Celebrations, Magazines, Winter 2024-25

SML Wedding Profile: Amanda & Chris

Andie Gibson
December 5, 2024

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Photos by Lighthaven Photography

Amanda and Chris Englert met in 2018 while studying at East Carolina University. Introduced by mutual friends, their connection was immediate. It wasn’t long before Chris invited Amanda to one of the most cherished places in his life—Smith Mountain Lake. He had spent summers at SML with his family since 1998, and the lake quickly became a central part of their relationship.

“I was so excited to finally see the lake Chris spoke so highly of,” Amanda said. “It didn’t disappoint! We spent almost every weekend there that first summer, and it quickly was our favorite place.”

Over the next five years, SML was woven into the couple’s lives, from bringing their puppy for lakeside weekends to playing golf at The Water’s Edge Country Club. When Chris proposed, there was no question where they would get married.

“We fell in love at Smith Mountain Lake, so nothing made more sense,” Amanda said.

The couple knew The Water’s Edge was the perfect venue. Amanda had fallen in love with the tiny chapel situated between holes 6 and 8 with both golf course and water views. She described the staff as incredibly accommodating, helping plan every detail of their weekend celebration, which kicked off with a welcome party on the clubhouse veranda.

After the wedding ceremony at the picturesque chapel, guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the veranda, followed by a dinner reception on the pool deck. They capped the evening off with a truly unforgettable moment—Chris and Amanda jumping into the pool with their guests.

“The best advice I could give to anyone planning a wedding at SML is to surround yourself with local vendors. … Our wedding planner, who is local, was amazing at connecting us with the best people to make our day perfect.”

— Amanda Englert