Nantahala Weddings & Events

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Our love was a slow burn. Michael and I ran in the same circles throughout middle school, but we didn’t get closer until we joined the marching band in eighth grade. I didn’t know it then, but I fell for him on a rainy competition day, holed up in the band room, teaching each other how to play our instruments. (For anyone wondering, I’m a horrible trombone player). A couple months later, we shared our first kiss in the neighborhood park, tucked behind a tree hiding from the view of our friends. Like us at the time, it was gentle, kind, and innocent.&nbsp; The boy I fell in love with instinctually put his arm across my chest when the school bus braked. He opened my car door and walked me to my front step even when I was too stubborn and independent. He wrote handwritten love letters on notebook paper. He loved me wholly, respectfully, and tenderly.&nbsp; The man I’m in love with today is still all of these things, but he’s grown into a better version of himself. I admire Michael's work ethic and selflessness in every task he takes on, from work, to dirty dishes, to taking care of his people. The man seriously tries to do it all, and he's never once complained in the 13 years I've known him. I admire his patience with unruly and challenging patients, our spoiled-rotten fur babies, our headstrong friends, and (of course) me. Most of all, I love the way he loves me. He honors my independence, protects and repairs me when I forget to take care of myself, and adores and respects every part of me, even the parts that push his buttons. From high school drama to tough college exams, establishing careers and adopting fur babies,&nbsp;and all of life’s griefs and glees in-between, we’ve grown up together, and we continue to grow with each other every day. After 13 years together, we are so excited to commit to growing up with each other forever in front of all of the wonderful humans who have always supported our love! We love you, and can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!

Her Story

I have loved Cheyanne since we were in middle school together. She would wear khaki skirts and white polos to science class with Mr. Seltzer (ew he was the worst). Every time I would see her enter the room, I would feel my cheeks grow red, and I could not stop smiling. &nbsp;As I was always too shy to speak to Cheyanne, I was introduced through her bossy friend. We talked every night, and then one day she basically forced me to ask her out over text, typical virgo moves. We fell in love together through our shared affinity for music and marching band, which allowed us to spend time staring into each other’s souls and being obnoxiously up the other’s butt.&nbsp; After high school, we ended up moving to the mountains for college where we formed our found family. We had our ups and downs during our college years, yet I mostly remember the times we spent laughing together and cooking with friends. I would also like to mention this is the point where our cat, Mila, joins our life. Shout out to her for being the nicest, most sweetest thing to ever terrorize the earth.&nbsp; We experienced the biggest hurdles we had to overcome as a couple. We battled difficult friendships, passing exams, and finding out how to live together as two people coming into adulthood. I have always admired how well Cheyanne can handle herself as a teacher, cook for all our friends, and be my best friend as well as a therapist at times. She always knows when to pick me up and when to show me the tough love I need to hear. She is my rock and the best part of my day.&nbsp; I still wonder how I was so lucky to have her tell me to ask her out back in our middle school years. Her intellect, style, and beauty never cease to amaze me. She loves me and my family and always knows exactly what gifts to get for everyone. She has a secret sense for determining who will be a life long friend and who deserves the “eat shit ” look. She also knows exactly how to dress me and make me feel handsome before our dates. I hope one day I can live up to the amazing woman I managed to fall in love with.Can’t wait to see all of our favorite people out celebrating us in September.

His Story

Our Story

Engagement Photos

Photos

Sav Moon

Ben Curtis

Mia Severance

Alec Helms

Lexie Moon

Kayla Iannetto

Emmanuel Alvarez-Arango

Kaylee Cuccia

Ava Sammons

Jaxon Sammons

Caden Cox

Wedding Party

Planning

Travel

Wedding Day Logistics

Q + A

7 miles from venueSleeps 2 with a 2 night minimum~ $169/night

Tulip Poplar Cabins

lakeside cabin, 9 guests, 3 bedrooms, 7 beds, 2 baths, pets allowedprivate dock and hot tubhas two large porchesceiling to floor windows in most roomsamazing long-range views of the lake and mountainsTwo kayaks and a three-person canoe are included This house was featured in Architectural Digest!~$270/night

Lake Nantahala Treehouse

lake view, sleeps 9, 4 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2 baths, pets allowedThis gorgeous cabin was recently renovated by new ownersThe house is directly next to Chapel in the Sky – ceremony area at venue – and has the same view!~$202/night

Topton Cabin

lake view, sleeps 8, 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, brand new hot tub~$375/night

Smoky Mountains Bear's Lair Cabin

(lakeside, sleeps 14, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths)hot tub area and sauna~$459/night

The Dock House

10 cabinsSleeps 2-6Hot TubGame room with pool tableSome have fireplaces~6 miles from the venue$236-453/nightUse CMC10 for 10% discount

Cherokee Mountain Cabins

directly on the lake12 minutes to venue (sleeps 16, pets not allowed, 4 bedrooms: 3 king, one queen, bunk room with 6 XL twin beds – bunk style, plus loft pull out bed)~$1,715 for 3 days

Lazy Bear Lodge

Yurts and cabins availableGas fire pitHot tubPet fee- $100~15minutes from venue~$239-480/night

stayNantahala Cabin & Yurt Rentals

12-mile drive from venue~ $70/night

Quality Inn

Boat Rentals

Pontoon boats, ski and speed boats, bass boats, sail boats, canoes, kayak rentals, and more

Lake's End Marina 

Laid-back, budget friendly pontoon boats; 2-day minimum in-season

Nantahala Shores Boat Rentals

Casinos

&nbsp;60,000 square feet of the hottest slots and traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, baccarat &amp; craps

Harrah's Cherokee Valley River

Hiking

Wesser Bald is a beautiful hiking trail that rises high above the surrounding valleys in the Nantahala National Forest. The mountain offers outstanding views from its summit, thanks to a metal&nbsp;<a href="https://ashevilletrails.com/fire-lookout-towers/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">fire lookout tower</a>&nbsp;and wooden observation deck at the top.

Wesser Bald Fire Tower

Hike the Appalachian Trail to Siler Bald near Franklin, NC, and score some exceptional, 360-degree views from a sun-drenched, grassy summit.

Siler Bald

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding for all ages. Appointment only so they can curtail your ride specifically to your group!

Horseshoe Creek Riding Stables

Whitewater Rafting

Guided rafting trips for miles of fun and exciting Class II and III rapids on one of the country’s most popular rivers.

Nantahala Rafting with Fast Rivers

Ziplines

550-foot-long dual zip lines as you enter this aerial challenge park with over 16 exciting obstacles. NOC’s expert aerial guides offer advice as you explore two levels of the park at up to 40-feet above ground level!

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Vineyards

The vineyard and winery occupies 10 acres of a 93 acre farm that has been in the family since 1820. The vineyard consist of high density plantings of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Primitivo, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and the French Hybrids – Chambourcin, Chardonel, &amp; Seyval Blanc.

Nottely River Valley Vineyards, LLC

Waterfalls

These cascades – the largest on the Nantahala – are near the top of the mountain. There’s a small pull-over for cars.

Nantahala Cascades

Railway Tours

Old-time steam engine, scenic ride from Bryson City into Nantahala River Gorge. Get a front-row view of Fontana Lake, the historic Fontana Trestle, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Nantahala National Forest, the Nantahala and Tuckasegee Rivers, historical structures, and stunning foliage.

Great Smoky Mountains Railroad

Gem Mines

Sheffield Gem Mine is a historic native Ruby/Sapphire mine in Franklin, North Carolina that offers a thrilling gem mining experience for everyone.&nbsp;

Sheffield Gem Mine

Things to Do

Registry

Your presence is more than enough, but if you'd like to purchase a gift, we are requesting funds for our dream honeymoon. Please visit <a href="https://www.honeyfund.com/site/helms-severance-09-27-2023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.honeyfund.com/site/helms-severance-09-27-2023</a>to access our honeymoon fund.

Cheyanne & Michael

Cheyanne & Michael

Wedding Party