Carolina Grove

Wedding Rehearsal (Wedding Party Only)

Vin Rouge

Rehearsal Dinner (Wedding Party and Dates only)

Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

"Come as You Are" Welcome Drinks and Bites

Wedding Ceremony and Reception

Ceremony

Reception

Shooters II

After Party

The House at Gatewood

Saturday BBQ Brunch

Our Wedding

Syd POV: The summer after my freshman year at Duke, I went on Birthright. One of my friends on the trip spoke a lot about her friend, Alex. I had no idea who he was, but I had learned that he was a comp sci major recently turned pre-med, loved the Yankees, and was a major foodie. The one detail that stuck with me the most was that Alex was the guy with the dad jokes. Flash forward to the start of sophomore year, I had a Statistics 101 midterm so headed to Perkins Library to study. I ran into the same friend from Birthright in the library, and she was with Alex! As Alex introduced himself, I blurted out, "Oh, you are the guy with the corny dad jokes!" Apparently this was as good of a conversation starter as any because Alex and I, both with midterms the next day, ended up talking for four hours in the library and neglected studying for our midterms. I ended up failing the midterm, but it was the best thing to happen to me! The rest is history :) Alex POV: My sophomore year at Duke, I was sitting with some friends in the library and Sydney came to sit with us. I did not know her then, but I immediately knew that I wanted to. As the night wore on, all of the people at the table left. I worked up some courage and struck up a conversation. That was at 8pm. At midnight, we parted ways not having opened a book. We then struck up a friendship, or at least Sydney thought it was a friendship. I was a man with a plan. Needless to say, the plan worked!

How We Met

Syd POV: We spent the day as tourists in Paris! From eating macarons at Laduree, to going to the top of the Eiffel Tower, to walking the River Seine, and finally eating every baguette in sight, we had such a fun day. The day had already been so special, but I had NO idea what was about to come later that evening. Alex did not seem nervous at all! Alex knows how much I love sunsets, so he had suggested that we go watch the sunset over the city at Montmarte. We got to the lookout just in time for the sunset. The funny part of this was that everyone had the same idea, so the lookout was FILLED with people. Alex insisted we try to find a quiet spot, but with that many people it was not possible. I still didn't really think much of it and followed him until he landed on a spot. As I turned around, Alex got down on one knee and PROPOSED! Of course I said, "Yes!" We then celebrated in true Alex and Syd form at a beautiful dinner overlooking the Eiffel Tower. Alex POV: In the movies, the person proposing always has it all figured out. They know exactly where and how they want to do it. I rationalized that they must have also furtively typed into Google “how do you plan a proposal?” We were going to Paris, so it had to be perfect. I concocted a brilliant plan. I was going to propose on the steps of Sacré-Coeur, a beautiful basilica up on a hill in Paris’ Montmartre neighborhood with panoramic views of the city, at sunset. What could be more perfect? I was pretty proud of myself at this point. I played it cool all day. Sydney had no clue anything was up! I casually mentioned that we should go see the sunset up in Montmartre before dinner and she assented, none-the-wiser. We walked up the stairs, came over the hill, and walked into a throng of people. Not only were people everywhere, but it was also cloudy! I couldn’t believe it. All of my careful planning and I had failed to account for a crush of American tourists. We found a quiet alcove away from the crowds. In these important moments, you realize it’s about the person you are with and not about the surroundings. I got down on one knee and asked the biggest question I’ve ever asked of anyone in my entire life, and luckily she said “Yes.”&nbsp;

How He Asked

Our Story

Photos

Bridal Party 

Sierra Grob

Kayla Carlisle

Danielle Destiny

Bryce Florschuetz

Shannon Malloy

Jolie Stocki

Marin Yearley

Campbell Yearley

Jess Zhang

Groom Party

Max Seltzer

Aidan Blake 

Evan Carter 

Jon Glickman

Matt Kushnick

Matt Nabi

Alex Rainer

Emerson Riback

Shahin Saberi

Wedding Party

Q + A

To book: click the link below.As long as the hotel has availability, this rate will be extended for all room bookings for any number of nights from Tuesday, April 2-Sunday, April 7. Any problems, call the hotel directly: (919)490-0999 and use the block code: 989341.

To book: click the link below. You will automatically receive a 15% (186 total) discount for any number of nights from April 2-7. PLEASE NOTE: When you enter your desired dates, special "corporate" rate of 186 should show. Any questions, feel free to call (917)734-7836 (Suzanne Yearley, Alex's mother.)

Hilton Garden Inn Durham/University Medical Center

Hotel Information

The Durham Bulls are one of the best teams in AAA baseball. Opening week is the first week of April. It is a super fun way to enjoy the North Carolina weather, a hot dog, and a cold beer!

Durham Bulls Athletic Park

The Duke Lemur Center is a world leader in the study, care, and protection of lemurs. With more than 200 animals across 14 species of lemurs, the center houses the world's largest and most diverse population of lemurs outside of their native home of Madagascar. Go check out the cute lemurs!!

Duke Lemur Center

The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are a beautiful public garden right on Duke's main campus. The flowers will be in full spring bloom. This is the perfect place to go sit on the lawn and have a picnic, take a walk, or read a book.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens

The Al Buehler Trail&nbsp;is a beautiful walking/running trail right outside the front doors of the Washington Duke Hotel. For those staying at the hotel (and those not!), it is the most amazing place to get in a nice walk or run!

Al Buehler Trail Parking

The Washington Duke Hotel has a great golf course! Please arrange your tee time by calling or emailing Stephanie and mentioning the Yearley Room Block.

Golf at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club

Mapleview Farm has the best ice cream and best vibes! If eating delicious ice cream surrounded by green pastures with farm animals sounds idyllic, then Mapleview Farm is the place for you.

Maple View Farm Ice Cream

The Duke Chapel is the center point of Duke University and is absolutely beautiful. Go check out the chapel!

Duke University Chapel

Restaurant recommendation for all our sushi lovers. Make a reservation well in advance since they do tend to book out far in advance.

M Sushi

Restaurant recommendation for all our Italian food lovers. Similar to most restaurants in Durham, they book out well in advance, so make sure to get a reservation!

Mothers & Sons Trattoria

Another Italian favorite! Can you guess what we are going to say? Yes a reservation is necessary!

Sydney & Alexander