The Barn at Valhalla

Welcome Party!

Duke University Chapel

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Even though we both grew up in Asheville, surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, we never actually met until college. It's funny to think that we spent all those years in the same hometown without knowing each other, but it makes our story even more special that we both get to call the mountains home.We first met through Cru at NC State and mutual friends, but our story really began in the summer of 2022 when we started talking about our favorite shows and shared interests. When I was back in Asheville, Will asked me to lunch (though he technically stood me up thanks to some car trouble!). Not long after, I invited him to be my plus-one at a wedding where I was the maid of honor. He stayed the entire time, helped clean up, and even hung out with me afterward in the pouring rain. From there, we talked all summer, and once we were back at school in August, we spent nearly every day together. After a few sweet dates, Will officially asked me to be his girlfriend, and the rest was history.Over the next two (almost three) years, we spent countless weekends driving between Raleigh and Chapel Hill as Will finished his degree at NC State and I began pursuing my doctorate in occupational therapy at Duke. During that time, we grew in our faith and learned what it means to love and serve one another the way Christ calls us to. We've shared so many milestones together, celebrating big accomplishments, walking through the loss of loved ones, and supporting each other through every high and low.On July 12th, 2025, with the help (and a little deception) from friends, Will completely surprised me by asking me to be his wife. I was shocked, overjoyed, and couldn't wait to say yes to forever with him. Now, we can't wait to officially tie the knot on June 20th, 2026, at Duke Chapel, surrounded by the family and friends who have supported us every step of the way. We're so excited to continue growing in faith and love together as husband and wife.

Our story

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Elizabeth

Jaiden

Emily

Payton

Mckinley

Kendall

Joseph

Jonathan

Matt

Will

Whitaker

Cameron 

Wedding Party

Hotel AccommodationsWe’ve reserved a block of rooms at the Hyatt for our wedding weekend!Dates: June 19–21, 2026Rates:$189/night – King Room$199/night – Two Queen RoomThese special rates are also available for one day before and after our wedding dates, based on availability.How to Book:Please use our dedicated booking link below to ensure you receive the discounted group rate:https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-place/en-US/rduzc-hyatt-place-chapel-hill-southern-village?corp_id=G-RMW1Alternatively, you may call the hotel at (919) 929-9511 (press “0”) and mention the Rathburn McGraw Wedding to book within our room block.Reservation Deadline:Be sure to book by May 29, 2026, as rooms in our block will not be available after this date.

Hyatt Place Chapel Hill / Southern Village

Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill

Travel

If you need a caffeine boost or just a cozy spot to relax, here are a few of our go-to coffee stops:-Aaktun Coffee &amp; Bar (Durham) – Trendy spot with great lattes and a fun vibe.-Bean Traders (Durham) – Locally loved for its creative drinks and comfy atmosphere.-Black &amp; White Coffee Roasters (Downtown Raleigh) – A must-visit for serious coffee lovers.

Best Coffee Shops

You can’t go wrong with any of these local favorites:-Al’s Burger Shack – A Chapel Hill classic with some of the best burgers in town.-Guglhupf – German-inspired café and bakery with a beautiful patio.-Mr. Tokyo – Great sushi and hibachi at an even better price.-Alpaca Peruvian Chicken – Delicious roasted chicken and plantains—local favorite!-Raising Cane’s – For those who can’t resist the chicken and Cane’s sauce combo.-Guasaca – Venezuelan arepas with tons of fresh and flavorful fillings.

Best Food Spots

Cool off or satisfy your sweet tooth at some of our favorite dessert spots:-Yopo – A Chapel Hill favorite for frozen yogurt since 1975.-Howling Cow Ice Cream – Made right on NC State’s campus with milk from the university’s own cows.-Goodberry’s Frozen Custard – A Raleigh staple known for rich, creamy custard made fresh daily.-Two Roosters Ice Cream – Creative seasonal flavors in a fun, nostalgic atmosphere.-Bright Spot Donuts – Freshly made, melt-in-your-mouth donuts that are totally worth the trip.-Monuts (Durham) – The perfect blend of artisan donuts, great coffee, and brunch favorites.-Simon Says Dip This (Durham) – A must-try spot where you can dip your ice cream cone in delicious chocolate coatings and toppings!

Sweet Treats

Enjoy some time outside and explore all the Triangle has to offer:-North Carolina Museum of Art (Raleigh) – Wander the museum trails or enjoy the outdoor sculpture park.-Museum of Life and Science (Durham) – Great for families or anyone who loves hands-on exhibits and nature trails.-Raleigh Farmers Market – Walk around, grab local produce or flowers, and soak up the weekend atmosphere.

Outdoor Activities

Things to Do

Registry

Q & A

Ashley & William

Ashley & William

Travel

Hyatt Place Chapel Hill / Southern Village

Courtyard by Marriott Chapel Hill