Anna-Rochelle and John will be married at Rumbling Bald in Lake Lure in September.  They met at East Carolina University when they both worked for the Student Union.  Anna-Rochelle was a Grad assistant planning concerts on campus and John was the ‘techie’ running the sound system.  Please read more about this couple below!
How long did you two date before you got engaged?
John and I were together for 3 years and 9 months before we got engaged officially (not that I was counting)
When did you get engaged, and how did he ask?
Our first proposal happened in 2006 after moving to FL. We had an ongoing joke that John wouldn’t propose until I proposed to him (his way of delaying the inevitable). So, one night I surprised him with dinner followed by a romantic picnic of beer, wine and strawberries on Naples Beach. After a beautiful sunset and under a sky of meteor showers I slipped a ring into his pocket and asked him to marry me. John of course said yes, but neither of us considered it our official engagement. A year and a half later John and I were on the verge of moving again, to Virginia this time. John wanted to go to Naples Beach to film a “goodbye to FL” video. We asked my mom to join us and headed to the beach, the same beach where I proposed to John, to watch the sunset. As we stood there saying goodbye and watching the sunset John got down on one knee and proposed by asking me to move to Virginia and be his wife. The whole proposal and an overly friendly pelican were captured on film by mom (who surprisingly managed to remain silent through the whole video).
What do you two do for a living?
Anna is a Recreational Therapist and currently works with at-risk and emotionally disturbed kids in Central Virginia linking them to the services that they need to improve their mental health and be successful in achieving their goals. John works at his family’s construction business.
What are some of the activities that you like to do together as a couple?
Watching our favorite shows on TV; going to, watching, supporting the ECU Pirates (especially football); getting together with friends, and hosting parties.
Why did you choose Lake Lure as your wedding location?
John and I knew that we wanted to have a destination wedding so that all of our guests would be on vacation and able to relax and enjoy themselves. We decided that since we met in NC that it should be where we say “I do.” So, one day I googled: resorts, North Carolina, mountains, and up popped Rumbling Bald. It was the perfect place because of the scenery, all of the activities it would offer our guests and plenty of accommodations for people to choose from. We were sold before we even made our first visit.
When you think about your wedding, what are you most excited about?
Seeing all of our friends and family that are making the trip to NC to share this important day with us. We are looking forward to celebrating with everyone. As our wedding motto goes, “one relaxing weekend and one helluva party!”

What do you love about each other?
Anna-Rochelle: I love that John always makes me laugh…even when I am mad, and even if it is at him. When we are together we always have a good time and just being around him makes me happy. I love that he is a good person, and a good friend. He cares more for other people’s happiness than anyone else I know. I love that he makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world and that he still opens every door (including the car) for me. John gives the world’s best hugs and I so thankful that I get to enjoy them for the rest of our lives together.
John: I love her patience and understanding. I am a very outgoing, fun loving, sometimes crazy guy I get carried away (a lot) and she is always there to bring me back down to earth. Rarely does she show or admit she is embarrassed by the shenanigans’ that may be taking place and understands that especially when I am around my friends there is a good chance that we will get carried away.
Anything else you want people to know?
We are getting married on National Talk Like a Pirate Day….which is pretty awesome since WE ARE the ECU PIRATES!!