Appalachian View

Rehearsal + Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour & Reception

Important Information Regarding Venue Location

Appalachian View is located in the hills of Newland, NC. The venue contains adequate parking for all guests. There is no transportation services being provided to our guests from local hotels to and from the venue, so please plan accordingly. Ride Share services such as Uber or Lyft may be limited due to the location of the venue and may charge premium prices.

Our Wedding

How Did We Meet?We matched in March 2024 on the most millennial dating app out there. Facebook Dating.James messaged me and I remember looking at his profile which was a headshot photo with his Fez, thinking to myself “what a distinguished gentleman.”First Date?We met for Mexican in Shallotte, we stayed in the parking lot chatting and my friend Tina panicked called my parents because she hadn’t heard from me and the restaurant was closed.2024 Highlights?Every date night, movie marathon, surprise adventure to the beach to see the moon, breakfast for dinner cooking innovation tactics (Hawaiian roll French roast) was so much fun. The stories that we have from the torrential downpour rain that led to flooding my neighborhood to where only his truck could get to my house to the beautiful lights on New Year’s Eve at Brookgreen Gardens, 2024 was an absolute adventure.When Did He Propose?April 25, 2025, at the Oak Island Lighthouse. He proposed to me with my grandmas (who we lovingly called Honey) ring. The band is my parents engagement ring, the outer band is Honey and my Grandpas wedding bands, James did a beautiful job and we celebrated with our family at the Bolivia house after.2025 Highlights?2025 brought us an exciting snowfall, we built a snowcat, James used a blowtorch to melt the ice, an eventful Winterguard season where James got to experience the show life, our 1 year anniversary in March, our first flight together to Key West for my Brothers wedding, the best day ever our engagement. A new job with a new company for me. The summer brought a big and exciting move as I moved in with James. Home renovation projects, ranging from painting, to building, and adding the touches that are taking his house and making it our home. 2025 also brought my first NASCAR race experience, and our first blue ridge mountain trip in the fall. (Highly recommend - extremely worth it) and are looking forward to our first trip to Texas this December 2025.Why Get Married in the Blue Ridge mountains?Living near the coast gives us the opportunity to see and access the beach any time. We both love and appreciate the blue hue that makes NC mountains special.Overall?Falling in love has been effortless, the last year and half has only made us happier together and being able to walk into our future as husband and wife is an adventure we are so excited for! We cannot wait to share it with our closest friends and family in May 2026

Our Story

Pictures 

Mason is Sydney’s best friend—the human equivalent of sunshine who lights up every room she enters. Their story began when Mason served as Sydney’s mentor in her high school guard program, inspiring her to continue teaching. Mason later helped Sydney land her first “real” job after college and has remained a trusted colleague through multiple roles in her career. They are each other’s forever job references and sounding boards through life’s many twists and turns. Mason is an incredible mom to two beautiful children and is married to the love of her life, Chad. 
Sydney has spent more time with Mason than almost anyone else, and she wouldn’t trade a single moment—every second has been an absolute joy. Sydney feels incredibly lucky to have Mason in her life as one of her very best friends.

Jennifer Mason Harris 

Laurie is one of Sydney’s closest friends—and her very first guard friend. Laurie was Sydney’s captain in high school, and over the years they’ve remained close as they spun together at NC State and with Assembly Line Winterguard. They have worked side by side at Middle Creek, NC State, and most recently at Assembly Line Winterguard, always making a strong team. Laurie brings humor, balance, and logic to any situation, and she’s also Sydney’s “outdoor adventure Barbie,” often convincing her—sometimes against her wishes—to hike up mountains and back down again in search of waterfalls. Through countless moments, both joyful and challenging, Laurie has been a constant source of support for Sydney and is deeply appreciated for her unwavering presence.

Laurie Cuffney 

James and Jason have known each other since 1992, but their friendship truly began in 1999 after a blown-out tire on a rainy morning on the way to UNCW turned into a day of skipped classes. That unexpected detour set them on a path to becoming a constant presence in each other’s lives. Since then, they’ve shared more road trips, races, concerts, and unforgettable adventures than could ever be counted.



Jason McMillan

James’s “brother from another mother” for more than 25 years—and more recently, his Masonic brother—Shawn has been a constant presence in James’s life. Shawn, his wife Mel, and their family have become an invaluable extended family for James and his mother, offering unwavering support, love, and friendship throughout the years.

Shawn O’Daniels

Merric is the only child of James’s younger sister, Susanne. Although he grew up across the country in Washington, Merric has always been a constant source of pride and joy for his uncle. He is an excellent student, an accomplished soccer player and team captain, and a budding rock guitarist. When he visits North Carolina, the two enjoy range days and traveling throughout southeastern North Carolina, where James shares stories and lessons about his roots in the North and South Carolina Lowcountry.

Merric Furtado

Alexis met Sydney as a student at NC State winter guard, where her talent and dedication quickly led her to become an instructor alongside Laurie and Sydney at Middle Creek High School. Known for her quick wit and adventurous spirit, Alexis is a fun-loving “Adventure Barbie” who brings energy and joy wherever she goes.

Alexis Cannady

Jason’s 17-year-old son, Wyatt—now affectionately known as “Big Little Wyatt” to distinguish him from James’s soon-to-be brother-in-law with the same name—holds a special place in James’s heart as his first “nephew by choice.” Wyatt is a hardworking, intelligent young man and a constant source of pride for his Uncle James.

Wyatt McMillan

Wedding Party

We invite our guests to dress in semi-formal attire to help us create a polished and celebratory atmosphere for our wedding day.Please note the following guidelines:No jeans, No flip-flops, No t-shirts, No shorts, No baseball hats.Given the variable weather in the North Carolina mountains in May, guests are encouraged to plan accordingly. Lightweight layers, jackets, or wraps are recommended for cooler mornings and evenings, with breathable fabrics for warmer daytime temperatures.Thank you for helping us make our day both elegant and comfortable—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

The ceremony and cocktail hour will take place outdoors on a lawn; guests are encouraged to plan footwear accordingly, particularly if selecting heels.

Dress Code

Lots of really great opportunities in the surrounding areas for cool places to stay that are convenient to our location

VRBO 

AirBNB

This new hotel is opening Spring 2026 prior to the wedding.

Courtyard by Marriott Sugar Mountain Banner Elk

Travel

The swinging bridge is accessible, the nature preserve has a gift shop, diner and there is a paved walk through to see habitats with bears, elk, otters and more.

Grandfather Mountain 

Guided tour through the Caverns, there is a gift shop, river that runs right near by that is fun to explore.

Linville Caverns 

The parkway is accessible in the area and it’s an easy drive with multiple overlooks to take in the blue ridge mountains

Blue Ridge Parkway

While I personally have never experienced this I have been told you- the coaster is on the side of the mountain and is a fun ride with one caveat, you control the break therefore you must make sure you are paying attention during the ride so you don't hit the cart in front of you!

Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster

Surrounding Towns Newland (3.4 miles) Linville (3.9 miles) Banner Elk (11.7 miles) LinvilleFalls (12.2 miles) Foscoe (12.8 miles) Valle Crucis (18.4 miles) Boone (21.2 miles) Blowing Rock (26 miles)

Sydney & James

Sydney & James

Honeymoon Fund