The Umstead Hotel and Spa

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Enter a realm of gothic elegance and eternal devotion, where we shall pledge our vows amidst the allure of a Victorian inspired ball.

Our Wedding

It all began one spring evening in 2022, at a restaurant in North Hills, where a waitress and busboy met each other for the first time. Quickly, they became close, sneaking longing glances at each other by the drink station during busy shifts. One fateful night, during a shared reprieve from work, the busboy scrawled a question upon a humble chopstick wrapper. A question that would spark an evening filled with food, laughter, and the promise of something yet unspoken.From that moment on, the two found themselves drawn together, their conversations stretching deep into the quiet hours of the night.Two months later, beneath a sky ablaze with July 4th fireworks, friendship gave way to something far greater.In the years that followed, their days were filled with adventure and delight: state fairs and renaissance festivals, the echo of guitars at metal concerts, and countless shared meals at their new favorite restaurants.Together they built a home, filling it with laughter- and, in time, the howls of a hound named Peanut Butter.Then, one morning, Rebekah was roused from sleep by Peanut Butter and Ethan. There was a blue ribbon tied neatly about the puppy's neck, a ring hanging from a knot. Ethan presented the ring to Rebekah and from there the couple knew their love would be eternal.

"With this hand, I will lift your sorrows. Your cup will never empty, for I will be your wine. With this candle, I will light your way in darkness. And with this ring, I ask you to be mine." - Tim Burton's Corpse Bride

Our Story

"You can trust us to stick with you through thick and thin... and you can trust us to keep any secret of yours... But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone... We are your friends..." -  J.R.R. Tolkien, LOTR

The bride's closest and most cherished companion, stands by her side to honor the sacred bond of love. Beks and Kristin first crossed paths in elementary school, where their shared love of writing and Warrior Cats sparked a friendship that has flourished for over sixteen years. Kristin has been an anchor in the bride's life by offering unwavering love, support, and honest truths through every twist and turn. Kristin stands not only as a lifelong friend of the bride, but as a guiding light in the beginning of this new chapter.

Kristin Schmidt

The elder sister of the bride, whose steadfast friendship and uplifting support have long served as a comforting presence in her sister's life. Alyx has always been a selfless and caring person as the eldest, buying her younger siblings ice cream and lunch if it meant they would spend more time with her. Though their bond has taken many forms over the years, it remains rooted in shared joys, from childhood cartoons to Pokémon, and strengthened by their enduring presence in one another’s lives.

Alexandria (Alyx) Isaak

The younger sister of the bride, these two have walked alongside through seasons of closeness and distance, laughter and disagreement. Their bond, though tested at times - as only sisters can truly understand - has remained unbroken. Through every high and low, they have grown together. Even when she would sneak into her older sister's room to do her makeup because the lighting was simply better! Today, Alaina stands beside her sister not only as family, but as a testament to a relationship strengthened by time, communication and love.

Alaina Isaak

Allie and the bride were originally brought together by love for two different brothers, their separate journeys leading them into the same family. What began as a shared experience has grown into a true sisterhood, strengthened by time spent together at the lake and holidays. Their friendship is a testament to the joys found in life's intertwined journeys and the connections that grow from them. Allie stands beside the bride not only as a treasured part of her life, but newfound family as well. 

Allie Carmack

With Rebekah, there is no need for pretense. She is the friend who listens without judgment, who laughs without hesitation, and who encourages growth simply by being herself. Her influence in the bride's life is steady and sincere, making those around her better for it.
On this day, she stands as more than a friend. She is a reflection of the bride's truest self, and a constant reminder of the beauty found in authenticity, connection, and unconditional support.

Rebekah Smith

As Ethan’s younger brother by one and a half years, Jacob has been a constant presence through every season of his life. From childhood adventures to late night video gaming and shared milestones, their bond has always been rooted in trust, laughter, and genuine friendship. Jacob is the person Ethan can rely on for honesty, encouragement, and a good dose of humor when it’s needed most. Their connection runs deeper than brotherhood, so it's only fitting that Jacob stands beside him on this day as his best man.

Jacob Harrop

Whether they’re talking over Discord or meeting up for a drink, the groom and Dillion have always found comfort in each other’s company. They’ve weathered tough seasons together, offering support and understanding without needing to say much at all. Their friendship is one of steady trust and genuine care. The kind that lasts through every chapter of life. It’s a reminder that the strongest friendships aren’t just about fun; they’re about having someone who stands by you through everything life throws your way.

Dillon Roberts

From countless late night battles over Battletech, Heroscape, and MTG, Harrison and Ethan have shared more than just strategy and laughter. They’ve built a friendship forged in dice rolls, deck shuffles, and inside jokes. Harrison’s quick wit and genuine kindness makes every game a joy to play. Whether plotting victory or reliving old campaigns, their bond has always been one of fun and camaraderie, and their relationship is a testament to how a healthy dose of competition can push two people to be the best version of themself.

Harrison Camp

Ethan and Gabe’s friendship goes all the way back to middle school, where their shared interests of gaming quickly turned into a lifelong bond. Years later, they became college roommates, enjoying late night talks, and plenty of Cookout runs together. When you need someone to talk to, Gabe is there to listen, help, and offer a different perspective. Through every stage of life, Gabe has been a loyal friend and so he stands as a cherished part of the groom's life on this day.

Gabriel (Gabe) Dalton

From their Eagle Scout days to countless festivals and events, Bob and Ethan have shared more stories than they can count. Whether building campfires, or laughing over high school mishaps, Bob’s easygoing nature and great sense of humor always kept spirits high. Through every challenge and every laugh, their friendship has stayed as solid as any knot they ever tied. Though life led them down separate paths for a while, both have held their friendship dearly- a bond built on adventure and genuine care for each other.

Robert (Bob) Payne Jr

Honorable Mentions

The Bride &amp; Groom's Parents. Thank you for supporting our relationship through out every vacation, holiday and family gathering! The Bride's Boss &amp; Coworkers. Thank you for listening to her talk non stop about the struggles of wedding planning (and the no-nonsense advice you provided)! All of our friends and relatives who have easily welcomed the bride and groom into their family. Thank you for being a treasured part of our lives!

Donald &amp; Alizon Isaak, Parents of the Bride

Andra &amp; Alan Harrop, Parents of the Groom

Wedding Party

Q & A

"There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.” - Bram Stoker, Dracula

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... Anywhere you go let me go too." - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

"You have bewitched me, body and soul. And I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." -  Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice

Photos

If using a GPS System use the following address:5 SAS Campus Drive, Cary, North Carolina 27513From Durham or points West, including RDU Airport, take I-40 East toward Raleigh. Then take Exit 287 and turn right onto North Harrison Avenue. At your first traffic light, turn left onto SAS Campus Drive. The Umstead Hotel and Spa, at 100 Woodland Pond Drive, is the first road on your left.From Raleigh or points East, take I-40 West toward Durham/Chapel Hill. Then take Exit 287 and turn left onto North Harrison Avenue. At your second traffic light, turn left onto SAS Campus Drive. The Umstead Hotel and Spa, at 100 Woodland Pond Drive, is the first road on your left.

*Please ask Beks and Ethan about room block accommodations if you wish to stay at The Umstead Hotel and Spa. The best email to reach us at is raisaak9@gmail.com.

Rebekah & Ethan

Rebekah & Ethan

Photos

"There are darknesses in life and there are lights, and you are one of the lights, the light of all lights.” - Bram Stoker, Dracula

"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime... Anywhere you go let me go too." - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

"You have bewitched me, body and soul. And I love, I love, I love you. I never wish to be parted from you from this day on." - Jane Austen, Pride & Prejudice