Pura vida

MARIE ELISE WILLIAMS & CHARLES DAVID GRIFFIN SEPTEMBER 2, 2018 • HIGHLANDS, NORTH CAROLINA

- MITCHELL AMMONS WALTERS

Marie Elise Williams, a native of Jackson, was introduced to her future husband, David Griffin, during an internship with JourneyPure. “I remember walking through the administration building where I first saw David and thinking, ‘It never crossed my mind there would be any men here, and that one is really cute!’” smiles Marie Elise.

Two quick conversations sparked a romance. “Though quite brief, those moments built the foundation for the rest of my life with my sweet love,” says Marie Elise. “David always surprises me with his clever humor, and yet has the most substance and congruent values I could ever ask for in a husband.”

David planned a romantic proposal during a trip to the couple’s favorite destination: Cashiers, North Carolina. The mountains had become a meaningful place for Marie Elise and David, who enjoyed many weekends and holidays at the bride’s family vacation home.

“We have always loved taking a relaxing hike around Fairfield Lake,” reflects Marie Elise. “David and I set out on our gorgeous trek around the lake. We reminisced about our first stroll together and began talking about our future.” With a spectacular view of Bald Rock towering above the water, David stopped to embrace her. Moments later, he dropped to one knee, asking Marie Elise to spend forever with him. “My heart exploded and was so full. I said yes and almost a year to the day later, we said I do in nearby Highlands, North Carolina.”