Love Story Spring 2007

Alison C. (Ackerknecht) & Gregory M. James

July 15, 2006
Richmond, Vermont

How we met

Greg and I first met briefly while spending time with mutual friends before I left to study abroad in Paris. I didn't know him well, but I definitely thought he was cute! After returning from France six months later, bleary-eyed from a long flight and two days without sleep, I took a quick nap at home. My mother tried to wake me many times because my friends had planned a surprise party for me, but I was exhausted and just wanted to catch up on some sleep. Somehow she managed to get me out of bed, into the shower, and next thing I knew, I had arrived at my "Hawaiian Homecoming Party." After a few hugs from friends, Greg came out of the crowd with my favorite drink in his hand, made especially for me. That night we talked, laughed, and danced, and at the end of the night, we hugged goodbye. I expected a friendly peck on the cheek, but Greg surprised me with our first kiss...and what a nice surprise it was!

How we got engaged

To celebrate our four-year anniversary, we decided to go camping on Kerr Lake in North Carolina, not far from where we currently live. After swimming all day and eating an amazing dinner we had cooked on the grill, we sat down to enjoy Saturday night. Sitting by our campfire, with the lake in the background, the only sounds we could hear were the lapping of the waves on the shore and the crackling of the fire. Greg popped a bottle of champagne, and we toasted our four years together. As I settled back to enjoy my first sip, I saw Greg's hand reach into his pocket, and it was at that moment my jaw dropped open, and I said, "Oh my God"...at least three times. Greg got down on one knee in front of the fire, and after saying some amazingly sweet things, he asked me to be his bride. Several (shocked) seconds later, I said "yes." We spent the night talking about the rest of our lives together as the fire slowly turned to embers.

Most Memorable Details

There were a lot of decisions that we struggled with during our wedding planning, but the one that we never had to discuss was where we were getting married. Vermont is where we grew up and fell in love with each other – it only seemed natural to begin the rest of our lives there, as well. Sharing this very special time and place with all of our friends and family was too perfect to describe. There were so many amazing moments throughout the day – walking down the aisle with my father, seeing Greg for the first time, sharing the vows we wrote for each other, but most of all, knowing that I found my one true love for the rest of my life.

Some Planning Advice to Future Brides and Grooms

It’s ok to sweat the small stuff. There were a lot of details that went into our wedding day, but they were all important because we were able to share with our guests who we are and what we mean to each other. Everything from the vows we wrote for one another to the handmade programs brought our family and friends closer to us, which made the day even more beautiful. Our guests continue to comment on how personal, warm, and loving the whole day felt. In the end, your wedding day will reflect your love for each other, so try not to allow other people to sway you or let the stress overwhelm you. Have fun figuring out how to share your love and commitment for one another with the most treasured people in your lives.

Index of Love Stories at Vermont Bride Magazine