What a joy and a hoot to have this sweetly unique couple to have their wedding at Sampson's Hollow.  Mona and Ben came to visit us last Spring as they were scoping out possible venues for their celebration.  I think we hit it off right away.  At first, I'm not sure that they had decided on a definite date, but when November 1 became available and they thought about the possibilities of having an October 31 (Halloween) rehearsal, I think the creative side of Mona decided it would be a fun way to begin their married life together.  As a graphic artist, she designed their announcements, wedding invitations and gave everything her visual spin.  After they decided on the location, they went to Atlanta to visit relatives and while she didn't plan on finding her dream dress that weekend, I think that that's exactly what happened.  She and Ben kept me posted on their plans and progress and I felt like I was part of the family.  After so much rain and unpredictable weather over the course of the last few months, the weather for their wedding was absolutely gorgeous.  Maybe a little cool for some, but the sun was out with just a light breeze and it was a perfect Autumn Day.  The mountains were showing off just a bit and the colors were absolutely breathtaking with a very magical "smoke" coming off of their peaks at early morning.  One of the things that Mona was concerned about was that she would fall out of the carriage:)  I had camera in hand just in case that happened, but it did not.   She was a beautiful and radiant bride and Benjamin was an elegant and handsome groom.  And, as has been their custom, they kept their friends updated as they began their trip to their honeymoon destination in Hawaii.  Those IPhones are really something special, but Mona, it's time to turn it off and enjoy the honeymoon!  Can't wait to see all of Sondra Dietz's photos with Leben Photography--hope to see you both when you come back to East Tennessee. Thank you so  much for allowing us to be a part of your beautiful day.  May God continue to bless you both!  Janice

P.S.  Did I do okay with the chocolate, peanut butter, hot cocoa and Dr. Pepper requests? LOL!