Ali + JB's Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Where could it be?!” Ali wondered. “When were you last wearing it?!” one of the bridesmaids questioned as we attempted to solve this conundrum.

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club

We were all perplexed as we retraced her steps to the ceremony site. Somewhere along the way Ali’s veil blew off and it was nowhere to be found.

 Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Since we were so clueless, I ended up looking back through the wedding pictures to see when I photographed her wearing it last. I confirmed that she had it on while making her way to the altar but it disappeared before she walked down the aisle.

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club

The mystery of the lost veil didn't last long, though, because once we got to the reception location it was waiting for her. Surprisingly, that was the only mishap that was experienced the entire day!

 Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Everything was in sync and on-time for the most part which almost never happens on a wedding day, but Ali and JB had lots of folks taking care of them to ensure there was nothing to worry about.

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country ClubA 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!

Bride and Groom Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

I knew that family is extremely important to this couple and that they were expecting a big bunch, 250+ guests, in fact. It was incredible to witness the love this tight-knit crowd felt for the couple.

 Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

They chose to have a destination wedding here in the blue ridge mountains because they both grew up spending a lot of time here.

 Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Ali & JB both love the mountains and have been visiting the Grandfather Golf and Country Club since they were kids.

Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

If you happened to read their engagement story, you’ll discover that they bonded over their affinity for this high country haven, and it’s also where JB proposed to Ali last October.

Click here to read the story behind their engagement photo adventure. 

Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer


I found this scenic little nook a short distance from the house they rented. It was such a pretty spot for Ali's bridal portraits prior to the ceremony. She looked like a doll in her lacey wedding dress.

Bridal Portrait Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Her beautiful all white bouquet of roses was created by the talented Desi's Floral and Design Studio.

Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Their heartfelt ceremony took place just a few days before summer was officially over. It might have poured the night before but the skies were blue and the sun was shining for their wedding day!

Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer


Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer
The temperature was a perfect mix of summer and fall, you couldn't have asked for better weather for a high country wedding!

Wedding at  Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer





I think someone was excited to be walking down the aisle!

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

I was getting emotional because it was so sweet to watch him tear up as he give his little girl away.

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer



Grandfather Mountain made for a stunning backdrop for their wedding day! Don't you think?

The arbor was decorated and delivered by Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery.

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

CONGRATULATIONS to Ali & JB! 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!

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer

Thank you so much for choosing me (and my sidekick—Cody) to capture your high country wedding, it was so much fun being a part of your big day!

Blue Ridge Mountain Wedding at Grandfather Golf and Country Club | Boone NC Photographer




Friends & Family: Want to see all of  Ali + JB’s wedding photos when they are ready to be viewed, please sign up for the weekly wander to be notified » GET NOTIFICATIONS!


Boone NC Wedding Photographer | Wayfaring Wanderer | Jessica MacedaHi! 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 | Grandfather Golf & Country Club
» Floral Designer | Desi's Floral & Design Studio
» Catering & Cake | Grandfather Golf & Country Club
» Ceremony Arbor | Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery
» Band | ATL Groove Factory

Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's
» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

How Spontaneous Adventures Can Strengthen Your Relationship

If it was sanitary, I’d give you a high five right now because that was the best freakin’ meal I’ve eaten in a while!” I was not quiet about it either because the fella who had just walked up with his family interjected with, “I’m glad to hear that!


Good food makes me happy, simple as that. So, when I stumble upon a roadside taco and slider stand with five star food during a spontaneous adventure, you better believe that this gal gets giddy!

Apparently, The Roost, located in Linville, NC, has been opened for two months but we are just now finding out about this gem. That happens when we get stuck in our “boone bubble” sometimes.


The only reason we happened upon it was because Cody and I thought that it might be a good idea to get snacks before we set out on a waterfall hike. It was 2 o'clock and we hadn’t eaten lunch yet, so we took a detour off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our plan was to hit up the gas station for trail mix or some granola bars, but we couldn't resist the beacon of this banana yellow stand.

Mulling over their menu was tough because there were so many luscious looking options! We decided to get one of each to make it a little easier. I’d pick the tacos and Cody would choose the sliders so we could sample both!


They whipped up our meal fairly quickly and I squealed with delight when I saw the presentation. Of course, I immediately whipped out my iPhone to document the deliciousness, but I had to go get my “real camera” so that I could take some proper pics because I had a feeling it was going to be a memorable meal.

I almost didn't want to share with Cody because I was enjoying the Smoked Brisket Slider with green apple slaw and Cheerwine BBQ sauce so much, but I was excited to try the Short Rib Taco, too! It was topped with Asian slaw, cilantro, and sour cream. Everything tasted so fresh and the flavor combinations were spot on. We probably could have ordered something else to taste-test but I didn’t want to be too full before our hike!



This was the most impressive meal I’ve had the pleasure of putting in my belly in quite sometime! I’m excited to make a special trip back out that way just so I can have lunch there again because they know how to make good food. It was one of those meals I can’t get out of my head!

We only set out to grab a few snacks but we discovered something better and that was because we were open to whatever unfolded that day. I live for finding places like this that are off the beaten path!


It’s so easy for me to get caught up in the everyday challenges that I (we) must overcome and endure, so this was a fun way to spice things up by unplugging and allowing life to surprise us.

I had to remind myself many times throughout the day that I didn’t need to check my phone incessantly, and that we had no obligations or time commitments that day. We were free to do whatever we wanted and could take as much time as we needed to just be with each other and enjoy ourselves.

It was an incredible day and I want to make “Spontaneous Adventures” a regular occurrence—or required even—to help strengthen and support our relationship! What do you do to rekindle the romance with your partner? And..

When is the last time you went somewhere on a whim and what did you discover?! Please share in the comments, I would love to hear from you!


Boone NC Wedding Photographer | Wayfaring Wanderer | Jessica MacedaHi! 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 }
» The Roost in Linville, NC (A Taco & Slider Food Stand)

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

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

"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!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding PhotographerIt 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.
Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding PhotographerThere'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 + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer


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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer



Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer


Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer






Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer





Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
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!
Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
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.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding PhotographerI’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?!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer


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!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer







Their fall-inspired cake was made by Stickboy Bread Company here in Boone, NC.

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer




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!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer
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!

Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's in Blowing Rock, NC | Boone Wedding Photographer

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!


Boone NC Wedding Photographer | Wayfaring Wanderer | Jessica MacedaHi! 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.
» Rentals | Boone-Rent-All

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