Eloping was an idea the couple explored and they chose an all-inclusive elopement package that the Banner Elk Winery offers to couples looking to get married in the high country without all the fuss.
Another reason they chose Banner Elk Winery as their NC wedding venue is because they visited this gorgeous place the week they got engaged in the Blue Ridge Mountains and they felt like it provided exactly what they were looking for on their wedding day.
Initially, it was only supposed to be Leah and Chuck making the trek from Florida to North Carolina for the wedding, but immediate family was invited after all because they couldn't image doing it without their loved ones there to witness their union.
By the time that I made it to meet Leah at the villa, she had already gotten her make-up and hair done by Beautiful Bride on Location. I recommended this mobile service to the bride because they are one of my favorite wedding vendors to work with here in the high country. Marion Edwards is one talented laydeh and so is her team! Doesn't Leah look gorgeous?!
She's wearing a Casablanca Bridal strapless dress with a lace overlay, intricate bead work, and a small train. Her bouquet was a pleasant surprise as Leah had no idea what it would look like. All she knew was that she wanted it to be tones of PURPLE! It matched the delicate amethyst necklace, bracelet, and earrings she was wearing.
There wasn't much time for me to work with before their ceremony was due to begin, so I had to hustle to get as many detail and getting ready shots of the bride as possible. Once Leah was ready, I had about 7-minutes for bridal portraits outside on the patio before her Dad escorted her to the altar.
The moments in between the excitement of the bride putting her dress on and the anticipation of walking down the aisle with dear ol' Dad are my favorite stages to photograph on a wedding day because of the wide range of emotions felt during that time. It's truly a beautiful thing to capture.
Leah and Chuck's wedding took place in the midst of fall on a seasonably cold and windy day during the month of October.
They kept the nuptials short and sweet because folks were freezing but they were being such troopers, especially Leah in her strapless wedding dress.
At the end of their intimate ceremony we quickly took a few family photos before the small group retreated to the tasting room for a champagne toast, cake, and heat!
After they spent some time with family, I whisked them away to several outdoor locations around the winery for a few bride and good "just married" photos while guests stayed warm and cozy indoors.
It wasn't too long after that Airhaven Limousine showed up in the shuttle bus to chauffeur the group to The Best Cellar in Blowing Rock, NC for the second half of their wedding reception. Air Haven was another vendor that I recommended to Leah when she contacted me for a transportation referral because they also provide such great service!
This was the first elopement/intimate wedding that I've had the pleasure of photographing, and I sincerely hope there will be more to come because they are so different from the full-day weddings I have grown accustomed to. Don't get me wrong, I do love the all-out parties but this was such a nice change of pace.
I only met Leah and Chuck on their wedding day since they were planning all the way from Florida, but we kept in close communication during her planning process.
Leah said, "Out of the photographers we spoke with I felt that Jessica was the best fit for us. I also have been very impressed with how helpful she has been in the overall planning process. I couldn't have done it without her!"
It's too bad that I wasn't able to spend more than 2-hours with them on their wedding day, but I'm so happy that I could capture their special connection even if it was only for a short time.
CONGRATULATIONS to Leah & Chuck! 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 you continue this journey together!
Thank you so much for choosing me to photograph your destination wedding at Banner Elk Winery, it was an honor to be a part of your special day!
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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, Flowers, & Cake | Banner Elk Winery
» Make-Up & Hair | Beautiful Bride On Location
» Dress | Casablanca Bridal
» Tuxedo | Perry Ellis
» Transportaion | Air Haven Limo
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
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