Taylor’s PMSS Story
Being raised in Appalachia, you don’t realize how different the traditions and culture are until you leave and experience the rest of the world for yourself. It is only then, you become very aware of how others view it, because those opinions are often placed upon you. But for me that only showed that Appalachia is something that is ingrained into who you are and that only deepened my love and appreciation for home.
I have grown to cherish the mountains, traditions, values, and people who shaped me into who I am today. The older I have gotten, the more I realized that Appalachia isn’t something to leave behind, It’s something you always carry with you. It’s in the way we love our families, care for our neighbors, hold tight to our faith, and take pride in where we come from. It gave me my lasting sense of identity and belonging.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to realize that one of the most important things in life is home. Both my husband, Dylan and I are from this place, we were raised in these mountains. During the wedding planning process we knew it was important to us that we had somewhere that reflected who we are and where we come from. For us there was no better place than Pine Mountain Settlement School.
Nestled in the heart of the mountains we love, Pine Mountain embodies everything Appalachia means to us. We wanted our wedding to be surrounded by the history, culture, beauty, and spirit of this place. The generations of stories, sense of community, resilience, and traditions felt like the perfect foundation on which to begin our marriage.
The chapel was one of the things that drew us to Pine Mountain from the very beginning. Tucked away in the mountains and built from native stone and timber, it feels as though it rises naturally from the landscape around it. We knew asking our family and friends to travel the winding mountain roads would take a little extra effort, but we also knew that once they arrived, they would understand why. There is something special about stepping through those doors and into a place filled with such beauty, history, craftsmanship, and faith. As the sunlight streamed through the tall windows and settled on the stone walls, the chapel felt both grand and humble at the same time a true reflection of the mountains themselves. Watching our loved ones gather there reminded us that some places are worth the journey, and we hope they left with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and spirit of Appalachia.
To many, it’s a historic school. To us, it’s a place that honors where we’ve come from and reflects the values we hope to carry into our future together. When you are raised from these beautiful roots, you know that these mountains will always call you back home.
Pine Mountain will always hold a special place in our hearts. Long after the wedding day has passed, we hope to return with our children, and one day even our grandchildren, to walk these grounds, share its stories, and show them a place that will always be a special part of us. A place that has helped write our story. A place that is forever entwined into our hearts.
- Taylor Shackelford Messer
