Reminiscing on memories from holiday celebrations and summer vacations, it was obvious to Jay and Kelly that their destination wedding had to be in Highlands, North Carolina. With a family home in Highlands, warm weather and beautiful views, the lovebirds knew their guests would love the location as much as they do.

“When the time came to make a decision on location, it was an easy choice for us,” says the couple. “We felt it would be nice to have our families and our friends experience all that we enjoy about the town and area.”

Even coordinating their destination wedding from afar proved to not be a challenge for the couple. “Overall it was a great experience for us. We made one trip pre-wedding to Highlands to walk the venue and we had originally planned to make a second trip, but decided it was not necessary,” the couple says.

Between the coordinating, flights and the long drives to reach the couple’s dream destination, one thing that made the couple’s day fall into place seamlessly was their wedding planner. Attributing the success of their wedding to their planner, the couple recommends the extra help to every couple. “They will keep you on budget and carry out your wedding day vision,” the lovebirds say. “They know the ins and outs of planning such a special day and will offer insight on things that you may have never considered.”

But having a wedding planner wasn’t what made their perfect wedding day into a wedding weekend. Deciding on a destination wedding allowed the opportunity for a trip the couple would never forget. “It allowed us to spend more time with everyone because there are not many times in your life that you have both of your families and closest friends together in the same place, so by having a destination wedding were really able to get the most out of this special occasion.”

Ending their perfect weekend with the company of their family and friends, the couple shares advice to any couple thinking about planning their own destination wedding. “Enjoy every second of it and don’t lose sight of the true meaning behind your day. It can be easy to get wrapped up in all the details, but in the end, it’s only about the love that you share,” says Kelly. “Know that no matter how much planning happens, there will be at least one ‘oh-uh’ leading up to your wedding, so just ride the wave and have faith that all will work out!”

Vendors: Photographer: Chris Kruger Photography, Videographer: Anchor Weddings, Wedding Planner: Event Bliss, Ceremony/Reception Site: The Bascom, Catering: Rosewood, Florist: Event Bliss, Stationery: Minted, Cake: The Cake Connection, Hair & Makeup: Creative Concepts Salon, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Men’s Warehouse, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Groomsmen – Men’s Warehouse, Bridesmaids – Assorted Designers, Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Music: The Wellstrung Band, Reception Entertainment: East Coast Entertainment, Accommodations & Getting Ready Venue: Highlands Inn Lodge