I truly don’t even know where to start about Rachel and Alex’s destination wedding at Ace Adventure Resort. Having the privilege to be invited into their families this past weekend has been amazing. While I’m used to documenting the love between two people, having the honor of spending the weekend with their families here in Oak Hill, WV has been something special.

Their engagement!

Rachel and Alex have been engaged since 2019, but if you go back further than that, they have been close since their time coaching rugby together. Alex moved to DC from Ohio soon after graduating and wanted to get involved in a local team. It just so happened that Rachel had recently graduated and was assistant coaching a women’s rugby team. Alex intrigued Rachel right from the first day of practice.

Fast forward a few years through multiple rides home, driving hours away to pick up a truck to help Alex move, a few relationships each, frequent fist bumps, and becoming besties; they realized they had feelings for each other. I’ve been told that their first date wasn’t a major success, but they came around and their relationship blossomed!

Alex was able to surprise Rachel for their engagement. Rachel had been slammed with graduate work for her MBA and never saw it coming. Alex had so many friends and family to assist with getting the ring home and ready for Rachel as well. This just goes to show how close everyone is in their families! Rachel and Alex had made plans for a restaurant that they hadn’t tried before, Rasika. They visited the US Botanic Gardens and were enjoying their time walking the National Mall when Alex “stopped to blow her nose”. Rachel didn’t see it coming and was shocked when Alex went to one knee after fumbling in her pocket. Thankfully Alex had a friend taking photos because Rachel was taken over by the sheer surprise and doesn’t have a clear memory of the proposal.

Let’s chat wedding!!!

When it came to planning their destination wedding, they decided on Ace Adventure Resort. With their stunning views, large accommodations, various adventure activities, and amazing food; this was just the place for Rachel and Alex to get married with an extended full weekend of adventure.

They shared their vows amongst their closest family and friends at Concho Overlook after having an intimate first look at their ceremony location. Everyone celebrated their love and marriage during their reception which was full of dancing and laughter.

The after party…

Rachel and Alex really wanted this to be a weekend event. The day after the wedding, there was a burrito bar lunch followed by playtime at the water park. Yes, they even launched each other off the “Blob”. Saturday night was dinner with yard games, a bonfire, as well as “Roast the Brides”. Another showing of how amazing their friends and family are!

Sadly, the extended weekend came to a close Monday morning with a goodbye breakfast. It was nice seeing everyone again and sharing some good stories of everyone’s activities over the weekend. With great company, amazing weather, and pure joy; I can absolutely say that their destination wedding at ACE Adventure Resort was a success.

I’m looking forward to hearing about their honeymoon fun. Hopefully, they can get in some sailing in Annapolis!

Rachel and Alex, I know I have told you both before, but thank you for inviting me into your family. My wife and I also had a destination wedding and I truly believe it’s a great way for everyone to get to know one another, and that held true this weekend. I feel that I really know your friends and family and I look forward to seeing everyone again!

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