FAQs

Question

When should I RSVP by?

Answer

Everyone should please RSVP by Friday, September 28th, 2025. We ask that you RSVP online through the "RSVP" tab at the top of this website. Our wedding is a strict 18+ only event, so we ask guests to please not bring their children.

Question

Can I bring a date?

Answer

We ask that only invited guests (names listed on the envelope containing the invitation) come to the wedding. Unfortunately, our venue does not have the capacity for guests to bring plus ones.

Question

Is there a dress code?

Answer

We ask that everyone wear formal attire. For women, dresses or gowns below the knee, formal jumpsuits, or pant suits. For men, tuxes or suits, with tie or bow-tie, and dress shoes. Fall colors are highly encouraged, but not required. Because the venue is in the mountains, it may be breezy and it can get below 50F at night - consider bringing a jacket, shawl, or coat.

Question

Will I have to rent a car?

Answer

Any guests who are flying in from out of state will have to rent a vehicle, as the venue is 2 - 2.5 hours away from all major airports in the area. The easiest access with the most available flight and car rental options will be at Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

Question

Do you have any hotel recommendations?

Answer

We have reserved hotel blocks, and other hotel/lodging recommendations are listed in the "Travel" tab at the top of the website. They are listed beneath the flight and car rental information. When searching for accommodations, please search the Boone, NC area, as Purlear is a small mountain town. Most lodging will be at least 20-30 minutes from the venue.

Question

How do I get to the venue?

Answer

The venue is at the top of a mountain, and there are two ways to reach it, once of which is much safer/reliable. Type in "Sky Retreat" to your preferred maps/directions app. Make sure the directions take you from Idlewild Rd > Philips Gaps Rd > Blue Ridge Parkway > Philip Gaps Rd > Cascade Dr. This will take you on the safest path to the venue at the top of the mountain.

Question

Where and when are the ceremony and reception?

Answer

Both the ceremony and reception will be held at Sky Retreat (438 Cascade Dr, Purlear, NC 28665). The ceremony will take place at 5:30 PM outside on the paved patio to the left of the main building. There will be a cocktail hour from 6 PM - 7 PM. The reception will be held at 7 PM inside the main building. Dinner will be served at 7 PM, and dancing/festivities will begin at 8 PM and end at 11:00 PM.

Question

What time should I arrive at the ceremony?

Answer

The ceremony will begin at 5:30 PM. We ask that guests arrive and be seated between 4:30-5:20. There will be no seating chart for the ceremony, but we ask that guests leave the front two rows open on either side for family.

Question

Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?

Answer

There is parking onsite for guests. We will not be offering a shuttle service/transportation from hotels. There will be a coordinator directing traffic in the parking lot to make parking as easy and stress free as possible. Parking is slightly limited, so carpooling is HIGHLY encouraged if available.

Question

What is the food being served? What if I have dietary restrictions?

Answer

The Smoke Pit, a beloved barbecue restaurant in Concord, NC will be catering our event. There will be two entrees, three sides, bread, desert, and drinks offered to guests. There will also be an open bar from 6PM to 11PM. Any guests who have dietary restrictions/concerns, please be sure to list them when you RSVP. A separate plate accommodating your needs will be ready for you during dinner at your request.

Question

Can I take pictures during the ceremony?

Answer

We ask that guests refrain from taking pictures/video during the ceremony as we have hired a wonderful photographer and videographer to document our event. Guests are invited and highly encouraged to take pictures throughout the cocktail hour and reception. We will be using a photo sharing website called GuestCam, which allows guests to scan a QR code and upload photos from the night onto one large gallery. We may even have some photo challenges for guests to partake in!

Question

Do you have a registry?

Answer

Yes! Our registry is listed above at the top of the website, under the tab "Registry."

Question

Question Not Answered Above?

Answer

For any questions or concerns not answered above, please reach out to Cady Bartle at 843-906-6710 for more information.