we all land on the same side of the mountain. It usually takes me about 45 minutes to hike to trail and about 30 to hike down. It is a MODERATE hike. FOOTWEAR- You can find some cute ass foot wear that isn't going to kill you on this hike. So think strappy sandals or nice gym shoes. I don't care what you wear. But I would suggest Summer dresses flowy for females. And men, wear more breathable clothing. It is June in the south.You can always change into some nicer shoes at the ceremony if it's that important for you to look fly. I honestly will probably be bare foot most of the time. :) Once you arrive to the top of the mountain, You will come to several view spots, take your time enjoy the space you are in and take it all in. I will be having a FIRST LOOK moment with Ian in that wonderful Pine Forest you'll be passing on the way up.Once you have taken some looks keep following the trail until you reach the TIPPY TOP of the MOUNTAIN, you will know when you have reach the top. The views are 360. There is no right or wrong spot, I love every inch of this mountain. Ian and I will meet you up there and we will all find the ceremony spot together. We will do the ceremony, maybe pop some champange and get our asses down the mountain so we can EAT! Once we hike down, which is faster than you think. We will head back to the reception area, where if anyone needs to freshen up we can in the Bridal Studio. There will be appetizers and cocktails.I am doing variety of Mules, and there will be beer and wine for the less crazy people. This is not a traditional wedding. There isn't a Schedule. I might be crazy for doing this but honestly its less stress. After we have had a few drinks in us and some appetizers, we will bring out the food fairly soon after. That hike will make us starving so let's feast. Then after we eat, if anyone has speeches they can say them here.No first dance, none of that traditional awkward shit. If you have made it this far in my long drawn out explanation great, this is the time we will all get drunk. I believe in leaving the food out all night so we can all smash as we please. lol. no left over means less work for me Now lets celebrate!!!!!!!!!

Ariel & Ian

Ariel & Ian

A&I

Wedding Day