Moorefield Green

Bridal Shower

Sevierville Golf Club

Rehearsal Dinner

The Venue at Greenbrier Estate

Wedding Day

Weekend in Gatlinburg

Our Wedding

Leilani was a freshman at Emory &amp; Henry College in Abingdon, VA when she spotted Matt, a junior at the time, walking past her table and half-jokingly said to her friend, "That guy is hot,” only to be told he was “not her type” and unfortunately, taken. Little did she know, two years later their paths would cross again. &nbsp;Fast forward to 2016: Matt had taken a year off and returned as a junior. They were at a friend's house for a back-to-school party. Leilani was holding her own in a game of beer pong when a now-single Matt, competitive and ready to humble her, stepped up to the table. Here was the guy she had secretly crushed on for two years, standing before her, wanting to play her in BP. Would she let him win? &nbsp;&nbsp;No… No, she would not.&nbsp; &nbsp;Shocked by her win and trying to keep things cool, Leilani suggested they take a photo together, bonding over their Ray-Bans that hung from their shirts. With no intention of sending the picture to Matt, she tried taking the photo (see above) and walking off with it, but when he asked for her number to send it to him, she couldn’t resist. What started as friendly competition turned into late-night talks, spontaneous hangouts, and a relationship full of love, laughter, and a friendship like no other.&nbsp; They’ve been together since September 11, 2016, and on March 23, 2024, Matt proposed. Now, they’re beyond excited to celebrate the next chapter of their love story with all of you on October 24, 2025, as they say, "I do."

It all started in the college cafeteria back in 2014. 

Our Story

September 2016 - March 2024

Georgetown, DC Engagement Shoot

Phong Dinh Photography (October 2024)

Gatlinburg, TN Engagement Shoot

Mint Forever Photography (April 2025)

Photos

Meet Our Lucky 7

Paired as roommates at random during their freshman year of college, Rachel & Leilani were fast friends. Rachel has seen Leilani through the good, the bad, & the ugly, & through it all, Rachel has shown our bride-to-be unwavering love & support. Leilani is honored to call Rachel her best friend, and Matron of Honor.

Rachel Haines Cowart

Jake's relationship with Matt stretches over a long history. As Matt's younger brother & only sibling, the choice to have Jake serve as the Best Man was an easy one to make. Matt could not be more excited to have Jake stand with him on his big day.

Jake Hawkins

Madeleine is Leilani's younger cousin & first call on a bad day. As kids, they briefly lived together in the same house thus creating some of Leilani's favorite core memories. Fast forward 20 years, Madie & Leilani are just as inseparable now as they were as children. Leilani couldn't imagine her day without Madie as her Maid of Honor. 

Madeleine 'Madie' Luberecki

Josh and Matt became friends in High School & quickly fostered a relationship based on trouble-making & tomfoolery. The two were known to cruise the streets of Asheville, listening to music, & venturing to wherever they could go. For a friendship that has stood the test of time,  having Josh serve as a Groomsman was an almost anticipated honor.

Josh Hanrahan

Juliana is Leilani's little sister & the reason Leilani is 'hip' to this generation's lingo. Despite their 14-year age gap, Leilani knows she can call on her sister at any time to vent or talk about the newest funny trend on TikTok. Juliana is Leilani's sunshine on a cloudy day, & our future Mrs. is excited to have her munchkin stand by her side in life & on her wedding day.

Juliana Posey      

Jeffrey is a longstanding friend of Matt's from his college years. Jeffrey's quick wit, sense of humor, & willingness to throw down for a good time made him an obvious choice for his big day. These gentlemen even had the privilege of studying within the same department/program. Ask Jeffrey & our groom-to-be about David Hume!

Jeffrey Cowart

What started as neighbors across the hall during freshman year quickly grew into an unbreakable bond. Leilani was immediately charmed by Felicia's hilarious personality, kindness, & loyalty. Despite being 765 miles away, Felicia has remained a constant source of love & support, becoming not just a friend but a sister by choice.

Felicia Blackford

Though Matt & Aaron's friendship got off to a slow start in high school, they eventually became close, & our future groom is thrilled to have him as a Groomsman on his big day. The two used to embark on 'Monday Adventures' through the mountains, so this special occasion will make for an excellent 'Friday Adventure!'

Aaron Romano

Madi & Leilani shared a class for a semester but never spoke until Madi reached out on Twitter post-college, sparking a lifelong friendship. Madi is a one-in-a-million friend & Leilani's biggest cheerleader, always showing up for life’s biggest moments. Her friendship is a rare gift that our blushing bride cherishes deeply, & Leilani is grateful that Madi said yes to being her bridesmaid.

Madison 'Madi' Martinez

Jon, a.k.a Little Wygal, got to know Matt during his college years. Jon & his older brother often accompanied Matt in whatever reckless behavior he was engaging in. Jon's upbeat personality & ability to absolutely destroy a Busch 30-rack made him an obvious selection. Matt could not be more excited to have Jon stand beside him.

Jon Wygal

Besides Leilani's sister & cousin, Chelsea has known our betrothed the longest out of the bride's Lucky 7. Their friendship started at Chelsea’s Sweet 16, & they've celebrated milestones together ever since. Though busy adult life sometimes keeps them apart, their bond stays strong through Twilight memes & their love for the movie, 'My Girl.' Chelsea is a forever friend, & Leilani couldn’t be happier to have her standing by her side on her special day.

Chelsea Meade

Dustin is one of Matt's oldest friends. Having met in the sixth grade, the two quickly developed a meaningful friendship when Dustin stood up to Matt in their middle school music class. Years later, every time the two meet, it feels as though they never skipped a beat. The groom-to-be is eager to have him stand with him on his wedding day.

Dustin Combs

From freshman year neighbors to best friends in the blink of an eye. Whether they’re geocaching, grabbing ramen, or Leilani's trying to find a way to say no to jumping out of a plane with her, every moment with Jenna is unforgettable. She’s always there, cheering our bride on, & Leilani is honored to have Jenna by her side as she begins this next chapter with the love of her life.

Jenna Viar

From one of the first people Matt met in college to his fraternity big brother, Brian was an easy choice for Matt. Brian's intellect, dedication, & motivation were a driving force behind Matt pursuing multiple majors in college. Matt is honored to have him as part of his wedding day.

Brian Stanley

The Lucky 7

Meet Our VIPs

OfficiantSteve Hawkins

Leilani and Matthew could not have chosen a more perfect officiant than Matthew’s father, Steve. A lifelong man of faith, Steve has been part of the church community since childhood and continues to share his voice in the church choir. His guidance, faith, and love make this role especially meaningful as he blesses Leilani and Matthew at the start of their life together.

Ring BearerDucky Tizon

Ducky is Leilani's father's service dog, but Ducky can't help but serve, support, &amp; love the whole family. Ducky doesn't actually know Leilani or Matt's name &amp; only knows them as "Sissy" &amp; "Boyfriend." When Ducky sees her Sissy or Boyfriend, she can't help but wiggle her butt, bring them a gift (typically the nearest shoe), &amp; give them kisses. After Ducky's killer audition to be the couple's ring bearer, it was a no-brainer that she was the right fit for the part.

Flower ManJerry Fuga

Jerry met Leilani during their freshman year of high school. He has been a constant in Leilani's life for the last 15 years &amp; is happy to know that his 'little' sister (she is older than him) found the love of her life. The happy couple is excited to have Jerry be a part of their special day!

VIPs

Filipino Money Dance

What is a Filipino money dance?

A "money dance" in Filipino tradition, also known as the prosperity dance, or&nbsp;sabitan ng pera&nbsp;in Tagalog, it serves to usher in financial abundance in a couple’s marriage. For wedding guests, it’s a fun moment full of candid merriment and well-wishing. Guests will line up to dance with the bride and groom while pinning money onto their clothing, symbolizing a blessing and contribution to their future financial stability;&nbsp;typically, male guests pin money on the bride, and female guests pin money on the groom.&nbsp; In terms of actual choreography, it’s quite straightforward when done traditionally: guests line up in two queues, with everyone holding a pin or large paperclip and waiting their turn to dance with the bride or groom. We hope you will line up and dance with us!

Traditions

Q + A

Airport & Car Rental

The closest airport to Gatlinburg, TN is McGhee-Tyson Airport (TYS) in Knoxville, about 40 miles away. TYS has several car rental agencies located on-site, such as Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

Hotel Blocks

Please use the website link below to access the room block. 25 min from venue

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Pigeon Forge South, TN

Please use the website link below to access the room block. 34 min from venue

Hampton Inn & Suites Pigeon Forge On The Parkway

Please use the website link below to access the room block. 20 min from venue

The Park Vista - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel - Gatlinburg

Airbnb

If you’d prefer not to use the hotel blocks we’ve reserved, we recommend checking out the Airbnb app. It’s a great way to find accommodations closer to either our wedding venue or the Gatlinburg Parkway, giving you the flexibility to stay exactly where you’d like.

Travel

Dollywood is a theme park that is jointly owned by Herschend Family Entertainment and country singer-songwriter Dolly Parton through her entertainment company, Dolly Parton Productions. Dollywood is nestled in the Smokies, so you’ll always have a great view of the mountains while you enjoy world-class roller coasters, festivals, delicious culinary offerings, &amp; live entertainment at Dollywood. 30 min from wedding venue

Dollywood Theme Park

Founded in 2010, Ole Smoky's roots are traced to the Smoky Mountains' earliest settlers, families who produced moonshine with enduring pride &amp; Appalachian spirit. Ole Smoky is the leading distiller of premium moonshine in the world, the leading craft distiller in the U.S., &amp; the first federally licensed distillery in the history of East Tennessee. 20 min from wedding venue

Ole Smoky Distillery "The Holler"

The official family fun park of NASCAR® located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. With over 25 acres of fun, our guests have consistently ranked us the #1 spot for go-karting in the region. Your day of play includes plenty of other family fun like rides, mini golf, bumper boats, arcade, mini bowling, VR games, and more. With unlimited ride wristbands, you can play all day.&nbsp; 30 min from wedding venue

NASCAR SpeedPark Smoky Mountains

Gatlinburg Golf Course provides a unique 18-hole golfing experience in a spectacular mountain setting.&nbsp;The course offers beginners &amp; experienced golfers a challenge at every hole with breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains. It&nbsp;is arguably one of the best golf courses in Tennessee &amp;&nbsp;one of the most picturesque courses in America. 24 min from wedding venue

Leilani & Matthew

Leilani & Matthew

L&M

Wedding Day