Gatlinburg, Tennessee

Just a little example of a Destination Wedding!

I have decided that destination weddings are the best weddings (and I am totally a wedding person). Here's why: First, you don't just get married, but you get married in a unique atmosphere... a place you are not used to and don't look at every day on your way to work or every Sunday when you are sitting in church. Plus, getting married is one of the most exciting things you will ever do in your life, so why not pick someplace extra-special to do it? Second, it's also a mini vacation before your honeymoon for you, your husband-to-be, and the fun people that attend the wedding. Who couldn't appreciate that? My third and number one reason for a destination wedding: When you get married somewhere not as "convenient" as somewhere in your hometown, only the people that really mean the world to you are going to show up. Not just Billie Jo and Bob down the street, who you haven't talked to in ages. Why would you want border-line strangers at your wedding? To me, weddings are intimate. You are saying eternal vows to someone and sharing the beginning of your new life with those guests at the wedding. I have no desire to do that in front of Bille Joe and Bob. I want to do that with the people who care enough (and I care about enough), to make the trip. NOTE: No where too over the top though... can't be expecting guests to dish out tons of money just to see you say "I do."

Molly and the girls from work!

Why am I going into this spill? Does it have anything to do with my "travel" blog? Well, yes it does! Because it's the reason I was in Gatlinburg, TN the second weekend in May! My great friend from work, Molly, and her now husband, Dale, were getting married. Both from the great, southern state of Georgia, but both work and live in Memphis. So, they decided to have their guests "meet in the middle." Plus, who could blame them; they had a gorgeous wedding on top of a mountain, with an excellent view, and a super-fun cabin reception. Very "southern-classy" just exactly the way I would describe Molly!

Molly, Dale, and the Varsity office that made it to the wedding!

Which bring me to another point: every wedding should reflect the person(s) getting married (to a certain extent). Let me explain. I was channel surfing the other night and came across a television show called "Redneck Weddings." You know wedding shows such as "Bridezilla," "Platinum Weddings," and "Whose Wedding is it Anyway?" Well, similar to that (as far as following the bride and groom around and showing the "plans" come alive), but not quite the same. These brides and their groomys were not having the classic wedding; they were having "redneck" weddings. No, not as a joke, but because they were proud of being so "country." Now, I am a southern girl, and anyone that knows me knows how proud I am of that, but there is a difference in "southern" and "country." These people had camouflage bridesmaid dresses, a "hay" aisle for the bride to walk down, and deer heads on the walls of the barn. Yes, I just said BARN... they chose a place where cows shit for their "I do's." I was disgusted.

I certainly hate to offend anyone, but this is completely unacceptable!

I then started thinking about all of the "bad" weddings I have been to. There have been more than enough. No camo dresses or deer heads, but things I will not even get into. All I am saying is be yourself, have a wedding that reflects the person you are, and do what it takes to entertain your guests, but ABOVE ALL... if you are going to be classy ONE TIME in your entire life, PLEASE let it be at your wedding!!!!!!!

Me and Tres in the mountains!

Back to Molly's wedding and the weekend in Gatlinburg. I could not have pictured a more perfect wedding for her and Dale... simple, classy, "southern" (thank God), and FUN! The ceremony overlooked the gorgeous Smoky Mountains, the reception was in a gigantic cabin with food, booze, and fun people. And the late night (because all GOOD weddings go past Midnight) was carried to another cabin where a group of about 15 people stayed! It could not have been more unique, reflect Molly and Dale any more, and of course... it was CLASSY! The wedding expert gives it a perfect 10!