A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding

"Want me to check my doppler radar?" one of the groomsmen offered. "Oh, yes, please!" responded the concerned bride. 

According to the weather map it looked like the rain was supposed to pass in the next 15-minutes, but it was tough to know for sure. If you live in the mountains the unpredictable weather is something you get used to. 

With a great deal of hesitation, the decision was made to execute "Plan B" since the ceremony was due to start and the rain hadn't yet let up, so the guests all huddled under the overhang of the barn to watch the couple exchange their wedding vows. 

If you ask me, the rain made their intimate wedding even more cozy. 

Britney & Blake were completely in sync as they shared heartfelt sentiments and declared their love for one another in front of their closest family and friends.

I overheard prior to the ceremony that the vows they wrote for one another were only three words shy from them both writing exactly 175 words each. How sweet is that? I'd say it's a pretty good sign!

First looks are my favorite and theirs was playful and fun, just like the two of them!

The couple is from the DC area so everything was planned from afar with the help of the folks at the Mast Farm Inn. It was such a fitting venue for the look and feel Britney was going for.

She dreamed of getting married in the mountains because they love this area, and they chose Mast Farm Inn because of their five-star food and picturesque location!

Having fun and getting married in the mountains was one of their main priorities and they couldn't have chose a better place to do it. 

As an interior designer, Britney poured her heart into crafting the chic DIY details that were incorporated into their wedding day. All of the energy she put forth to create the decorations helped build the perfect backdrop that she envisioned.

It all started with a spark of inspiration received when she found a wedding invitation that she fell in love with. In fact, the whole wedding was designed around the invite! 

The beautifully decorated tablescapes were adorned with a mix of wooden candlesticks that were handcrafted by the bride's father, glass candle holders, and cream colored hydrangea clusters that were trimmed with burlap and lace details.

I knew that Britney and Blake's wedding day was going to be relaxed and casual because when Britney and I spoke on the phone numerous times over the past few months we connected pretty easily. 

Things get up close and personal on a wedding day, and she was looking for a photographer that could capture all of the most important moments on their wedding day but also the emotion as well.

Spending time with these two (and their awesome posse of peeps) was a special treat. You can tell how smitten they are with one another by the way they interact and communicate. I have zero doubt that their love will stand the test of time!

I just love folks that like to have fun and these two—as well as their family and friends—were definitely my peeps! Britney and Blake were so laid-back, they made my job super easy! 

It was completely unexpected when Blake eagerly asked, "So, what look and feel are we going for in this shot?" Sure, he was a little reluctant at the beginning when we photographed their charming first look, but it was only a matter of time before he got into it. He might not admit it, but I think he actually had fun posing for the camera with his gorgeous bride!

Seriously, how stunning does Britney look in her strapless lace wedding dress by Maggie Soterro? I think she was channeling her inner classic Hollywood movie star in these shots!

Despite the short bursts of rain they experienced on their wedding day, Britney and Blake took it all in stride, and still enjoyed a fun filled celebration full of love and laughter! 

CONGRATULATIONS to Britney + Blake! You're MARRIED! YAYAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two newlyweds a lifetime of epic adventures and I hope that your marriage will only grow stronger as you continue this journey together! 

Thank you so much for choosing Wayfaring Wanderer + my trusty sidekick (Cody/hubby) to photograph your destination wedding at the Mast Farm Inn. It was an honor and a pleasure to be a part of your special day! I hope you enjoy these sneak peeks while I finish up your full gallery! :-)

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 Venue, & Catering | Mast Farm Inn
» Floral Designer | Pearls Garden
» Hair & Makeup | Haircut 101
» Dress Designer |  Maggie Sottero

{ Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Allyson + Younes' Westglow Mansioin Wedding in Blowing Rock
» Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

My Surprise Birthday Dinner @ The Mast Farm Inn | Valle Crucis, NC

I've driven by this place a dozen times, and I've told myself repeatedly that I'd eat there one of these days. Six years later, it finally happened!

Honestly, I don't know how I let that much time pass before I actually made my way over to eat dinner in this charming little establishment. I mean, it's no secret that I enjoy going out to eat. (I'm always sharing my food with you, it seems.) However, this place can't be compared to the typical dining experiences I frequently have.

FINE DINING & SLOW FOOD COMBINED

It's different because you feel like you're having dinner in someone's house, not a restaurant. The atmosphere is cozy and intimate, and has very limited seating for service. Reservations are required in order to dine, otherwise, they wouldn't make enough food. You see, they operate differently than restaurants you have become accustomed to. The meals are prepared fresh and made with organic ingredients that are oftentimes locally sourced. That is, if they didn't grow some of the items themselves.

Across the street from the inn are a large number of raised bed gardens where they can pluck ingredients to use that same day. They also put a big emphasis on local items included on the menu; It is something I definitely appreciate. The menu changes every night depending upon what they get their hands on. Surprises were plentiful that evening!

I can't even tell you how giddy I was to be there. It was undoubtedly the best part of my birthday weekend. You know, because of the FOOD! I'll just stop beating around the bush here, and tell you about the amazing meal.

FOOD, DELIGHTFUL FOOD

The dinner began with a basket of homemade white and corny corn bread. They supplied us with a dish of their very flavorful herb butter, which I slathered on top of my cornbread. There was a slightly sweet crust on top that paired so well with the buttery spread. Next up, was the petite vegetable soup which was simple yet satisfying.

For the third course, we were served a mixed green salad topped with local goat cheese, dried cranberries & blueberries, pecans, and a molasses vinaigrette. I devoured this salad even though the dressing wasn't as sweet as I would have wanted it to be. I will say, though, that it was quite interesting. Our main dish consisted of beef bourguignon smothered with a rich red burgundy wine sauce topped with mushrooms and pearl onions. The beef was tender and delicious. No knife required for cutting. The accompanying sides included creamy grits and sauteed green beans. I loved the grits. They were awesome!

A TREAT YOU SHOULDN'T PASS UP

At this point in the meal, I barely had enough room to finish the beef bourguignon ( I ended up taking a portion home) much less leave enough room for dessert. But I'd be crazy to pass up the last course, don't you think?! I ended up going with the chocolate fudge cake (it was called something like that—sorry, I don't have my notes!) that came with homemade caramel ice cream. I could only have one tiny corner of the cake and a few spoonfuls of the ice cream, but oh my word, they were both incredible. The leftover cake went home with me, too!

By the end of our dinner, we had been there for over 2 hours. Tell me, when do you get the opportunity to take your time eating a multiple-course meal like that? Not very often, I'm sure. I know that I'm used to things coming as quickly as possible when dining out, so this was a welcomed alternative because I don't like feeling rushed. 

If you'd like to find out more about The Mast Farm Inn, here is a link to their website.

Having dinner at The Mast Farm Inn's restaurant (called Simplicity) was a treat, although I don't think this should just be one of those “special occasion” places to eat. Yes, it was slightly pricier that your typical restaurant. However, for the quality of food, service, and ambiance, it was well worth the expense. Now that I've finally been there for a dinner service, I know that I'll be back a lot sooner next time! 

WHICH PART OF THE MEAL SOUNDS THE BEST TO YOU?

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