Yup, you read that right. After only six and a half years we decided to bite the bullet and get married. We are very excited about it.

How it happened…
While walking across campus on the way to see the new Memorial Hall, we stopped at the Old Well, where Niles asked the question. He even had a ring, although said it was temporary. Later in the week, we went to a ring designer in Asheville who is designing an engagement ring and wedding bands for both of us.

Saturday, September 30, 2006
Black Mountain, NC

Map of downtown marked with reception site, hotels, & Rafter's house.

Wedding Site: Wolf Creek Cove (4:30 p.m.)

Reception Site: The Wild Hare (following ceremony. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m.)

Rehearsal Dinner (open to all out-of-town guests as well): Friday, September 29, Sara Marcia & Bill Rafter's house, 132 Dougherty Street. (6:00 p.m.). Sunday Brunch - 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lodging: Both minutes walking from the reception site.

Monte Vista Hotel: Next door to reception site.
We have held most of the 30 rooms in this hotel. Mention our names to get the wedding rates (below).
Single Occupancy: $67, Double Occupancy: $87, Family Rate (3 or more): $97
888-804-8438 toll free.

Red Rocker Inn: Next door to Niles' parent's house
This Inn has 19 rooms. Rates are $95-190.
We don't have rooms reserved, they are first come first serve. They book quickly so I recommend booking now if you plan to stay here.

Flying? See Airport info below.

Wedding Party

Bridal Party
Maid of Honor: Jennifer Johnson, Friend
Brides' Maid: Lauren Becton, Sister
Brides' Maid: Megan Brown, Friend
Brides' Maid: Leslie Ray, Friend

John Becton & Elaine Pischke, Parents of Bride
Nancy Tannenbaum & Larry Pischke, Step-Parents of Bride
Althea Royal, Grandmother of Bride

Grooms' Party
Best Man: Eliot Cannon, Friend
Groomsman: Joel Becker, Friend
Groomsman: Michael Johnson, Friend
Groomsman: Dan McGowan, Friend
Groomsman: David Needham, Friend

Don Ray & Sara Marcia Rafter, Parents of Groom
Bill Rafter, Step-Father of Groom
Charlotte Ray, Grandmother of Groom
Betty Tyson, Great Aunt of Groom

Flower Girls:
Alani Bumgardner, Cousin of Bride
& Carley Campbell, Cousin of Groom

We are registered in a couple places. And of course, cash for the honeymoon or a new car is of course always appreciated!

Seven Sister's Gallery
Our favorite art gallery has commissioned our dishware from a local artist in lieu of china. Additionally, we have picked out other items to complement the set. If you can't make it to the store, simply call them and ask for our registry - Andrea or her staff will be happy to assist you over the phone and ship it to you or drop it off at the wedding with a note from you. 828.669.5107. Click here to view some of the items.

Bed Bath and Beyond: For all the other stuff

From Chapel Hill/ Durham: 15-501 towards Durham Merge onto I-85 North Take the Duke Street Exit Take a right off the exit onto Duke Street (away from Northgate Mall) Go through about 2 or 3 stoplights Take a Right at the light onto Murray Ave. (brown sign pointing to Museum and Vietnam Memorial) Museum is on the left about mile onto Murray Ave. (large rocket in front) Turn left into parking lot and continue straight, towards top right corner (main building will be on the left) Park near Butterfly House double gate and tent (large glass building) Look for balloons and enter the double gate to the tent

From Raleigh: I-40 West Take Durham Freeway (NC-147) exit 279A Follow the freeway until the Duke Street (at the Durham Bulls Ballpark) Take Duke Street Exit 12C (only goes right) Follow Duke Street past downtown/ Brightleaf warehouses, Durham School of the arts, residential neighborhood, and cross over I-85. After crossing I-85 Go through about 2 or 3 stoplights Take a Right at the light onto Murray Ave. (brown sign pointing to Museum and Vietnam Memorial) Museum is on the left about mile onto Murray Ave. (large rocket in front) Turn left into parking lot and continue straight towards top right corner (main building will be on the left) Park near Butterfly House double gate and tent on the right (large glass building) Look for balloons and enter the double gate to the tent

Address: Museum of Life and Science 433 W. Murray Ave. Durham, NC 27704

Contact: Leslie Ray (919) 220-5429, www.ncmls.org