Real Weddings
Eden and Shayne’s Fearrington Wedding
Eden and Shayne had a beautiful December wedding last year in the gardens. Their engagement story and their memories of their wedding bring us happiness this winter as we think about celebrations to come. Enjoy!
How did you two meet?
We initially met in 2008 while taking a high school chemistry class together. We were even lab partners and sat right next to each other all semester long. Neither of us knew much about the other and we never really talked after that class, but it was a fun semester together as classmates.
Fast forward to the fall of 2012, Shayne was about to retire from the Army and I was starting my sophomore year of college at Appalachian State University. I randomly get a message from him on Facebook one day saying, “Hey! What’s up? Remember me?” I told him I did and then we just kept talking, and we continued every day from that point forward. We finally got to meet up with each other in August of 2013 when Shayne came home and was retired from the Army. For our first date we went to Chili’s and saw the movie Red 2. I eventually got him to move to Boone and attend ASU with me! The rest is history.
Tell us about the engagement?
The proposal was simple, sweet, private, and perfect for us. After returning home from a Christmas Eve celebration in 2018, Shayne asked if I wanted to go ahead and exchange gifts that night. I agreed and we went to grab each other’s presents from their various hiding spots around the house. After we both opened two gifts each, Shayne announced that there was one more gift under the tree. I looked at him puzzled, and in my mind, I thought, “What?! We agreed on two gifts each!!”. Then he pulled the jewelry box out from under the tree and got down on one knee before asking, “Will you marry me?”. I immediately exclaimed, “Of course!”. Since it was late at night we just enjoyed the moment together and surprised our families the next day.
What made Fearrington the place for you to say ‘I do?’
Shayne and I are both simple folks. I think we lived in western NC for too long! We didn’t want anything to huge or to have some big production; although with us each having big families, it’s inevitable to have a bit of a crowd! We love wide open spaces, animals, fishing, and living the simple American dream, so Fearrington seemed like the perfect venue choice to reflect that. I also loved that everything was all inclusive so we didn’t have to hire so many outside vendors. Everything was streamline and in one location. And as an added bonus, out of town family could stay on site as well! We loved the process here and the end result was amazing!
Describe the highlight moment of your wedding day.
The ceremony when we got married. It almost felt like no one else was in the room while we were exchanging rings and vows. I will never forget that.
What was the biggest surprise of the day?
Definitely the dancers that my Mom surprised us with! I did not see that coming! That was such a good idea and really got people dancing!
What was your biggest surprise about wedding planning?
How many tiny details there are to plan and consider! Everyone always says there’s so much work involved, but you really don’t understand until you’re going through it. It’s a fun process, but it’s a lot of work! There’s almost a science to it because you have to figure certain things out in a particular order or with a particular timing involved. I’m sure I’ll look back and miss all of that wedding planning with my mom in the future!
Photographer – Krystal Kast
Hair Stylist – Claire with OnLoKtion Makeup
Make-up Artist – Pamela Hung with OnLoKtion
Wedding Gown – Allure Bridals Wilderly Willow Gown
Bridal Salon – New York Bride & Groom
Bridesmaids’ Dresses – David’s Bridal
Groom’s Attire – Bernard’s Formalwear Shop