By Terry Meadows
Alex and Garrett's tale began nine years ago—or eight, depending on who you ask. With Alex in high school and Garrett in college, few foresaw a lasting bond. Their journey weaved through two years of long-distance challenges, two cherished years at Virginia Tech, and another set of years spent apart. It was a path filled with joyous peaks and inevitable valleys, all underscored by countless journeys along Interstate 81.
Now, after nine (or is it eight?) years, a beloved dog, and two homes shared, Garrett chose their most treasured place to kneel and propose. In that moment, Alex and Garrett chose to weave their futures together, forever.
![Zion Springs Real Wedding invitation, save-the-date, wedding ring, wedding shoes, wedding veil](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Alex-Garrett-36.jpg)
The Engagement
Downtown Leesburg
![Zion Springs engaged couple embracing on a wet street](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Alex-Garrett-Engagement-93.jpg)
The Rehearsal
Dinner: Rigatoni and Meatballs | Tiramisu
![Zion Springs wedding rehearsal South Terrace fire pit](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/01-Alex-Garrett-117.jpg)
![Zion Springs wedding rehearsal South TGerrace, couple dancing](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/01-Alex-Garrett-144.jpg)
![Bride sitting in bathtub with glass of champage](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Alex-Garrett-289.jpg)
"As soon as we stepped foot onto the Zion Springs property, we knew it was the venue for us. Everyone was so welcoming, the barn and scenery was breathtaking, we loved the idea of an all-inclusive wedding to take the stress off our shoulders, and the final selling point was the End of the Night Video shown to us at the end of our tour. We had full body chills watching it, and that was the moment we knew we wanted to get married there."
![Zion Springs groomsmen playing cornhole on estate grounds lawns](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Alex-Garrett-12.jpg)
![Zion Springs Real Wedding bride standing in front of white window in wedding dress fixing her earring](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Alex-Garrett-324.jpg)
Dress: Lovely Bride in Washington, D.C.
![Zion Springs groom reviewing wedding vows, rustic barn](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/02-Alex-Garrett-299.jpg)
Suit: Jos A. Bank
![Zion Springs bride and groom celebrating with wedding party on estate lawn](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04-Alex-Garrett-811.jpg)
Bridesmaids: Revelry | Groomsmen: Jos A. Bank
The Ceremony
Processional Music - Alex: “From This Moment On” | Garrett: “Anyone ”
![Zion Springs bride and groom wedding ceremony under flower pagoda](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/03-Alex-Garrett-206.jpg)
![Zion Springs banquet table with glasses and flowers and table setting with twinkling lights](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-Alex-Garrett-6.jpg)
![Zion Springs wedding reception with bar service and minging guests](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-Alex-Garrett-29.jpg)
![Zion Springs bride and groom dancing in rustic barn with spotlight and American Flag](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-Alex-Garrett-295.jpg)
![Zion Springs reception dancing with slow motion lighting flares](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-Alex-Garrett-507.jpg)
![Zion Springs wedding cake with white flowers on a wood table](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/05-Alex-Garrett-399.jpg)
Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Frosting
What advice would you give to other wedding couples?
"The entire staff at Zion Springs was amazing to work with. There was zero stress from the moment we started working with them, until the day we went home after the wedding. From Laura's meticulous planning, to Sofia's stunning floral arrangements, the design team made every detail come to life, exactly as we dreamt it. Doug, Tommy, and Bethany made taking pictures so much fun, capturing every moment so we can keep them forever."
![Zion Springs Real Wedding bride and groom on a hilltop with cloudless blue sky and veil floating in the breeze](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/04-Alex-Garrett-1062.jpg)
Zion Springs: Your Dream Wedding Awaits in This Picturesque Setting
Excited for your wedding day? Discover inspiring stories of love and celebration in our Real Weddings section on the Answers and Advice page. These narratives showcase the unique and beautiful weddings held at Zion Springs.
As an all-inclusive venue, we're here to simplify your wedding planning, so you can concentrate on celebrating your love story. Our extensive range of articles is designed to assist you at every stage of your wedding journey, ensuring your day is not just memorable, but the highlight of your life together.
![Featured image for “Zion Springs – A Different Approach”](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Sizzle-One-Vendor-One-Budget-sm.jpg)
Zion Springs – A Different Approach
![Featured image for “When a Wedding Planner Might Not Be the Right Fit for Your Big Day”](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Newlyweds-at-Sunset.jpg)
When a Wedding Planner Might Not Be the Right Fit for Your Big Day
![Featured image for “All-Inclusive vs. DIY Wedding Planning: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide”](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/05-Kayla-Brent-2-1.jpg)
All-Inclusive vs. DIY Wedding Planning: A Comprehensive Comparison Guide
![Featured image for “Dana and Daniel’s Winter Wedding”](https://www.zionsprings.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/00-Dana-Daniel-167.jpg)