Wedding Day

Wedding

Reception

Our Wedding

Alvin and I met almost 10 years ago, we met through a mutual friend at the Carolina Ale House. I know everyone says "you'll never meet your future husband in a bar", but we are the exception to that rule. Neither one of us was really looking to date someone, but we always found ourselves in the same spot. He was someone I could talk to for hours on the phone about anything and everything and we eventually realized we had a TON in common. Our very first date was at Sheetz, he bought me breakfast after we dropped a friend at the airport, but both of us don't claim this as our "official" first date. Our claimed official first date was at Ruckus and after that we were pretty much inseparable. We moved in together about 18 months after dating, got our first dog, Mugsy, 2 years into our relationship, have been through graduations, family visits, tons of friend's weddings, job changes, a second dog (Odie), moving and everything in between. Over the past 9+ years of dating, we've always been together, for everyone that knows us, we compliment one another's personality, he's analytical, relaxed and a problem-solver; I'm a little more high-strung and spontaneous. Both of us knew that we'd be spending the rest of our lives together, eventually getting married and even though it took us almost 10 years to set a date, we've finally made it and can't wait to "make it official"!

The Beginning

Our Story

Details

Photos

One of Alvin’s friends for over 8 years, he’s from Michigan and is an independent contractor and has a love for donuts! 

Mike Vanover

We became great friends in high school and even better friends in college. We lived together for multiple years and have had too many fun times to count! We’ve continued to stay close and meet up despite living over 800 miles apart. We both love a good cup of coffee and a night out at the Blackstone’s 

Melissa Benchley

I met Margaret over 8 years ago, we were both servers at Olive Garden. When you work in a restaurant, you learn a lot about a person and we instantly became friends. We’ve stayed close despite not living in the same state for a few years. We both love brunch, dogs and a good margarita!!

Margaret Maple

I met Jenn during our days working the front desk at Beddow Hall at CMU. We became friends pretty quickly and eventually lived together and have stayed friends for over 15 years. We both love college football, softball and and a great tailgate experience! 

Jenn Gerstenberger

I’ve known Andrea since shortly after meeting Alvin. We’ve met multiple times over the years, both in North Carolina and Connecticut. She’s one of Alvin’s best friends and, of course, I can’t wait to have her as a sister!

Andrea Barley

He’s Kali’s brother and has known Alvin for almost 10 years. He loves the outdoors, has 2 daughters and a loving wife. Brock is easygoing and enjoys a good IPA! 

Brock Williams

He’s been Alvin’s best friend for over 10 years. Jared is an entrepreneur and a driven and motivated individual. Once you’re in his circle, he will do anything for you and we are fortunate to call him a friend!

Jared Markham

We’ve known each other since middle school and have stayed friends ever since! Despite going to rival colleges, we continued to stay close and even both lived in North Carolina at one point. She’s one of the few people I’ve been friends with for over 20 years!

Jami Bovid

He’s known Alvin for quite sometime. He is a vet, hospitality manager and headed to law school in the future. 

George Swindell

He works with Alvin at Apple and is interested in cooking and nutrition. 

Mark Calivas

Another of Alvin’s friends for several years. He’s a Florida native and works in the hospitality industry and also enjoys a good game of poker. 

Robert Duval

One of Alvin’s long-standing friends. He is married with kids and enjoys a game of kickball every now and then!

Marques Anderson

Wedding Party

Registry

Q + A

Ask for room blocks for the Williams/Barley wedding to get the discounted rate. This hotel is about a 10 minute drive to the ceremony and close to Crabtree Valley Mall and several restaurants.

Hilton Garden Inn 

Travel

Some of our favorites include: Mojo’s (great burgers and beer) Chubby’s Tacos The Pit (BBQ and southern classics) Beasley’s (chicken and waffles and other homestyle options) Relish (classic American dishes) Gravy (traditional Italian food) The Flying Biscuit (great breakfast served all day) The village Deli (cafe with good sandwiches) O’Malleys (Irish pub)

Raleigh Restaurants

North Carolina Museum Of Natural Sciences

A great way to eat local food in a shared space

Morgan Street Food Hall

Home of the Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Wolfpack

PNC Arena

Free admission located near the state capitol

North Carolina Museum Of History

Raleigh has fantastic breweries. My go-to is Lonerider, home of my fav Sweet Josie and Alvin’s Shotgun Betty. Other options: Crank Arm, Raleigh Brewing Company, Big Boss, Brewery Bhavana

Kali & Alvin

Kali & Alvin

Things to Do

Raleigh Restaurants

North Carolina Museum Of Natural Sciences

Morgan Street Food Hall

PNC Arena

North Carolina Museum Of History

Raleigh Beer Trail

Pullen Park