Mountain View Falls at Parkside Resort

Wedding Day

Parkside Resort

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

We can't wait to celebrate with you!

Our Wedding

Why hello, and welcome to the sweet love story of Deanna and James. This here story to tell has been entrusted to none other than yours truly AKA James AKA Jim AKA Jimmy AKA Narrator guy. For the sake of time I will try my best to keep our story on point and filled with the only the best of parts. Let us begin shall we? Our story starts a long time ago in a year known to most of us as 1991 (or before the sun came to be if you ask Brooklyn). There was a babe who, ok, let's not kid ourselves obviously this good looking babe is I, the narrator, AKA Jim. Anywho, the story of Jim &amp; Deanna truly begins as most love stories do. Two lovers who do not quite yet realize that they are destined to become exactly what each other have always been looking for in this here modern age, through online gaming. Before we get to the real juicy parts let me give you the start of the story as I know it to be true. If I am being honest, I deep down always knew that I would eventually fall for a beautiful redheaded woman. Little did I know that certain woman would be the wife of a former friend of mine. There I was in 2016, realizing that I was going to be a divorced father of a little toddler. Living in a place that was not yet my home, but would eventually grow to be the place I fully grew up as a man. I had decided that the best way for me to cope with such a massive problem was to do what I liked to do most, gaming. I ended up finding some friends that would later become some of the best friends I've come to know even to this day. One of these friends happened to have, at the time, an absolutely gorgeous wife named Deanna. I can remember thinking back then "if ever such a woman came my way I could surely not screw things up and make her my wife." Fast forward a few even several years, if you will for the sake of story telling, through our own trials and tribulations of life, lo' and behold a certain beauty of a redhead came back into my life. In big part, thanks to my best man Marky. Eventually after reconnecting, Deanna and I each agreed that our first meeting in person should be in Chicago Illinois of all places. (GO GREEN BAY). We figured that was the most middle city between us we would have a decent airfare for me and ,for Dee, not too far of a drive to meet some dude who she had interacted with online. Granted, for her his pictures on Facebook looked pretty damn good looking. (If i do say so myself, which, I do.) I can still remember that day I first laid eyes on Deanna in person outside of the airport in Chicago. I knew right then and there either I would convince this stunning woman I could be the man she's always been looking for, or, I would end up living as a hermit off the land in the middle of nowhere. Sure enough, thanks to my charming personality (I'm pretty sure this had to be the answer) or my awesome badonkadonk (maybe this helped, who can say for sure to be honest), I convinced her that I could be the man of her dreams. Deep down I already knew "this could not possibly be anymore of the perfect woman" Now, your boy the narrator (AKA Jim), had already tried his hand once at love and while he had a carbon copy of himself but as a female (AKA Brooklyn Avery), the one thing he thought he would never actually have is the woman of his dreams. After spending our time in Chicago together this here guy decided that through the power of words he could convince Dee to come join him up in the middle of nowhere NW Minnesota. As luck would have it, this guy's words somehow made the magic happen. She must have decided that his charming personality or perhaps the sweet badonkadonk was actually worth moving across the country for. Then there I was, a single father, who was only just really getting to grips with what he wanted in life and his job FINALLY paying dividends for all his hard work landing the woman of his dreams. Next thing ya know, I finally have that exact woman of my dreams right here beside me. Still to this day, I find myself in awe of just how perfect the love of my life is as a person. Hence why on her birthday, of all the days, your dearest narrator decided that he would propose marriage to that perfect woman while at the headwaters of the Mississippi River. That day was a gorgeous fall day here in Minnesota. Sadly, the trees had no leaves thanks to our seasons up here but that day was still perfect. I had asked Brooklyn to serve as a bit of a diversion so as I would get down on one knee and ask Deanna to be my wife her gaze wouldn't see me if I happened to stumble over being the nervous wreck I was. Brooklyn, without any actual direction delivered perfectly the role she was given. Now, I had a whole speech planned for when I asked that fateful question but as I look up at Deanna's eyes, all those eloquent words I had beautifully planned in my mind suddenly disappeared. Instead of the eloquent and well worded proposition all I could come up in the moment with was "Hey, you wanna get hitched?" Now truth be told Dee never actually said the word yes but her crying and nodding her head up and down was good enough for me. Now if that there tale doesn't sum up our story I am not sure what else a guy can do. Here was a perfect woman crying and nodding yes to marry some dude whom she had only met online until Chicago, she was also committed to being thrown in the deep end and having a step child whom was already a 10 year old. Now, I may be a bit biased but, honestly who could see such a beauty commit to moving across the country for some OK looking fella with a pre-teen and not be impressed? One of my favorite things to this day is that I can not go somewhere in town and NOT have somebody ask me"Where is Dee?" This woman even after a short couple of years has this tiny town knowing just how much of an amazing person she is! Thanks for reading this here story of how Deanna and I came to be. This is only your narrator's side of things but I do feel as though it's a pretty dang accurate summation of us. Somehow this guy from Louisville Kentucky managed to pull in a beautiful badass Marine (OOOH RAH) that hails from Columbus Ohio into living in NW Minnesota. This here account may be longer than your boy the narrator had originally planned it to be but we both hope you can make the trip to our day in October! Thank you for reading our story and even if you can not make it we both love you the same as always. LoveJim and Dee.

Our Story

Photos

Victoria is Deanna’s younger sister and Dee’s right-hand woman in mischief and support. They’ve spent years lovingly annoying one another, trading teasing jokes and inside jokes, keeping each others secrets and turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. Victoria brings energy, warmth, and a steady sense of fun to every occasion—especially this one.

Victoria Barraco

Theresa and Deanna (Dee) have been friends since 2000, when Dee’s family moved in across the street; they bonded countless neighborhood adventures. Over the years Theresa has been Dee’s steady confidante—celebrating milestones, offering practical help, and bringing laughter to big days and small. 

Theresa Mockensturm

Ashlea is Deanna’s youngest sister and a spark of lively mischief in the family. She keeps everyone on their toes and makes sure there’s never a dull moment—equal parts daring and devoted. Though she playfully claims the title of “scariest” sister, Ashlea’s fierce loyalty and big heart are always on full display, and she’s thrilled to stand with Deanna on their wedding day.

Ashlea

Wedding Party

What to Wear to a Semi-Formal Wedding

40 Perfect Fall Wedding Guest Dresses for September, October and November

40 Inexpensive Wedding Guest Dresses for Every Dress Code and Vibe

Key Guidelines for Semi-Formal Wedding Attire:For Women:-Dress Length: Knee-length, midi, or tea-length dresses are ideal.-Alternatives: A dressy jumpsuit, elegant separates (like a silk camisole and midi skirt), or a sophisticated pantsuit.-Fabrics &amp; Details: Look for chiffon, satin, crepe, or lace.-Footwear: Heels, dressy flats, or block heels (ideal for outdoor weddings).For Men:-Suit: A tailored suit is the safest choice.-Alternatives: A blazer or sport coat with tailored dress pants.-Shirt &amp; Tie: A crisp dress shirt is necessary; a tie is optional.-Footwear: Dress shoes, such as loafers or Oxfords.What to Avoid:-Tuxedos or floor-length gowns (too formal).-Jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, or casual cotton sundresses (too casual).

Dress Code

Q + A

If possible, please let Deanna or Jim know whether you’ll be staying on- or off-site for shuttle arrangements by 9/17. If you’re staying on-site, tell us which cabin so we can arrange shuttle pickup.

You can stay onsite at the resort in luxury, climate-controlled teepees. Note this option can only be booked for 3 or more nights. Teepees offer all accommodations of a hotel! Teepees are limited, so we recommend calling or booking online in advance to secure your spot. The bride, groom and wedding party will be staying nearby within the resort grounds.

Teepees at Parkside (3 night minimum)

Call to book! A reduced rate is offered by mentioning Deanna's name and booking before 9/13. Note there is a greater discount per night if you book both nights but you can also book for 1 night only. Rates (Inclusive of taxes and fees): King Room for 1 night: $111.14King Room for 2 nights (multiple room / night discount): $194.09 Queen Room 1 night: $114.51Queen Room 2 nights (multiple room / night discount): $210.93

Guest Inn Pigeon Forge

Travel

On the resort property they have:-An Indoor &amp; Outdoor Pool-Arcade-18 hole Putt Putt Course-Playgrounds-Hiking Trails

Deanna & Jim

Deanna & Jim

Things to Do

Parkside Resort

Dollywood

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Smoky Mountain Alpine Coaster

Smoky Mountain Ziplines