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Brianna & Scott | Christmas Wedding at Twickenham House – West Jefferson, NC

All I can say about Brianna & Scott’s big day is… wow!

Brianna & Scott tied the knot at Twickenham House & Hall outside of Jefferson, NC just four days before Christmas this past December. I have never shot a wedding so close to Christmas, and oh my, was it magical! Twickenham Hall is a gloriously romantic venue all on it’s own. Add to that the magic of Christmas and you have utter perfection!

When I arrived with my second shooter Jesse, we immediately began capturing details and photos of the girls and guys getting ready. The ladies were snuggled up in their cozy red plaid robes sipping champagne in Twickenham’s Versace room. I love this space for getting ready photos since it’s large and offers lots of natural light. How cute are those two fur babies?! Brianna and all her girls were so laid back and cheerful as they got ready, which really inspired a vibe of love and support for the upcoming nuptials.

Brianna’s wedding day look included the coziest boots and a cape to keep her warm during the ceremony and portraits at the overlook. I also just adore these warm and cozy stoles and capes that the ladies adorned. Twickenham is at the top of Phoenix Mountain and while the weather was warm for the season there was definitely still a chill in the air.

The guys spent the morning hanging out and doing their own sipping in preparation for the day’s festivities. They also added a bit of extra style with large cowboy hats that they sported on and off throughout the day.

When it came time for the ceremony, guests made their way via shuttle to Twickenham’s overlook, which faces north and offers a stunning and iconic Blue Ridge mountain view. Brianna was escorted down the aisle by her father and mother. The ceremony was short and sweet with lots of smiles, tears and laughter <3

After Brianna & Scott officially became husband and wife, we took advantage of the hearth burning on the overlook while capturing family and bridal party photos. Thank goodness for the added warmth of the fire!

And of course, we took photos with the stunning view and moss covered rocks atop of Phoenix Mountain! I am so in love with the way these two look at each other! They were so sweet, fun and I loved watching them just enjoy each other’s company as husband and wife.

As the sun set, the reception began with yummy hors d’oeuvres from Frugal Gourmet Catering, a hot chocolate bar and other libations to get the party started. Brianna & Scott took 40 minutes to themselves in the main mansion where they dined in private. I love this! Wedding days are so full of socializing and connecting with your friends in family, but in truth, the day is about you and your new spouse. Kudos to these to for carving out that time for each other on their busy wedding day!

The wedding party was announced and traditional dances were had among the twinkling lights of Twickenham’s reception hall. The giant fireplace within the space added a cozy holiday feel. I had SO MUCH FUN photographing their reception! Nearly everyone danced, fun glow sticks and blinking lights were handed out and a fake microphone inspired guests to sing to their favorite tune on the dance floor! Such a blast!

The evening wrapped up with a tradition I’ve never seen before — a snow send off! Talk about the perfect way to end such a magical day filled with the holiday spirit!

I’m so grateful to have been a part of Brianna & Scott’s big day! Celebrating love and bringing together friends and family this close to Christmas really does inspire holiday cheer! Congrats to Brianna & Scott!

Vendors:
Videography: Isaac Ingram
Transportation: High Country Valet
DJ: Amplified Mobile DJ
Officiant: Camille Edwards of To Be So Happy
Hair & Makeup: TM Bridal Beauty at Kelly & Co Salon
Caterer: Frugal Gourmet Catering Company
Venue: Twickenham House and Hall
Planning: Heather O’Brien
Second Photographer: J L Roberts Photography

January 4, 2020
Ashley & Mike | Great Gatsby Themed Wedding at the Loralei Inn — Canton, NC

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

Ashley & Mike started their new life together on a crisp fall day on November 2nd. They said their “I do’s” at the Loralei Inn surrounded by their friends and family. There is no better way to close out this decade and welcome in the ’20’s with a Great Gatsby themed wedding! Flapper dresses, feathers and enough attitude to rival Daisy Buchanan (one of the sassiest characters from Fitzgerald’s novel) was in abundance for the bridal party and guests alike. Wowza!

The Loralei Inn

Ashley was so excited about getting ready photos and now I can see why! The room was filled with light, energy and excitement as the ladies fancied themselves for the evening. The details that Ashley curated for her big day were on point! With pearls and pops of gold and a stunning flowing bouquet every detail set the stage for an evening of fun and delight!

We need to talk about Ashley’s dress. This dress was something else! Ashley wore her mom’s wedding dress with a couple of modifications, and I just love this nod to those who have walked before us as well as all things vintage. With sequins, pearls and a train to die for, Ashley’s wedding dress truly was stunning. Ashley had a sweet first look with her father as well as a tender “first touch” with Mike before the ceremony.

We took advantage of the dramatic staircase inside the Inn for bridal portraits.

Bridal party portraits kept in line with the theme of the 1920’s… lots of sassy ladies and gangster poses from the guys!

Ashley & Mike tied the knot in the garden in front of the Loralei Inn. Their two pups were the dogs of honor and stood at the altar with the bridal party. One of the sweetest parts during the ceremony was when Ashley’s grandparents prayed over the couple. There were laughter, tears and joy throughout the ceremony!

“He looked at her the way all women want to be looked at by a man.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

After the ceremony, we took advantage of the fall colors for bride and groom portraits. You can tell just how much these two are in love and how happy they are to be joined in marriage <3 After witnessing their intimate and heartfelt “first touch” and letter reading, I was moved by the love between Ashley & Mike and feel honored to have been able to capture it!

Also, wedding dogs!!

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

The party got started right away with a magnificent charcuterie spread during the cocktail hour followed by breakfast for dinner! Ashley & Mike opened the evening with their first dance. They also had father/daughter and mother/son dances that were so sweet and lovely. I loved the smile on Mike’s mom’s face! Guests then mingled, enjoyed fresh coffee and danced to keep warm. The dance floor was PACKED with young and old dancing the night away.

When Ashley tossed her bouquet, her little sister (and bridesmaid) caught it! Check out the moment before it happened in the photo on the left.

The night ended with a sparkler send off!

This wedding was SO STUNNING in every way. From the details to the location to the love between Ashley & Mike and their families — everything was grand! I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to bare witness to their love and be able to work with such amazing people.

Congrats to Ashley & Mike!

Vendors:
DJ: Kipper of Remix Weddings
Venue: The Loralei Inn
Second Shooter: Megan Sheppard Photography
Tent: Classic Event Rentals
Hair: Adorn Salon
Makeup: Marina Martin
Nails: Lilly Nails
Catering: Fresh As Can Bee Catering
Cake: Cotton Leigh Bakery

November 21, 2019
Desirae & Whit | Unforgettable Intimate Mountain Lodge Wedding – West Jefferson, NC

Intimate weddings are seriously so sweet!

Desirae & Whit tied the knot last month on the top of Phoenix Mountain in West Jefferson, NC. They opted for a more intimate gathering with family over a large wedding. However, they didn’t leave out any the details, romance or warmth from their big day! Instead they got ready in their own time, surrounded by their loved ones and devoted their lives to each other in a private, sweet and intimate ceremony on the back porch of Phoenix Mountain Lodge. <3 The fall chill was just starting to set in the morning of their wedding. However, the weather made the warmth of the cabin and the love between everyone even more present. Desirae’s mom is a wedding detail pro, y’all!!! When I arrived, she already had all of Desirae’s details ready for me. There was even a lay flat of her “something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue” already prepared. AND it was gorgeous! I am still just gushing about these details <3

Whit was nearly ready when I arrived and spent his pre-wedding time hanging with this brother-in-laws before having his boutonniere pinned by his mother.

Watching Desirae get ready surrounded by her ladies was UNFORGETTABLE! Each of her female family members helped her put on an accessory to complete her “old, new, borrowed, blue” ensemble. There was so much laughter, tons of smiles and a few tears as Desirae slowly blossomed into a STUNNING bride!

And what a bride she was!!!!

When the time came, Desirae met her father on the front porch of the lodge for a brief first look 🙂 He then escorted her to the side of the lodge where she would make her entrance into the ceremony. Desirae & Whit tied the knot against the backdrop of West Jefferson and the Blue Ridge Mountains — everyone was kept warm by the love between these two sweet souls.

One of the great things about an intimate wedding is that there isn’t the time constraint for family photos or portraits. AND you can get a photo of everyone present!

Despite the chilly, rainy conditions, Desirae & Whit were totally game for photos!

Afterwards, everyone enjoyed warming up to queso and guacamole from Galileo’s in Boone. They also prepared tacos for the newlyweds and their families. Yum!

We took advantage of the lovely staircase in the lodge for several more photos. While Desirae & Whit went nontraditional for their wedding day festivities, they did include two traditions — a father/daughter dance and a cake cutting. Who doesn’t love both of those traditions?! Desirae dance with her father to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, a song that is so sweet and had everyone in the room in tears. Desirae also had a little fun during her cake cutting 😉 And this crew DANCED in the living room of the lodge — no DJ required!

Desirae is so lucky to have both her mother and grandmother supporting her on her big day. They requested that I take this photo of their three generations of wedding rings <3

I just love intimate weddings!! The stress of the day is lifted and the focus is on family, friends and the love between the new couple. It just warms my heart! Thank you to Desirae & Whit for making me a part of their wedding festivities!

Vendors:
Venue: Phoenix Mountain Lodge
Catering: Galileo’s of Boone

November 11, 2019
Simona & Corbin | Sweet & Lovely Bulgarian Wedding at Sky Retreat

Oh these two…

Simona & Corbin are just the sweetest and kindest couple! I had the pleasure of photographing their wedding last month at Sky Retreat, and oh boy, what a treat! Simona is Bulgarian and her and Corbin’s big day was chocked full of Bulgarian traditions. I’ve photographed a lot of weddings and this wedding was unlike any other. Add to that the fact that Simona and Corbin are two of the most good-natured folks I’ve ever met AND the gorgeous backdrop… this wedding was a dream come true!

Simona really wanted me to focus on details rather than getting ready shots. Thus, I had the pleasure of focusing on her gorgeous details prior to the ceremony. One of my favorite things ever is this moon arbor! Absolutely stunning!

The photo on the right below is of the traditional wedding bread that is tied in with a Bulgarian wedding tradition. Read more below during the reception!

Simona was surrounded by her mom and bridesmaids as she put on the final touches. Y’all — this girl is GORGEOUS!! Her kindness and light shone even brighter on her wedding day! And let’s not forget Corbin’s handsomeness!

Simona & Corbin’s story is such a sweet one! They met while studying at Appalachian State University. Corbin immediately fell for Simona! They spent time together while working joint office hours in an academic office at ASU, slowly getting to know one another. Corbin knew he wanted to get closer to Simona so he took a romantic risk. One night at a party, Corbin overheard Simona talking about attending an Ed Sheeran concert. Corbin saw his opportunity to spend some time with Simona since she planned to go to the concert alone. Thus, he bought a ticket to the concert. Little did he know that his seat was across the stadium from Simona’s seat. So what did he do? HE BOUGHT ANOTHER TICKET IN HER ROW just so he could be close to her. How freaking sweet is that?!

Over their years together, they spent some time long distance resulting in Corbin driving 12 hours every weekend for a year to spend time with Simona (::swoon::). Finally, they reunited together in Washington DC. Corbin proposed to Simona in July 2017 while on a trip to Simona’s home in Bulgaria <3 Corbin now attends Harvard medical school and I am SO HAPPY that these two get to be together as they live their dreams and careers! Simona & Corbin tied the knot surrounded by family and friends in front of the stunning vista at Sky Retreat.

The ceremony was followed up with family photos and pics with their bridal party. I adored Simona’s choice of colors! The vibrant tones and sunflowers reflect how much happiness emanates from Simona & Corbin themselves.

The day started off rainy and overcast. However, by the time the ceremony and then portraits rolled around, the sky had cleared making way for a STUNNING sunset. Y’all. I. AM. DYING. over just how gorgeous these portraits are.

After bridal portraits, the reception kicked off with the Bulgarian tradition of the bread. During this tradition, the mother of the bride breaks pieces of the bread she has made, dips it into salt and honey and gives a bit of each to the bride and groom reminding the couple that life will be both sweet and salty. I love this honoring of the reality of life and relationships. Weddings are a joyous time, but the commitment of marriage is through the salty and the sweet — wisdom for the ages!

The second Bulgarian tradition of the evening was the “Kicking of the Kettle”. During this tradition, two flowers — one white and one red — are place into a kettle with a little water. The bride then kicks the kettle. If the white flower rolls out further, then the couples’ first child will be a boy. If the red flower rolls out further, then it will be a girl. Simona kicked out a white flower! Congrats!

The third Bulgarian tradition involved the “Breaking of the Bread”. The traditional bread is held above the head of the bride and groom. Then they pull and break apart the bread. Whoever breaks off the larger piece wears the pants in the relationship. To no surprise to anyone present, Simona got the larger piece!

The reception dancing was SO AMAZING! Simona is a skilled and competitive dancer. She and Corbin waltzed for their first dance. (Her dress was also made for twirling.) Corbin and his mom surprised everyone by breaking into the “hokey pokey” during their mother/son dance. HA! Simona also ballroom danced with her dancing partner to “Tennessee Whiskey”. They knocked everyone’s socks off!

Other dancing highlights of the evening included a traditional “Penguin Dance” (think “Peace Train” around the room to traditional Bulgarian music) with a groomsmen dressed in a penguin suit leading the way. There was also a traditional circular dance with everyone joining arms and dancing around the room. Oh! and a little mishap with the bouquet toss (oops!). The evening ending with a sparkler exit out in front of the Sky Retreat lodge.

I’m just so happy for Simona & Corbin and so grateful that they selected me to be their wedding photographer. I wish them ALL THE BEST as they start this new journey together <3

Vendors:
Venue: Sky Retreat
Catering: Gadabouts
Florals: Bouquet Florist
Videographers: Peak of the Mountain Productions
DJ: Block Party Productions
Hair & Makeup: K.M.A. Salon
Rentals: Miss Match Rentals
Dress: Paloma Fashion
Menswear: VIP Formal Wear
Cake: Hallmark Cakes
Day-of Coordinator: The Elegant Event

November 1, 2019
Meredith & Robert | Sweet, Fun, and EPIC Chetola Wedding – Blowing Rock, NC

Meredith & Robert’s wedding was equal parts sweet and epic!

They are seriously the most expressive couple I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with! They are both so much fun and they let that shine. And for that I am SO grateful!

The day began with Meredith and her ladies getting ready at Stephanie’s (mother of the bride) condo at Chetola Resort. When I arrived, Meredith was getting her final touches done surrounded by her bridesmaids and female family members. So much love and support and laughter in the room! The guys got ready in the Evergreen Room. Fun socks and bourbon for dayssss!

(Gorgeous florals by Mountain Laurel Floristry!)

With the bride in her dress, Meredith had a first look with her dads and brothers on the lawn in front of the resort <3 I love being able to shoot portraits of the girls and guys separately before the ceremony. It takes a lot of pressure off and everyone gets warmed up for photos before the ceremony. After photos of the ladies were complete, I got to hang out with Robert and the guys. Y’ALL! Robert is one of the most spirited grooms I’ve ever had the pleasure to photograph. He had me rolling behind the camera!

I’m not sure I’ve witnessed a more confident bride than Meredith. She knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind! I am SO thankful for that because it was looking like rain as ceremony time approached. We actually DID have some rain about 30 minutes prior. Meredith held strong in her conviction of an outdoor ceremony and I. AM. SO. GRATEFUL. FOR. THAT.

The ceremony took place on the lawn at Chetola just in front of the large tree facing the pond. Clearly Robert’s groomsmen are jokesters as well. Almost every one of them brought Robert a golf ball at the altar (lol). It kept the tone light and there were lots of smiles and laughter. When Meredith walked down the aisle though, you could see just how much Robert adores his bride. My heart melted a bit watching his reaction to seeing her for the first time <3

After the ceremony, family photos commenced on the lawn and the sun came out! Golden hour was perfect and these bride & groom portraits are some of my favorite to date!

Meredith also requested photos of her and Robert on the swing overlooking the lawn and lake. This photo is perfect because it feels natural and casual, just as they might snuggle at home on the sofa 🙂 Meredith claims this photos is going to go in her office framed. I sure hope it does <3
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After photos, is when the REAL party started! Dinner by Timberlake’s was delicious as was the cake made by the bride’s aunt. Making enough cake for 200 guests is a feat and this cake was MASSIVE and delicious. Well done!

Meredith & Robert are serious music fans. They frequently go to shows together with their friends and family. Robert proposed to Meredith during the song “Hey Girl” at an O.A.R. show in 2018. ::swoon:: Thus, I wasn’t surprised that the DJ they hired was also a one-man-band! Caleb Davis is an incredible guitarist and he also did a stellar job MC’ing the reception. He had a loop station setup with several guitars (acoustic and electric), a bass guitar, drum machine and snare/high-hat combo. Y’all he TORE IT UP performing some classic old funk and soul tunes throughout the evening. As a fellow musician, I SO appreciate this.

In my experience at weddings, usually one person is a dancer — the bride or the groom — but not often both. Well, I was in for a treat as Meredith AND Robert both killed it on the dancefloor all night long. You can tell they curated the playlist with their favorite songs as it felt like the beginning of every song would be granted a reaction of “oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhh” excitement! These included “Africa”, “Pop Drop and Lock it” and “Scarlet Begonias”. I seriously love the eclectic musical taste of these two — as I said before, they are serious music lovers.

The night closed out with Caleb performing “Friends in Low Places”. The father of the bride along with family and friends crowded the dancefloor to sing along (“as we slip on down to the OOOOOAAAASSSSSISSSSS”). Guests then poured out onto the lawn for a sparkler exit.

I’ve said it before and I’ll continue to say just how grateful I am to be able to get to work with such fun, amazing people. I learn a little something new at every wedding I work. Sometimes it’s technical photog stuff, but often times emotional knowledge… I get to witness the love between two amazing people who are clearly VERY well admired and loved amongst their friends and family. Bearing witness to that fills my heart and gives me hope!

Congrats to Meredith & Robert!

Vendors:

Venue: Chetola Resort

Caterer: Bob Timberlake’s at Chetola

Florals: Mountain Laurel Floristry

Band/DJ: Caleb Davis

Hair: Simply Posh Salon (Jennifer Siracusa and Jennifer Aguirre)

Makeup: Bailey Upchurch

Rentals: Parties Too! (chairs) and It’s My Party (linens)

Dress: Poffie Girls from designer Justin Alexander

Suit/Tux Designer: Calvin Klein

October 11, 2019