Touching Hocking Hills Wedding & Engagement Stories to Make You Want to Say 'I Do'
'Tis the season of giving, friends, family -- proposals, engagements, pretty rings and wedding bells. To share the spirit, these adorable couples shared how Hocking Hills played a role on their big days.
'Tis the season of giving, friends, family -- proposals, engagements, pretty rings and wedding bells. To share the spirit, these adorable couples shared how Hocking Hills played a role on their big days. Responses have been edited for clarity.
via the Woolvertons
Brandon and Hailey Woolverton- Ravenna Ohio
How did you meet?
Brandon is my older brothers childhood best friend whom I’ve had a crush on since I was about six years old. His mother babysat my brother and me for my parents.
When did you know they were the one?
Hailey: I knew since I was six years old.
Brandon: She is the only woman I’ve ever loved.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
Two years.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
April of 2014 at my baby shower in front of about 50 women. He came in with a group of friends and my father and got down on one knee.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal? If it wasn't in Hocking, please share!
At my baby shower!
How did he/she propose?
He tricked me into sitting in a chair in front of 50 plus people at my baby shower and gave me a bag with a necklace for our unborn daughter and as I was looking in the bag to see what was in it, he got down on one knee to propose
Why Hocking Hills?
It was the most beautiful place we had ever seen. Mind you, all the venues we found there we saw online. We had never been to Hocking prior to our wedding and it has become our favorite place to visit.
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Go there and visit before you get married there so you know where everything is.
When did you get married?
October 1, 2016.
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
Old Man’s Cave Upper Falls, and because it was the most beautiful outside venue we had ever seen.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
It was very fun! We chose a smaller wedding with about 40 people so it wasn’t too bad! We had a lot of fun planning everything!
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
It was very elegant and small. Which made it very romantic. We both love the outdoors, so the venue was perfect for us and in person, it was way beyond the beauty we saw in pictures when we chose Hocking Hills!
What was your favorite part about the big day?
That his family from Louisiana was able to travel and make it to our wedding, and that it’s everything we ever dreamed of!
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
Outdoor themed.
What was something you wish you didn't worry so much about leading up to or at the wedding?
I wish I didn't spend so much time worried about how everything was going to turn out. Our big day turned out perfect and we are beyond grateful for the memories that Hocking Hills gave to us!
Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then?
Don’t stress the small stuff.
What do you remember most about the big day?
How stunning our wedding truly was and how Brandon made me feel. He made me feel like I was on top of the world and the most beautiful woman inside and out. I’m so thankful for our love.
How long have you been married now?
October 2017 was our one year anniversary!
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Go visit the venue prior to your wedding day so you have clear directions on how to get there.
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Yes. We went to Hocking hills during Labor Day weekend and for our one year anniversary that we plan on making a tradition.
Is there anything else you would like to add or include in the story about your ceremony?
Old Man’s Cave is by far my favorite place to visit now. I love being able to go back to the place I married my best friend over and over again. Such a magical feeling!
via pexels.com
Cory & Kimberly Horkey, Killbuck, Ohio
How did you meet?
We worked together and it was love at first sight.
When did you know they were the one?
I knew immediately, as did my husband.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
We were together 17 years before he proposed.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
Summer of 2015.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal? If it wasn't in Hocking, please share!
We were at our house and had just found out we were going to have a baby (even though I wasn't supposed to be able to have children). And my husband asked me to marry him.
How did he/she propose?
He really didn't propose. Just said we're getting married.
Why Hocking Hills (or wherever the proposal happened)?
We were in the moment and it was just the next step in our relationship.
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Only that make sure you know it's what you want. After 17 years, I knew neither of us was going anywhere.
When did you get married?
November 12, 2016.
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
Ash Cave.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
It was awesome and easy to set up.
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
It was wonderful. The Reverend we hired was delightful.
What was your favorite part of the big day?
Saying I do to my best friend.
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
No theme.
What was something you wish you didn't worry so much about leading up to or at the wedding?
The wedding itself. I think it was because it was so public. But we had a lot of fun. And there were a lot of visitors that day!
Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then?
No, not at all.
What do you remember most about the big day?
The applause when we kissed as husband & wife.
How long have you been married now?
One beautiful blessed year.
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Do what you want within reason.
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Unfortunately, no. But hoping to remedy that this coming summer.
via Lauren Melanne Photography
Eric and Kelly Nilges Elyria, Ohio
How did you meet?
Our parents have been friends for over 50 yrs and we were neighbors growing up as preteens.
When did you know they were the one?
We "pretend" dated when we were younger, then we lost track of each other when we were 18 after high school (late 80's long before social media). We went on to live separate lives; me in California and him in Ohio. We And met up again in 2011 by chance at a local school fundraiser. One look at him and I knew I let someone special get away. We connected again and it was like we never parted ways all those years ago. I wasn't letting that happen again.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
About four years.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
It was on Jan. 1, 2016.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal? If it wasn't in Hocking, please share!
We were on Christmas vacation visiting my daughter and her family, along with my two other daughters in Orlando Florida
How did he/she propose?
To everyone's surprise, Eric got down on one knee and proposed to me on the beach at Camp Wilderness just after we rang in 2016.
Why Hocking Hills (or wherever the proposal happened)?
Since my oldest daughter lives away from us at the time, Eric wanted all of my kids to witness his proposal to me so it was the perfect time with all of us together
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Don't try to go over the top for your engagement just stick to what your heart tells you. If you know he/she is the one then it won't matter to them where or how it happens. You want it to be a memorable occasion, not one you have to stress over to be "perfect" it will be perfect for them regardless, no matter how it happens
When did you get married?
We got married on 8/20/2016 at Ash Cave in Hocking Hills surrounded by 60+ family and friends and it was the best day of our lives. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony.
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
We got married at Ash Cave because that is where we went for our first trip together as a couple in 2012. Rven though it was was a destination wedding for us at over three hours away from where we live, we wanted to share this amazing place and our ceremony with our family and friends.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
I had only had eight months to plan and it was hard to think of everything involved in the planning of a destination wedding. Thankfully, there are a lot of online resources down in Hocking Hills that I connected with. Everything from lodging for us and our guests that would be spending the night. Our ceremony permit, our cake and reception hall. It made it so much easier and we only had to make one trip down in that eight months.
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
It was a little hot that day. We weren't sure what it would be like having our wedding in a public place and Ash Cave was very crowded as it is a very popular attraction for people visiting on a Saturday in Hocking Hills. They were respectful of all of us in the wedding party and our guests. It turned out just as I had envisioned it would. Even having over 60 guests attend, everyone made it well ahead of our 3 p.m. ceremony time and even total strangers stopped what they were doing and watched. When we said our I-do's everyone applauded. I will treasure the memories made that day for the rest of my life. We're so happy we decided on Hocking Hills for our big day.
What was your favorite part about the big day?
Being surrounded by all the people that we love. After the ceremony we had everyone gather around us in the shape of a big heart with us in the middle for a picture, it turned out so good.
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
We didn't have a theme per say but we chose the rustic outdoor type of decor at our reception at the Olde Dutch Restaurant in Logan to go along with being married at Ash Cave.
What was something you wish you didn't worry so much about leading up to or at the wedding?
Since this was my first "big" wedding and my husbands first wedding ever, I wanted everything about the experience to be perfect for him. The whole thing from start to finish exceeded all of our hopes and dreams for our day. Even though it rained for some of our pictures, they were all still great even the one with a big golf umbrella.
Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then?
Don't sweat the small stuff, everything has a way of working itself out.
What do you remember most about the big day?
Seeing all the people we love gathering around us in a beautiful place we love. I hope they grow to love it just as much. It's such a gem to have it so close to us. Also, hearing an acoustic version of the Wedding March by a member of one of our favorite bands.
How long have you been married now?
1 year and 4 months.
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Check into all the resources Hocking Hills has to offer. It will take a lot of pressure off your planning and local people are willing to help you any way they can.
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Yes, for our one year anniversary. Eric surprised me yet again and played our song exactly at 3 p.m. as we danced at the same location we said our vows. We plan to attend every anniversary if we can.
Is there anything else you would like to add or include in the story about your ceremony?
I don't think we would have had such a memorable experience if we had chosen another location to get married. Ash Cave will forever have a special place in our hearts.
"It's never too late for Happily Ever After"
Is there anything else you'd like to add about engagements, weddings or relationships in general?
You don't have to spend an exorbitant amount of money to make your day special and amazing.
via the Rines
Ashley and Ben Rine; Mount Vernon Ohio
How did you meet?
At a restaurant 12 years ago.
When did you know they were the one?
We have been friends for a long time. We started dating almost three years ago, that was when we knew this was going to be more than dating and become a partnership.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
He proposed on the anniversary of our first date.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
Spring, June 2016.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal? If it wan't in Hocking, please share!
The proposal was at the Mohican State Park; Overlooks Gorge.
How did he/she propose?
We were celebrating our first date anniversary by going on a bike ride and hiking. We were at the Gorge overlook admiring the sites when he said he wanted to take my picture. He did, but as he walked towards me he got down on one knee, pulled a gorgeous ring out of his pocket and asked me to be his wife!
Why Hocking Hills?
We married at the Upper Falls. We had our first family date (with our sons) at Hocking Hills and both my husband and I love hiking and very much enjoy all the trails at Hocking Hills. We both have fond memories of Hocking and it was a very quick and easy decision to be married there.
We were married at 4:31 (the minute hand going up) on October 1, 2016 at the Upper Falls. Our very good friend married us and our parents and sons were part of the ceremony. A few other family members and friends decided to come and witness, but it was very personal and very much everything we wanted.
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Go for it. You won't regret the place or the moment!
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
We came back down and camped for our one year anniversary this year and plan to make this a tradition.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
We tried to be simple and private. The wedding was for us, our commitment. We didn't need a huge ordeal. It couldn't have turned out any better.
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
Beautiful. All other people were very polite and stood to wait as we went through the ceremony. We even got a huge cheer and applause at the kiss!!
What was your favorite part about the big day?
I married my best friend and soul mate in a beautiful place.
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
Simple. I wore a dress and my husband and boys wore jeans; button up black shirts and vests. Flowers yellow, orange, and maroon.
What was something you wish you didn't worry so much about leading up to or at the wedding?
I was nervous about the public. I wasn't sure how people would treat us, but I couldn't have been more pleased with the respect and polite nature of everyone there.
Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then?
Only that I'm more in love with my husband now than I was that day.
What do you remember most about the big day?
The love and happiness and support from.our families.
How long have you been married now?
A little over one year.
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Don't go overboard and spend lots of money. Keep it simple. It's about the vows and commitment you are making, not about the elaborate ceremony.
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Yes, we camped at the state park for our one year anniversary.
Is there anything else you would like to add or include in the story about your ceremony?
I do it all over again in a heartbeat.
via pexels.com
Patrick & Juls Black
How did you meet?
Online.
When did you know they were the one?
2010, after we met in person.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal?
Lake Logan, evening.
How did he/she propose?
He got down on one knee and proposed, so romantic
Why Hocking Hills (or wherever the proposal happened)?
He loves it here.
Where did you get married?
We, unfortunately, went to town hall
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Don't go to town hall!
Is there anything else you'd like to add or include in your engagement story?
Just that I was lucky enough to find the most amazing man in Hocking County.
When did you get married?
June 22, 2015.
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
Because we are both ill... and we had lived together for so long and had been through so much. So before it kills us.... let's tie the knot.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
Frustrating, ridiculous.... Get a planner.
What was your favorite part about the big day?
My Partner😉
Is there anything else you'd like to add about engagements, weddings or relationships in general?
Make sure you know your partner is your best friend, and life is so much easier.
via the Kaisers
Angela & CJ Kaiser
How did you meet?
We were neighbors in an apartment complex in college. We both enjoyed days at the pool and would casually interact there.
When did you know they were the one?
After our first date (a Dave Matthews concert). We never spent another day apart after that.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
We were together for 2..5 years before he proposed.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
December 16, 2012. It was his birthday week, so he caught me off guard.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal? If it wasn't in Hocking, please share!
He took me out on a boat to a sandbar in Tampa's bay.
How did he/she propose?
He set up a tapestry and got down on one knee. After I said yes, he opened a cooler where he had champagne and orange juice for celebratory mimosas (my favorite). It was just him and I, very intimate.
Why Hocking Hills (or wherever the proposal happened)?
He wanted to do something different and memorable. We both love the ocean so he knew it would be special.
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Try to find a place that is secluded. There is a lot of tourism, and it could take away from the moment.
Is there anything else you'd like to add or include in your engagement story?
We soaked in the moment, just him and I, for about 45 minutes before I started making calls to family. When I was about to call my mom, he told me she knew all about it and was probably waiting for the call to make it official! It made me cry knowing he included my family.
When did you get married?
We got married on September 20, 2014.
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
We got married at the Majestic Oaks Lodge. CJ took me to Hocking Hills for my birthday one year and I fell in love with the area. I knew that if we were getting married in Ohio, there was no other place I'd want it to happen. We choose a private place that had plenty of room for our guests and wedding party who would be traveling from out of state. We encouraged everyone to treat it as a vacation and to explore the local parks and sites.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
We did all the planning ourselves, in nine months. It was exciting and nerve-wracking, all at once. There were so many details to pay attention to. I learned that a wedding planner would've reduced the stress a lot! I also learned a lot about the local vendors. They played a huge role in making my wedding day go smoothly.
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
Having an outdoor ceremony/reception was crucial to us because the area is so beautiful. The ceremony was in the backyard of the lodge which overlooked a small lake. The bridal party wore cream lace dresses and we used the green scenery as our pop of color. It was gorgeous, just as I had hoped. We got married in between two trees that were centered just right, in the middle of the lot. The reception was under a tent in the front of the lodge. We had a beer truck with eight drink options and used the lodge's fire pits for extra ambiance. We danced all night under the twinkling lights of the tent with the beautiful trees and lodge as the backdrop. Once the DJ wrapped up for the night, our musician friends/guests picked up the entertainment.
What was your favorite part about the big day?
My favorite part, by far, was having all our friends and family together to celebrate our marriage. Being surrounded by our favorite people in such a beautiful atmosphere made the day so special.
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
We kept our decorations minimal, to not take away from the surroundings. Our color palette was cream, tan, and, of course, the gorgeous greenery. I would describe our decorations as rustic chic. Our flowers were white and our centerpieces sat on dark wood slices cut by my husband. We designed Hocking Hills wedding pins as our favors. It was so fun to see people instantly pin them to their clothes!
What was something you wish you didn't worry so much about leading up to or at the wedding?
I and my entire bridal party were very nervous about the hill that our ceremony sat on. It was pretty steep and we weren't sure if we would all make it down the aisle without falling! It was terrifying but everyone did wonderfully. No slips or falls at all.
Is there something you know now that you wish you knew then?
There is nothing to be worried about! As long as the vows are exchanged, and you make it back up the aisle as husband and wife, the day is what it should be!
What do you remember most about the big day?
The pure joy shared by all our friends and family. We were truly a collective in the experience and we felt the happiness from all around.
How long have you been married now?
We've been married for three years!
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Take advantage of the scenery and parks! I loved that my wedding guests were able to take in the beauty of the area. I even took my bridal party out for a hiking adventure the day before the wedding to work off some nerves. It worked!
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Absolutely. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and evoke cherished memories! I will be bringing our kids there once we start a family!
Is there anything else you would like to add or include in the story about your ceremony?
Our family and friends still gush about how beautiful the wedding was, and it's all due to the location. It gave an everlasting impression!
Is there anything else you'd like to add about engagements, weddings or relationships in general?
Planning an engagement or a wedding should be about creating an experience that represents your relationship and the things you love and share as a couple. Nothing will make it more meaningful!
via flicker.
Christina and Andy Neanover
How did you meet?
Online.
When did you know they were the one?
Not long after.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
Seven months.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
Summer.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal?
At Old Man's Cave on a bridge.
How did he/she propose?
He got down on one knee with our kids there.
Why Hocking Hills (or wherever the proposal happened)?
Our first vacation spot together where we truly connected.
When did you get married?
8/23/14
Where did you get married in the hills and why Hocking?
Old Man's Cave upper falls.
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
It was simple.
What was the wedding or ceremony like?
Perfect and beautiful!
What was your favorite part about the big day?
Just us and the kids being there.
Was there a theme or how was it decorated if at all?
Not decorated.
How long have you been married now?
Over three years.
What advice do you have for planning a wedding in Hocking Hills (or in general)?
Go to Frank and Renee at At Boulders Edge. They are amazing.
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Yes, many times.
via AOL.com
Jill and Bobby Schneider
How did you meet?
Friends.
How long had you been together when they proposed?
Five years.
When and what time of year did you get engaged?
June 1, 2012.
Where in Hocking Hills was the proposal?
Cedar Falls.
How did he/she propose?
Went on a hike and proposed in front of the waterfall.
Why Hocking Hills?
It is beautiful and our favorite place to go.
Any advice for proposals in Hocking Hills or engagements for other couples?
Cedar falls is beautiful!
When did you get married?
April 13, 2013
What was it like planning the big day? What did you learn?
Planning early makes things less stressful.
How long have you been married now?
4.5 years
Have you returned to Hocking Hills since you got married?
Every year, sometimes twice a year!
Is there anything else you'd like to add about engagements, weddings or relationships in general?
We love Hocking Hills!
