A Cottage Elopement for Cassidy & Brian in Ashville

Cassidy & Brian’s love story is also a military story! They were both serving their country when they met in Japan. They fell in love, and living in different countries only strengthened their relationship. However, when it came to planning a wedding, they knew it would be tricky. Simply Eloped pulled all the pieces together for them as they chose to marry at a naturally beautiful Airbnb in Asheville, North Carolina. The mountain views and cottage deck were the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. Cassidy & Brian eloped in style in more ways than one. Brian’s grey waistcoat, blue suit, and tie are style perfect, and Cassidy rocked her gorgeous lace gown and hair jewelry. Find out why these two were so happy with the intimacy of their Simply Eloped wedding…

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Brian: We met through a mutual friend while I was stationed in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan. My first impression of Cassidy was how pretty she was inside and out. I was impressed with her commitment to friendship in coming all the way out to Japan. It gave me a hint that she also loved to travel. She seemed willing to try new experiences, and I found that very intriguing and attractive. 

Cassidy: Brian and I met while visiting a good friend in the Navy who was stationed in Japan. I was stationed in the Air Force in Virginia and knew I wanted to visit Japan as soon as possible. My first impression of Brian was how he treated others around him. He was always a helping hand to others and very easygoing. He was a genuine and joyful person to be around.

How did you propose or accept the proposal? 

Brian: I proposed during sunrise at a lookout spot in the Asheville, North Carolina mountains. 

Cassidy: I knew he wanted to propose several times before and could tell the proposal was coming. It was so sweet, and the setting was gorgeous. Because of Covid and other extenuating circumstances, we still weren’t living in the same city due to us both being in the military. He ended up proposing the day before we eloped!

Where did you choose to elope, and why did you choose that destination?

Cassidy: We chose to elope In Asheville, NC., where we had our first vacation together. During that vacation, we decided we would attempt a long-distance relationship while we were both still on active duty serving in separate countries. We both fell in love with Asheville because it has access to the mountains while also being close to a larger city. The city is artsy and has a great feel about it.

What attracted you to the venue you eloped at? What were your favorite parts about eloping there? 

Cassidy: We actually ended up eloping at an Airbnb location. We asked permission from the owner and were able to elope on the deck of a cabin with a view of the mountains. We enjoyed the view and intimacy. We both like being in nature, and the mountains near Asheville were the perfect spot. 

How would you describe your elopement venue to someone who has never been there?

Cassidy: It was intimate, quiet, and full of nature which made it the perfect setting. There is the availability to go on hiking trails in the mountains and access to a city where you can enjoy the downtown area. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement? 

Cassidy: The wedding day was very low-key. Brian was able to run small errands like getting my flowers from a local florist and getting food from our favorite local vegan spot, who went all out for our day! We both had separate areas to get ready in the cabin. Our officiant, Amanda, actually helped me with the finishing touches with my dress. The time before our elopement was very relaxing and lighthearted, although filled with a few nerves! 

How was your experience with Simply Eloped? 

Cassidy: Simply Eloped was wonderful in coordinating our special day. We had started planning while I was stationed In Turkey, and Brian was stationed in Southern California, so having Simply Eloped to help us through all the details was a blessing.

How did you choose to celebrate your elopement? 

Cassidy: We spent the following week exploring Asheville, NC. We hiked several local trails, including Mt. Mitchell and a few waterfall hikes. We also had the chance to explore downtown Asheville, eat all the local food, and stop by some of our favorite spots from our first trip to Asheville in 2018.

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Cassidy:  If you are looking for an intimate experience that can cater to exactly what you want, eloping is for you. You’ll get to enjoy every small detail of your special day, and it will allow so much flexibility in your day. We never felt rushed or stressed. It was the perfect day in every way.

Officiation by: Amanda Jones
Photography by: Cappy Phalen
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Lower Paw Paw Rd, 1, South Marshall, Asheville, North Carolina

Written by Janessa White

Janessa White is the co-founder of Simply Eloped and has helped thousands of couples plan elopements. As an expert in the field, she has been featured on Brides.com, Vox, and HuffPost. Janessa thinks elopements are the ultimate way to tie the knot.