Emily & Dan chose to have a first look before their wedding to settle nerves and get portraits out of the way. We were so happy to see that the rain avoided their lovely wedding day, while the overcast skies provided for beautiful light prior to the ceremony. Here’s Dan seeing Emily for the first time – I love the expression on his face!

They’re such a sweet couple – we were so happy to be a part of their wedding day!

Check out Emily’s shoes – adorable & fun!

Love these!

The mountains always make for such a beautiful backdrop! The sun started to pop out just a bit in time for family portraits, which was nice!

The ceremony took place inside Assembly Inn at Montreat. The blues & greens that Emily used for her color choices worked so well!

Directly after the ceremony the couple walked outside and were greeted by a bag piper! This was a total surprise to Dan – I love both Dan’s and Emily’s expressions in this picture!

Emily & Dan’s reception took place at Welch Field in Montreat, so the bride, groom, and guests simply walked to their reception location while the sounds of bag pipes drifted through the mountains.

There were games set up in the field for the guests to play, as well as standing-height tables lit by mason jar candles outside the tent to lure people outside as the sun set.

Hors d’oeuvres were served before dinner and guests were encouraged to find their seats according to a chalkboard seating chart and names painted on pieces of slate.

I loved this idea! Weddings guests wrote messages to the bride & groom on pieces of smooth river rock.

Here are just a few more of the details that added to the rustic charm of the reception, which was handled by Jennifer King from Verge Events and catered by The Colorful Palate.

The cake is by Candace over at The World’s Best Carrot Cake.

After the toasts & dinner there was plenty of dancing and fun…

…accompanied by vibrant music from the talented Sons of Ralph.

A couple Saturdays ago we met up with Nicole and Michael at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville. The hotel lends itself to weddings quite nicely!

Here’s Nicole, surveying the preparations in the ballroom.

And here’s Mike, multitasking in the elevator before taking some portraits with Mark.

Want a good way to loosen up a nervous groom — just make him roar!

Before Nicole headed downstairs for their first she took time to show her wedding coordinator, Nicole from Verge Events, her dress. Here’s hoping you have a great bond with your wedding coordinator, too (it makes such a difference on your wedding day!)

After the first look we headed around the block for portraits. Way to stop the train, guys!

Then it was back to their respective hotel rooms for all those last minute preparations…

…like straightening ties…
…and rehearsing vows… (By the way, Nicole’s makeup was done by the talented Scott at Makeup at the Grove Arcade.)
…then finally it was time to step out in the sunshine!

The afternoon light was perfect for their wedding ceremony!

Michael’s children were the maid of honor and best man – talk about two adorable, delightful kids! They were so proud to be included in the ceremony.

Nicole prepared a special speech just to them – it was soo sweet and touching.

The kiss!

And one more just for good measure!

Connor and her crew at the Grand Bohemian know how to do things right!

Tiffany from Tiffany’s Baking Co. provided the beautiful cake, and allllllll the beautiful flowers were by Audrey over at Blossoms at Biltmore.

Check out all those gorgeous details!

A closeup of the namecard table — it’s a window shutter!

Introducing the bride & groom!

Music & lights (love those pink lights!) were provided by Dylan at Blazin’ Sounds Entertainment.

After the first dance & toasts it was time to settle down for dinner…

…well, some people wanted to settle down. Others were still having fun with all those rose petals!

Then, finally, it was time to dance the night away, or remain otherwise engaged.

We were so happy to join Sarah & Adam for their wedding at the beautiful Fearrington Village located in Pittsboro, North Carolina (very close to Chapel Hill, Raleigh, and Durham.) Fearrington Village is a gorgeous place to stay, and get married, of course!

I joined Sarah and her bridesmaids as they got ready…

…while Mark hung out with the groom and groomsmen. It’s always interesting to note that while the bride gets ready in fairly spacious, light-filled quarters the groom and groomsmen tend to have less space, less light, and, apparently, fewer mirrors at appropriate heights.

But it all works out in the end, doesn’t it? Lookin’ good, Adam!

What a lovely bride – you’re GORGEOUS, Sarah!

A midday thunderstorm rolled in as we were finishing up the portraits so we had some time to watch the storm and wait (a little anxiously)…

…then finally the rain cleared off enough for Sarah to join Adam for the signing of the ketubah.

This also happened to be the first time Adam & Sarah saw each other that day.

Their reactions were so sweet!

Their ketubah was beautiful, too.

Love this one!

They were so much more relaxed after seeing each other and signing the ketubah…now on to the ceremony!

Their ceremony was short, sweet, and perfect, despite the last-minute change of location due to the rain.

A post-ceremony toast before heading to portraits…

We cannot say enough about Gilda & the wedding staff at Fearrington — they were so on the ball! They even moved the chuppah for us so that we could take pictures beneath it without disturbing the wedding guests. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gilda!

We had some fun with the wedding party…here’s one in front of the barn…

…and I KNOW that they all loved walking through the wet grass to get this photo! They were great!

The reception was held at the Garden Terrace, which is beside The Fearrington House.

The happy bride & groom greeting guests…

…and a look at just a few of the fabulous wedding details.

Sarah took off her veil and put on this fabulous headpiece. I loved the fan, too!

When the sun started to set we asked the couple if we could take just a few more photos.

After all, who can pass up a beautiful sunset? (I love cows, too.)

After cake…

…and dancing…

…it was time for the grand exit just before the stroke of midnight.

What a perfect garden party!

Happy first anniversary, Sandefur & Matt! We hope you guys are doing something special today to celebrate!

We were so excited for Sarah & Adam’s big day. I’m pretty sure Sarah was excited, too!

Adam was happy, too. He just didn’t like all the waiting…

…all the waiting…

Finally it was time to head over to the church…

…and that’s when a little anxiety set in.

Reassurances from dad are always good.

The big moment!

Love both these perspectives by Mark – he shoots fast!

So happy together!

During the vows…

…and the kiss!