For me, Julia and Tony’s wedding started out with a video chat sometime last year. Julia was stationed with the US Military somewhere overseas (I asked where, and she said it was top secret. I’m already impressed and like how this is starting lol). She started telling me about how she was planning a great 2 day Labor Day weekend wedding in Valle Crusis, NC (which is just outside of Boone). And without a doubt, she was completely successful. I have to say, she did an amazing job of planning the perfect French countryside wedding meets the western NC mountains.

Day 1, Friday, Sept. 3: Arriving at the Inn at Little Pond, I met Frank and Gaye who own and run this beautiful home and site in Valle Crusis. I would call it a B&B, but it is really much more than that. Originally from Miami, they’ve spent the past 8 years creating a beautiful home by hand. Gaye is the visionary and Frank executes all of Gaye’s instructions. The two of them basically have redone everything in the house. The craftsmanship is second to none and they have exquisite taste (can you tell I was impressed). They had set up a lunch for close family and bridal party as a precursor to the official rehearsal dinner. It was just the start of 2 days of great food and drink. (Can’t forget Liz of the Inn at Little Pond who did a great job for 2 days).

That evening, we went over to a park where everyone was treated to a full BBQ done up right. We’re not talking a bunch of chopped pig from the local store – but a complete pig, smoked on site, with sides, tons of desserts, and a great lemonade stand with some awesome toppings (who knew you could have toppings for lemonade – but its definitely the way to go). After dinner, it was good times with bocce ball. Tony, Julia & friends are big bocce ball players, and definitely have a great time with it. I’ve never played, but after watching how good of a time they had, I need to check it out.

Day 2, Saturday, Sept 4: The morning started back at the Inn for an great brunch for the girls. Gaye had prepped an beautiful spread and it was the perfect lead into hair and makeup coming to the Inn for Julia and her girls.

The ceremony was at the famous St. John’s on top of the mountain at Valle Crusis. It’s a one lane (if you can call it a lane) dirt road which goes to the top of the mountain where you find this awesome little white church. I was here for a wedding back in 2007, and loved being back. After the ceremony and photos it was back to the Inn for reception.

Back at the Inn, the weather was perfect for the outdoor cocktail hour, dinner and dancing. DJ Josh Mac of K2 Productions was on hand and they did their usual great job with announcements and music.

It was a fantastic 2 days, and there was so much going on, I’ve got more than the usual number of photos in the blog for you! Cheers to Julia, Tony and their friends and family!