The Laurel Room at Old Edwards Inn

Rehearsal Dinner

Old Edwards Inn and Spa

Welcome Party

The High Dive

After Party

The Farm at Old Edwards

The Wedding Day

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Highlands, North Carolina is a charming Southern mountain town known for it's cool air, walkable downtown, and laid-back atmosphere. Set among some of the oldest mountains in the world, you'll find easy access to waterfalls, scenic hikes and awe-inspiring views, not to mention great shopping and cuisine. We can't wait to share this magical place with our favorite people!

Meet Us In the Mountains

To see the full weekend itinerary, please visit the ‘Schedule’ tab.

Our Wedding

It all started on a rooftop in Brooklyn. It was one of those perfect late-spring days only New York can deliver. Lydia's childhood friend from Georgia had just moved to the city, and it seemed like the ideal moment to introduce her to the magic of NYC. But, in a fun twist, it was her "new to the Big Apple" childhood friend who was actually making the introductions."Lydia meet Peter, Peter meet Lydia" And CLICK. It was special from that point forward.Lydia and Peter quickly became inseparable, exploring every corner of the city, laughing until their sides hurt, and always finding new excuses to spend time together. Before long, Peter was inviting Lydia as his "plus one" to friends' weddings and people began asking "So...is this your GIRLFRIEND?" or "Are you sure you're not dating?" They would laugh it off, but somewhere between all the jokes and adventures, the friendship started to feel like something more.Then came one memorable December, when they both tested positive for COVID. Quarantining together was a perfect answer, albeit in a tiny New York apartment. When most people would have had enough of each other after a few days, they realized the opposite was true: they actually wanted to spend more time together. That's when their love story truly began.What started as an easy, joyful friendship became the foundation of everything. Because, as they've learned, the only thing better than being best friends is being best friends in love.

Our Love Story!

Our Story

Photos

Airport Options

Please note: Highlands has no Uber, Lyft, or taxi service - do not rely on rideshare for airport transportation. Rental cars will be needed to get to and from the airports. Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)Approximately 58 miles to Highlands.✈︎Greenville-Spartanburg International Airpot (GSP)Approximately 95 miles to Highlands.✈︎Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)Approximately 140 miles to Highlands.

Transportation for the Weekend

Private shuttles will be provided between downtown Highlands and the wedding venue on Saturday. Friday's festivities will take place in town. We encourage booking accommodations in town or walkable to town to avoid the need to drive during the weekend festivities. Please see our Lodging tab for more details.⬥For guests interested in group shuttle options to/from airports, or generally for the weekend, popular services include: Mountain Motor Coach, Cashiers Carolina Connection, Highland’s Ride Service and Georgia Shuttle, Inc.

Getting There

Friday, October Second

•5:00PM to 7:00PMThe Laurel Room at Old Edwards InnCocktail Attire | Kindly Reserved for Invited Guests

•7:00 PM to 10:00 PMThe Trillium Terrace at Old Edwards InnCocktail Attire | Come One Come All!

Saturday, October Third

Wedding Day

•4:10-4:45 PMShuttle Bus Pick Up | Old Edwards Inn &amp; 200 MainShuttles depart starting at 4:10 PM from 16 Church Street (OEI entrance) and 200 Main (near the pool) to the ceremony and reception. The ceremony begins promptly at 5:00 PM.Limited parking is available if you choose to drive, but we strongly encourage using the shuttles.

•5:00 PM to 11:00 PMCeremony &amp; Reception | The Farm at Old Edwards336 Arnold Road, Highlands, NC, USABlack Tie Optional

•11:00 PM - 2:00 AMAfter Party | High Dive476 Carolina Way, Highlands, NC 28741

Schedule

In Town / Walkable

Because Highlands doesn’t have Ubers or rideshare, and parking is limited, we highly recommend staying in or walkable to town. All accommodations below are either in town or just a short walk to downtown Highlands.

Please call the number above or email grouproomrequests@oldedwardsinn.com. Mention the Cassada-Harrison wedding when you book. This room block is extremely limited, we highly suggest booking your stay early. This is where Friday's festivities will take place. Shuttles to Saturday's events will run from here.

Please call the number above or email grouproomrequests@oldedwardsinn.com. Mention the Cassada-Harrison wedding when you book. This room block is extremely limited, we highly suggest booking your stay early. Shuttles to Saturday's events will run from here.

200 Main

This lovely hotel is newly renovated and located just on the edge of town. It is a 10-minute walk to Friday's festivities and 5-minute walk to Saturday's wedding shuttle pickup.

Trailborn Highlands

Highlander Mountain House is an English country house hotel with a tavern + country pub, live music &amp; legendary fireplaces, located in the heart of downtown Highlands.

Highlander Mountain House

Conveniently located on Main Street, you’ll be steps away from Highlands’ vibrant dining, shopping, and seasonal activities.&nbsp;

The Lofts on Main

A quaint, polished dog-themed hotel located in downtown Highlands.

The Park on Main

A boutique mountain lodging just a short walk from downtown Highlands, featuring cozy rooms, mountain views, and the inviting Outpost bar for seasonal drinks and coffee.

Outpost Inn Highlands

The newly remodeled Inn at Mill Creek features 6 suites, specially designed and outfitted for luxury, and perfectly situated in the heart of town where all the action happens.

The Inn at Mill Creek

Here is a curated list of rentals that come recommended by Old Edwards Inn. Please note rentals that are walkable to town and ones that are not (see the "key" in the document)! We highly encourage booking "walkable to town" if you are going to engage in wedding celebrations. 🥂🍻Note: Town is where Friday's festivities are &amp; Saturday's shuttles will depart from. See schedule tab for more details.

Lydia and Peter's Recommendations

For those looking to stay in a house or condo. See the "Walk to Town Properties" tab.

Rent In Highlands

For those looking to stay in a house or condo. See the "Walk to Town" tab on their website.

Highlands Vacation Rentals

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A Short Drive

The below are a short drive to downtown Highlands.

Perched atop a 3,700-foot ridgeline a short drive from downtown Highlands, Skyline Lodge is a design-driven mountain escape that pairs mid-century heritage with thoughtful hospitality.

The Skyline Lodge

A collection of modern cabins nestled in the woods of Highlands, NC.

High Camp

Nestled amid the misty ridges a short drive outside of downtown Highlands, Flat Mountain Farm is a hidden gem. This lovingly restored, 28-acre estate was once a rhododendron farm; today it’s an extraordinary destination for meaningful gatherings of all kinds. If you are looking to stay in a larger house, there are some stunning options here.

Flat Mountain Farm

Lodging

Below is a list of wonderful local restaurants we encourage you try in your free time!

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Madison's Restaurant

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In townSeasonally influenced New American fine dining served in elegant rustic quarters in Old Edwards Inn.<a href="https://www.madisonshighlands.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.madisonshighlands.com/</a>

Four65 Woodfire Bistro + Bar

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In town Wood-Fired Artisan Pizzas, Cast-Iron Sandwiches, Salads, Signature Cocktails, and more!<a href="https://www.four65.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.four65.com/</a>

Town Hall Highlands

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In townWarm, welcoming dining rooms with elevated rustic finishes serving seasonal Southern comfort food featuring an expansive outdoor patio and garden.<a href="https://www.townhallhighlands.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.townhallhighlands.com/</a>

Wild Thyme Gourmet

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In town Upscale Asian-influenced American cuisine served in a contemporary polished setting with a bar area.<a href="https://www.wildthymegourmet.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wildthymegourmet.com/</a>

The Ugly Dog Public House

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In town Cozy, classic tavern with a live music lineup &amp; menu of burgers &amp; pub food, plus Sunday brunch.<a href="https://www.theuglydogpub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.theuglydogpub.com/</a>

Highlands Smokehouse

Lunch &amp; Dinner // 5-minute drive from town Rustic mountain restaurant for barbecued ribs, brisket &amp; pulled pork, plus classic Southern sides.<a href="https://www.highlandssmokehouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.highlandssmokehouse.com/</a>

The Ruffed Grouse Tavern

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In townField, forest, fish, fowl, and farm are the tenets around the regionally-influenced menu, relying on seasonal ingredients from Blue Ridge farmers and growers.<a href="https://www.highlandermountainhouse.com/tavern" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.highlandermountainhouse.com/tavern</a>

The Wine Garden

Lunch &amp; Dinner // In townCrisp salads, satisfying burgers, soups, sandwiches, and Southern favorites, paired perfectly with craft cocktails, premium wines, and local beers from the inviting bar.<a href="https://www.oldedwardsinn.com/restaurants-highlands-nc/the-wine-garden" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.oldedwardsinn.com/restaurants-highlands-nc/the-wine-garden</a>

The Stubborn Bull

Dinner // In town Modern restaurant inspired by Mediterranean, Spanish, and South American cuisine with a large wine and beer selection.<a href="https://the-stubborn-bull.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://the-stubborn-bull.com/</a>

Highlands Supper Club

Dinner // In town Tucked within the garden and beneath the trees, an intimate setting with seasonal dishes, craft cocktails, and signature Southern hospitality.<a href="https://www.thehighlandssupperclub.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thehighlandssupperclub.com/</a>

On The Verandah

Dinner // 7-minute drive from townUpscale establishment offering American fusion fine dining, a romantic ambiance &amp; lakefront seating.<a href="http://www.ontheverandah.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.ontheverandah.com/</a>

Oak Steakhouse

Dinner // 10-minute drive from townSet in the Skyline Lodge, this steakhouse features local ingredients and original stone fireplaces.<a href="https://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.oaksteakhouserestaurant.com/</a>

Lakeside Restaurant

Dinner // In townCompact &amp; quaint cottage on Lake Harris offering upscale American fare with a seafood focus.<a href="https://www.lakesiderestaurant.info/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.lakesiderestaurant.info/</a>

 Ristorante Paoletti

Dinner // In town Polished European-style venue offering refined Italian dishes &amp; wine, with separate bar seating.<a href="https://paolettis.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://paolettis.com/</a>

Looking for More?

Check out the link here for more amazing restaurants, cafes and bars! <a href="https://www.highlandschamber.org/food-drink/restaurants/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.highlandschamber.org/food-drink/restaurants/</a>

Dining

Wedding Party

We highly recommend you visit downtown Highlands in your free time. There is ample shopping, eating, drinking, art galleries, and more. Many of the local hotels and rentals are within walking distance of this area.

Downtown Highlands

From downtown Highlands, walk the Satulah Mountain Road. The dwarf white oaks and pitch pines here are 200 years old. Visit the stone shelter, built in 1911 to behold the glories of the sunrise, the sunset, and the stars.

Satulah Mountain - Highlands Cashiers Land Trust

Sunset Rock is an ideal choice for a late afternoon stroll, and is walking distance from town. Beautiful sunsets can be seen over the town, while you sit on a natural amphitheater of&nbsp;slabs of granite.&nbsp;

Sunset Rock

Whiteside Mountain is one of the most popular hikes in the area, and is known for being one of the oldest mountains in the world (at 360-490 million years old)! It is a 2.5 mile loop that will take you to amazing views.&nbsp;

Whiteside Mtn Trail

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to steps and uneven walking. This is one of the most popular waterfalls in the area. This 80-foot waterfall is located along the Cullasaja River Gorge in the Nantahala National Forest and is part of the Mountain Waters Scenic Byway.&nbsp;

Dry Falls

Big Shoals Falls, also known as Secret Falls, is a .75-mile easy hike to a beautiful waterfall.

Secret Falls Trail Head

The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing.

The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts

A championship 18-hole golf course with a "Highlands Course" (front nine) and a "Cove Course" (back nine).

Old Edwards Club

More Things to Do

<a href="https://www.oldedwardsinn.com/things-to-do-highlands-nc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Old Edwards Inn Recommendations</a><a href="https://www.highlandschamber.org/things-to-do/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce Recommendations</a> <a href="https://www.alltrails.com/us/north-carolina/highlands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Highlands Hiking Trails</a><a href="Highlands &amp; Cashiers Hiking Trails" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Highlands &amp; Cashiers Hiking Trails</a><a href="https://highlandsaerialpark.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mountain Top Ziplining</a>

Things to Do

Highlands and surrounding areas are choc-full of history!

<a href="https://www.highlandschamber.org/articles/post/15-magical-facts-about-highlands/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">15 Magical Facts About Highlands</a> <a href="https://www.highlandschamber.org/plan-your-trip/history-of-highlands/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.highlandschamber.org/plan-your-trip/history-of-highlands/</a> <a href="https://www.highlandschamber.org/articles/post/15-magical-facts-about-highlands/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.highlandschamber.org/articles/post/15-magical-facts-about-highlands/</a>