I have so adored working with Martha and her mom, Linda, on Martha’s wedding coming up at the end of September.  Let’s just say, this is going to be one spectacular event, and I am so excited!  The wedding ceremony and reception are taking place at the Lioncrest, located on the Biltmore Estate.  Martha and her fiance, Brian, own three fitness centers in Mississippi, and they love what they do.  After work, they enjoy going out to dinner, playing tennis, cooking, working out (of course!) spending time with their families and their precious Chihuahua, Bubba!  Read below for more information on this fantastic couple…
How did you meet each other?
We met through my college roommate who had recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi and wanted me to come visit her and see her new house. I had always complained about being the third wheel with my friend and her husband, so Bethany (roommate) thought it would be fun to introduce me to the owner of the gym where she worked out and had become friends with. We all hung out the night I came into town and sparks flew!!!! From that day on we talked on the phone constantly and………………..
How long did you date before you got engaged?
We dated for 5 months
When did you get engaged, and how did he ask?
We got engaged on December 6, 2008. I was flying in to Memphis airport to visit Brian for my birthday weekend and my flight was delayed. When I got into Brian’s car he seemed really jittery and nervous. I figured he was acting strange due to us being late for our dinner reservation. During dinner Brian didn’t touch his food…..which is VERY unlike him. I knew something was going on. We then headed to his house and I thought we were going to watch a movie, but when we got there he had champagne and cards set out! At midnight it was officially my birthday and he got down on one knee and flashed the bling! It was a perfect birthday present.
Why did you choose Asheville and the Biltmore Estate as your wedding location?
My family has a summer home near Asheville in Waynesville. I feel like North Carolina is a home away from home. My grandparents took me to the Biltmore almost every summer and Holiday. I got to see it in every season! On Brian’s birthday, which was a month after we met, I flew him and the couple that set us up to Waynesville. While up there we both knew we wanted to get married!! It is when we fell in love. When planning the wedding we knew we didn’t want a large wedding in my hometown! We wanted to get married in a place that was special to us and North Carolina was the place! We wanted a location where we could Êcome back to and enjoy, nothing could be more beautiful than the Biltmore. Fall is my favorite time of year at the Biltmore, It is absolutely spectacular, it was set……. a fall wedding at the Biltmore!!!!

When you think about your wedding, what are you most excited about?
I am most excited about our families and friends getting together for a weekend away. Also we are looking forward to the rehearsal dinner at the River Bend Barn.
What is the inspiration for your wedding?
I wanted a wedding with fall colors and lots of flowers. I also wanted a romantic yet rustic feel. My florist, Beth, from Studio Flora Diva calls me smokey topaz. My colors are amber, gold, copper and brown.
What do you love most about each other?
Martha: What I love about Brian is his kind heart. He is the sweetest person I know. He is always thinking about small things to do to make me happy. He also is very open and honest about his feelings. He is my best friend and no matter what we are doing, I am having the best time!
Brian: What I love about Martha is…
1.) She is my best friend
2.) I know God made her just for me
3.) she makes me a better person in every way
4.) she is the sweetest person I have ever met
5.) I knew in 2 weeks that I loved her and wanted to start a family with her. She will make the best mom!
6.) I have never loved anything as much as I love her.
7.) I would die for her no doubt about it.
8.) last but not least, she is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.