This wedding was especially near and very dear to my heart, simply because it was my mom's. For the past 2 years, I've listened to all the details as they were ironed out, designed invites and cards galore, helped make center pieces, etc., but I never could've imagined how stunningly perfect this wedding was going to be. The most important part of any wedding is obviously the happiness and love of the bride and groom, and seeing so many people come together to help make my mom's and Dennis' vision come true means so much.

Believe it or not, Dennis and Karen met for the first time in 1973 in Mrs. Philpott’s second grade classroom. Dennis sat behind Karen. According to Dennis, “All I noticed was her pretty smile and how well dressed she was. She always seemed happy.” Fifth grade would bring them together again in Mrs. Marshall’s classroom. But it wasn’t until tenth grade English class (and again, Dennis sat behind Karen) that their friendship truly grew. They had great conversations and would quite frequently get into trouble for talking too much. Karen remembers being tapped on her shoulder to turn around and chat, but scared that she would get into trouble. Karen too remembers Dennis always smiling at her and his kindness and maturity stood out always from the other boys his age (and of course, he was so cute!). Destiny took them and their friendship to different places in the world, each seeking their own special place in life, and even though they were apart for 29 years, their affection and friendship never changed. As fate and prayers would have it, 2012 was the year for many wonderful discoveries. Chance encounters and some social media (thank you, Lauren) brought them together chatting, revealing a long lasting affection and admiration that neither knew of the other. And the rest is history…

Dennis and Karen's wedding took place at Centennial Station in High Point, NC. My mom has imagined this rustic, wintry wedding for a really long time, so finding Centennial Station was pretty much hitting the jackpot when it came to the perfect wedding venue. Originally serving as a freight train depot in the 1930s, this renovated station was unique with tons of character and charm. It felt like a getaway to a snowy cabin (in what is usually a much milder area of North Carolina) with the help of Travis Green's amazing decorating skills. It made for some really unique wedding photos, which I'm really excited to share.

The day started out getting hair done at Park’s Edge Salon. This cute salon right off of Battleground Ave. in Greensboro, had the perfect holiday vibe to start our day off. Christmas music played in the background, and their window decorations ended up being the prime spot for some quick, wintry ring shots. We then made our way to High Point, NC afterwards and although the decorations were saved as a surprise for my mom when she made her way down the isle, I got to take a look and was absolutely blown away. It felt like I had stepped onto some extravagant, movie set. I knew it would be beautiful if Travis had anything to do with it, but never could’ve imagined how stunningly perfect it would really be.

Final make-up touches were applied as Ashley arrived, and dresses were “quickly” put on before I grabbed my mom to take her bridal portraits before the sun set. We got these done in 10 minutes, no joke. Catching the golden hour during the shortest days of the year can be a challenge sometimes! But we did it, and she looked absolutely beautiful against the backdrop of the station.

I handed photo duties over to David Martin, and we made our way up to the stage while family and friends celebrated alongside Mom and Dennis. If anyone expected any less, I started crying within 5 minutes, but I blame them both for writing such beautiful vows. (Also, just saying - I'm glad I convinced them to be the ones who read them aloud…)

One of the biggest highlights of the night was the appearance of the snow machine as their first dance began. Not a soul knew about it other than Travis and John (I was convinced someone had turned on a vacuum cleaner). My mom loves snow more than pretty much anyone, so “they had to make it snow”. Yes, it's cliché, but there is no other way to put it other than "picture-perfect."

The rest of the evening was filled with wonderful food (thanks to Above and Beyond Catering), dancing, and family and friends.

It has been such a blessing for my mom, and myself and Spencer to have Dennis become our family. Not only does he put up with (and embrace) the abundance of weirdness from Spencer and I, he has treated us and my mom with so much love, respect, and kindness. I'm so happy that they both have found each other, and I'm proud to call him my family. Not to mention, he loves our dog almost just as much as I do, so that alone means he's a keeper in my book. Dennis, thank you for "like liking" my mom. You both deserve this happiness and so much more for years to come. Here's to the Fryes!

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Ceremony/Reception Venue: Centennial Station, High Point NC
Wedding Coordinator: Travis Green
Second photographer: David Martin (Night Watchman Photography )
Florist: Grace Flower Shop, High Point NC
Catering: Above and Beyond Catering
Cake Artist: Susan Hairr Jones
Hair: Anne Voorhees with Park's Edge Salon, Greensboro, NC
Bridal Gown: David's Bridal, Greensboro, NC
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse, Greensboro, NC
Make-up Artist: Ashley Elaine Hudson
Minister: Virginia Lee Wood
DJ: Chase Noble
Invitations and Programs: Rachel DeBusk

Special thanks to all of our family, Linda Lackey, Kala Marshall, John Aull (aka Snow Man), Summer and Wes, Spencer, and EVERYONE who helped decorate and clean up. So many people came together to help make this all come together so beautifully, and our family is beyond grateful for your help.

Dennis & Karen | Winter Wonderland Wedding at Centennial Station in High Point, NC