Rehearsal

Rehearsal dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Spring

Our Wedding

<p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">Josh and Allison seemed to circle around each other in social settings for years before they actually took the time to get to know one another. In fact, their families were closer than they were. Their parents were in the same small group at church, Josh's mom was one of Allison's youth leaders, Josh was Allison's brother&#8217;s kids group leader, and Allison's other brother even lived with Josh and his parents for a few months. They danced around one another for years in various church social groups until one particular volleyball meetup in 2022 when they decided to make plans to hang out independently. Their plans were set for a few weeks later as they met up at a local restaurant and talked of travel, music, and the current events in their lives. It wasn't long before they planned another hangout. This time, it was movie night with Josh's parents. From there, frequent trips to the park, late night car music sessions, hammocks, board games, and taco trucks all became a common occurrence. While this time was enjoyed greatly, it all came to a halt when Josh moved to Australia with the understanding that he may not move back. That indecisive mentality drove them both to push down feelings to save one another from disappointment. Josh needed to focus on the future and not feel tied to the past. Allison knew the entire time that Josh was planning to leave the country, so she had accepted that furthering a relationship would be a waste of time. But no distance could come between their pure connection. Be it romantic feelings or not, they had a deep friendship love for one another. It only took a month for a &#8220;catch up&#8221; conversation to incite the truth. Feelings were admitted, and the willingness to wait on each other came forth. But true love isn't based on feelings. They both knew this. They took their time to know one another deeper. To have the hard conversations. To be honest with their life desires, goals, values, beliefs, and characters. The distance was not easy, but it strengthened a bond that was created through intellect and honesty. The feelings were there, and an honest friendship had already been made. So they took this time to be intentional to make sure they would be great life partners. The next year would go by fast at times and agonizingly slow at other times. But, as time went on, every conversation solidified that they had made the right decision. Before they knew it, Josh was on a flight back to the U.S. That night, Josh shared his love for Allison for the first time. Alison couldn't stop smiling as she returned an &#8220;I love you, too.&#8221; The following months would be filled with bliss. They finally got to go on actual dates, not just hang outs or video calls. They got to meet each other's friends and family. With every interaction, they shared laughs and lots of love. All of their plans they had made were now playing out in real time before them as tangible realities. The online Catan date nights now were a physical board game in front of them. They spent almost every day together. Josh knew that Allison was the one he wanted to spend his life with. With the help of Allison's friends and sister, Josh was able to set up the perfect engagement location. It was one of Allison's favorite hiking trails: Tiger Creek. Josh waited patiently for Allison's friends to lead her to the arch in the woods. As Allison turned the corner and saw Josh under a flower arch, Allison's smile grew. Allison joined Josh under the arch, where Josh then dropped to one knee and asked the question that sealed it all: &#8220;will you marry me?&#8221; Allison quickly answered, &#8220;OF COURSE!&#8221;</p>


Our Story

Photos

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hampton Inn Morganton

Fairfield Inn & Suites Morganton

Sleep Inn

Morganton - 
Glen Alpine - 
Marion - 
Lake James - 
Lenor - 
Drexel - 
Valdese - 
Granite Falls - 
Sawmills - 
Hickory - 
Oak Hill - 

Airbnb Nearby Towns

Cabin Rental
We have a variety of cabins available to rent. Each cabin requires a $50 security deposit and lodging expenses are $15 per person, per night.

Retreat Center Rental
The retreat center is open to adult groups. There are 10 rooms that sleep between 2 and 4 people each (6 rooms with king beds; 4 rooms with 2 double beds). Each of these rooms has a private bathroom and their own heating and air. Linens and towels are provided at the retreat center.

Downstairs there is a large dining room and two smaller conference rooms.

All rooms are $60/room, per night
 
Note: Purchase of a meal plan is required with your stay at the Byrd Retreat Center.

South Mountain Baptist Camp

Travel

Biltmore Estate, located in Asheville, North Carolina, is a historic house museum and tourist attraction, primarily known for its grand 250-room mansion, the largest private home in the United States. The estate is a Gilded Age landmark, spanning 8,000 acres and including formal gardens, nature trails, a winery, and various dining and shopping options.

Biltmore Estate and Village

Located just minutes away from charming downtown Valdese, McGalliard Falls Park provides a local escape like no other. A hidden gem of natural beauty, history, and multiple opportunities for outdoor recreation, McGalliard Falls has been a favorite gathering spot of locals and tourists for decades. The park features a spectacular 45- foot waterfall, the historic Meytre Grist Mill, a volleyball court, picnic shelters, restrooms, and a nature trail woven throughout the site of McGalliard Creek. Whether visitors seek the perfect afternoon of family fun or a refuge of nature in the picturesque setting, all understand upon their first visit why McGalliard Falls is truly a cherished portion of the Valdese heritage.

McGalliard Falls

Located in Avery, Caldwell, and Watauga counties 13 miles southwest of Boone, Grandfather Mountain State Park showcases a stunning mountain known for severe weather and challenging terrain that has hikers scrambling along cliffs, gripping cables, and climbing up ladders. It also boasts an unmatched ecological diversity that has been recognized as a United Nations International Biosphere Reserve. The state parkland sits between privately owned Grandfather Mountain attraction (admission fee charged) and Blue Ridge Parkway trails managed by the National Park.

Grandfather Mountain

Olde Hickory Station

Located in Burke County 55 miles east of Asheville, South Mountains State Park is situated at the crossroads of the Appalachian Mountains and the Foothills to provide the ultimate backcountry experience. The park boasts elevations up to 3,000 feet, an 80-foot waterfall, and nearly 50 miles of trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Water recreation is offered via the Jacob Fork River, which hosts designated trout waters, or to the far west at the separate Clear Creek access that features the namesake lake.

South Mountain State Park

North Carolina, particularly the High Country area, is known for its stunning Ben Long Frescoes. These are large-scale paintings, often religious in nature, executed in the ancient fresco technique. Fresco involves painting on wet plaster, allowing the pigments to become an integral part of the wall. Ben Long, a North Carolina native and a master fresco artist, created many of these murals in various churches, including St. Mary's Church in West Jefferson. These frescoes are a significant tourist attraction and a testament to the enduring power of this ancient art form.

Frescoes

Tweetsie Railroad is a family-friendly, Wild West-themed amusement park and railroad located in North Carolina. It features a 3-mile train ride on a historic narrow-gauge steam locomotive, live shows, amusement rides, a petting zoo, and more. The park also hosts special events throughout the year, including Halloween and Christmas-themed activities.

Tweetsie Railroad

Downtown Morganton, North Carolina, is a vibrant historic district known for its small-town charm, rich history, and active community. The area is characterized by beautifully preserved buildings, including commercial, industrial, and governmental structures, spanning from about 1889 to 1940. It features architecture styles like Classical Revival, Art Deco, and Italianate. Downtown offers a variety of attractions, including boutique shops, art galleries, antique stores, restaurants, and cafes. The historic courthouse square serves as a gathering place for events and festivals.  Take a free tour of the historic courthouse or shop at the local bookshops or Amish furniture store.

Morganton Downtown

The Trail of Faith is a non-profit 501(C)3 developed to preserve and proclaim the rich history of the Waldensians of northwestern Italy. We do so because a group of 29 Waldensians arrived by train to 10,000 acres of vacant land in May of 1893 and settled this town known as Valdese, NC. This history is portrayed through a series of 15 buildings and monuments recreated on the Trail that mark major milestones of their journey beginning with the world's oldest protestant college built in the 12th century. Those touring will view an educational video and experience a guided or self-guided tour through the Trail.

Trail of Faith guided tour

1. Linville Falls    2. Upper Creek Linville Falls   3. South Mountain State Park  4. Fonta Flora State Trail     5. Baker's Mountain Park     6. T. H. Broyhill Walking Park     7. Hawksbill Mountain     8. Table Rock Summit Trailhead

Hiking

1. Martha's Park 2. Drexel Heritage Park 3. Martin Luther King Jr Park 4. Hickory City Park 5. Lowes Foods City Park

Parks, Splash Pads, Pickleball and more!

1. Jones Ridge Snow Tubing 
2. Hawksnest Adventures 
3. Beech Mountain Sledding Hill

Joshua & Allison

Joshua & Allison

J&A

Wedding Day

1:30 PM–2:00 PM

Ceremony

2:15 PM–5:30 PM

Reception