The evening started very routinely - dinner with a girlfriend, we met other friends, and then I met him. His name was Jack. Over the next couple weeks, he asked me out a few times, and finally, I said yes to Shakespeare in the Park. Even on our first date, I knew there was something special about him.

Three months later, I was offered a job in Asheville, NC, so I made the move from Lexington, KY. I knew that if Jack and I had what it took to survive, we could endure a long distance relationship. We had a wonderful time on his visits to Asheville, many of our favorite moments were at the Grove Park Inn, either for Sunday brunch after church or dinner and dancing after dark.

Another step in my career brought me to Knoxville, TN. Although my relationship with Jack continued to grow stronger, we were still living in different towns. He took care of that December 2003, during a weekend getaway to the Grove Park Inn. He proposed after dinner, while the server was taking pictures and fellow diners were applauding.

After much thought on where to get married, the Grove Park Inn seemed perfect! We were married there in July 2004, five years to the day of our first date at Shakespeare in the Park.

Even when I thought an evening with a girlfriend was routine, an unexpected meeting changed my life.

Photography by Photography by Sabrina, Wedding Coordinator Gwenn Ford, Wedding Inspirations, Asheville, NC.