Reception

Ceremony

Our Wedding

Ben and Elizabeth's story begins over 6,000 miles away in Iwakuni, Japan! In April 2023, Elizabeth received word from her Commanding Officer that the veterinarian at the Marine Corps Base in Iwakuni would be out on maternity leave shortly, and Elizabeth would be traveling from Yokota to Iwakuni to care for her military working dogs in the interim. The happy couple met in Iwakuni just two days after Elizabeth's arrival. They visited a local izakaya shop for their first date, and the rest was history. They spent almost every day together for five weeks before Elizabeth had to return to Yokota, and Ben remained behind in Iwakuni. For the next 14 months, Ben and Elizabeth traveled over 500 miles to visit each other several times a month. They adventured all across SE Asia, from backpacking in the Yamanashi Mountains, to skiing the famous Shigakogen slopes, to snorkeling in Bali, Indonesia. As 2023 came to a close, Ben proposed to Elizabeth during the NYE fireworks while overlooking Yokohama Harbor, and Elizabeth said yes. Shortly after, Elizabeth and Ben decided that eloping together best fit their personalities, story, and life circumstances. On July 1st 2024, Elizabeth's grandfather, Neil Woodley, helped them tie the knot surrounded by a cathedral of California Redwoods. Shortly afterwards, they moved to Quantico, VA where they will remain until 2028. Elizabeth now works as a part-time Relief Veterinarian in the Washington D.C. area, while Ben completes his military commitment at the Expeditionary Warfare School on Marine Corps Base, Quantico. Since July 2024, Ben and Elizabeth have been eager to celebrate their young marriage in the company of their closest family and friends, and wish to express that they could not have traveled this path without each and every person in their lives offering both love and support.

Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Our Reception will be held on the outskirts of Greenville, SC, (near Travelers Rest) which is about a 20min ride from the downtown Greenville area. Downtown Greenville is known for its many cute restaurants, hotels, and boutiques. We have included hotel and AirBnb recommendations from both downtown Greenville, and the smaller Travelers Rest area. The closest airport is the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, which is about 20min from downtown Greenville, and 35min from Travelers Rest.

Luxury Hotel on Main Street in Downtown Greenville. On Saturdays, this hotel faces the Farmers Market. Coffee shops, bookstores, eateries all within walking distance.

The Westin Poinsett, Greenville

Luxury Hotel also on Main Street in Downtown Greenville, walking distance from the Farmers Market and local downtown businesses.

AC Hotel Greenville

Hyatt Regency Greenville

Budget-friendly option in Travelers Rest, right around the corner from our party venue.

Hampton Inn Greenville/Travelers Rest

Two bedroom home just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail within walking distance of the small town of Travelers Rest, and right around the corner from our party venue.

Travelers Rest AirBnb

Travel

Gardens, Historical Tours, and Award-Winning Wineries at this nationally renowned getaway location! About one hour from our party venue

Biltmore Estate

The Tryon International Equestrian Center is hosting the "Tryon Spring 4" Hunter/Jumper Competition during Memorial Weekend. Admission is free for spectators!

Tryon International Equestrian Center

Hosted on Main Street Greenville every Saturday from 8-12 during the May-October season.

Greenville Farmers Market 

18 hole, par 72 championship golf course. Home for nine years to the PGA Tour’s “Greater Greenville Classic” then known as The Nationwide Tour and now the BMW Charity Classic. Public Access permitted.

The Preserve at Verdae Golf Club

28 miles of nationally renowned paved trails through Greenville and Travelers Rest, SC. See website for details regarding parking, bike rentals, guided tours, routes, etc.

Swamp Rabbit Trail

Nearly 300 acre child-friendly Botanical Gardens, located near Clemson University, less than one hour from Greenville