Our Story
We never meant to fall in love. It just kept happening anyway.
We first met years ago while working in the same orbit, crossing paths in bars, breweries, and the kind of places where conversations start easily and linger longer than expected. At the time, Aly was working at the Feed, and Sam was a rep for Yeehaw Brewing, very committed to his role... including the cowboy boots.
There was an immediate curiosity, a few glances, and at least one, "Wait... why do I think the guy in the cowboy boots is hot?"
A couple years later, we found ourselves working together at Oddstory. We became friends. Then best friends. The kind who talked about everything, played darts, spent way too much time together, and pretended we weren't actually falling in love.
We even tried not to date. Sam was Aly's boss, after all. So we stayed "just friends" for a while.
Eventually, Sam couldn't take it anymore. He asked Aly to a game of darts, but this time the stakes were different. If Sam won, they started dating. So obviously... Aly threw the game (don't tell Sam).
From that night on, everything felt easy. We weren't just falling in love, we already knew each other deeply. We were building something grounded, honest, and full of laughter.
We had never seriously talked about marriage. There was no timeline, no expectations. But we both knew, without needing to say it out loud, that we were in this for life.
Then came the proposal. On an island adventure, Sam completely surprised Aly with a custom-made turquoise ring, set with two diamonds from his grandmother. Turquoise felt right. A stone associated with protection, love, and a shared journey. Something natural, a little unconventional, and full of character, just like us.
Our whole story feels that way. Unexpected, meaningful, and somehow obvious all at once.
We've felt married for quite some time, in every way that matters. Now we're just making it official, and we can't wait to celebrate that with you.
Welcome to our Wedding Website
Join us for a long, cozy mountain weekend at Hawkesdene Estate, where the days are slow, the nights are long, and the company is even better.
Arrive ready to celebrate, relax, and make memories that will last a lifetime. We cannot wait to share our happily ever after with you.
Please RSVP by April 20th & complete payment by June 9th.
Information
Weekend Overview
This weekend is designed to feel easy, joyful, and very low pressure. There's no strict schedule outside of a few key moments. Think wandering, laughing, late nights, early mornings, and lots of time to simply be togther. Pretty much adult summer camp, but better.
Friday will kick things off with our tropical welcome party, followed by a full day of exploring, relaxing, and playing games on Saturday before the main event: The Happily Ever After Party. This will be like our reception where we'll be showing our wedding video. Even though our elopement itself was private, the joy is very much meant to be shared with all of you. Then, we'll close things out with a Farewell Brunch on Sunday to reminisce on all the good times before parting ways.
Where & When
Hawkesdene Estate
139 Hawkesdene Lane
Andrews, NC 28901
Our home base for the entire weekend.
July 10th - 12th, 2026
(Immediate family will join us for dinner on July 9th.)
Staying With Us
All guests will be staying on-site at the beautiful Hawkesdene Estate for the entire weekend.
Cost: $500 per person (kids 12 & under are free)
Includes:
· Two nights of lodging
· All meals from Friday through Sunday, including snacks
· Beer (Yes, there will be Oddstory), wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic drinks
· Full access to trails, creek, fire pits, and ALPACAS
Once you arrive, you won't need to go anywhere or worry about anything. Just settle in and enjoy.
Please RSVP by April 20th & complete payment by June 9th. Room assignments will be shared closer to the date.
Food & Drinks
Family-style meals all weekend with drinks and snacks flowing 24/7. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please share them when you RSVP so we can take great care of you.
What To Wear
Dress to feel comfortable, confident, and like yourself.
Friday · Tiki Welcome Party
Tropical prints, breezy dresses, linen shirts, leis, sandals. Think island energy in the mountains.
Saturday · Happily Ever After Party
A little dressy, but still breezy and comfortable. Think mountain garden party vibes. And, yes, we will be in our wedding outfits. We're treating this like our reception.
Sunday · Farewell Brunch
Relaxed, cozy, soft pants encouraged.
A Little Extra
This is not a traditional wedding weekend.
This weekend is about connection, comfort, and spending time with people we love.
There's no rush, no pressure, and no expectations beyond showing up and being present. Explore the property, start conversations, meet new friends, play games, stay up late, sleep in, and enjoy being a part of this little world with us.
FAQ
Are kids invited?
We're so excited to celebrate with our nieces and nephews. Beyond immediate family, this will be an adults-only weekend.
Is there a ceremony?
We will already be married, so there won't be a traditional ceremony. Our Saturday night celebration is all about sharing the joy, watching our wedding video, and celebrating together.
Is the weekend unplugged?
Photos are 100% welcome, but we'd love for everyone to take time to put the phone down and really soak it in and be part of the moment.
What's included in the $500?
Your stay includes:
· Lodging for the entire weekend
· All meals & snacks
· All drinks, alcoholic & non-alcoholic
· Activities on the property
Once you arrive, everthing is taken care of.
What should I pack?
Comforable clothes, something fun for the tropical welcome party, something you feel great in for Saturday night, and anything you'd want for a cozy mountain weekend.
We'll share a more detailed packing list closer to the date.
WE'RE ELOPING!
This June, we're running away together to Lake Bled, Slovenia, to get married.
Just the two of us, the mountains, and a whole lot of feelings.
We chose to elope because we wanted our ceremony to be simple, intimate, and deeply personal. A quiet moment to start our marriage in a place that feels like a dream. But as perfect as that day will be, it won't feel complete without celebrating with the people who have loved and supported us along the way.
That's where you come in.
Our elopement in Slovenia is the quiet beginning.
This weekend at Hawkesdene is the joyful celebration.
It's where our families and friends come together, stories intertwine, and our happily ever after begins.
Thank you for being here. We can't wait to celebrate with you.
With all our love,
Sam + Aly
Thursday · July 9th
Family Dinner
3PM · Arrival and Check-In
Our immediate families arrive and settle into a shared cabin, followed by a cozy, intimate dinner together to kick off the weekend and let our families finally meet.
Dress: Comfortable & Casual
Friday · July 10th
Aloha Hawkesdene
Arrival & Check-In early afternoon
Guests arrive, explore the property, settle in.
Tiki Welcome Party
Tropical drinks, island-inspired bites, music, and sunset mountain views.
Evening
Fire pits, karaoke, games, and celebrating the first night of everyone together.
Dress: Tropical. Breezy. Island party vibes. Tropical prints encouraged. Have fun with it.
Saturday · July 11th
Slow Morning
Breakfast and coffee together on the porch, creek walks, and mountain air.
Afternoon
Free time to hike, nap, play lawn games, explore, meet the alpacas, and enjoy what Hawkesdene has to offer.
Evening
Happily Ever After Party
We'll share our wedding video, enter as husband and wife, have dinner, dance, and celebrate late into the night with live music from local Chattanooga band, Jaguar Shark.
After After Party
More drinks, karaoke, and making memories.
Dress: Mountain garden party vibes. Earthy tones encouraged, but not required. Feel your best.
Sunday · July 12th
Farewell Brunch
A final long brunch together to reminisce on a perfect weekend before heading home.
Dress: Relaxed & cozy. Soft pants encouraged.
Things To Do
We chose Hawkesdene because it feels like its own little mountain world.
Once you arrive, you truly don’t need to go anywhere else.
This weekend is about settling in, unplugging, and spending unhurried time together. Wander the trails. Sit by the creek. Linger over coffee. Sneak away for a nap. Stay up too late by the fire.
Here are just a few of the ways to enjoy Hawkesdene during your stay:
Explore The Property
Creekside Wandering
Dip your toes in the water, skip rocks, or simply sit and listen. The sound of the creek is the best background music.
On-Site Hiking Trails
Miles of private trails wind through the forest and along the water. Perfect for morning walks, afternoon adventures, and sunset strolls.
Fire Pits & Evening Hangs
Gather around the fire with a drink, tell stories, roast marshmallows, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
The Meadow & River Views
Open spaces for lounging, yard games, reading, and doing absolutely nothing in the most beautiful way possible.
Meet the Alpacas
Need we say more?
Slow Mornings
Coffee on the Porch
Bring your mug, find a rocking chair, and watch the mountains wake up.
Hot Breakfasts & Brunches
All meals are included, so come hungry and stay for a while.
Yoga, Stretching & Quiet Time
Take a deep breath, roll out a mat, or simply sit with a book and let the outside world be far away for a few days.
Play & Relax
Creekside Hammocks
Napping is not only allowed, it is encouraged. Sam said so.
Board Games & Puzzles
It's not a family weekend without games. We'll have plenty to choose from, but feel free to bring your go-to favorites!
Lawn Games & Friendly Competition
Cornhole, bocce, STUMP, and other yard games will be out to play.
TRAVEL + ACCOMMODATIONS
ON-SITE ACCOMMODATIONS
You're invited to stay on-site at the Hawkesdene Estate for an all-inclusive weekend with lodging, food (breakfast, lunch, dinner + snacks), and drinks (alcoholic + non-alcoholic). The cost for the entire weekend is $500/adult (12 years and older). You can pay at the link below.
Please RSVP by April 20th & complete payment by June 9th.
Please complete payment & RSVP by June 9th.
Flights
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
About two hours from Andrews, NC
McGee Tyson (Knoxville) Airport
about two hours from Andrews, NC
Asheville Regional Airport
about two hours from Andrews, NC
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
about 2.5-3 hours from Andrews, NC
