"
We have to go to Plan B!," said one of the bridesmaids. “
If we do it outside at the original ceremony site your dress will get ruined before the day even begins!”
After that, a flurry of activity began as furniture got shuffled and the guests and groomsmen were notified of the switch. The ceremony would now take place inside the house where everyone can get cozy in the living and dining room.
It was a tough decision to make because it wasn't the way Kari and Chad envisioned exchanging their vows. She really had her heart set on getting married outside, surrounded by the mountains that they adore. But they were very flexible and easy-going under the circumstances because all that mattered was that they were getting married on a mountaintop! The rain certainly wasn't going to get in the way of that.
They love the mountains and chose this beautiful venue with panoramic views for their small, intimate wedding because it was breathtaking, of course, but it was also really convenient for them to have everything in one place—the ceremony, reception, and dancing. It made things a whole lot simpler since folks didn't have to do more driving than necessary.
Friends and family traveled from near and far to celebrate Kari and Chad’s wedding in the high country. Nearly everyone I talked to was from a different part of the United States. I love how weddings bring people together from all over!
Killkelly's is a private residence and also a rental property for those looking for a mountain getaway between Boone and Blowing Rock, NC. They don't really consider themselves a wedding venue per se but they do host small gatherings for brides looking to have a mountain top destination wedding.
The owners were super friendly and accommodating, and they actually live in half of the house and rent out the west wing to guests. The house was absolutely magnificent and it had some amazing long-range views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
There's also another cabin on the property where Chad and his groomsmen were hanging out before the ceremony. It’s also where the couple spent their first night as man and wife when all was said and done. The rest of the guests stayed at a family lodge nearby.
Kari and Chad met in Charleston, South Carolina in 2007 while working at a local restaurant. He came on as a new bartender while she was a waitress.
Chad got up the nerve and asked her out on a date and that’s when sparks immediately started to fly. They tried to hide their relationship from the boss but it didn't stay a secret for too long.
Eventually, Kari quit the restaurant and put Chad through the ultimate test when she had an appendicitis and waited too long to go to the hospital.
She nearly died but Chad stayed with her every night at the hospital for weeks during her recovery.
That's how she knew that he was the one. They've been dating since April 2007.
Cody and I had the opportunity to meet Kari and Chad a few weeks prior to their wedding. We were supposed to have an engagement session, however, the Boone weather was not cooperative so we had to cancel.
Instead, we made the best of it and spent time at a local brewery around the corner that just opened up downtown called, Lost Province. We had dinner and drinks so that we could get to know one another a little bit better before their big day.
When Kari asked me about a local hair and make-up stylist that could beautify her for her wedding day, I referred her to Shear Shakti because they always do great work.
They did her hair and make-up on-location. It makes it so much easier if brides don't have to do extra traveling on their wedding day!
Funny story: come to find out, Kari went to high school with the owner Charlotte! It was pretty crazy to hear her tell us the story about how they reconnected during her in-person consultation; I thought that was pretty awesome.
We had an absolute blast hanging out with this fun loving couple, it's not often that I get to meet the bride and groom before their wedding day so this was a special treat! By the time the wedding rolled around we already felt like friends!
Meeting the couple beforehand even though we didn't get to do an engagement session still helped reduce anxiety about having their wedding photos made. My outgoing personality also works wonders to ease the pain of posing for portraits, too.
I’m convinced that the secret to getting good photos that you will love is having fun, and I am all about that! Family and friends mean a lot to Kari and Chad and they really wanted everyone to enjoy themselves in a laid-back mountain setting. They don't look like they're having any fun, do they?!
Even though a storm came through, no spirits were dampened. If anything, the rain brought this crew closer together because everyone had to huddle up at certain points. It was a lot of fun having the opportunity to work with such a fun and friendly bunch!
Their fall-inspired cake was made by Stickboy Bread Company here in Boone, NC.
Desi's Floral and Design Studio took care of Kari & Chad's wedding flowers for the reception as well as the bouquets and boutonnieres. The floral arrangement were simple but really lovely. Dahlia's are so pretty!
CONGRATULATIONS to Kari & Chad! You’re MARRIED! YAYAYAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two newlyweds epic adventures in life and love, and I hope that your marriage will only grow stronger as continue this journey together! Thank you so much for choosing me (and my sidekick—Cody) to capture your destination wedding here in the high country, it was so much fun being a part of your big day!
Friends & Family: Want to see all of Kari + Chad’s wedding photos when they are ready to be viewed, please sign up for the weekly wander to be notified » GET NOTIFICATIONS!
Hi! My name is Jessica a.k.a. Wayfaring Wanderer and I reside in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains here in Boone, NC. I'm a free-spirited wedding, engagement, and lifestyle photographer who loves working with couples, families, and individuals who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to join the WW tribe by signing up [ HERE ] for weekly updates & get connected to the [ WW Facebook page ] to join the conversation! | Website www.wayfaringwanderer.com
{ Featured VENDORS }
» Ceremony & Reception |
Kilkelly's
» Floral Designer |
Desi's Floral & Design Studio
» Hair & Make-Up |
Shear Shakti
» Catering |
Gadabouts
» Cake |
Stickboy Bread Co.
{ Featured LINKS }
»
Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
»
DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
»
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
»
Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle
»
FREE Wedding Magazine When You Subscribe for the Weekly Wander
A lot of family & friends came together to celebrate the union of Ali and JB. Many of them pitched in to help make things run smoothly!
