Our story began in 1984 when we met in Boca Raton, Florida. Ellery was raised on a dairy farm that bordered Dream Lake in the Green Mountains of Vermont, and Beverly had a wonderful upbringing on a cattle and grain farm in Indiana. So how did we meet in Boca Raton? It was simply meant to be!

Beverly had moved to Florida after graduating from Purdue University with a major in nutrition, while Ellery moved to Florida to escape the bitter cold and to pursue his love of building. After we married in 1986, Beverly completed her master's degree in nutrition while Ellery pursued a degree in business administration. Beverly then went back for an MBA, soon followed by Ellery's MBA path.

In 1991 we left the east coast of Florida and moved to the Sarasota area on the west coast of Florida to escape the crowds. Throughout our marriage, we have walked very closely with God. In Palm Beach County, we were youth volunteers and youth group directors, and when we moved to our little area of the world, just south of Sarasota and north of Venice, FL, were asked in the mid-90's to help "plant" a congregation in Nokomis, FL. Starting in our living room, our church, New Hope Christian Church, has brought many new experiences and blessings to our lives. As school district administrators, we have busy, demanding jobs. The life balance and sense of peace and purpose at New Hope have strengthened our marriage and our walk with God.

So how did we end up with the Smoky Mountain Mansion? Beverly was busy writing her Ph.D. dissertation proposal when she got a little "antsy" and seeking a diversion, went for a little pampering at a local salon. The owner said she had recently purchased a home in North Carolina. Intrigued, and always in love with the Carolinas, Tennessee, and northern Georgia, we examined her loaned real estate book, and there among the small farms and cabins we were admiring, was the Smoky Mountain Mansion. As a couple who love the mountains, good architecture, beautiful surroundings, and enjoy country inns and manor houses in the US and abroad, we were hooked!

Since we purchased the Smoky Mountain Mansion, we have built a lovely chapel - perfect for a winter or rainy day wedding. Satterfield's Briar Patch designed and planted a beautiful formal garden that grows more spectacular each year. We have added our own personal touches to an already fantastic and well-maintained home, dining pavilion, gazebos, and grounds. We would like to extend to you the opportunity to enjoy the same wonderful experiences we have had with family and friends at the Smoky Mountain Mansion during vacations and holidays. We cordially invite you to the Smoky Mountain Mansion for your destination wedding, family reunion, get-away, retreat, or whatever brings you to the most beautiful area of the Smoky Mountains.

If you have read this far, you probably have an understanding of the joy we have in our lives. Please allow us to share the fundamentals that have made us who we are today.

Our Walk with God
We invited God into our lives many years ago, asking Him to guide and direct us. As we have grown in our faith, we have asked Him to take absolute control. We are never alone when the Lord is with us. Truly, we believe, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

A Successful Marriage
Over 20 years of marriage have taught us many important lessons. As Ellery says, "No successful marriage is 50/50, as some would have you believe. Both must be willing, on any given day, to give 100%."

We believe that a gorgeous wedding is a wonderful experience, however the true meaning of love and marriage is the daily investment of hearts and souls, growing together to become One. Quality time together and the pleasures of being husband and wife, in fact best friends, allows us to enjoy the rewards of a strong and loving marriage.

The Smoky Mountain specializes in destination weddings, and our dedicated staff will do their very best to make your day unique, memorable, and filled with joy. As you plan your special day, we would like to share some advice we received from a dear friend during our premarital counseling many years ago. We both carry these reminders with us every day.

Rules for a Happy Marriage
Never be angry at the same time.
Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.
If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.
If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.
Never bring up the mistakes of the past.
Neglect the whole world rather than each other.
Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.
At least once each day say a kind or complimentary word to your life's partner.
When you have done something wrong, be ready to admit it and ask for forgiveness.
It takes two to make a quarrel and the one in the wrong usually does most of the talking!

The Importance of Family and Friends
Family and friends are important factors in a well grounded life. Families know our history like no one else, and understand and love us, looking beyond our flaws. Some friends can be as close as family, and are with us in good times and bad. We have been blessed with loving and caring friends and families who have brought a dimension of grace, fun, humor, mutual respect, and encouragement to us. We hope that you will find the time to relax and kick back with your own family and friends at the Smoky Mountain Mansion.

Warmest regards,
Ellery & Beverly Girard
Owners, Smoky Mountain Mansion
P.S. Remember to take time to enjoy life!