Christmount

Ceremony

Reception

Virtual Ceremony

Fall

Our Wedding

Our Story

Photos

Kara & Kara have been friends since 5th grade, and have been inseparable ever since! Kara Reed was so honored to stand beside Kara Varner on her wedding day, and could not imagine saying "I do" with out her there!

Kara Varner

Kara and Christine were random college roommates, and won the lottery for wonderful people to live with. They have shared so much over the last 10 years, and Kara is so happy to have Christine stand by her on her big day!

Christine Sisson

Kara and Hannah met at Freshman year Belmont orientation where they bonded over their unique sense of humor. They have been friends for almost 10 years, and Hannah continues to be source of great laughs and deep friendship. Kara is so happy to have Hannah standing by her side on her wedding day!

Hannah Shaffer

Kara and Dana lived down the hall from each other their freshman year of college, and became fast friends. She always brings positivity and joy to their friend group, and Kara's big day wouldn't be the same without her!

Dana Rogers

Jamie is Alex's brother and built in buddy. Alex is honored to have Jamie stand by his side on his wedding day!

Jamie Carls

Alex and Will have been great friends since Vine Street youth group dodgeball tournaments and 'boys nights' playing zombies in the church hallways. Alex is so glad to have Will standing beside him at the wedding!

Will Carson

Alex and Erin have been friends since high school, and have bonded over their mutual love of frisbee.  Alex is so excited to have Erin stand next to him on his wedding day!

Erin Engelhardt

Alex and Wilson became friends through Vine Street. They always enjoy hanging out over a brew or game night! Alex is so glad Wilson is able to stand by him on his wedding day!

Wilson Bailey

Wedding Party

Q + A

ALL ROOMS HAVE BEEN FILLED! For guests staying at Christmount, check in is anytime after 3PM on Friday October 6.

Each room has two queen sized beds, and may sleep up to four people.  Rooms are reserved on a first come first serve basis, until they are all booked. If you are interested in staying on site at Christmount, please contact the Christmount office directly.

For questions about your reservation, you may call Christmount front desk at 828-669-8977, and use reference code "Reed-Carls Wedding" for Oct 7th, 2023 

Christmount Guest House

**If you are interested in staying at Black Mountain Inn, contact Black Mountain Inn directly. Please note Alex and Kara have not reserved any rooms at this location. Bed and Breakfast Inn near Lake Tomahawk and approximately 7 minutes from Christmount. Make yourself at home in one of the 6 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available to keep you connected. Bathrooms have bathtubs or showers and complimentary toiletries. Conveniences include ceiling fans, and rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) can be requested. When you stay at Black Mountain Inn in Black Mountain, you'll be in the mountains, within a 5-minute drive of Black Mountain Center for the Arts and Swannanoa Valley Museum. Additional amenities at this guesthouse include complimentary wireless Internet access and a picnic area. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. Free self parking is available onsite.

Black Mountain Inn

**If you are interested in staying at Hampton Inn Black Mountain, contact Hampton Inn Black Mountain directly. Please note Alex and Kara have not reserved any rooms at this location. Hotel near Black Mountain Center for the Arts and approx 5 minutes from Christmount.Make yourself at home in one of the 94 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and microwaves. LCD televisions with premium TV channels are provided, while complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected. Bathrooms feature showers, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers. Conveniences include desks and coffee/tea makers, as well as phones with free local calls.With a stay at Hampton Inn Black Mountain in Black Mountain, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Black Mountain Center for the Arts and Swannanoa Valley Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite. A complimentary on-the-go breakfast is served daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM.

Hampton Inn Black Mountain

There are many lovely Airbnb's in the greater Asheville, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain area. Please feel free to book your own travel accommodations if you feel that would better fit your needs!

Airbnb

Travel

"The downtown area of Black Mountain encourages you to relax and enjoy the slower pace of a small town. Rocking chairs are located all around town so you can rest&nbsp;and take in the scenic view. Explore the eclectic restaurants, galleries, music, craft furniture, and breweries in this easily walkable historic district." Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog

Discover Downtown Black Mountain and Shop the Local Stores

"Many of the Black Mountain area's best trails are in nearby Montreat. Among the great trails in this community is the&nbsp;Graybeard Trail. It’s an easy to moderately strenuous hike, but the payoff is a view from the sixth highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Another popular, but challenging hiking spot is&nbsp;Lookout Trail" (Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog). If you don't want to stray too far, Christmount offers several hiking trails including Alex and Kara's favorite trail Rocky Knob. Maps available at the Christmount front desk.

Take a Hike

"Black Mountain is also home to some of the most sought-after beer in the southeast.&nbsp;Pisgah Brewing, which focuses on creating only organic brew, is located within a short drive of downtown. The&nbsp;Pisgah Pale is a staple on most tap lists around town.Also check out&nbsp;Lookout Brewing Company, a small-batch brewery offering flights and heady pints of their popular beer. Want to try something different? Visit&nbsp;the&nbsp;Black Mountain Ciderworks + Meadery, which uses locally sourced apples and honey to concoct their brew. Or, check out the recently opened Black Mountain Brewing Company.For something more spirit-forward there’s&nbsp;Oak and Grist, a grain-to-glass distillery specializing in Appalachian gin and whisky. Oak and Grist offers tours and tastings four days a week. Reservations are recommended." Del Holston with the Asheville Travel Blog

Drink at Breweries, Cideries and Distilleries

The Biltmore Estate is a gorgeous way to spend an afternoon. You are able to buy tickets to tour just the gardens or the Biltmore gardens and house. Additionally, you could visit the Biltmore village and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains!

Explore the Biltmore Estate

The Ashville pinball museum is a loving tribute to the arcade classic - pinball! This museum offers a look into pinball and other classic arcade games history and evolution, not to mention a great family friendly afternoon.

Feel like a kid again at the Asheville Pinball Museum

The Woolworth Walk is perfect for art and history buffs. "[It] is so much more than nostalgia, though. It’s where the work of more than 160 local artists is on display. In fact, it is Asheville’s largest local artist gallery, with displays eclectic enough to appeal to everyone. There’s glass work, metal, photography, apparel, pottery, fiber, painting, and locally handcrafted jewelry." The SmokyMountains.com Local Expert Team

Explore the Local Art Scene at The Woolworth Walk

Wander through woods and meadows with expert guides, gathering any of over 500 edibles&nbsp;depending on the weather and the season. Enjoy a cooking demo, tasting, and the option to have your finds prepared at one of Asheville’s top restaurants. ***Kara has personally done this tour and would HIGHLY recommend. This was easily one of her favorite tours of all time!

Foraging in Ashville's Hills and Valleys with "No Taste Like Home Wild Food Tours"

Things to Do

Welcome to our Wedding

Processional (Maria Gramelspacher - Upright Bass)Invocation (Rev. Hope Hodnett)Declaration of IntentAffirmation of the PeopleReflection on MarriageExchanging of VowsBlessing of the Rings (Rev Claudia Buchanan - Mother of the Groom)Exchange of the RingsBlessing of the Marriage (Rev Steven Reed - Father of the Bride)Pronouncement of the Marriage"You May Now Kiss the Bride"Recessional*Throw your Confetti*

Family of the Bride

Mother: Nina ReedFather: Steven ReedSiblings: John Reed &amp; Shannon Connelly; Andrew &amp; Jessica Reed

Family of the Groom

Mother: Claudia BuchananFather: Jim CarlsSiblings: Jamie Carls &amp; Brittany Hancock

Matron of Honor : Kara VarnerBridesmaid: Christine SissonBridesmaid: Hannah ShafferBridesmaid: Dana Rodgers Best Man: Jamie CarlsGroomsman: Will CarsonGroomswoman: Erin EngelhardtGroomsman: Wilson Bailey

Social Hour

Please enjoy snacks, drinks, and yard games in and around the reception hall as we and our immediate family take photos. Claim a table (if table has reserved sign please leave open for immediate family and wedding party)

Entrance of Wedding Party
Introduction of Mr. &amp; Mrs. Carls
Dinner Buffett
First Dance
Father Daughter Dance
Mother Son Dance
Cutting of the Cake
Cheers
Dance floor is OPEN
Private Last Dance
Send off

Thank You!

We are so honored to share this special moment with each of you. We would like to extend the most sincere thank you for traveling near and far to celebrate with us today. Your presence at our wedding, and witness to our marriage, means so much to us. You have each enriched our lives with your love, support, and encouragement, and for that we are deeply grateful. With love,Kara and Alex

Kara & Alex

Kara & Alex

Photos