The Club at 12 Oaks

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Hot Chocolate Hour

Reception

Our Wedding

I was told about Anson months before I met him and I remember I didn't care so much at the time because I was in Florida. At Jordan's wedding reception, I saw Anson from across the room and I thought he was really cute. I had gone up to Jordan and Thomas' table and I remember seeing Anson walk up and I was like "Why is he coming up at the same time as me?"I met Anson and I remember Jordan forcing us to slow dance. We slow-danced together and had a small talk while Jordan and Anson's friend Kaelyn was filming. I remember wondering throughout the night if he was going to ask for my phone number. He luckily did right before he left and I was so excited. A week later, we went on our first date and he tried to make me freestyle rap (I know). I thought he was a bit weird as he tried getting us to buy matching hats, shirts, you name it. We even took an awkward picture together! On our first date, he brought cake slices from the bakery he worked at. They were very good! I wasn't sure about giving him another date afterward as it was a little awkward. However, my mom told me I should and so did Jordan and I felt as if God wanted me to give him another try! So, we went on another date and well another one where we became boyfriend and girlfriend! Long story short, I'm glad that I gave him another try!

(Sara's Version)

(Anson's Version)

I knew about Sara a couple of months before we ever met. Jordan had sent me pictures of Sara and her at Disney World, and I thought she was really pretty. I showed the pictures to my mom. I told her, "I might get to go on a date with her."Months later, I had a feeling I would get to see Sara at Jordan's wedding. I had made a promise to God that I would NOT make this day about me, so I was not planning on making any moves with Sara. However... when God passes you an alley-oop, you go for it. I found a chance to talk to Sara and Jordan at the same time. As I approached, Jordan said, "You two are going to dance together, because you're lonely, and she's lonely." We talked for a bit, and after a while, we danced together (very awkwardly). Frankly, I wasn't sure if she liked me, and she avoided looking into my eyes. However, my charm worked on her. Right before we left, I asked Jordan if I should ask for Sara's number. She said, "What the heck, you didn't do that already? Go get it before she leaves!"After I got her number, took 12 hours to text her back, shared my ENTIRE life story, and asked her out on the first day, we planned our date for next Monday. All I can say is, Barry, the cake worked.

Our Story

Proposal Photos

Engagement Photos

Photos

This is the Sara Lady! She is my best friend and my wonderful bride. She may seem shy at first, but everyone who spends time with her sees how silly, sensitive, thoughtful, and compassionate she is. She is a big nerd and is always at a higher Fortnite level than me. A favorite memory is when we explored downtown Nashville together. This was an amazing experience, made better by the fact that it was with her.

Sara Gressel

This is Anson, my sweet groom. He is the silliest man I know and is also my best friend. I can't wait to marry him and call him my husband! If I had to choose one favorite memory (there are so many) it would have to be when Anson and I had mono. We were both very sick and he ended up taking care of me. It was the sweetest thing as I knew he wasn't feeling well, but he was so worried about me that he made sure that I was taken care of. 

Anson Millard

Jordan has been Sara's best friend since 10th grade! She has been there through everything and even introduced her to Anson at her wedding. She has been nothing but supportive and is always fun to hang out with! A favorite memory (although there are so many) Sara has of Jordan is when she called Sara screaming because she got engaged.

Jordan Laskay

Danny is Anson's closest and oldest friend! They have known each other since kindergarten. Danny has always supported Anson and they are family to each other. Anson's favorite memory with Danny was going to Florida and Universal Studios together for their Senior year trip.

Danny Webb

This is Sara's older sister Kayla! She has literally always been there for her since birth! They both did the Disney College Program together. A favorite memory Sara has of Kayla is when they were in the DCP and went to Epcot together on Christmas Eve!

Kayla Gressel

This is Harris! Anson has known Harris for the least amount of time, but he has been such an important friend to him. He is really weird, but he is also very kind and thoughtful. Anson's favorite Harris memory is when they would make chicken legs and watch The Cuphead Show on Sundays!

Harris Robinson

This is Sara's little sister Christina! Christina is called Sara's twin as she is a carbon copy of her. A favorite memory Sara has of Christina is when they were at Disney and they went on Aladdin's Carpet ride together. It was a great time as they were just enjoying time together without everyone.

Christina Gressel

Here's Shmoney! Shyam has been a loyal and faithful friend to Anson ever since his Freshman year of college. He is the funniest guy in any room that he is in! Anson's favorite memory with Shmon was when they played Monopoly together three times in one day. 

Shyam Pandya

This is going to be Sara's sister-in-law! She is the sweetest ever and is easy to talk to. A favorite memory Sara has of Rachel is when she first met her at Christmas time. She was very welcoming and made Sara feel at home! 

Rachel Millard

Ethan is Anson's Brother! They are always there to support each other. Anson's favorite memory with Ethan is when the two went together to New Orleans. The two had so much fun- and Ethan paid for all the food!

Ethan Millard

This is Sara's friend Mikayla! Although they haven't known each other for long, they have become very close. As a believer, she has helped Sara in her faith and is always there to listen! A favorite memory Sara has of them is when they spontaneously decided to make apple pie filling croissants together late at night and they somehow turned out really good!

Mikayla Steele

This is Richard! He was Anson's roommate freshman year of college, and they have been close friends ever since. He is very consistent and loyal and calls Anson at least once every two weeks. Anson's favorite Chird memory is when the two of them stayed up until midnight playing a stupid Kirby game that no-one else liked.

Richard Russell

Sage Millard is Sara and Anson's goddaughter! She is very sweet, laughs at everything, and loves to share. We can't come up with one favorite memory with Sage as it is always a good time with her!

Sage Millard

This is Maxwell Gressel! He is so sweet and cute! Our favorite little memory of Maxwell is when we saw him at the Orchard for Sara's Grandma's surprise birthday party! He was all bundled up and just chilling.

Maxwell Gressel

Anson knows Nathan from Intervarsity! Nathan is very wise and a great person to talk to about anything.

Nathan Broome

Wedding Party

Near Rex Healthcare in Holly Springs. Rooms include refrigerators, LCD televisions, complimentary wired Internet access, cable programming, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations that feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include safes and complimentary weekday newspapers, as well.

Hampton Inn & Suites Holly Springs

Near Halle Cultural Arts Center right near Holly Springs. Rooms include microwaves, LCD televisions, complimentary wireless internet access, digital programming, and private bathrooms with shower/tub combinations that feature deep soaking bathtubs and complimentary toiletries.

Comfort Inn Apex Holly Springs

This hotel offers a shared lounge and a 24-hour front desk. The hotel has family rooms. The hotel offers an indoor pool as well. A business center, gym, and an ironing service are available at the property as well as free private parking. The nearest airport is Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 21 miles from the accommodation.

Holiday Inn Express Holly Springs - Raleigh Area, an IHG Hotel

This is the closest airport to Holly Springs!

Raleigh-Durham International Airport

Other Options 

There are many Airbnbs around town! Here is their website: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.airbnb.com/</a>

There is Vrbo for vacation rentals around town! Here is their website: <a href="https://www.vrbo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.vrbo.com/</a>

Travel

This is the place where Anson and Sara shared their first kiss! This is also a great park that has a great view of Downtown Raleigh! Fun fact: this picture was taken on our date when we couldn't figure out where we were going!

Dorothea Dix Park

This place requires tickets, but it is a lot of fun! There are over 40 light displays and there are cultural arts performances that take place each night on the main stage!

NC Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre

A fun winter-themed activity! Tickets are required.

Skate the Square at Fenton

This pop-up, holiday-themed dessert café inside downtown Raleigh's Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts features elaborate decor, all-you-can-eat sweet treats (including hot cocoa), and live entertainment on select nights—the perfect stop before or after a show for the whole family!

The Dessertery at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts

Illuminate will transform plazas and underutilized spaces with a large-scale interactive installation, light-based sculptures, and projection art. This is free and is a beautiful sight to see!

Downtown Raleigh's Illuminate Art Walk

Experience Paris in Raleigh! This is a fun Paris-themed shopping center with cute shops and restaurants.

Lafayette Village

Things to Do

My Way Tavern

We went here on a date! Located in Downtown Holly Springs, it is a great spot to eat. This place gets crowded at night as it is also a bar. They sometimes have live music playing outside! Recommendation: Sara would recommend the Taco Mac. It is the best Mac and cheese in Holly Springs! Address: 301 Center St, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USA Phone Number: (919) 285-2412 Website: <a href="http:" />http://www.mywaytavern.com/</a>

Bep Vietnamese Kitchen

This is the only place to go for boba in town and a great place to have phò!Recommendation: Phò Tái for food and Taro Milk Tea. Address: 300 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (919) 285-2477Website: <a href="https://bepnc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bepnc.com/</a>

Pimento Tea Room

This is where we went for our first anniversary. They have really good tea! The decor inside is beautiful and there are many pop culture references to check out.Recommendation: Kiss of the Dragon Tea.Address: 200 N Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (984) 225-4213Website: <a href="http://www.pimientotearoom.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.pimientotearoom.com/</a>

Thanks a Latte- Coffee & Gift Boutique

A very good coffee shop/boutique that is Christian-themed! They have cute NC-themed gifts and decor.Recommendation: Sara's recommendation is the Gingerbread Iced Latte with oat milk (seasonal) and the Southern Belle Iced Latte with oat milk.Address: 1118 Kentworth Dr, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (919) 577-0070Website: <a href="https://thanksalattegiftsnc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thanksalattegiftsnc.com/</a>

FRESH. Local Icecream

This is a cute local ice cream shop located in Downtown Holly Springs!Recommendation: Cookie dough with midnight brownie!Address: 205 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (919) 285-4078Website: <a href="http://www.freshlocalicecream.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.freshlocalicecream.com/</a>

Cloos' Coney Island

Near the NC State Campus, this has been a place for Sara's family that they've gone to for years. Recommendation: chili cheese fries!Address: 2233-102 Avent Ferry Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606, USAPhone Number: (919) 834-3354Website: <a href="https://m.facebook.com/cloosconeyisland/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://m.facebook.com/cloosconeyisland/</a>

Smashed- Burgers & Cocktails

A great burger place located in Downtown Holly Springs!Recommendation: the burgers and the tots and mac n cheese!Address: 242 S Main St Ste 118, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (919) 390-2274Website: <a href="http://www.smashednc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.smashednc.com/</a>

Morgan Street Food Hall

We went here on our 2nd date! It is located in Downtown Raleigh and is known for the many different food options! From burgers, sushi, lobster, coffee, boba, tacos, curry, rolled ice cream, pizza, and more it is the perfect place to eat as you aren't limited to one cuisine.Recommendation: the rolled s'mores ice cream! Address: 411 W Morgan St, Raleigh, NC 27603, USAPhone Number: (919) 307-4481Website: <a href="http://www.morganfoodhall.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.morganfoodhall.com/</a>

The Blind Pelican Seafood Restaurant

A seafood place with crazy cocktails.Recommendation: they are known for their Bloody Marys from across the world.Address: 120 Bass Lake Rd, Holly Springs, NC 27540, USAPhone Number: (984) 225-2471Website: <a href="http://www.blindpelicanseafood.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.blindpelicanseafood.com/</a>

Sara & Anson