Wedding Day

Timberlee Farm Wedding and Event Center

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Who knew axe throwing could be so romantic? I certainly didn't. When I first met Lanford, I had just sworn off ever dating military men. I told all my friends that I would not dip my toe into those waters again. By Tuesday of the following week, I had learned that a cute guy can make all of your previous well thought out decisions go right out the window. And thank God for that.The first time I truly talked to Lanford he had been away for a month in California for training. When he told me that he would be leaving for a month I was so skeptical. I figured I was about to be blown off and we would barely talk and then I would never hear from him again. But surprisingly, during those weeks we started texting occasionally until one night I was sitting at my desk and we decided we would call each other for the first time.I was so nervous. What if he had a pipsqueak voice? What if he thought my jokes were dumb? What if he was super boring and I asked about what his favorite color was for no reason? All those what if butterflies had been wreaking havoc in my chest as I hyped myself up for a phone call.One of the first things he told me about during that 5 hour phone call was how he and his brother had once stopped on the side of the road while traveling home to help someone in a major accident. I remember being so impressed at his kindness in wanting to help others. Eventually, we moved on to talking about our favorite things to learn about in history, to Lanford's jungle training in Hawaii. By the end of the night I had only begun to understand the true intelligence, kindness, generosity, and sheer stubbornness that God blessed Lanford with.On our first date, he took me axe throwing. And my favorite part of the whole night, wasn't winning every round of axe throwing, but was when Lanford at one point put his arm around me and cue those butterflies. Those darn things have never left me since. I got butterflies the first time we said 'I love you' (he said it first). I got butterflies when I went to his house for the first time. I got butterflies when he asked me to move in with him. And I'm pretty sure all of the butterflies and my stomach left my body when he got down on one knee and proposed.If you had asked me 5 years ago how my life would go, I would never have told you I would meet a man from West Virginia who loves to ride side by sides through giant puddles of dirt, drives like a man possessed while racing trucks with his Dad, adopts wild puppies in Africa, and buys more guns than is reasonable for a single person. But here I am and I have never lived wilder, happier, freer, and more myself than I could ever have dreamt. Lanford is a love I did not know I needed and a love I cannot live without. He has shown me that love is dancing in the middle of the living room, is giving back massages every night before bed, is doing the dishes that I never want to do, and choosing us every day.Axe throwing were the two best times of my life. The day I met Lanford and the day I he became my forever and always.-SydneyI fell in love with her because she's hot-Lanford

The One Where They Fell in Love

Our Story

Photos

As sister of the bride she has the wonderful role of helping her attempt to go to the bathroom in a wedding gown. It is the highest of honors and she has graciously accepted!

Hannah Stella

She has been best friends with Sydney since the third grade and has stuck with her through all of these years. A kinder more loyal person you will never meet. 

Riehle Ferguson

After a rocky getting to know you in high school. Elly grew to become best friends with Sydney over their shared love of music and all things marching band. 

Elly Koerner

A newer but no less important friendship that began thanks to one too many drinks over corn hole. No one has cooler tattoos than this lady. 

Elaina Robey

As sister in law of the bride this sweet lady has always made the bride feel so welcomed during this wild time of getting to know Lanford and his family. She is so fun to hang out with and Sydney is so excited to build more memories with Abby!

Abby Carpenter

This cool lady is the best corn maze navigator I know, especially when the corn is 3 ft high. She's a great friend and always makes me smile when we talk. 

Sarah Johnson

Salter and Sydney became great friends during state active duty orders after Hurricane Helene. During those crazy days they bonded over their shared medic duties and had fun treating patients. Salter is a friend anyone would be lucky to have. She is the type of person who would drive hours just to hang out with you. Sadly, Salter cannot make it to the wedding as she is proudly serving our country overseas. 

Haley Salter

This great man has been best friends with Lanford since kindergarten. Jeffrey is the type of guy who will give you the shirt off his back even if you've only known him for five minutes. Maybe it's just because of that kindheartedness that he's been with friends with Lanford for so long. But either way he's stuck with us now!

Jeffery Clark

If you want to know how Lanford and Alec met, just ask them about "Hoe-time". That same immaturity on how they met has defined their friendship for all of these years and will most likely continue for the rest of their lives. Childish jokes aside, you couldn't ask for a better friend than Alec. He will always be there for you and you can always count on him to have your back no matter what. 

Alec Westfall

If there was ever a carbon copy of Lanford, Wade would be it. 7 years difference but no loss of similarities. Lanford is so proud of his brother and all he has accomplished. 

"Wade if you're reading this, hurry up and buy that corvette so we can race"- Lanford

Wade Johnson

Jake and Lanford met through their initial training into MARSOC. Despite growing up on opposite ends of the country in totally different cultures, they quickly hit it off and struck up what they believe is a lifelong friendship, as long as Jake understands that Alec will always hold his place as King Ginger.

Jake Olsen

Wedding Party

We are not blocking out rooms for this hotel as our venue said they have refused rooms for our venue since they are competitors with Timberlee Farms. It is about 10 minutes away from Timberlee Farms, our venue.

The Inn at River Landing

There are several Airbnb options near our venue which can be found on Airbnb's website.

Travel

Amazing brunch spot, you have to try their blueberry muffins!

Blueberry’s Grill

Great outdoor mall filled with boutiques and great places to shop. Don't forget Barnes and Noble!

Mayfaire Town Center

Great beach in Wilmington. You'll definitely see big waves here!

Wrightsville Beach Park

Downtown Wilmington is right alongside the river, where you can see boats passing through and see the battleship across the river. We recommend stopping in at Kilwin's ice cream shop while you're downtown.

Downtown Wilmington

Great lunch or dinner spot in downtown Wilmington!

The Copper Penny

This axe throwing bar is where Sydney and Lanford had their first date!

Axes & Allies

The North Carolina Battleship is open for tours and is a great option for an afternoon activity!

Battleship North Carolina

Airlie Gardens

This is a great small trail that shows off North Carolina's native carnivorous plants. The venous fly trap is native here!

Lanford & Sydney

Lanford & Sydney

L&S

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony

4:30 PM

Reception