In August of 2023, Madison and John were married on a picturesque day in the High Country, surrounded by panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Mary’s Meadow at Overlook Barn.
Their day was designed to perfection, with hints of blue tying every aspect of their day together, but most importantly, their love for each other and the loved ones who were there to celebrate with them shined in every moment of their day.
Our team was so glad to be a part of Madison and John’s creative team, and we were thrilled to have the chance to catch up with them and hear all about their wedding story, from dating to engagement to saying, “I do.”
Without further ado, let’s jump right in!
Their Story:
Madison and John’s story begins as students at Appalachian State University in the heart of the High Country, Boone, North Carolina. During the Spring semester of their freshman year, Madison and John had a dreaded 8 AM class together on the topic of the “History of Latin American Literature.”
John shared, “A few weeks into the semester, I finally worked up the nerve to introduce myself to Madison after class, and the connection felt instant. The pain of having to wake up for that 8 AM class quickly disappeared and turned into excitement.”
Throughout the rest of that Spring semester, they filled their time with memorable dates, including drives on the parkway, heading to their favorite dinner spot [where John would one day propose to Madison], hiking together [and per John, “preventing Madison from falling off a waterfall” -eek!], and lots of late nights spent in the library.
They began officially dating that Summer and made countless memories in the High Country.
Six years later, they said, “I do,” in the same mountains where their love began. They exchanged their vows at the Overlook Barn in August 2023, surrounded by family and friends.
Musings from Madison & John on Wedding Planning:
What was your favorite part of wedding planning?
“I loved working with Meris & the Whole Shebang Crew. All of you made it so easy and stress free and allowed us to really enjoy the wedding process.”
What is something you learned throughout the wedding planning process?
“Take inspo from Pinterest & Tiktok etc but make it your own rather than create an exact copy of something you’ve seen someone else do!!* I got caught up in the latest trends/styles and had to take a step back and reflect on what truly reflected us as a couple & shared the same story, interest & background etc.”
*Sarah, jumping in here, we completely agree and cannot emphasize enough how important it is to make your day YOURS and not a carbon copy of someone else’s day. Madison and John did a fantastic job of that! If you’d like a guide to define your wedding vision and design without being an exact replica of Pinterest or Instagram, check out our freebie linked HERE!
What is something (if anything) that didn’t go as you originally planned on the day of your wedding, and how did you respond?
As Madison and John reflected on what didn’t go exactly as planned during their wedding day, they shared about a brief introduction mishap as they entered their reception.
Their best piece of advice is to “not freak out and just go with it.”
They noted that when things go wrong during your wedding weekend, it “is only as big of a deal as you make it.”
Some things that don’t go as planned, they recalled, may be clear to guests, and some aren’t, but either way, “That’s just life & the key is to HAVE FUN!”
What is your favorite memory of your wedding celebration?
“Our first look & the dancing at the reception!”
What advice would you give to a couple who is currently planning their wedding?
- “Carve out time during the wedding for just the two of you & really soak in the moment. The day goes SO fast. I remember everyone telling us that and I didn’t believe it until we were on our honeymoon thinking “ oh my gosh how is it over!”
- It’s a little cliche, but don’t get caught up in what people think you should do, or that things have to be a ‘certain’ way. The day is about you and your partner and you should have the wedding you want!
- Prioritize guest experience and ensure they have fun too!”
We enjoyed every moment of Madison and John’s day, from planning to “I do,” and love the opportunity to relive it with our couples through these blog posts and the photo memories captured behind the lens on their wedding day.
See their love in photographs below from Bethany Barton Photography, and check out their fantastic vendor team!
[P.S. As you scroll through their photos, check out the unique details and moments of their day, including their stunning ceremony programs, their breathtaking petal toss after “I Do,” and the butterfly that made a special appearance!]
Vendor Team:
Planning: The Whole Shebang Events
Venue: Overlook Barn
Photography: Bethany Barton Photography
Hair and Makeup: Della Terra Beauty and Hair by Macy
Cake: Hallmark Cakes
Dessert: Blue Deer Cookies
Catering: Gadabouts Catering
Late Night Snack: Famous Brick Oven
Entertainment: Mohr Fun Events
Ceremony Music: Dean’s Duets
Floral Design: Felicity Floral Design
Officiant: Love and Wisdom Officiants
Rentals: The Festive Elk
Transportation: High Country Transportation
Helping couples bring their unique wedding experience to life is our specialty. We are honored to have had 14 years in the High Country and cannot wait for many more. Interested in planning your own High Country Wedding? Contact us here!
Want to read more stories like Madison and John’s? Check out our blog for pages upon pages of weddings and advice from a decade of weddings and events in the High Country.
Interested in seeing other Overlook Barn weddings that The Whole Shebang has helped bring to life? Check out Ashlyn & Michael, Jen & Tyler, Cait & Adam, Alex & Meredith, and more wedding days here!
