Sophie & Luke | July 10, 2027

Weekend Events

Schedule

Friday, July 9, 2027

Welcome Party

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Times to be confirmed)

Let us welcome you to the lake with drinks and hors d'oeuvres. This will be hosted near the ceremony space, so it's a great time to take in the stunning mountain scenery and preview our special day to follow.

Nantahala Weddings, Wayah Road, Topton, NC Attire: Cocktail

Saturday, July 10, 2027

Ceremony & Reception

4:00 PM (Times to be confirmed)

Please join us at Chapel in the Sky for our wedding ceremony. Dinner, drinks, and dancing to follow.

Nantahala Weddings, Wayah Road, Topton, NC Attire: Garden Formal (Black tie not required)

Nantahala, NC

The Destination

Mountain Paradise

Nestled deep in the Nantahala National Forest of western North Carolina, the area is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness.

Lake Nantahala

Many vacation rentals sit on or near the lake, offering breathtaking waterfront views and easy access to swimming, kayaking, and fishing right from your door.

Outdoor Adventures

From world-class whitewater rafting on the Nantahala River to hiking the Appalachian Trail, there's no shortage of adventures for those wanting to extend their trip.

True Seclusion

The Nantahala Gorge offers one of the most dramatic and unspoiled natural settings in the Southeast — a rare backdrop for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Chapel in the Sky — Our Venue

Our ceremony will take place at Nantahala Weddings' Chapel in the Sky, an elevated, open-air chapel perched above Lake Nantahala with sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forest. There is nothing quite like it.

The surrounding area is tucked along Wayah Road (NC-1310), winding through forest-covered ridgelines before opening onto the lakefront. We recommend arriving early to take in the scenery — and to find parking with ease.

Where to Eat

If you're staying on the lake, don't miss Lakes End Cafe & Grill — the only restaurant on Lake Nantahala, serving food and drinks with a gorgeous waterfront view. If your rental has dock access, you can even get pizza delivered by boat.

Getting Here

Travel

Preferred

AVL

Asheville, NC

Asheville Regional Airport is our top recommendation. It's the closest major airport to the venue with a scenic 1 to 1.5-hour drive through the mountains.

TYS

Knoxville, TN

McGhee Tyson Airport is a solid option at roughly 2 hours. A beautiful drive through Tennessee and into the Smokies.

Avoid the "Tail of the Dragon" (US-129) — opt for a safer, equally scenic alternate route.

CHA

Chattanooga, TN

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours away and is a convenient option if you find favorable fares.

ATL

Atlanta, GA

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta is the largest hub in the region and offers the most flight options, but plan for roughly 3 hours of drive time to the venue.

Vehicle Recommendation

We strongly recommend renting a 4-wheel drive or AWD vehicle. Roads leading to some vacation rentals around the lake can be steep, winding, and unpaved in spots — especially if you're staying off the main road.

Rental Cars

A rental car is essential — there are no rideshare services in the area. We recommend booking early, especially for July weekend availability.

All guests receive up to 25% off with our rental car partner:

Book a Rental Car

Navigation Tips

Download offline maps before you arrive — cell service is spotty
GPS can occasionally route you onto rough forest roads — follow Wayah Rd (NC-1310)
Budget extra time for the scenic mountain roads
Gas up before leaving Bryson City or Andrews

Lodging

Where to Stay

Our Recommendation

We highly recommend staying in a vacation home rented through VRBO or Airbnb. There are very limited hotel options in the area, but the lake houses are beautiful, reasonably priced, and most are within walking distance of all events. Bonus: many have private docks, fire pits, and mountain views.

Browse VRBO Browse Airbnb

Tips for Your Stay

Book Early

July is peak season in the mountains. We recommend booking your rental as soon as possible to get the best selection and prices.

Coordinate with other attendees

Vacation rental homes range from small cabins perfect for a couple to large 6-room lodges right on the lake. If you prefer, consider splitting a rental with family or friends and make the whole weekend a mini vacation.

What to Pack

Bug spray
Layers for cool evenings
Swimsuit for the lake
Comfortable shoes for grassy terrain
Sunscreen

Food & Essentials

The only restaurant on the lake is Lakes End Cafe & Grill — a wonderful spot for food and drinks with a gorgeous waterfront view. If your rental has dock access, you can even get pizza delivered by boat. For groceries, the nearest stores are in Andrews, NC (~20 min). Stock up before heading to your rental.

Explore the Area

What to Do

On the Lake

Swim, kayak, paddleboard, or fish right from your rental dock. Lake Nantahala is calm, clear, and surrounded by forest — a perfect way to spend a summer morning or afternoon.

Whitewater Rafting

The Nantahala River runs directly through the gorge and is home to world-class whitewater rafting. The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) offers guided trips for all skill levels.

Hiking & Waterfalls

The Nantahala National Forest offers miles of trails, from easy lakeside walks to stretches of the Appalachian Trail. Several stunning waterfalls are within a short drive.

Bryson City

Just 20–30 minutes away, Bryson City is a charming mountain town with local restaurants, craft shops, and the gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park via the Nantahala Outdoor Center.

Asheville

About 1 to 1.5 hours away, Asheville is one of the most vibrant small cities in the South — renowned for its food scene, live music, craft breweries, and the Blue Ridge Parkway right at its doorstep.

Great Smoky Mountains

The most-visited national park in the country is less than an hour away. Drive the scenic Newfound Gap Road, hike to Clingmans Dome, or simply take in the misty mountain views.

Our Story

About Us

How did you first meet?

Freshman year at Indiana University, Luke was a Beta pledge and Sophie had just joined Pi Phi — you will have to find us (or someone who knows) during the wedding for what happened next :)

Who made the first move?

Sophie, with the help of her 'big sis' in Pi Phi — Lizzie.

What's your favorite activity together?

We love to scuba dive. Sophie got her certification first, which inspired Luke to do the same. It is now a staple of every vacation or trip we take.

What's the most memorable trip you've taken together?

Switzerland. Luke was there for work and so in love with the country that he booked Sophie a ticket less than 24 hours in advance. They made plans on the fly and visited Zurich, Interlaken, and Lucerne in just 4 days.

Something you have to know about us...

How much we love our dog, Flanders, who we adopted from PAWS in 2022. PAWS has a special place in our heart, so we continue to donate and encourage everyone we know to adopt if they're looking for a new pet.

Join Us

RSVP

We can't wait to celebrate our wedding weekend with you!

Full Name

Email Address

Will you be attending?

Number of Guests (including yourself)

Which events will you attend?

Welcome Party (Friday) Ceremony & Reception (Saturday)

Dietary Restrictions or Allergies

Please RSVP by April 15th so we can have an accurate headcount.

Questions

Q & A

When is the RSVP deadline?

Please RSVP by April 15th, so we can have an accurate headcount. :)

Can I bring a date?

Please check your invite for your +1!

Where should I park?

There is plenty of free parking near the entrance of the venue.

Are the ceremony and reception locations wheelchair accessible?

Yes, and we will have a golf cart available for anyone needing assistance getting around the property!

Is the wedding indoors or outdoors?

Our wedding ceremony is outdoors, but our reception will be in a tent :)

What kind of shoes should I wear?

Calling all ladies — do NOT wear stiletto heels. There are grassy and dirt areas so wear chunky heels or sandals. Can't have anyone ruining nice shoes or breaking ankles!

Is it okay to take photos?

Yes! We would love for you to take photos and share them with us. However, please refrain from taking photos during the ceremony.