Mary & Ben

The Lake Lure Inn & Spa

April, 24 2021

Ben was nervous to go on his first date with Mary, but he just had a really good feeling about her. When she agreed to get ice cream at Cold Stone, he knew this was something great. Actually, after an amazing first date, Ben even texted his friend saying he was very sure he met his future wife. 

For their second date, they went to see a movie, and by the third date, Ben was introducing Mary to his friends. In fact, they went out to eat with Neil! Ben and Neil have known each other for years and met through school in North Carolina. Prior to Ben meeting Mary, the three of us (Ben, Neil, & Erica) would do regular cookouts, hang out at the beach, and talk for hours about life. So it’s been really fun to see Ben and Mary’s relationship blossom over time! And we’re excited to continue to have awesome adventures with these two! Ben and Mary have so much fun together and they love to hike, camp, ride bikes, and go on adventures!

Their Engagement

Last year, they were going to go to Montana to hike at Glacier National Park and see all that Montana has to offer. Beyond that, Ben had an extremely important surprise for Mary on that trip. Unfortunately, COVID travel restrictions didn’t allow them to go to Montana. However, they didn’t let that stop their wanderlust! It also didn’t put a damper on Ben’s special plan either. Instead, Hilton Head Island became their next stop.

The little island off of South Carolina’s shores allowed for beautiful scenery for walks on the beach. One evening, a lightning storm rolling over the ocean provided a perfect backdrop for what Ben had planned. After dinner, Mary wanted to continue the lovely evening and go for a walk on the beach to watch the lightning storm. It was the perfect night and Ben started joking that he should propose to her with ice cream because of their first date! She completely bought into the joke and had no idea what was coming next. Ben then set up his camera to take pictures with the incredible storm and he handed Mary his phone to look at a picture. She took it without giving it a second thought. When she looked down, she was completely surprised to see a picture of a gorgeous ring! She then looked up and saw Ben on one knee. When he asked one of the most important questions of his life, Mary said yes without hesitation!

Striking Lake Lure Wedding

Rainy wedding days have traditionally meant good luck. In Ben and Mary’s case, it meant all of that and more! They had amazing fog and clouds rolling through the mountain tops which created such a striking Lake Lure wedding! Even though they had to push the ceremony back an hour and change some things, the skies stopped pouring down and they were able to have an amazing ceremony on the mountainside. Their union was so beautiful and meaningful surrounded by their loved ones and the spirits of those who couldn’t be with them. Ben, we know your dad was filling his chair and the whole valley with his love and support for you and Mary.

We had such an amazing time celebrating with you, Ben and Mary! Your families and friends welcomed us in and we had a blast throughout the whole weekend! We are so unbelievably happy for you two and hope you have a wonderful honeymoon in Tanzania! You two are so wonderful and we’re so excited for your incredible adventure to start as Mr. and Mrs. Orndorff!

VENDORS

Venue | The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Venue Coordinator | Allyssa Dixon at The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Wedding Planner |  Meagan Jenzen at North + South Wedding Company

Floral Arrangements | Heather DuPlooy at Flower Market

Hair Stylist and Makeup Artist | Iron Gate Spa

Caterer | The 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa

Cake Artist | Sherry at Publix

Band | Emerald Empire Band

Bridal Dress | Coastal Knot Bridal

Ring & Jewelry | Johnson’s Jewelers of Raleigh

Officiant | Pete Smith

Check out another mountain wedding here: Janey + Logan’s Mountainside Wedding