The Loft at Twisted Laurel

Welcome Party / Meet & Greet

Wedding Day

The Barn at Honeysuckle Hill

Ceremony (Reception to follow)

Although we love to watch the children laugh and play, this is going to be an adults-only kind of day. Thanks for understanding, and we look forward to celebrating with you!

Our Wedding

How we met

Eric and Laura fist met virtually when Laura correctly recognized a trumpet mouthpiece in a picture on Eric's Hinge dating profile. Having been thoroughly impressed with her musical brilliance (and an adorable picture of her with dog Barkley), Eric immediately matched with Laura. After much texting and flirting, Eric asked Laura out for drinks at Heist Brewery in Charlotte. They closed down the bar on November 7, 2022, and they've been partners in adventure ever since!

Our engagement

While visiting Laura's parents in Austin over spring break, Eric knew the timing would never be better to pop the question. Eric told Laura they would go out for a day of wine tasting in the stunning hill country. After the first winery, relaxed and refreshed, Laura had no idea the second stop would be the most memorable moment of her life thus far. Chapel Dulcinea (not actually a winery) was the perfect location. As they walked up to the front of the Chapel, their song "What a Wonderful World" started playing softly and Eric pulled Laura in close to dance. As the song concluded, Eric knelt down, revealing a Tiffany blue box (how could she refuse?) and gave a heart-warming proposal. Without hesitation, Laura said "YES!" The next surprise was that her family was eagerly waiting at the last winery stop to celebrate the big news! Driving home after a memorable evening, the couple saw a bright shooting star flash across the sky... clearly a positive sign for great things to come!

Our Story

Photos

Bride's Squad

Men of Honor

Laura's younger (and much taller!) brothers. Bonds forged through DNA, music festivals, and long family road trips.

Thomas Fisher

Andrew Fisher

Bridesmaids

...aka LALA (Laura, Amanda, Lenel, Allison). Friends since meeting as piccolo players in the Longhorn Band in college. Responsible for curating Laura's amazing Hinge dating profile just days before meeting Eric.

Amanda Gilliam

Lenel Jefferis

Allison Korczynski

Groom's Ensemble

Best Woman

The groom's sister and first duet partner!

Stephanie Millard

Groomsmen/woman

Brass partner in crime for six years and next door office neighbor at UNC Charlotte... he's heard a lot of wrong notes from Eric's office and still calls him a friend!

Jeremy Marks

Roommates during their doctorates, John regularly offered to cook Eric exquisite cuisine from a blender and they haven't stopped laughing about it since!

John Kilgore

Friendship founded as faculty at Blue Lake Camps, they've been performing together ever since!

Katey Jahnke

Wedding Party

We welcome all our friends and family to join us the night before our wedding for a casual meet &amp; greet and welcome party with the bride and groom! When: Saturday, May 24, 7:30-9 PMWhere: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/dC7SVqC2C86yYJF4A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twisted Laurel - Downtown Asheville</a>Attire: Come as you areFood/Drinks: Light hors d'oeuvres provided, cash barParking: Street parking is available throughout downtown, or you can use the public parking deck at 164 College St.

Lodging

We're getting married on Memorial Day weekend in a popular tourist destination, so we recommend booking accommodations early!

We have reserved a block of 25 rooms at the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites - Asheville Biltmore Village. The cut-off to reserve a room with the special rate is 4 pm EDT on Friday, May 2, 2025. · The blocks are available from Friday, May 23, 2025 to Monday, May 26, 2025, but guests can revise the dates to fit the time they will need accommodations.· Guests can also book “shoulder dates,” the 2 days before and after, at the group rate, depending upon availability.· Biltmore Village is within walking distance to several restaurants, stores and breweries.· Hotel is 9.7 miles (~22 minutes) to The Barn at Honeysuckle Hill (Wedding venue)· Transportation from Hotel will be provided to/from Wedding venue.· Complimentary Full Hot Breakfast· Guests can receive Hilton Honors points for their individual guest room stays. Click the link below to access the wedding hotel reservation website directly:

Hampton Inn & Suites Asheville Biltmore Village

Other Lodging Options

Additional hotels and rentals (AirBNB, VRBO, etc) are available if you would like to book on your own. Transportation will be provided from the Hampton Inn &amp; Suites - Asheville Biltmore Village. Guests staying elsewhere may park in the hotel parking lot if they wish to take group transportation, but please reserve your spot when you RSVP.

Airports

Asheville Regional Airport

**Approximately a 2 hour drive from Asheville**

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Local Transportation

Asheville is best experienced by car, but many parts are also walkable if you prefer to use a rideshare service. See options below!

Asheville Taxi service. Book via phone call, their website, or their smartphone app.

Asheville Taxi Co

A rideshare service, similar to a taxi. Typically reserved through an app on your smartphone.

Lyft

Uber

From $39, with hop-on / hop-off stops throughout Asheville. See website for pricing options and a route map.

Gray Line Trolley Tours of Asheville

Travel & Lodging

This website has popular hikes near Asheville, but if you need additional hiking recommendations, feel free to ask Eric (emillard@charlotte.edu)!!

Hiking

Asheville is a mecca of craft beer! Make sure you try a few before you leave. Our personal favorites are: Wicked WeedHighland BrewingHi-WireBurial Brewing More mainstream options:Sierra NevadaNew Belgium

Craft Beer

Tour the iconic mansion and grounds built by the Vanderbilts, taste local wines, and enjoy the Biltmore Village. ($$$)

Biltmore

The most scenic drive on the East Coast! Gorgeous mountain views with plenty of great photo ops!

Blue Ridge Parkway

Asheville and the surrounding areas in Western North Carolina, including some of the locations on this "Things to Do" list, have been impacted and/or devastated by Hurricane Helene. Please consider assisting in relief efforts by donating to a reputable non-profit organization operating in the area. Here are some recommendations: <a href="https://www.mannafoodbank.org/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Manna Food Bank</a><a href="https://www.belovedasheville.com/donate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BeLoved Asheville</a><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-to6.html/?alloy_redirect=eyJ2IjoxLCJhZCI6IjU3OTk3MDoxOjB8MCw1Nzk5NzA6MTowfDIsNTc5OTcwOjE6MHwxIn0%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">American Red Cross</a>

Laura & Eric

Laura & Eric

L&E

Welcome Party / Meet & Greet

Wedding Day

4:00 PM

Ceremony (Reception to follow)