Hebron Falls Hike

Grandfather Winery

Post Hike Winery Hang Out

The White Crow

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Dinner

Reception

Our Wedding

Who knew a casual ski trip in Breckenridge in April 2021 would change everything?This is where our story begins. Jami, living in Denver, met JJ, who was visiting from Atlanta with a mutual friend. An invitation to a cozy cabin sparked an immediate connection. They felt instantly comfortable and quickly became inseparable, talking every day after that initial weekend. With JJ's move to San Francisco on the horizon, they embraced long distance with open arms and a sense of fun. Their relationship became a tapestry of adventures: romantic trips to Napa, exhilarating ski trips to various mountains, and incredible journeys across Europe! – Their motto became, "If we're going to fly, let's make it an adventure!" After a year of building their life together in Georgia, the vibrant energy of New York City called them to their next adventure. From a chance meeting on a ski trip, they've created a life filled with love and laughter, shared with their three dogs, Starsky, Hutch, and Boone.

Our Story - Ski Trip to NYC

Our Story

Photos

Mikaela Kuhnel

Kelly Hunter

Caitlyn Greene

Joey Bennett

Jason Free

Nathan Clubb

Adam Free

Kyle Scott

Allan Atherton

Wedding Party

Q + A

What to Wear 

Friday, April 24, 2026 - Hike: Casual Hiking Clothes, hiking boots, light jacket, water, snacks - Rehearsal Dinner: Dressy Casual; Sun dresses, skirts, button up shirts, khakis, etc. Saturday, April 25, 2026 - Wedding: Semi Formal or cocktail - whatever you are comfortable in! Bring a light jacket/sweater for the evening if the temperature drops. Please no hats or jeans.

Dress Code

Air TravelCharlotte Douglas Airport (CLT)- Distance from Venue: 107 Miles | 2 Hours &amp; 20 Mins- Larger airport with better rental car prices Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)- Distance from Venue: 93.2 Miles | 2 Hours &amp; 10 Mins Lodging- Hotels: Room Block - Bennett Atherton WeddingTownePlace Suites by Marriott Boone1110 Meadowview DriveBoone, NC 28607 Here's your reservation link your guest can use to make reservations:<a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1769103568970&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Bennett Atherton Wedding</a>You will find the information for your online reservation link below. If you have questions or need help with the link, please do not hesitate to ask. We appreciate your business and look forward to a successful event.Event Summary:- Bennett Atherton Wedding- Start Date: Friday, April 24, 2026- End Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026- Hotel(s) offering your special group rate:- TownePlace Suites by Marriott Boone for 199.00 USD per night- Last Day to Book : Tuesday, March 24, 2026<a href="https://app.marriott.com/reslink?id=1769103568970&amp;key=GRP&amp;app=resvlink" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your group rate for Bennett Atherton Wedding</a> - Air B&amp;B: There are many Air B&amp;Bs in the area.

Travel & Lodging

Banner Elk Food & Drink

The village of Banner Elk – Several restaurants in one areaSorrentos and Sorrentos Primo Room – Upscale Italian Bistro Bayou – New Orleans inspired dishes and BBQ. Also serves beignets &amp; a full American Breakfast. Town Tavern of Banner Elk – Casual, Good pub fair. Stonewalls – Traditional steakhouse. LP on Main – Upscale food in casual atmosphere. Excellent wine list. Uncle Lees Asian Bistro and Sushi – As the name implies! Kettell Beerworks – Brews, Pizza &amp; Wings.

Grandfather Mountain

20-25 Minutes from Banner Elk1. Mile High Swinging BridgeWalk across America’s highest suspension footbridge, which spans 228 feet and sits a mile above sea level. The bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is one of the most iconic experiences at Grandfather Mountain. 2. Hiking &amp; Walking TrailsExplore a variety of trails for all fitness levels:- Easy/Moderate Trails: Beacon Heights &amp; Rough Ridge, and Grandfather Loop are perfect for families and those seeking shorter excursions.- Beacon Heights – Linville, NC – Short .6mi round trip hike to HUGE rock overlooking the valley and distant mountains. Rocky and hilly climb. Boots recommended if wet. 25 minutes from Banner Elk. - Rough Ridge Trail – 25 minutes from Banner Elk. Fairly steep hike with large rock outcroppings and beautiful vistas. 1.5 miles round trip if you hike all the way to the summit,-Strenuous Trails: The Grandfather Trail is a challenging 2.4-mile trek across the crest of three peaks (MacRae, Attic Window, and Calloway), featuring ladders and cables for adventurous hikers. There are also backcountry trails in the state park, such as the Profile Trail and Daniel Boone Scout Trail, which connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Boone, NC

30 Minutes from Banner Elk Things To Do:- Mast General Store (Old Boone Mercantile): A total classic on King Street. Guests can grab some old-fashioned candy from the barrels or unique mountain souvenirs.Horton Hotel Rooftop: For the best 360-degree view of downtown Boone and the App State campus. It’s a great spot for a "welcome" drink. The "Local Legends"- Boone Bagelry: A King Street landmark since 1988. This is the go-to for breakfast. They have every bagel flavor imaginable (the "Bagelicious" is a rite of passage) and it’s a great, affordable spot for guests to grab a quick bite before exploring. Plan for a wait on the weekends. - Black Cat Burrito: This isn't your average taco joint; it’s "Southwest-fusion" with a fun, slightly gothic/grunge vibe. Tell your guests to try the Burrito of Brotherly Love (basically a Philly cheesesteak in a burrito) or the Zorba the Greek. It’s super casual and right on Depot Street. - Macado’s: Famous for its over-the-top decor (think vintage airplanes and memorabilia hanging from the ceiling) and a massive menu. It’s perfect for families or larger groups because there is truly something for everyone—from giant deli sandwiches to wings and burgers. - Appalachian Mountain Brewery (AMB): A local staple. They have a great outdoor space, often have live music, and their cider and beer are top-notch.

Linville Falls

30 Minutes from Banner Elk Location &amp; Overview- Linville Falls is a spectacular waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, near the town of Newland. The falls are part of the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, managed by Pisgah National Forest, and are accessible via the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 316.3.The waterfall is known for its dramatic multi-tiered drops, beginning with twin upper falls, moving through a small gorge, and culminating in a powerful 45-foot plunge into Linville Gorge. Natural Features- Linville Falls marks the start of Linville Gorge, often called the "Grand Canyon of the Southern Appalachians." The gorge is renowned for its rugged beauty, towering hemlocks, rhododendron, and wildflowers along the trails.The Linville River flows from Grandfather Mountain, cascading through the falls and descending nearly 2,000 feet through the gorge. Hiking &amp; Trails There are several hiking trails of varying difficulty:- Erwin’s View Trail: Moderate, with overlooks offering spectacular views of the falls.- Linville Gorge Trail: Strenuous, descending into the gorge for a closer look at the falls.Additional trails include Chimney View, Gorge View, and Duggers Creek Falls.- HistoryThe falls were donated to the National Park Service in 1952 by John D. Rockefeller Jr., who helped preserve the surrounding wilderness. Nearby Attractions- Linville Falls Winery, Linville Caverns, and the Linville Gorge are popular nearby destinations.The region is also known for scenic drives, wildflowers, and mountain views.Practical InformationAddress: 8328 Biggerstaff Ave, Newland, NC 28657.For current trail and visitor center status, check the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/linville-falls-mp-316.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Park Service Linville Falls page</a>.

Things to Do

The Welcome Hike: Hebron FallsFriday, April 24, 2026 Before we say 'I Do,' we’d love to take a walk through one of our favorite places on earth. Hebron Falls holds a very special place in our hearts; it’s where we’ve gathered as a family for years and where we find peace remembering Jack Bennett. We would be so honored to have you join us for a morning in the fresh air. Meeting Time: 11:00 am - 2:30 pmWhere to Park: Julian Price Park - Address <a href="https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&amp;&amp;p=a5ccdb5f564eb3643bff7b488228fd309fedb076aa5192256ee8c4388ba4ce42JmltdHM9MTc3NTM0NzIwMA&amp;ptn=3&amp;ver=2&amp;hsh=4&amp;fclid=272bf7a1-3c3d-6c92-0aa1-e1343d9a6dfe&amp;u=a1L21hcHM_Jm1lcGk9MH5-RW1iZWRkZWR-QWRkcmVzc19MaW5rJnR5PTE4JnE9SnVsaWFuJTIwUHJpY2UlMjBNZW1vcmlhbCUyMFBhcmsmc3M9eXBpZC5ZTkRFNkJDMUFCRTU2MjQ5QUImcHBvaXM9MzYuMTQ1OTgwODM0OTYwOTRfLTgxLjc0MDQxNzQ4MDQ2ODc1X0p1bGlhbiUyMFByaWNlJTIwTWVtb3JpYWwlMjBQYXJrX1lOREU2QkMxQUJFNTYyNDlBQn4mY3A9MzYuMTQ1OTgxfi04MS43NDA0MTcmdj0yJnNWPTEmRk9STT1NUFNSUEw&amp;ntb=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">297 Blue Ridge Pkwy, Blowing Rock, NC 28605</a>Parking: When you pull into the parking lot, you will see a little bridge on the left, that’s the trail, called the Boone Fork Trail. We will have signage there before you arrive at 11:0am.Timeline: We will leaving the parking lot at 11:00 am, if you are a little late just meet us at the waterfalls.The Trail: This is a moderate hike, roughly 3 miles round-trip.The Terrain: The trail is beautiful but can be "rooty" and muddy in April. To get the best view of the falls, there is some light rock scrambling involved, so please wear sturdy sneakers or hiking boots!What to Bring: Water, a camera, and maybe a light jacket (mountain air in April can be chilly!).Hike Duration: Plan on a 1 ½ mile hike each way and about an hour at the falls. You can stay as long as you like. The waterfalls are beautiful. You can jump over the boulders to get to the other side of the river.Hike Navigation: The trail starts out pretty open at first. Eventually you come upon a bridge. Do NOT go over this bridge, there is another trail to the left of it, and that’s the trail to the falls. We will try to put another marker at this point. Post Hike: Grandfather WineryMeeting Time: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pmAddress: 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk, NC 28607 We rented a cabana for a post hike hang out! There will be live music and a food truck available. Come straight from the hike, or meet us there around 3 pm.Attire: CasualReservation Under: JJ Atherton

Registry

🗓️ Our Wedding Weekend TimelineFriday, April 24, 2026: Hebron Falls Hike, Winery &amp; Rehearsal 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM: Hebron Falls Hike3:00 PM - 5:30 PM: Post Hike Hang Out Grand Father Vineyard7:00 PM: Wedding Rehearsal Dinner Saturday, April 25, 2026: The Big Day!The White Crow401 White Crow LnBanner Elk, NC 28604 3:30 PM: Wedding Ceremony Begins (Outdoors)4:30 PM: Cocktail Hour5:30 PM: Grand Entrance &amp; Dinner is Served7:00 PM: Dance Floor Opens! (DJ starts the party)10:15 PM: Last Dance10:30 PM: Grand Exit

Events Timeline

As many of you know, our home is already full of love (and plenty of dog hair!). In lieu of a traditional registry, we are saving for our honeymoon! We’ve chosen to use Venmo to ensure that 100% of your generous gift goes directly toward our travel memories. Thank you for being part of our story!" Venmo: @Jami-Bennett-1

Registry & Gifts

RehearsalLocation: 306 Signature Ridge Road, Banner Elk, NC 28604Time:Guests:- Wedding Party (Plus 1s welcome)- Parents of Bride- Parents of Groom- Sister of Groom- Brother of Bride- Brother, Sister In Law &amp; Nephew of Groom- Dogs Rehearsal DinnerLocation: Casa Rustica - 1348 NC - 105, Boone, NC 28607Time: 7:00 pmGuests:Wedding Party &amp; Plus 1s- Immediate Family Reservation under Atherton Rehearsal Dinner

Jami & JJ

Jami & JJ

Rehearsal & Dinner