Michelle and Hunter went from a summer romance to a lifetime of love in the mountains of Western North Carolina. After a memorable engagement during a family trip at a Garden & Gun event at the Gasparilla Inn & Club, the couple decided to wed back home in Sylva, NC. The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek provided the perfect mountain location to host this beautiful event.
Since much of Michelle’s extended family is from Florida, taking trips to visit them was a huge part of her life. “I’ve always considered Florida as my second home, but this trip was special for numerous reasons. I was finally completing a “bucket list” item by attending the Garden & Gun B4 weekend in Boca Grande, Florida. I had also always wanted to stay at the Gasparilla Inn & Club after seeing the beautiful pictures of the pink and green bedroom and palm tree covered walls.” Making those dreams come true could only be enhanced by having her boyfriend of two years, Hunter, by her side. Hunter and Michelle knew from the moment they met that they would get married and created an inside joke of prodding each other, “are you sure?” As fate (and a little planning) would have it, Michelle’s Aunt Kellie would be at the Friday evening event to set up the floral arrangements. Michelle was excited to see her and was promised that she could help with the floral arrangements. She was with the man of her dreams, surrounded by family, at a Garden & Gun event in her original home state of Florida – what could be better?
Michelle had only unloaded a few of the most beautiful hot pink roses with her Aunt Kellie when she was told she had to stop and get ready for the event. Later, when she returned to the venue, the floral setup was done, but the beautiful hot pink roses were nowhere to be seen. As Hunter escorted her to the beach, she soon realized where the roses had gone. “As we rounded the corner, there on the beach was a heart made out of the beautiful hot pink roses that I was unloading earlier and a sign that read, ‘Will You Marry Me.” And when Hunter pulled Michelle inside the rose heart and bent to one knee, his first question was, “are you sure?”
After a laugh, Michelle gave her first yes, and the second followed the big question. The question for which the roses, the event, the location, and the family that soon joined them had all come together for, “Will You Marry Me?”
And she said, “Yes!”
The wedding day began with all the girls getting ready in the main rustic lodge on property. Julie Faulkenberry and Joanna Ferree with Powder Me Pretty enhanced beautiful bride Michelle with hair and makeup services as they enjoyed the luscious green vineyards and open mountain views. What a relaxing way to start the biggest day of your life!
Shades of pink were sprinkled through all elements of the day and the bridesmaids dresses stood out beautifully against the early summer green.
Michelle and Hunter said their “I Do’s” on a beautiful summer day in a setting filled with shade trees, family and friends.
Summer Romance
The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek provided several picturesque locations to show off the love and romance this lovely couple shares. From beautiful flower gardens and luscious vineyards to unique rustic buildings and breathtaking mountain views, Michelle and Hunter couldn’t have asked for a more amazing backdrop for their wedding day.
Ray’s Florist created a wonderland of color with shades of pink and touches of greenery and gold throughout the ceremony and reception to complete the bride and groom’s vision. Professional Party Rental lined the ceiling of the pavilion with shear fabric and soft lighting to enhance the elegance of this already gorgeous setting.
Their delicious wedding cake was created by family friend, Ruth McConnell. Topped with pink flowers and displayed around a variety of other decadent desserts, this dessert table had guests coming back for more!
The presence of family and friends is very important to this couple, and a glance at the guests made clear that this couple is very important to their family and friends. The night was filled with smiles and laughter. Everyone enjoyed an evening of fun and dancing to sounds from Papa Sol which served as a wonderful finale to an incredible day. This summer romance story comes full circle as Michelle and Hunter escaped back to the Gasparilla Inn & Spa for their honeymoon.
Venue: The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek
Florist: Ray’s Florist and Greenhouse
Caterer: Caroline Allured Catering
Hair and Make-up: Julie Faulkenberry
Make-up: Joanna Ferree with Powder Me Pretty
Videographer: A Rivera Films
Band: Papa Sol
Ceremony Musicians: Cafe String Quartet
Planner: Mingle
Cake Baker: Ruth McConnell
Officiant: Mike Shuford
Transportation: High Country Travel
Thank you to the Garden and Gun photographer, Patrick Chin, for capturing this special moment below and for sharing these photographs with us to complete their story!
Just a few more fund shots from the family. What a fun memory for everyone!
