MARRIED: Kate + Chazz

So much of Kate and Chazz's wedding day was drawn directly from who they are as individuals and as a couple. They chose a beautiful outdoor venue, nestled in the mountains, where friends and family could camp along the creek, just steps from the ceremony site. The whole day was colorful and bright, with flowers from Blue Ridge Blooms, floral and vintage-inspired attire, and a fantastic dessert table (including macarons!) from 50Fifty. Their reception was decorated with paper heart garlands cut from maps and their guest book was a set of vintage postcards, thanks to their fondness for travel and exploration. Their love of nature and the outdoors infused their favors - packets of wildflower seeds - and even their choice of footwear: they changed into bright blue Chaco sandals during their reception. The groom's cousin had the sandals custom made just for the event. Even their wedding bands include leaves representing trees native to the various parts of the country in which they have lived. All of this, plus warm, friendly people and dream-like lighting, made this wedding day a photographer's dream. It was such a joy to share in their day and to create some beautiful images for them to remember it. All my best wishes to you both!! xoxo 

My sincere thanks to the talented professionals who helped make this day so beautiful:

Venue: Brahma Ridge Event Center • Wedding Planner: Events by Kiersa • Hair/Makeup: Lola

Second Photographer: Kendra Stanley-Mills

Flowers: Blue Ridge Blooms • Catering: Homegrown

Cake and Dessert Table: 50Fifty the Art of Dessert • Band: Soulution

 

MARRIED: Mandalin + Hunter

I loved this wedding. I had the chance to get to know Mandalin and Hunter well during the wedding planning, from shooting an engagement and bridal session for them, and also because I had the good fortune of photographing Mandalin's sister Caroline's wedding. There were great moments, beautiful light, gorgeous details, sequins (!), and a cat photobomber during the bride and groom portraits. It meant so much to me to see my photos used throughout the celebration as well - in the guest book, in a beautiful printed portrait from Mandalin's bridal session, and in the lining of the groom's jacket. It was a lovely day, in so many ways, and I was honored to be there both to celebrate with my clients who've become my friends, and to photograph their beautiful wedding. 

Getting Ready Location: Engaged Asheville • Hair and Makeup: Dollbox Productions 

Venue and Catering: Celine and Company On Broadway • Flowers: The Bloom Room

Cake: Andrea Hollifield • DJ: Spinfire Entertainment

Second Photographer: Nick King

ENGAGED: Mandalin and Hunter

I met up with Mandalin and Hunter at Primland Resort for their engagement session recently. In spite of extreme heat, the place was absolutely beautiful and we had so much fun exploring this place that (to me) was combination mountain lodge, art museum, and observatory. 

Congratulations Mandalin and Hunter! I really look forward to celebrating your wedding with you. xoxo

BRIDE: Caroline

“There are no words that can tell the hidden spirit of the wilderness, that can reveal its mystery, its melancholy, and its charm”
— President Theodore Roosevelt

When Caroline suggested we do her bridal session in the Cataloochee Valley in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, I was worried we might be interrupted by crowds flocking to the Valley for a glimpse of the elk herd. Worse yet, I was afraid we wouldn't even be able to shoot there with the elk at their peak of activity and the Park therefore closing sections of the Valley to keep visitors safe. 

When we arrived, though, it was a beautiful day, and we found the historic Palmer Chapel completely empty. Fall was just beginning to color the leaves, the afternoon sun was warm and golden, and Caroline was perfectly at home in her beautiful gown, cowboy boots, and handmade antique brooch bouquet. There were many visitors, and lots of elk, but we still found many lovely spots for photos where we could capture both the awesome natural beauty of the valley as well as this magical time in Caroline's life. 

Thanks for sharing this day with me, Caroline! 

WEDDING: Terri + Clay

“For me, optimism is two lovers walking into the sunset arm in arm.”
— Krzysztof Kieślowski

To say that Terri was an optimistic bride is a bit of an understatement. From the moment I met her, she was incredibly positive and happy about everything. The day of her wedding, I arrived to the getting-ready location in the woods near Brevard, NC in an absolute downpour. I carried my photo gear into the house under an umbrella and wondered how we would ever orchestrate an outdoor wedding on such a day. Even just 30 minutes before the ceremony, as we finished up bridal portraits on the porch of the cabin at Mountains and Meadows at Turkey Pen, the rain continued to pour down. Miraculously, the clouds did indeed part just moments before the ceremony began, and the weather stayed clear the rest of the day. 

I loved working with Terri and Clay, and I have since tried to carry Terri's optimism with me. Terri and Clay, may the clouds always part for you! 

Many thanks to those who contributed to this beautiful day: 

Getting Ready location: River House, Brevard Venue: Mountains and Meadows at Turkey Pen Catering: Luella's BBQ 

Officiant: Phillip Lingle of Asheville Marriages Cake: Short Street Cakes DJ: Sound Extreme