The Inn on Biltmore Estate

Wedding Rehearsal

Wedding Day (Friday)

Reception

Fall

Our Wedding

Growing up in the 90’s &amp; early 2000’s everyone heard their parents say, “Be careful talking to strangers online, you never know who someone might really be.” While this is generally good life advice, this wedding would not be happening if we had listened to the advice of our parents (sorry mom &amp; dad). Flashing forward to the year 2020, the world felt very uneasy… Covid had just started to rapidly spread, and the state of the world felt like it was in an irreversible downslide. Panic was everywhere, fear was constant and day to day life changed for majority of people. Lockdown ensued and for months there was no work or school, no hanging out with friends, no traveling. Life was lonely and the isolation made life hard to face for a while. Then we tried to get back to normal as best we could. Adults who could worked from home, kids went to school online, and masks were worn in public to help prevent the spread of Covid. Life had continued for the most part but there was still this feeling of loneliness, a disconnect between people that felt like it would never heal. Due to that, people flocked to social media to try to gain some semblance of normalcy in their lives, to offer a distraction from real life and to help people feel joy again through watching cat videos or just online chatting with new people. The internet helped to give people the community they longed for and helped people reconnect with themselves and new people. It also helped to connect two very important people, our Bride and Groom! Seeking new connections and a happy escape from the harsh realities of their current everyday lives, Tyler and Makenzie both just so happened to download Tinder, an online dating app. With surprising swiftness, they matched with each other almost right away and before you knew it… messages were exchanged, dates were gone on and ta-da! They were inseparable! Hanging out nonstop, going on dates all the time and really spending any free moments they had getting to know each other. Neither felt drained by the others company and they wanted to do everything together, go everywhere together and experience life together. So, that’s exactly what they did! Together they have tackled cross country travels, moving and career changes, growing stronger through communication and understanding. Now they embark together on the most important adventure of their lives so far, getting hitched! While the outside world felt like it was continuing to fall apart, their worlds were busy falling together. With the amalgamation of their worlds, they would find a comfort that feels like you’ve known someone in every lifetime you’ve lived. A peace that rids you of all worries and stresses of the day, a love that not only warms your heart but warms the very essence of you. Two complete strangers fell in love with just an online message and now their love has blossomed into so much more. Together over the last six years they have learned each other’s heart and soul, body and mind. They have built a life together full of fur babies, happiness and adventures with only more to come! In a world full of darkness, they managed to find the one true light, love. For with true love, they have found the heart of their story. Thank you for reading our love story and for being a part of our special day!~ Makenzie &amp; Tyler &lt;3

Our Story

Photos

Makenzie Welborn...our bride, is warm, thoughtful, and the heart of our celebration. A lover of the mountains, she and Tyler chose Biltmore in Asheville for its beauty and meaning to them. As they prepare to marry on October 23, 2026, Makenzie is deeply grateful for the family and friends who’ve supported them and looks forward to celebrating with everyone she loves.

Makenzie Welborn

Tyler Malo, our groom, is kind, loving, and a steady rock for Makenzie. His constant support and gentle sense of humor are part of what first drew her to him. Together they share a love of the mountains and a special connection to the Biltmore; we know they’ll return there for many celebrations to come. We warmly welcome Tyler into our family and are grateful for the care and devotion he shows our daughter.

Tyler Malo

Marissa is Tyler’s older sister, married to groomsman Zach Buchholz, and the proud mom of Juniper, our flower girl. As Matron of Honor, she’s a steady, calming presence—always ready with a laugh, a tissue, or a reality check—and will be by Makenzie’s side through every step of the day as Makenzie and Tyler marry in Asheville on October 23, 2026.

Marissa Malo

Gracyn is Makenzie’s cousin and close friend; she and CJ were married this past June. An elementary school teacher in the Fort Mill School District—following in her mom’s footsteps—Gracyn brings patience, kindness, and a ready smile to every room. She’s excited to celebrate Makenzie and Tyler in Asheville on October 23, 2026, and honored to stand with Makenzie as a bridesmaid.

Gracyn Chapman

Zoe Hopkins is Makenzie’s cousin and close friend. A proud recent Clemson graduate now living in Georgia, she’s beginning her career as a game warden. Zoe brings energy, loyalty, and a love of the outdoors to the bridal party and is excited to stand with Makenzie as a bridesmaid on October 23, 2026, in Asheville.

Zoe Hopkins

Scott is Tyler’s father and honored to serve as his Best Man. He’s been a steady presence through every milestone—from first steps to last-minute bachelor-party logistics—and couldn’t be prouder to stand beside Tyler in Asheville on October 23, 2026.

Scott Malo

Zach is Tyler’s brother‑in‑law, husband to Matron of Honor Marissa, and dad to Juniper. He’s proud to stand with Tyler as a groomsman and is excited to celebrate Makenzie and Tyler’s wedding in Asheville on October 23, 2026.

Zach Buchholz

Gavin is Makenzie's younger brother and yes...she is very jealous of his hair.  On a serious note, he’s proud to stand beside his sister as she marries Tyler and is excited to officially welcome Tyler into the family.

Gavin Welborn

Barry has been Makenzie’s pastor since she was nine and has long been a dear family friend. He’s honored and excited to officiate Makenzie and Tyler’s ceremony in Asheville on October 23, 2026, and is passionate about guiding them as they begin this next chapter together.

Barry Yates

Sandi is Anita's closest friend and a true steadying force for Makenzie and Tyler. As our wedding coordinator, she volunteered countless hours managing timelines, liaising with vendors, and handling last‑minute rescues with calm and care. Her warmth, organization, and unwavering support carried us through two years of planning and will keep the weekend running smoothly — we are endlessly grateful.

Sandi Ayers

Juniper “Junie” Buchholz just turned one and is already the sweetest source of giggles—especially when Uncle Tyler or Aunt Makenzie are nearby. Daughter of Matron of Honor Marissa and groomsman Zach, Junie fills every room with joy and will melt hearts as our flower girl at the wedding in Asheville on October 23, 2026.

Juniper Buchholz

Wedding Party

Black tie — think classic, elegant, and a little festive. For our October wedding in Asheville, please wear formal evening attire: tuxedos or dark suits for men, and floor-length gowns or dressy cocktail dresses for women. Consider warm layers or a shawl—October evenings can be cool in the mountains. Comfortable dress shoes are recommended if you’ll be walking between venues. We can’t wait to see you dressed up and celebrating with us.

Dress Code

Q + A

Book your room at one of two hotels on campus at Biltmore Estate, at a discounted rate.





The Inn on Biltmore Estate/Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate

We have a block of rooms at the Baymont Wyndham Hotel in Asheville, NC. Please click the website button below to book your room for Friday night, October 23, 2026.

Baymont by Wyndham Asheville/Biltmore Village

Travel

Spa services are exclusively available to overnight guests of The Inn, Village Hotel, or Cottages on Biltmore Estate and Biltmore Annual Passholders.

Spa Services - Biltmore Estate

Located in the heart of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-estate/antler-hill-village" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Antler Hill Village</a>, our state-of-the-art Winery, formerly the estate’s dairy facility, features our Tasting Room,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biltmore.com/restaurant/wine-bar-at-the-winery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Wine Bar</a>, and Wine Shop. Each is beautifully appointed and staffed by knowledgeable wine hosts happy to guide you through our vast portfolio of award-winning wines.Included with Biltmore admission, your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biltmore.com/activity/complimentary-wine-tastings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">complimentary wine tasting</a>&nbsp;takes place at the Tasting Room. Just steps away, you’ll find our Wine Shop, as well as our indoor/outdoor Wine Bar on Scholar’s Walk. Here you can enjoy charcuterie, locally-made truffles, and wines by the glass, bottle, or flight. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend specialty wine experiences.

Biltmore Winery

Play in our 8,000-acre backyard.With breathtaking views, meticulously preserved forests,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biltmore.com/trailmap" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">22 miles of nature trails</a>, and activities for everyone, Biltmore® is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.To participate in an activity, guest must have a daytime ticket, a Biltmore Annual Pass, or a stay at one of the estate’s splendid overnight properties.

Biltmore Outdoors

Our&nbsp;guests&nbsp;will&nbsp;receive&nbsp;discounted&nbsp;tickets&nbsp;to&nbsp;the&nbsp;Biltmore&nbsp;House&nbsp;while&nbsp;you&nbsp;are&nbsp;on&nbsp;the&nbsp;property&nbsp;for&nbsp;the&nbsp;wedding.&nbsp;Just&nbsp;click&nbsp;the&nbsp;link&nbsp;below&nbsp;for&nbsp;details.&nbsp;

Makenzie & Tyler

Makenzie & Tyler

Travel

The Inn on Biltmore Estate/Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate

Baymont by Wyndham Asheville/Biltmore Village