Kate and Kurt will be married this October on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.  Their ceremony will be held at the Diana overlooking the Biltmore House.  Guests will then be treated to dinner and dancing at the Lioncrest, also located on the Estate.  Should be a fabulous day for an incredible couple.  Getting to know them and their families has been a highlight of my year!  Read more about Kate and Kurt below…
How did you meet each other?
In 2010 Kurt transferred in to Clemson to play soccer and Kate was on the Women’s Rowing Team. Kate, and Kurt both lived in the same athlete apartment complex and were neighbors. After weeks of Kate trying to put Kurt in the “Friend Zone”, he finally won her over.
How long have you two been together?
A little over 3 years
When did you get engaged, and how did he ask?
It all started on a beautiful Saturday morning on October 27th, I woke up thinking it was a normal day and I was due at the boathouse in 30 minutes. My best friend and Maid of Honor, walked in with a pair of riding boots saying that my coach was letting me off for the weekend. I knew right then and there that something was up because you don’t just excused from practice. Next thing I knew Kurt was at the front door, bags packed. He let me know that we were heading to Asheville, NC and right then and there I thought that this was the weekend that he was going to propose.
After arriving in Asheville, Kurt and I explored the city, going from shop to shop and got lunch. More exploring continued until dinner when Kurt told me that there would be a surprise in the morning and to dress warmly. (This was it! He was going to propose!)
On Sunday morning Kurt and I arrived at the Biltmore Estate for a private trail ride. This was definitely it, it was only the two of us and horses have always been special to me. Well I was wrong…(first let down) After a very enjoyable ride thru the woods with scenic views of the estate, we and walked around the Estate. On numerous occasions Kurt’s shoe happened to come untied in front of mountainous views while asking me if I could be so lucky if I would….help him tie his shoe. He even said “ Kate, looking out at the mountains made me realize how much I want to spend the rest of my life with you “ and just walked away. (Let downs 2-21)
After numerous fake proposals, I had had it. I was not too happy with my now husband to be. Ultimately a “disagreement” started and carried on as we left the estate to go back to Asheville.  I later learned that this was all part of Kurt’s master plan. He did whatever he could to prolong the situation including “taking a walk” and basically staying away from me as long as possible. During all of this, Caroline and Kurt’s friend Patrick were hard at work setting up the real proposal…. Located an hour and a half away… back in Clemson.
Finally after what seemed like hours of Kurt avoiding me, we headed back to Clemson. About fifteen minutes out my Kurt’s roommate Pat called and said he had lost his dog, Cooper, while running in the Botanical Gardens. We sped home as fast as possible to look for Cooper. Once we arrived at the Botanical Gardens we started yelling his name and walking thru the woods. After a ten-minute walk we came to a clearing with a tree fully showing the brilliant fall colors, standing alone lit up with Christmas lights and candles. There were roses and rose petals leading us under the tree where the ring was. My initial response was “ I Hate You” after seeing the whole set up and realizing I had been faked out. (I hate surprises!!) Kurt got down on one knee and asked if I would to marry him. I obviously said yes! At that moment, Caroline and Patrick who were stealthfully taking pictures jumped out of the bushes. Kurt then let me in on the whole plot to trick me, how he had planned everything (including the fight), and that Cooper was safe at home and the rest is history.

What do you two do for a living?
Kurt works as a Controls Engineer for RASco INC. in Woodbridge, VA.
Kate works for LivingSocial as part of the Inside Sales Team in Washington, D.C.
What are some of the activities that you like to do together as a couple?
Hiking, being outdoors, cooking, sports, and horseback riding.
Why did you choose the Biltmore Estate as your wedding location?
Kate’s schedule never truly allowed us to get away for the weekend. So Asheville being only an hour and a half from Clemson University became our favorite place to visit. When we first visited the Biltmore we were in awe of the beauty of the house, but mostly the grounds. During fall it is just spectacular. Kate and I love the mountains and fall. When we first got engaged we bounced the idea of the Biltmore as the place we liked. We still can’t believe how fortunate we are for the opportunity the get married at such a beautiful place.

When you think about your wedding, what are you most excited about?
The fall colors, the time with friends and family, but mostly just being married.
What do you love about each other?
Kate: What I love about Kurt is…
Kurt can always make me smile even when I am all wrapped up in my own head. Kurt’s optimism is what sets him apart from anyone I have ever me; he has the ability to see the bright side in every situation. It’s impossible not to love Kurt instantly when you meet him.
Kurt: What I love about Kate is…
She is my soul mate, I love her smile, personality, and how she makes me a better person. She truly is my better half. Just seeing her makes the world a brighter place.
Anything else you would want people to know?
Kurt and I have some very strange coincidences that can only point to fate.
When we were babies we both fell down the stairs in our walkers and injured our heads.
Kurt’s Parent’s: Dori and Denny (D&D), Kate’s Parents: Chuck and Charlotte (C&C), Kurt and I (K&K)
Our parents grew up in the same area, but Kate’s family moved away when she was 3. We met at Clemson, which is roughly in the middle.