Bridal Shower

Hawkesdene

On-site Accommodation

Thursday Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Welcome to our wedding website! We are so glad you're here and we cannot wait to share our special weekend with you all. We are inviting you all to spend the weekend with us in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina for our destination getaway weekend wedding: April 22-25, 2026. Feel free to check out the Q&amp;A, Venue Details and Travel tabs above for any questions you may have.

Our Wedding

Our story begins at a dog bar. For these two it was supposed to be a normal day. Blake was going to his friends Lauren and Elijah’s engagement party, and Ashley was going to her job. Little did they know, this would be the day that would change the course of their lives forever.It has been said that people find love when they least expect it, and when it comes to life, things will happen in the right moment. This could not be more accurate, because that day at Lucky Dog Bark n’ Brew, Blake showed up to his friend’s party with his pup Samson thinking he might make some new friends and let’s be honest meet some new women with the help of the world’s best four-legged wingman. Ashley thought it was just going to be another day of slinging drinks and playing with the new dogs that she meets.Both Blake and Ashley had their string of “bad” or as these kids say nowadays “toxic” relationships and told themselves that they were done with trying to find someone to give their all to. But that all changed when Blake dared to go up to the bar and order, not 1, not 2, but 5 double gin and tonics from Ashley, and her first impression of him in her words was “Who is this dork in the bar wearing swimming trunks to an engagement party?” This was a valid question, but for the people who know Blake, he has always danced to the beat of his own drum. In his mind, he knew that when he wore swimming trunks everywhere he went, he was ready for any situation. Plus he had never been to Lucky Dog before and was told that there was a pool. Blake thought that on the off chance that there was a human-sized pool at the party, he didn’t want to risk not being able to perform the most legendary cannonball that anyone would have the pleasure of witnessing. Unfortunately, for all the hypothetical witnesses, there was only a dog-size pool at the venue.Anyways, getting back to the story, the first time Blake saw Ashley he thought to himself “She kinda cute” but he loved her curly blonde hair and her tattoos, but what he didn’t know was that she was friends with Lauren, Blake’s buddy Elijah’s fiancé. When Lauren was talking with Ashley she asked her if there were any guys at the party she might be interested in, to which Ashley replied,” There is one guy here that’s kinda cute. Shit stop talking about it, he’s coming over here”, and Ashley ran away awkwardly as if she crop dusted the fictional book section at Barnes and Noble. Once Ashley was away, Blake asked Lauren if she had any single friends at the party. Lauren then told Blake what Ashley said, and she gave him her Instagram. A day or so later, Blake reached out to Ashley and set up their first date for 5:00pm at Optimist Hall and remember that time and place, because it is important for what comes next.On the day of their date, being that it was a Friday Blake usually got off around 4 - 4:30pm so he would’ve had plenty of time to go shower and get changed for their date, but unfortunately that day he got held up at work and didn’t realize what time it was. Ashley being the most wonderfully punctual person that her now, very loving and understanding fiancé Blake loves so so much about her, arrived at Optimist Hall 20 minutes early. After 5 minutes of being there, Ashley then texted Blake to see when he was getting there and that the parking looked full. She waited for a response from him but after about 10 minutes she grew tired of waiting and decided to call him, and when he answered she was, let’s just say not happy to find out that he was leaving work at that very moment. He then suggested going to a sushi restaurant that was about 15 minutes away from her current location, to which she agreed then hung up the phone.Understandably, Ashley was less than content with the situation and called her mother Brenda to express her displeasure and said she was just going to leave, but Brenda being the wonderful person she is, told Ashley to give it a chance because she might never know what could happen if she left. When Blake finally arrived, they had a great time. Even with that awkward moment when Ashley asked Blake what he did for a living, which he replied with an answer he thought sounded best, “I work for the 3rd largest construction rental company in the US”. To which she replied “That’s funny because I work for the #1 largest construction rental company in the world” he thought she was joking until she said “Yeah... I work for United ”, at that moment Blake not only swallowed his pride but also a size 11 shoe. Later on, he asked her if she would like to go for a walk in the park, to which she replied, “Yes, but just so you know my mom has my location on my phone” and he came back with “That’s cool, I’ll just put your phone on a bus”. On their walk, they talked about their hobbies and interests, and when Ashley told Blake she was a massive Harry Potter fan, he said “Well next time at your bar I Expecto Patronas shot”, and she couldn’t help but fall for Blake’s witty charms, or that’s what believes. He then went to hold her hand and she said “Oh so we’re doing this? Okay I guess we’re doing this”. At the end of the date, Blake reached in for a kiss, to which Ashley replied, “I don’t kiss on the first date ” Then Blake said, “Yeah... me neither... you thought I wanted to kiss? No I thought you had something on your face, but I think you’re good .”After their date, Blake told Ashley he thought they should be better as friends. Not because he didn’t like her but because she seemed to have her life figured out and he knew his life was a mess, but then they started spending more time together and became friends. On her birthday he surprised her at work with a rose and miller light scarf he won in a contest that she said she wanted. He ended up staying the entire night and even helped close up the bar, and when he walked her to her car she kissed him and the rest as they say is history.

It all started at a Dog Bar

Our Story & Photos

Air Travel: All airports are approximately 2 hours from Hawkesdene.&nbsp;Below they are in order from closest too farthest.Asheville NC&nbsp;(1 hour 53 mins)Knoxville TN (2 hours 6 mins)Atlanta GA (2 hours 33 mins) If you choose to fly, we recommend flying into Atlanta as there are more arrival/departure times offered and cost effective in comparison to regional airports. The drive from Atlanta is also the easiest to navigate to the venue.&nbsp; Renting a car is also an option however, a vehicle is not required for weekend festivities.

This airport is just under 2 hours east of the venue that services Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Jet Blue and United Airlines

Asheville Regional Airport

This airport is about 2 hours north of the venue that services Allegiant, American Airlines, Delta, Frontier and United Airlines

McGhee Tyson Airport

This airport is about 2 hours south of the venue that services many airlines such as American Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, Spirit, United Airlines and more.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Travel & Stay

Wednesday 4/224:00pm: Earliest Check-In6:00pm: Cocktail Hour7:00pm: Dinner (Casual Attire) Thursday 4/23If arriving this day, feel free to arrive at any time 8:30am: Breakfast12:30pm: Hawkesdene Lunch10:30am: Hike to Hawks Nest5:00pm: Ceremony Rehearsal &amp; Toast (Rehearsal and toast for those involved in the wedding ceremony only)7:00pm: Dinner for all (ALL WHITE Dressy Casual Attire) Friday 4/24Wedding Day!8:30am: Early Riser Breakfast10:00am: Brunch4:00pm: Wedding Ceremony4:30pm: Cocktail Hour5:30pm: Reception Starts6:00pm: Dinner is Served7:45pm: B&amp;G leave for sunset photos10:00pm: Late Night Snack11:00pm: Reception Ends Saturday 4/258:30am: Breakfast11:00am: Check-Out from Cabins

Schedule

We have reserved the entire 70-acre Hawkesdene Estate exclusively for our guests during our Wedding Weekend, April 22-25, 2026 and each family their own cottage/room for the weekend!

Guest Accommodations: Hawkesdene is an all-inclusive private mountain estate located on 70 acres and is exclusively ours for the entire wedding weekend!&nbsp;Accommodations have been reserved in your name at the Hawkesdene Estate at a rate of $600 per person for the weekend. This all-inclusive price includes elegant accommodations, gourmet meals (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner), along with beer, wine, spirits, soft drinks/water, and unlimited snacks during your stay. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions. All you have to do is show up and be ready to have fun and celebrate with us all weekend!&nbsp;CHECK IN: Wednesday, April 22 at 4 pmCHECK OUT: Saturday April 25 at 11 am&nbsp; To confirm, please follow these steps:Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawkesdene.com/guest-payments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hawkesdene.com/guest-payments/</a>Complete guest info, selecting&nbsp;Ashley &amp; Blake&nbsp;as Name of Group&nbsp; ***Your lodging &amp; RSVP is not reserved until payment is received*** Please confirm reservation and submit payment by February 4th, 2026.Questions:**What if we are only staying Thursday-Saturday, does the accommodation price change?&nbsp;Yes, if you are coming Thursday instead of Wednesday, then the price per person is $500. Of course we understand work and prior engagements, it is our hope that all of our guests will be able to join us starting Wednesday night!&nbsp;&nbsp;For planning purposes, please let us know if you are unable to arrive on Wednesday. **Can I pay later?&nbsp;&nbsp;If you need to process your payment at a later time (but before the deadline), please include details of when to process your payment in the comments and/or requests section on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hawkesdene.com/guest-payments/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hawkesdene.com/guest-payments/</a> Guests have the option to make payments towards their final balance up until the deadline.&nbsp; * **Where am I staying?  Guests will be provided with their room/cottage information by the Hawkesdene Staff when you arrive on the property. Each guest will receive a map of Hawkesdene to explore the estate!&nbsp;

What To Bring:Attire for each event of the weekendNote: Temperatures will range from mid 60-70's during the day and 40's at night and as always, there could be a chance of rain throughout the weekend, dress appropriately. There is a commercial heating system underneath the pavilion as well as custom roll-down canvas sides.*Ladies, flats, wedges/thick heels or using heel stoppers would be the best option. Dance floor and pavilion areas are concrete however gravel/grass pathways are prevalent throughout the property. Active wear &amp; shoes (tennis shoes/hiking boots) for outdoor activities (hiking, lawn games, etc)Warm clothes for evenings by the fire (temps will drop into the 40's)Special Alcohol if you have a specific preference-mixers will be provided.

Itinerary:Please see "Schedule" tab for weekend timeline of events!

Venue Details

Ashley and Maddie met on September 20, 2012 in their college dorm lobby as Maddie was coming back from celebrating her birthday. Maddie asked Ashley if she wanted a drink from her birthday flask and they've been best friends ever since. 

Maddie Forte

Blake and Nick met in Navy boot camp after Blake witnessed poor Nick getting the crap kicked out of his stamp labeling kit across the room. After graduating from boot camp, they never thought they would see each other again, but by some miracle, they were stationed at the same naval base and became best friends.

Nick Zeitler

Christin is the one who taught Ashley how to bartend back in college. Christin gave her a bottle of Jack and said figure it out LOL. Not many people understand their dark humor and their shared mental capacity, but that is what makes their friendship so special. 

Christin Runnels

Casey is Blake’s oldest and best friend. He was the first to befriend Blake when he attended Union Academy High School. Even after 20 years, Casey will refer to Blake as his “Pookey Bear”. Both are gun-loving, bourbon-sipping, sexy SOBs who love their dogs more than most people.

Casey Gamble

“She’s kinda a bitch but she’s a fun time” 
Who would've known that when Ashley lived in Towson Maryland in 2018, she'd be living across the street from her best friend that she wouldn't met until 2021. This was when Jenna came to work for United Rentals and was on Ashley's team in Charlotte.
Fate, it's a crazy thing.

Jenna Lewis

Jacob is Blake’s cousin, but they have always been like brothers. Growing up together were some of Blake’s best memories. From family beach trips to being snowed in at their grandmother’s house playing Call of Duty and whoever lost had to go out in the snow and... well if you know you know, but anyway Jake and Blake’s relationship is a unique and special bond.

Jake Canup

“This is my Samuel” as you’ll hear Ashley say, but don’t be alarmed, her name is Samantha. These crazy girls met during a MURPH workout in Charlotte NC in 2017 and have been friends since. It’s amazing what friendships will grow from starting at the gym. 

Samantha Witz

Ryan or as Blake’s mother likes to call him “Stinky” is Blake’s youngest brother, and even though Ryan is a whopping 6’2”, Blake will always see him as his little brother and will always have his back, but just like how Andrew told Blake growing up, no matter how big Ryan gets Blake will always whoop his ass.

Ryan Rollings

Jordan and Ashley first met while working at United Rentals in 2017 and became fast friends, especially with their desks next to one another (which was named Margarita-ville)). Even throughout the years and these two ladies have moved all over for work, but one thing that never changed was their friendship with each other. 

Jordan Parnell

They say it is always good to have role models in your life, and lucky for Mitch, he to not only got to meet Blake but also became one of Blake’s closest friends. Mitch and Blake could always find themselves being the 2 guys in the group to antagonize the group in arguments. One thing though, if you give Mitch a ride in the car check your doors for candy wrappers, he will stuff them where ever they will fit.

Mitch Rickard

Ashley and Kaydi both started working for United Rentals in 2016 and built their 8 year long distance relationship off two days of a work meeting. No matter where they've lived and what the time difference was, these two have made sure to keep in touch. Kaydi is also married to a Blake and their wedding anniversary also happens to be April 24. 

Kaydi Matrisciano

Blake met Maxx through their mutual friend Nick. Maxx is one of those smart, funny, and charismatic types of people, that Blake got to know on his trips to Orlando, sometimes visiting with nothing but the clothes on his back. Maxx is a financial advisor that is in his words “DTF... down to finance”.

Maxx Soulliere

Holly and Ashley are sisters with 10 years between them. As like all siblings these two had their share of antics. Ashley hitting Holly with a belt, Holly duct taping Ashley to a chair, this list goes on. Within their lifetime the girls have definitely grown closer to one another and Ashley cannot picture this day without her sister by her side. 

Holly Barger

Emery Samuel, Ashley’s second brother! It feels like just yesterday these two were in grandma and grandpa's basement playing with her Barbie’s and his G.I. Joes (Emery may deny the barbie part though). When E is in the room you are guaranteed to be laughing all night and this special day wouldn’t be complete with him being there putting the biggest smile on his little sister's face.

Emery Strieter

Ashley and Ci Ci met while both attending ISU together. Not long after that Ci became a part of the family officially when she married to Ashley's brother Ross. Ashley cannot imagine her life or family without Ciara and is so grateful that they were brought together!

Ciara Strieter

If you ever hear Ashley talking about her brothers, one of them is this guy right here. Best friends since babies and the closest you’ll get to brother and sister while only being cousins. These two have always been close but when they attended Indiana State University together, a bond like no other was created. There’s not a single person in the world Ashley would want to marry her on this special day other than her big brother Ross. 

Ross Strieter

Anna is Blake’s sister, and to be honest he was worried about the two meeting because they are so similar. When we say similar we are not kidding, they are both softball players, hard headed, stubborn, sassy, loving and are obsessed with the same reality TV shows. The moment Ashley and Anna met there was that sister spark and the rest is history! 

Anna Tarlton

Andrew is Blake’s older brother and Blake has always looked up to him as one does as a little brother even though Blake is taller. Blake always respected how much Andrew wanted to live a life in the service of others, and his family, and Blake will always cherish the memories he will have with Andrew.

Andrew Blackwelder

Wedding Party

Biltmore is Blake &amp; Ashleys favorite place to visit. With it being 2 hours from the venue and is a great place to see and have a day trip. Fun Fact: this is where they had their engagement photos taken as well!

Biltmore

Take a tour through the forests with&nbsp;<a href="https://wildwaterrafting.com/adventures/nantahala-gorge-canopy-tours/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nantahala Gorge Canopy Tours</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.noc.com/adventures/zip-line-tours/zip-line-adventure-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NOC Adventure Park</a>. All offer instruction and have professional guides to help you along the way.

Zipline Canopy Tours of Blue Ridge

Scenic excursions leave from Bryson City, cross Fontana Lake and travel through the Nantahala River Gorge.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Several stables are nearby for trail riding or lessons with rides into the Smoky Mountains, including&nbsp;<a href="http://www.horseshoecreekstables.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Horseshoe Creek,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nantahalavillage.com/attractions.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nantahala Village,</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://chunkygalstables.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chunky Gal Stables,</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://appalachiantrailrides.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Appalachian Trail Rides</a>.

Horseback Riding

The Hawkesdene House lies close to some of the best trout streams known. And for lake fishing – boat rentals are available on&nbsp;<a href="http://www.almondboatpark.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fontana Lake</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.santeetlahmarina.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lake Santeetlah</a>,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.visitlakesend.com/services.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nantahala Lake</a>&nbsp;and Hiawassee Lake. You can read&nbsp;<a href="http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_02_regulations.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NC Fishing regulations</a>&nbsp;and even get your&nbsp;<a href="https://license.gooutdoorsnorthcarolina.com/Licensing/CustomerLookup.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">license online</a>&nbsp;before you come to visit.

Fishing

One of America’s most beautiful byways, a 40+ mile excursion that rivals the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Ashley & Blake

Ashley & Blake

A&B

Wedding Day

Reception