view 360° PEAK EXPERIENCE ALMOST HEAVEN, WEST VIRGINIA Sometimes the road to the altar is a rocky one, but for Antonie Hodge and Bob Ewing, both experienced rock climbers, that was an understatement. The walk down the aisle was a difficult climb to the top of a peak in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia, a special place for this daring duo. Bob proposed to Antonie on a climb aptly called Ecstasy, before continuing to the peak where a few months later they would take their wedding vows. Making the climb more difficult was that the couple climbed in their wedding attire, undoubtedly the first time such a feat has taken place there. The way to the south peak summit is a great analogy for marriage; climbers must choose their own way and build their own anchors all the way. Antonie’s mother trained for the climb to witness her daughter, who climbed in mom’s wedding gown, getting married. Due to space and safety considerations only seven people participated in the summit ceremony; other family members and friends joined in by walkie-talkie and nuptial-gazed through telescopes. The weekend-long celebrations continued the next day with a second wedding ceremony at ground-level attended by 150 guests. Not only the bridal couple were starry-eyed — entertainment included the Perseid meteor shower, nature’s dazzling celestial light show that was at its peak that weekend. The happy groom told WE that “our wedding weekend was a perfect reflection of who we are as a couple. At first many of our guests were skeptical about spending a weekend in a remote section of the country that doesn’t have cell phone reception, but the beauty of the location and the varied activities led to everyone really enjoying themselves”. It’s no surprise that the couple are planning a honeymoon that includes rock climbing — this time in Europe. Congratulations Antonie and Bob — and here’s to making more of your lofty dreams come true! WE Photo courtesy of Villaseñor Photography Photos courtesy of John Ewing Photos courtesy of Isaac Reese 16 Wedding Essentials 2013