APRIL 17, 2025
Emily & Tyler
WHITTIER, NORTH CAROLINA
Our Story
One day in June of 2022, Tyler was driving the long 17 hours from his place in Dallas, Texas to his hometown of Marietta, Ohio. As he drove, he was scrolling Hinge. Tyler's drive took him through Ashland where Emily calls home. Tyler happened to like one of Emily's photos and headed on his way to Myrtle Beach with his family. About a week later, Emily got brave and responded to that guy who liked her photo. He had a photo of Bevo on his shoulder, the clincher for her to respond. A Hinge prompt stated "I'll by drinks if you can..." Tyler finished it with "guess my love language." Emily responded with "it better be puppy cuddles or you're wrong."
And as they say the rest is history...
They began to talk more and more as if they'd known each other their whole lives, and were just catching up. Tyler drove after the King's Royal to meet Emily for a morning of golf, which was followed by dinner at their favorite Mexican Restaurant Tres Hermanos Neunez and a stroll around Ashland and the Ohio Riverfront. They said goodbye not knowing where things would go from there. The next weekend they saw each other for a few hours in Huntington, West Virginia on the Ohio Riverfront, where they decided this was worth a shot. This is the evening Tyler says he began to fall in love with Emily.
In October and December, Emily made trips to Texas to see Tyler. From there their relationship blossomed. In April 2023, Tyler "temporarily" moved to Ashland to be closer to his brother as he battled kidney disease, and in turn get to know Emily even more. A win-win for everyone. Well, the summer rolled by and Tyler didn't go back to Texas. He has other plans up his sleeve. In his car console rested a ring nobody knew about.
On December 21, Tyler and Emily got dressed up for a Christmas dinner in Huntington, West Virginia. Since they were early, Tyler mentioned going and getting photos on the river. They began to walk hand-in-hand, passing a rich man in a fancy car, a homeless man and a random guy with a dog. The two began to take photos when Tyler began taking a video on his phone. Suddenly, he was on one knee. Emily was in shock and had zero idea this was coming. She said, "Yes!"
The adventures continue, from trips to Myrtle Beach, to the Smokies, to racetracks, concerts and more. The future Mr. & Mrs. Benson are ready for the journey and adventures that their future together holds.
Our Timeline
2022
LATE JUNE: Match on Hinge
JULY 17: First Date
JULY 23: Second Date on the Huntington W.Va Riverfront
OCT 27 - 30: Emily visits Dallas for the first time, first puzzle together, watch UK football together
DEC 14 - 18: Emily visits Dallas for the second time, first Christmas together, Emily watches Christmas Vacation for the first time, sits on a longhorn for the first time. Tyler knocks his TV over and spills Chuy's spicy ranch sauce all over it
2023
APRIL 1: Tyler "temporarily" moves to Ashland
MAY 24: Tyler and Bevo find a deer in distress, save the deer from being stuck in the fence and abandoned
MAY 26: Tyler takes Emily to her first 410 Sprint Car race at Atomic
JUNE 2 - 6: First trip together - Myrtle Beach, SC
JULY 29 - AUG 5: First Benson Family Myrtle Vacation together
AUG 31 - SEPT 2: Visit Bryson City, fall in love with the N. Carolina side of the Smokies, ride a train, golf in the mountains
SEPT 8 - 9: Emily's first Sternwheel Festival in Marietta, Tyler falls through his chair
NOV 4: Tyler brings home a surprise for Emily - a Corgi named Jolene.
NOV 11: Bevo's Birthday (Bubba is 9 Years Old!)
NOV 30: Tyler decks the house in lights.
DEC 21: Tyler asks Emily to marry him, she says yes, they have their second Christmas together
2024
JAN 19: Jolene and Bevo's first big snow
FEB 23 - 25: USA Gymnastics Winter Cup in Louisville
MAR 3: UK Gymnastics Senior Night vs Florida
MAR 15: Dan + Shay concert
MAR 16: Emily finds her Wedding Dress
MAR 19: Jolene has surgery, learns of the disobedience donut
APR 2: Jolene, Bevo and Emily are in the tub avoiding a tornado as Tyler drives to Arizona through the same storm that brought the tornados and loses a wiper mid pounding rainfall.
APR 28: Tyler & Emily visit their venue & set their wedding date of April 17, 2025.
MAY 16: Greta Van Fleet concert
JUNE 7: Jolene turns One!
JULY 11 - 13: Tyler and Emily travel to Texas and back in a box truck to get Tyler's belongings.
JULY 20: First King's Royal together
JULY 27 - AUG 3: Benson Family Vacation
AUG 2: We signed a lease on a house in Myrtle Beach, SC
SEPT 21: We celebrate at Cameron Benson & Alli Bloomingdale's wedding
OCT 12: We celebrate at Evan Benson & Dani Darling's wedding
and many more adventures to come...
Places to stay
Our intention was to have hotel blocks reserved at a hotel we enjoyed in Asheville (see below) and another closer to the venue before sending our Save the Dates. However, mother nature has disrupted this plan. We are waiting to give the people impacted by the storms and disastrous floods from Hurricane Helene time before we call. There are more important things.
We will update this section soon. Please check back in a month or so. There are also many wonderful cabins in the area, which most can be found using AirBnB. We love the flexibility and comfort the cabins offer if that's more your style.
You can view those our venue recommends by clicking here.
Things to enjoy
Below are a few things we have had the pleasure of enjoying ourselves during our trips to the area. This is in no way an exhaustive list of things to do, as there are so many wonderful things to enjoy in this area. However, the below have our stamp of approval.
Our lovely venue has a list of accommodations and local entertainment here.
You can also find more about the North Carolina side of the Smokey Mountains here.
Our registry
When it comes to our registry, let's be honest. We are not entering in to marriage at the sprite age of 21. We are both in our 30s, and have created homes of our own, which we have worked to combine into one. While we cannot negate the love and support of our families, we worked to furnish our homes by our own means. We do not need assistance buying pots and pans or air fryers. We acknowledge that this tradition is wonderful as it meets a need that is most prevalent when you are first moving from your parents homes and/or college. We also know that this is not reflective of where we are in our life journey. So, we are asking that those who would like to show their support for us through a gift do so in one of the following ways:
We have a small registry here: Amazon Registry
We also eat a lot, so we would happily take Kroger gift cards if you feel so inclined to cover our groceries for a week or month. Or if you would like to send funds directly to us, you can do so, feel free to reach out to find the best way to do so.
Please note:
We are asking those who are able to join us, to truly joins us. Please leave your cell phone or other devices on silent and out of your hands. We have hired wonderful photographers and videographers who are incredible at what they do--and will share. We have invited you because we want to see your face, not the back of your phone. Also it would be quite embarrassing if you're that person in the photo ruining a great shot with your device out front and center. Please don't be that person. You will be asked to put it away if noticed. We ask that you respect this wish during the duration of the ceremony.
We also ask that you wait to post any photos taken with us in them until we have had the opportunity to do so first.
FAQs
When and how do I RSVP?
Please click the link above in the RSVP section to RSVP.
Please RSVP by the March 7, 2025. If we do not receive a response either way from you by this date, we will have to assume you are unfortunately not going to make it.
The only way to RSVP is through this link. Please do not text someone your RSVP. However, if you need help, please reach out.
What time should I arrive?
Our ceremony time has not been confirmed at this point, however, music will begin 30 minutes prior. We ask that you are parked and seated 10 minutes prior to the ceremony time. The ceremony will begin promptly at the determined time. If you are not seated prior to the ceremony start time, we ask that you join us at the cocktail hour and reception, so as to not disrupt the ceremony.
What about parking?
Please note that no cars can be parked overnight at the venue. We ask that you plan your carpool-ing and designated drives accordingly. Unauthorized vehicles left on-site outside of the rental period will result in a venue fee + towing at owner's expense.
There is a section of parking reserved for those who need a shorter walk without stairs. You can notify a parking attendant and they will direct you. Those who are able to take the stairs should park behind the venue and take the stairs. Please leave the closer spots for our grandparents and loved ones who will most need these spaces.
Will there be walking or stairs?
The most walking you will do is upon arrival from your car to the ceremony space. You will not need to walk in grass to do so. (Please note: if you are in family photos you will need to stand on grass for a bit.) The primary way to get from the parking area to the ceremony will be via stairs, we ask that everyone who can go this way, do so. However, there is a way around these stairs for those that need it. Our venue is handicap accessible and ADA compliant. See the parking question for more info.
Can I bring a guest or date?
We are so excited you are joining us and want to share the love. Your invitation is addressed to those invited. Those who have been given a plus one will have "& Guest" on the envelope. Additionally, you will see "Your Name Guest" on your online RSVP. Go ahead and RSVP for them. Additionally, we would love if you would text us their name, so they are listed by their name on any printed materials.
Can children come?
We have invited some children to our day. However, just like other guests and plus ones, they are listed on your RSVP by name. If your child or grandchild is not listed by name, we hope you take this opportunity to enjoy a night out. We also understand if you opt to leave invited children home. We have included them, so it can be your choice.
Where do I stay? What do we do while in town?
Please see the 'Things to Do' and 'Places to Stay' sections above for more information. We hope you take this opportunity to not just come for our wedding but enjoy and explore the area. We love this area and hope you do too! We have a few recommendations listed for things to do on this page. We would be happy share more about what we love in the area. However, please ask these questions a couple weeks prior to the wedding at the latest.
A note: Hurricane Helene caused absolute chaos and catastrophe in this area. Some small towns and portions of highways were completely wiped away. Like we said, we absolutely love this area and this is devastating. We hope you will dine at local restaurants, browse and shop local businesses, and give the good people of Western NC some love while you're here. Lord knows they need it.
What should I wear or not wear?
We ask that you avoid whites, ivories, creams and bridal looking apparel. We love to dress up for an occasion, and hope you join us by bringing your very best. However, we know this looks different for everyone. Bring your A-game! We just ask that you don't wear denim, jeans or tennis shoes/sneakers. You could consider this wedding semi-formal and inching into formal.
Will there be a bar?
Yes, we plan to have signature drinks, wine, beer and such. There will also be non-alcoholic options. We will have this until we run out. Please have fun, relax and enjoy a drink. But keep in mind that you have to navigate down a mountain afterwards. Please plan drivers and drinks accordingly, we want everyone home safely.
Can I take photos and post on social media?
Absolutely, we just have a few requests when doing so.
First, please acknowledge the multiple notes that we are having an unplugged ceremony. Please leave your phones and other devices off or in your car during the ceremony.
Second, we ask that you wait to post any photos of us from the day until we have had the opportunity to do so.
Otherwise, by all means, take photos of you and your people enjoying your evening, post your outfit from the day, your table enjoying dessert and more. We just ask that our ceremony be intimate and we are able to post ourselves first.
Engagement Photo Gallery
Photos by 1828 Collective
Please do not screenshot to print or share, we are more than happy to share the high-res files.
