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Morgan and Mike at Crystal Springs Resort

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Ariana Baio


We met in September of 2011 while we were both attending Monmouth University. Mike was a senior and I was a freshman. We started talking at Mike’s fraternity event. From there, we developed a great friendship and relationship, but two years later, Mike decided to move back down to North Carolina. We were doing long distance for almost two years but made it work as we knew we would eventually live in the same city. Well, the time came in March 2016 when I decided to make the move to Charlotte, North Carolina. The rest is history!

Mike had a whole weekend planned in Asheville, North Carolina with one of my best friends and her boyfriend. We were going to the Biltmore Estate for a full tour and wine tasting and he had our friends in on the plan. At the end of the tour, Mike found a picturesque view of the landscape and got down on one knee to propose. I had no idea he was going to propose and had absolutely no words but “Yes!” My two friends captured the entire proposal and we went wine tasting to celebrate.

The theme was a rustic, elegant and romantic. Our colors captured the entire vibe with burgundy, light pinks, neutrals and greens- I wanted our centerpieces to highlight that. We also had candles, greeneries and tucks of burgundy and pink flowers. Our sweetheart table had a greenery runner along the table length with tucks of ivory, white, blush and pink flowers. We also wanted our arch to be the focal point when you first walked to the ceremony location but not taking away of the backdrop. It was simple draping with light greenery tie backs and simple spray of flowers. Our favors were rustic keys that were bottle openers that said, “thank you for being a key part of our lives.”

We both knew we wanted a rustic, but elegant, theme and right when we arrived at Crystal Springs, we both knew this was the place we wanted to get married. The entire wedding weekend could be there and none of our guests would have to leave, it was convenient for everyone. We fell in love with the picturesque view of the mountains and the Rotunda room for the cocktail hour with the sunset was everything we could have hoped for and more.

The menu was a three course sit-down dinner with a Caprese salad, choice of chicken, salmon, or vegetarian homemade pasta, and ended with a pop-up cake bar that our guests loved! They baked everything right there so the entire room smelled delicious. Our flavors of our cake was layered with chocolate and vanilla.

My gown was a gorgeous fit-and-flare lace dress with a low back and flowing train. This was actually the first dress I tried on and knew right away that this was the one. It fit so well and hit all my curves the right way with the cutouts and linear paneling.

My favorite moment was when I walked down the aisle. I was so relaxed most of the morning that the nerves didn’t hit until we were all lining up. We didn’t do a first look so all the anticipation led up to this moment. Being with my dad and walking down, the first thing I saw was Mike and it was the happiest moment of my life.

Having someone at the end of the night help with bringing back all of your cards and gifts!

Bustling my dress took longer than we anticipated. Other than that, everything was absolutely perfect.

“Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Andrea Bocelli and Katharine McPhee.

Be relaxed as possible on your wedding day! No need to stress before the big day! Also, make sure you at least eat something in the morning because you won’t be eating until cocktail hour/dinner.

We took a mini-moon to Portland, Maine (somewhere we always wanted to go)! Our real honeymoon is to Italy and we will be going to Rome, Florence, and Venice.

the details

Hometowns

Tewksbury Township, NJ

Reception Location

Crystal Springs Resort

Photographer

Montclair Studio

Officiant

Diane LaCorte

Bride’s Gown

Martina Liana

+ more