Ashley and Justin will be getting married this coming weekend at the Deerpark at the Biltmore Estate.  They have an adorable story of literally growing up together, and finally seeing each other as more than friends.  I have enjoyed getting to know them, and I know you will too!
How did you meet each other?
We were in the same 5th grade class. Justin sat beside me and all I can remember are his Charlotte Hornets sweatpants and him singing MC Hammer “Can’t Touch This” non stop.
We also went to the same middle school, and Justin became good friends with my twin brother (Bradley) by 7th grade. They have remained best friends since, and Justin became like a member of the family.
I was a tomboy always tagging along with them and playing ball, etc. I used to make Justin (and Bradley) a big breakfast when he slept over. His favorite was (and still is) “bumble bees” (scrambled eggs with sausage mixed in).
Justin and I became good friends, too, and he went with me to senior prom (just as friends). We all stayed close through college – Justin and Bradley made frequent visits to Carolina to party and go to football games, etc.
At 25, Justin took a job as the Florida territory manager for my dad’s sales firm.
And, of course, we’re all still very close.

 
How long have you two been together?
Since April 22, 2010 – so 2 years and 4 months?
As somewhat of a joke, Justin and I made a deal at the end of high school to marry each other if we were still single at 30. Well, guess what… we were both still single at 30. He turned 30 on April 19, 2010. Note the date… I went down to visit him in Florida, and we decided to see what would happen… Well!
Over the years, there had been crushes back and forth and flirting, and we never crossed the friendship line. But we needed to!

When did you get engaged, and how did he ask?
Friday October 7, 2011. Justin planned a camping trip for the two of us to Pisgah National Forest (he grew up camping there with his family). There’s a special rock there where he used to sit and watch the sunset as a child. He had taken me there the year before to do the same.
The day he proposed, we got to Pisgah just in time to see the sunset from his rock. He proposed right after it went behind the trees. It was so sweet. He was nervous!
When we got to our campsite, his parents were there with champagne and had already set everything up for us. We had an awesome weekend, but it was cold!!!
What do you two do for a living?
Justin is in sales. He’s a territory manager for my dad’s sales rep firm (petroleum equipment).
I’m corporate retirement plan actuary and consultant (company pensions and 401(k)s).

What are some of the activities that you like to do together as a couple?
Mountain Biking, Camping, Hiking, Tennis, Lazy time watching TV (Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Horror Movies, anything with Will Ferrell)

Why did you choose the Biltmore Estate as your wedding location?
Justin loves the mountains and has family ties here – his parents grew up in Hendersonville and have a vacation home there. He really wanted to get married in the mountains.
I have been enchanted by the Biltmore House since I was a little girl. When I was about 7, my mom took my brother and I to the Biltmore while my dad was in the area on a business trip. I remember being in awe of the house (mainly the bowling alley and swimming pool) and thinking the rose gardens were so beautiful. I remember a gardener pruning the roses handing one to me to take home. Ever since then, I have loved Biltmore and have been back multiple times – mainly at Christmas.
When I found out the Biltmore Estate was a wedding venue option, I was sold!
When you think about your wedding, what are you most excited about?
Ashley says: I’m excited about seeing Justin for the first time when I walk down the aisle with my dad. I want to see his face light up with happiness and pride and him to see mine. I hope we don’t cry!
Justin says: I’m just excited to marry Ashley and spend the rest of my life with her. Watching her walk down the aisle will be happiness at its greatest.
What do you love about each other?
Ashley: What I love about Justin is… How he loves me for me… flaws, goofiness, and all. His gorgeous blue eyes. And how he goes out of his way to make everyone else feel special.
Justin: What I love about Ashley is… Her gorgeous face with God’s decorations (freckles), she is the smartest person I know, she accepts me for who I am, her playful voice when she is being silly, the ability to be responsible and fun, her loving heart for every person and creature. No matter what a person is going through she will never give up on them. NEVER!!