Chimney Rock NC

After the wedding, Michael decide to go to Chimney Rock state park, he was sure that I will like it and he was right. For us it was kind of honey moon trip. We went first to Chimney Rock Village just outside of the state park. A quaint, quirky community full of friendly folks, the Village offers an eclectic array of shops and eateries, as well as campgrounds, motels and the historic Esmeralda Inn. Be sure to take time to meander down the Rocky Broad River Walk, a beautiful path that winds around the Rocky Broad River. One of amazing art of the locals was in the village that I thought that be worth to capture. 

Chimney Rock state park have a lot to offer, from panoramic views to hiking trails for all levels, from up-close animal encounters to bird watching, there is an experience for everyone. The tickets are pretty expensive comparing to other parks, but it was worth it.

 

From the top Chimney Rock, above the valley you can see more than 75 miles across Lake Lure, the Blue Ridge Mountains and Carolina Piedmont. With unique hiking trails, the Park has something for everyone including the family-friendly Great Woodland Adventure. More adventurous hikers will want to take the Outcroppings and Skyline trails for some of the most unique views of the Park. We choose to climb the rock by stairs, It was the only option of the time of our visit, not easy buy each time we climbed higher the view was more and more amazing till we reach the top. 

We stopped at lake Lure after watching it from the top of Chimney Rock, its pretty huge lake. You can enjoy a wide variety of water activities, ranging from canoeing and fishing to pleasure boating and water skiing. Both motor and non-motorized boats enjoy the lake. Just remember, you need an annual boat permit before placing a private boat on the lake. That time we didnt need to worry about the permit because we did not have a boat, but just for the knowledge. The lake is the number one attraction and the reason so many families visit Lake Lure year after year. Visitors come to enjoy lake sparkling clean beach area, and the incredible Blue Ridge mountain range including Chimney Rock.

Lake Blalock Spartanburg SC

One of the weekends of June we decided to enjoy Lake Blalock Park, a recreational park provided by Spartanburg Water, that offers picnic pavilions, a dock for fishing, one boat ramp, and the Lake Blalock Warden’s Office. Lake Blalock Park has three covered pavilions for use on a first come, first served basis (at no cost) at the Lake Blalock Landing. Each pavilion is in a separate area and provides two picnic tables and restrooms. Lake Blalock offers many recreational activities like boating, fishing, and swimming. We went for fishing, the weather was pretty cold but it was fun. 

The Wedding

 

The church bells chimed, a cascade of joyful sound that echoed through the sun-drenched square. Eden smoothed the lace of her gown, her heart a hummingbird trapped in her chest. Today was the day.
From the window of the bridal suite, she could see Michael, standing at the altar, a beacon of calm amidst the fluttering excitement. He was talking to his best man, but even from this distance, Eden could see the nervous energy that radiated from him. It was endearing.

Eden, a whirlwind of sunshine and enthusiasm, had been determined to find the perfect home. Michael, a quiet architect with a soft spot for the underdog, had been equally captivated by Eden. And Eden, well, Eden was the perfect match for Michael too.

Their courtship had been a series of charmingly awkward dates, fueled by shared laughter and a growing, undeniable connection. They found joy in the mundane, transforming grocery shopping into impromptu dance parties and turning rainy days into cozy movie marathons. Michael, who had always been a creature of habit, found himself delightfully swept away by Eden’s spontaneity. Eden, in turn, found solace in Michael’s steady, unwavering presence.
Now, here they were, ready to embark on their greatest adventure yet.

A gentle knock on the door broke Eden’s reverie. Her Betsy, eyes sparkling with tears, entered the room. “You look absolutely radiant, darling,” she said, pulling Eden into a warm embrace. “He’s waiting for you.”

Taking a deep breath, Eden walked down the aisle, her eyes locked on Michael. The church seemed to fade away, the only thing that mattered was the man waiting for her at the end. As she drew closer, she saw the love shining in his eyes, a love that mirrored her own.
The ceremony was a blur of vows, promises, and the gentle rustle of silk. When the priest pronounced them husband and wife, a cheer erupted from the guests. Michael turned to Eden, his smile wide and genuine.
He gently lifted her veil, his gaze tender. “Mrs. Parker,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
“Mr. Parker,” she replied, mirroring his sentiment.
And as they shared their first kiss as husband and wife, surrounded by the joyous faces of their loved ones, Eden knew that their life together would be filled with laughter, love, and a shared joy that would only continue to grow with each passing day. Their wedding was just the beginning of their beautifully imperfect, wonderfully joyous forever.