Candace + Chad's Fall Wedding at Rumbling Bald Resort, Lake Lure, NC
“Our love story began in Greenville, NC where we were both attending college. We shared a lot of mutual friends and lived in the same apartment complex. Those friends and apartment complex are what lead us to each other and I could not be more thankful. On a sunny day in April 2011 we both had the same idea to go to the pool at our apartment. I was walking by and noticed Chad’s brother and roommate and wanted to stop by and say “Hi” and I noticed that Chad was engaging in the conversation as well. Later on that evening I received a message from him about wanting to hang out sometime. From that day back in April 2011 there has not been one single day that we have not spoken to each other.”
“From then to now our relationship just grew, we matured and realized that we could not see a future without each other in it.”
“On December 16th, 2013 I came home from a company Christmas party and when I walked through the door of our home, there Chad was, down on one knee with my gorgeous ring. I was in absolute shock, it felt unreal. His hands were shaking while he asked me if I would marry him and I screamed “YES”!! I was so excited, happy, and surprised that I just did not want that night or moment to end. So we had all of our Christmas presents wrapped under the tree and we stayed up and opened all of them that night. Christmas came a few days early that year and it was the best Christmas I could ever imagine.”
“One of the most memorable moments of my wedding day was writing my vows. I had written down a few lines that I knew I wanted to incorporate into our vows a few weeks prior, but had not finished them. The day of our wedding after I had my hair and makeup done, I sat outside on the patio with one of my greatest friends and bridesmaid. She helped really pull out words from my soul, of what I wanted to vow to Chad. Talking about waiting till the last minute, however It was so pure and authentic. I honestly believe that it felt that way the most because I came up with the vows right then and there, hours before our wedding. No time to rehearse, memorize, reread to hear how it sounded. It was truly genuine and probably the most emotional part of my day.”
“...Another one was the “first look” with Chad and myself right before the ceremony. I knew that the day was going to be so busy, flying by, and knew that I would feel nervous right before. I wanted to see, feel, and talk to Chad right before we were about to become husband and wife, but still wanted an element of surprise. So he blindfolded himself with a bandanna and we met up right before the ceremony was about to begin. Talking with him and hugging him calmed and relaxed me.”
“I love everything about the Fall, from the colors, to the weather to the smells. So I tired to incorporate the Fall and the surroundings as much as possible. Our main colors were black and merlot, with hints of gold. We decorated with little white pumpkins, Spanish moss, laters, and lots of candles. I also love anything that is antique, so I also tired to incorporate that as well. Haha I am not sure how to correctly classify it but I would say, dark/Fall colors, with a somewhat gothic antique approach.”
“Lastly, was the dance with my father. My dad is a very quiet man, that does not show his emotional side very often. I knew that it would be somewhat uncomfortable for him, to have all eyes on him for a few moments. My dad loves Lynyrd Skynyrd, I grew up riding around with him in his truck, listening to their albums over and over again. So when it came to selecting a song, I knew it had to be one of theirs. I ended up going with “Simple Man” even though the lyrics were referencing a mother talking to her son. But that’s the beauty, you do not have to follow certain rules or traditions, it is your day, your special day. Whenever that song came on, I could tell that it really touched my dad, the first thing he said to be as we began to dance was “you remembered that this is my favorite song”. It made my heart very very happy that my dad and I got to share that memorable moment, and relive the past and my childhood all at the same time...”
Any advice for future brides + grooms?
“DO not let anything take away from your wedding day! Some things may not go according to plan, and that is ok, just roll with it. Try very hard not to over think things and just let the day play out. Your wedding day will be the best day of your life regardless of the weather, taste of the food, the decor of your venue, or how your hair may look. The day goes by so quickly, so enjoy every second of it and not analyzing how your wedding day is supposed to be.”
Wedding Pros:
Venue - Rumbling Bald Resort // Wedding & Bridesmaid Dress - Coastal Knot, Groom & Groomsmen Attire - Vera Wang BLACK from Mens Warehouse, Florals - An English Flower Cottage, Cake & Desserts - Ruth & Ranshaw, DJ - Sound Extreme, Videographer - Jason Garris