Hurricane Helene devastated a large portion of Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina on September 27, 2024. It flooded a large portion of Asheville and wiped out infrastructure, including the main road between Asheville and Johnson City. As the situation unfolded it became clear that we could not move forward despite some early optimism. But love is patient and we cannot wait to celebrate with all our closest family and friends on April 19, 2025. The Western North Carolina area is ready and waiting to host guests again. And we can't wait to see you for some fun in the Appalachian spring!

Her version .... Starting off as friends, a medical school event allowed us to run into each other and we started texting more frequently. Never thinking he would say yes, I invited Dan to watch the New Years Eve fireworks on top my apartment's parking garage. He responded with , "Do you like Prosecco?" I of course admitted that bubbles were one of my favorites and our night of talking ended with 360 degree views of fireworks and the New Orleans skyline. Sounds like a romantic first date but we don't actually consider that a date. Dan was leaving in a few days for a 6-week rotation in rural Louisiana, so we quickly fit in a night of drinks at Cure and a night of sharing Bakery Bar cake slices. Right before he left, we ended up at N7 for a romantic first date filled with wine, French food and endless conversation. I couldn't stop smiling and the rest is history. His version .... The Howlin' Wolf was, perhaps not the greatest place to strike up a conversation, but I wanted to say hello to Alyssa. Hello turned into an extended conversation, the bands quickly forgotten in the background. The texting started the next day and didn't stop through the holidays. I came back to New Orleans for New Years Eve and decided to take a chance on spending time with her and took her offer. I discovered he love for Prosecco and loved every moment of that night, culminating in the fantastic fireworks display from the roof of the parking garage. Soon it was cocktails & pizza, then cake at her place, then an official date at N7. I spent the next 6 weeks in northern Louisiana for a rotation, and we keep the communication going despite the distance. I found myself visiting every chance I could get. Things were going really well and then the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world. Alyssa became the central figure in my bubble. We spent lots of time together, eating takeout, supporting each other through the uncertainty, and building a foundation for a lasting relationship.

Dan maintains that Alyssa made the first move by inviting him to N7 for their first date. But Alyssa still believes it was a mutual decision.

Dan took Alyssa to brunch and then for a walk along the Mississippi River in one of their favorite parks. He proposed at the end of dock with the view of New Orleans in the background. He then planned a weekend away at the beach along the Gulf Coast to celebrate. It was complete with a waterfront hotel and lots of little surprises, including pizza and wine at sunset on the beach and beautiful dinner at The White Pillars.

Alyssa always wears fun socks, and she has made it her goal to improve Dan's sock game one pair at a time. Alyssa is a Gryffindor for sure! According to Dan, he is a Ravenclaw but Alyssa maintains that he is also part Hufflepuff Dan started baking bread when Alyssa moved to residency because she complained that there was no good focaccia in Johnson City. But he will usually leave the desserts to Alyssa.

"Strawberry Wine" by Deana Carter Alyssa made Dan dance with her on Miramar Beach in Florida after sunset on her birthday

"Steady Love" by Ben Rector

We have a goal as a couple to visit all the US National Parks. One of our most memorable trips was a two-week California trip that included beaches, Pinnacles National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Kings Canyon National Park and of course wine in Napa Valley

First Date to Getting on One Knee: 845 days (2 years, 3 months, 24 days) Long-Distance Relationship: 754 days (2 years, 23 days) Distance: 701 miles First Date to I Do: 1937 days (5 years, 3 months, 20 days)