Lizzy and Trey’s love story began in 2016 when they met through mutual friends during a beach trip. They instantly hit it off, and their friendship grew stronger over time. Their first date, a year later, was at their favorite concert venue, The Roxy, where they attended a Glass Animals concert. Since then, music and concerts have played a significant role in their relationship.

When it came to planning their wedding, it was clear that Lizzy and Trey wanted something special. They both had a love for travel, and a destination wedding seemed like the perfect choice. “We wanted our families and friends to enjoy a whole weekend together, away from home,” Lizzy explained. Inspired by her sister’s destination wedding in Santa Barbara, CA, Lizzy knew that having everyone together for a few nights would create unforgettable memories.

Choosing the location for their wedding was an important decision. After considering various destinations, Lizzy and Trey discovered Lake Toxaway, a hidden gem in North Carolina. Its proximity to Atlanta, Georgia, made it an ideal choice for their guests, with no flights or long car rides required. The couple found the destination through articles featuring boutique hotels in the Southeast, and the Greystone Inn caught their attention with its stunning setting and glowing reviews.

While Lake Toxaway offered many advantages, the couple knew they had to prepare for the possibility of rain, as it is common in the area. They planned for a clear tent to ensure that guests could still enjoy the beautiful weather while being protected. Organizing the space, stage, and tables on the south lawn proved to be a challenge, but Lizzy and Trey were determined to create a memorable event for their 100 guests.

The Greystone Inn, a smaller hotel offering a full buyout, was the perfect venue for Lizzy and Trey’s wedding. With 30 rooms and nearby mountain houses for guests to rent, it provided an intimate and exclusive experience. The couple immediately fell in love with the venue during their first visit, enchanted by the mountain air and the tranquil atmosphere of the lake. The amenities at Lake Toxaway, including the marina, the Greystone Inn Concierge, and the Lake Toxaway Country Club, added to the appeal for their guests.

The couple carefully planned the decor and extras for their special day. Lizzy’s love for white roses and Italian ruscus greenery inspired a breathtaking floral tower arrangement at the ceremony. They intentionally kept other decorations minimal, allowing the natural beauty of Lake Toxaway and the Greystone Inn to shine. A DIY project involved creating a welcome sign and seating chart from a linen curtain and clothing rack, adding a personalized touch. The couple’s attention to detail extended to the menus, which had a modern and monochrome design. The bride sourced candles and glass candle chimneys from other local brides, while Berbank Events provided beautiful tent drapery to bring the whole look together.

“Trey and I had our first kiss at Johnnys Hideaway in Atlanta, which has been a popular nightclub and an Atlanta staple since the 70s,” the bride says. “There’s a nostalgic feel and a disco ball over the dancefloor so we decided to add some disco balls into our greenery focal arrangement in the tent over our white dancefloor.”

The couple’s ceremony was deeply personal. They chose an officiant who had been a friend of Trey’s since childhood, someone who had witnessed their relationship grow since its early days. Together, they selected vows and wrote letters to each other, which the officiant used to create a touching ceremony. Starting with a prayer to bless their marriage, Lizzy and Trey shared a favorite bible passage on love, John 4:7-12. Incorporating family traditions, Lizzy wore her great-grandmother’s vintage pearl earrings and carried her great-grandmother’s handkerchief down the aisle.

Planning a wedding from afar can be challenging, but Lizzy and Trey found support and guidance along the way. The onsite coordinator at the Greystone Inn provided a list of preferred vendors and offered valuable advice. Lizzy also found inspiration and tips from resources like the “Betches Brides Podcast,” where she discovered a wedding planner guide that proved incredibly helpful. Pre-wedding site visits allowed the couple to visualize the reception space layout and fine-tune the details.

Having a destination wedding allowed Lizzy and Trey to create lasting memories and share a unique experience with their guests. The entire weekend was filled with activities such as golfing, boating, and exploring the area’s attractions. The intimate nature of their wedding, with around 100 guests, made the celebration feel even more special and allowed them to form deeper connections with their loved ones. The breathtaking scenery of Lake Toxaway provided a stunning backdrop for their photos, with a serene lake and a cotton candy pink and blue sunset.

Reflecting on their wedding, Lizzy and Trey have some valuable advice for couples preparing for their big day. “Go visit the venue even if you don’t plan to spend the whole weekend there! Even just hanging out on site for a few hours can help you to tell if you can see yourselves getting married there. Explore the nearby activities that guests can utilize. There was something for everyone at our venue which people loved.”

Lizzy and Trey’s North Carolina destination wedding was a dream come true. The beautiful setting, thoughtful details, and cherished moments created an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. As Lake Toxaway holds a special place in their hearts, Lizzy and Trey look forward to returning to their wedding destination to relive the memories and create new ones.

Vendors: Photographer: Elle of Elissa Deline Photography; Videographer: Madison Phillips; Coordinator: Keystone Event Coordinating; Venue: The Greystone Inn; Tent & Drapery: Classic Event Rentals & Berbank Events; Florist: Southern Touch Flowers; Stationery: Curated Events Co; Cake: 50/Fifty: The Art of Dessert; Makeup and Hair: Yuliya Niko Artistry & Liz Black; Gown Designer: Pallas Couture; Gown Store: Still White; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Dolce & Gabbana; Bridesmaids Dresses: Marchesa Notte, Watters, Show Me Your Mumu; Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse; DJ/Saxophone: ReDrum from East Coast Entertainment