Derek Bizier
Noreen Brown
Derek Bizier
Noreen Brown
May 10, 2025
Our Story
We met in June of 2021, a week after Noreen moved to Charlotte. A month later we went on our first official date and were meeting the family before the summer even ended. The connection wasn't as instant for our dogs, Murphy and Zoey. But after being forced to spend so much time together, they're now besties. We've created so many wonderful memories together over the last three years, quickly moving in together, traveling all over the world, and planning so many exciting things for our future!
Schedule
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
4:00 pm - 10:30 pm
1698 Shook Cove Rd, Tuckasegee, NC 28783
Travel
House Or Rental
Bear Lake Reserve
We have established a wedding block on specific homes at Bear Lake Reserve. All guests booking homes for our wedding will receive a 15% wedding discount. The minimum night stay is 2 nights. To request current availability and book a home, please email the Bear Lake Reserve Lodging Specialist, Makenzie, she can be reached at Makenzie@bearlakereserve.com. When emailing her, please use the subject line “Lodging for the Brown-Bizier Wedding.” She will need to know your check in and check out dates, number of adults and children, and if you prefer pet friendly options. We have a block of 8 houses reserved at a time. As houses are booked, new houses will be added to the block. We have chosen houses that are close to the three shuttle pickup locations for the wedding day. We encourage you to use the shuttles for the wedding night as the roads are very dark and curvy in the mountains.
Hotel
Best Western Plus River Escape Inn & Suites
We have a block of rooms at the Best Western from May 9, 2025-May 11, 2025 if you'd prefer to stay at a hotel instead of Bear Lake Reserve. Please book through the link below or call using the block name: Brown Bizier Wedding. This block is held until April 9, 2025 at the current rate. The hotel is a 26 minute drive to Castle Ladyhawke. We will be arranging transportation from hotels to the castle for the day of the wedding. Additional nights may be available at lower rates outside of the 2 days on our block if you're looking to extend your stay more than 2 nights.
Hotel
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Sylva Dillsboro Area
We have a block of rooms at the Microtel Inn & Suites from May 9, 2025-May11, 2025 if you'd prefer to stay at a hotel instead of Bear Lake Reserve. Please book through the link below or call using the block name: Brown Bizier Wedding. This block is held until April, 10 2025 at the current rate. It is a 30 minute drive to Castle Ladyhawke. We will be arranging transportation from hotels to the castle for the day of the wedding.
Flight
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Asheville Regional Airport is the closest airport to Tuckasegee, NC (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Bear Lake Reserve does offer airport pickup for a fee, but we recommend renting a car for getting around if you're staying at Bear Lake Reserve as it's in the middle of the mountains and not very walkable.
Flight
Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Charlotte Airport is about a 3 hour drive to Bear Lake Reserve, but is another option to compare flights if you don’t mind the longer drive.
Rental Car
Turo
There are multiple rental car options at the Asheville Airport you can book through. Our personal recommendation is to book a rental car through Turo. It's like airbnb for cars! We've used it traveling in the past and it's a great, affordable rental car option.
Registry
Wedding Party
Emily Whalen-Pedersen
Maid of Honor
Kathleen Ozimek
Bridesmaid
Tina Brown
Bridesmaid
Anya Billeck
Bridesmaid
Domarina Peters
Bridesmaid
Pierre Bizier
Best Man
Carlo Acompora
Groomsman
Mike Bianca
Groomsman
Joe Duschinsky
Groomsman
Hugh Brown
Officiant
Finley Gleason
Flower Girl
Katrina Brown
Flower Girl
Victoria Bizier
Flower Girl
Gisele Bizier
Flower Girl
Gallery
Things To Do
Summer Hours for Bear Lake Reserve Amenities
Visit this link for the summer hours at Bear Lake Reserve. This is the 2024 calendar but should be similar for May 2025.
Marina Rentals at Bear Lake Reserve
Bear Creek Lake is a wonderful location for water sports, as the water is calm, glassy, and smooth nearly all of the time. Watercraft and watersport rentals, including pontoon boats, ski boats, kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are available at The Marina!
The Summit Golf Course at Bear Lake Reserve
Golfers searching for a top-of-the-mountain experience won’t be disappointed when they play the challenging 9-hole Nicklaus Design® golf course. Rental equipment is available. Dress code: Collared shirt required, no denim please!
Tennis and Pickleball Courts
At the Summit of Bear Lake Reserve and adjacent to the mountaintop golf course, you’ll find two hard tennis courts/four pickleball courts. Private lessons are available with advanced reservations!
Hiking Trails
If hiking is your passion, they have plenty of trails for you to explore! Nearly 10 miles of on-site hiking and walking trails connect throughout the 2,100-acre resort, with plenty more in the surrounding region. Need someone to show you the way? Bear Lake Reserve offer guided hikes, too!
Dining at The Lake Club
The Lake Club features an outstanding menu of food and beverage options curated by Michelin-trained Executive Chef Santiago Guzzetti, Executive Pastry Chef Gabrielle Warner, and Sommelier Crystal Pace. Grab a table in the dining room or a seat at the bar and enjoy top-notch cuisine paired with beautiful views of Bear Creek Lake. Work up an appetite at the pool? Paddlebacks has you covered poolside during the warmer months with a simple, quick to order menu. Please note that lunch reservations are recommended but not required. Breakfast is only served Saturday-Sunday at The Lakeside 54 Restaurant, but there might also be The Summit Food Truck as an option on Wednesday-Mondays.
Bear N’ Bean
Looking for an energizing cup of coffee and a sweet treat? Head to the lower level of the Lake Club and visit Bear N’ Bean! You’ll find their specially roasted Bear Lake Reserve coffee, pastries from Chef G, Bear Lake Blonde and Brown beers by the case, and so much more. Open every day from 9am – 5pm.
Mill Pond Clubhouse & Pavilion
Mill Pond Clubhouse & Pavilion is tucked away in the forest with a scenic view of two stocked trout ponds, a mountain stream, and a disc golf course. The Mill Pond’s beauty and serenity will draw you in time and time again.
Sylva, NC
Sylva is a charming town with plenty to explore, just 25 minutes from Bear Lake Reserve! Wander through Main Street to discover local shops, cozy cafes, and unique art galleries. For outdoor lovers, take a scenic hike at Pinnacle Park or enjoy a relaxing day by the Tuckasegee River. Sylva is also known for its local breweries, like Innovation Brewing and Balsam Falls Brewing, where you can sample craft beers in a friendly atmosphere. Be sure to visit the historic Jackson County Courthouse, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for adventure, a laid-back escape, or a taste of the local brews, Sylva has something for everyone!
Asheville, NC
Asheville, NC is only an hour drive from Bear Lake Reserve if you'd like to take a trip for the day! There's plenty of breweries, restaurants, shopping, hiking trails, and so much more!
FAQs
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
Due to venue restrictions, we’re accommodating only the children of the wedding party/immediate family. You are welcome to bring your kids to Bear Lake Reserve for your stay, but we cannot accommodate children on the wedding day at the venue.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
Formal attire. We suggest that men wear a suit in any color and women wear a long, midi, or cocktail dress or a nice pantsuit.
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
We currently have houses blocked at Bear Lake Reserve. Details are in the travel section for how to book. We are currently working on getting hotel blocks at hotels in Sylva, NC (about 25-30 minutes from the Castle). Once we have a block of rooms established, we will update the details in the travel section under the hotels.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
There is parking at Castle Ladyhawke, but it is limited. If you plan on driving to the Castle please let us know so we can give them an estimated count of vehicles. We do highly recommend using the shuttles. The venue is in the middle of the mountains and the roads are narrow and very dark at night.
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
There will be shuttles arranged to take guests to and from the wedding venue. If you are staying at Bear Lake Reserve, there will be three shuttle pick up locations. We will also be arranging shuttles from the hotels in Sylva to the venue. Once we have details on where everyone is staying, we will provide more details on shuttle timing and location for pick up and drop off.
Question
Can you provide more details on the accommodations at Bear Lake Reserve?
Answer
Bear Lake Reserve provides a range of lodging from smaller condos to large houses. We've blocked a variety of houses and ensured they were close to the shuttle pick up and drop off points for the wedding day. If you decide to book a house outside of our block, please check with Makenzie if it'll be near a shuttle location. The houses do come with some necessities like toilet paper and paper towels; however, they are more like air bnbs so we recommend you check out a grocery store for any additional supplies. You might also be able to have groceries delivered to you! If you have any additional questions on Bear Lake Reserve accommodations, Makenzie will be a great resource!
RSVP
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