It all began with a hair flip, smiley face and a mutual friend (Yes, you Pat) add some grass clippings and this love affair was off and running. After "chicken pizza" & Coco Bongo in Cancun, Sharp top at The Peaks of Otter, the suspended bed in Edisto S.C., and the southern Hopsuwee plantation in SC we knew we were destined to be together. We had so much in common, our love of hiking, camping, canoeing and history i.e. our home at Avenel. There was only one thing left - the proposal. After a great dinner and a long walk we ended up on the porch of Historic Avenel, this was not by chance as this was our anniversery. The question was popped! Robbin replied, "Is this real?"... which I (Mark) assumed meant "YES!"

We will pledge our love to one another at Historic Avenel on Saturday, June 9th at 5 o'clock .
The historic Avenel plantation was the antebellum home of the Burwell family who fed and entertained many soldiers as they passed through Liberty (now Bedford, VA) on their way to the front lines or camps during the war of northern aggression. The home aslo saw many other visitors famous and infamous alike, i.e. Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. D. Hunter and his men - and Edgar Alan Poe. Stories are told that there is still one resident there today..."the Lady in White", a benevolent spirit that roams the grounds but a ghost nonetheless. Don't worry though there should be only one Lady in White that day, ...but it never hurts to look over your shoulder now and again.

LET THE PARTY BEGIN !!!!!! Stay around and get your groove on! There will be music, food, drink and lots of fun to be had. The reception will be held on the beautiful grounds of Avenel, so stick around and help us celebrate our wonderful day!

Directions: Take 460E to left exit into Bedford to first stoplight, take a left at this light onto Bedford Ave. go through underpass and pass the Liberty Station resturaunt , continue on Bedford Ave. to left on Avenel [across from fire house], then take a left on Burwell Way and a right into gravel parking lot behind the Historic Avenel.

There are several Bed & Breakfasts in town along with a Days Inn . For those of you with campers the directions above need modification. From Rke. take 460 E to Bedford exit L into Bedford and go to the 2nd stoplight and take a L on North Bridge street, go across the bridge to stop light and turn L at light onto Bedford Ave, take a R on Avenel Ave, and L on Burwell Way & R into gravel parking lot behind Avenel .
If coming 460 W take the Bedford/122 exit just after the WalMart , R at stop sign off exit and then a R at stoplight onto Independence blvd. follow Independence until you get to to the stoplight with Advance Auto on your R, Take a L at this light onto Longwood Ave stay on Longwood take a R on Bedford Ave. then take a R on Avenel to a L on Burwell Way, R into parking lot.

There are no words that describe how blessed and thankful we are to have such special family & friends. The two of us are stronger together due to the love and support you have shown us individually for many years. Our hearts overflow with happiness to have you in our lives.

AND a very special thank you to a special girl, without whom, none of this would be happening. (As everyone probably guessed...yes, it's Pat!)

We love all of you!