BIG LIST of Boone Wedding Vendors | NC Photographer Wayfaring Wanderer

As a wedding photographer you wouldn't think that I do much to assist my couples in helping them plan other parts of their wedding day, but I like to make myself as useful as possible, so I do everything I can to offer guidance along the way.

The majority of the couples that I work with aren't Boone, NC locals, so it’s a little bit more challenging for them to get the information they need to help plan their wedding.

While there are some great wedding planning resources out there that can point you in the right direction, like the ACES website (Association of Consultant & Event Services) and the High Country Wedding Guide, I still prefer to recommend the wedding vendors that I've worked with personally because I want to promote the folks that I can recommend firsthand.

Magical things happen when you get an awesome group of wedding vendors together which is why this list exists!

Over the last few years that I've been an NC-based wedding photographer, I've had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented folks in the wedding industry up here in the High Country. While this is not an extensive list of all that there is to offer up here in Boone (and beyond), these wedding vendors are the ones that I've had the pleasure of working with and highly recommend!

If there's a particular Boone-based wedding vendor that you would like to work with, don’t wait to contact them, because availability is already extremely limited at this point, so booking in advance is definitely suggested.

I've already had to disappoint a number of brides because I no longer have their wedding date available—it makes me sad. Don't wait, get in touch asap!

I’m sure you've seen the slew of engagements happening this year, so either you or someone you know is newly engaged or getting married in 2015/2016. If you know of any friends or family planning a destination wedding in the Boone area that may find this vendor guide useful, please share this link with them! Thank you!

VENUES

» Desi’s Farm, 
3602 Mt. Zion Rd. Ferguson, NC 28624
(910) 524-1251
http://www.desisfarm.com/

» Camp Sky Ranch 

634 Sky Ranch Road

(828) 264-8600 

http://www.campskyranchevents.com/

» Westglow Mansion 
Blowing Rock, NC 28605
(828) 295-4463
http://www.westglowresortandspa.com/

» Banner Elk Winery 

60 Deer Run, Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 898-9090

http://www.bannerelkwinery.com/

» Daniel Boone Native Gardens
651 Horn in the West Drive, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-6390
http://danielboonenativegardens.org/

WEDDING PLANNERS

» The Whole Shebang

PO Box 2675 Blowing Rock, NC 28605

(828) 719-9171

http://www.highcountryweddingplanner.com/

» The Elegant Event
Boone, NC 28607
(828) 773-0449
https://www.facebook.com/TheElegantEvent

» Events by Elizabeth Ashley

PO Box 2744 Boone, NC 28607

(828) 773-8431

http://www.eventsbyelizabethashley.com/

PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHY

» Wayfaring Wanderer (Boone Photographer)

Boone, NC 28607
(828) 773-8764

http://www.wayfaringwanderer.com/

» Boone Photo Booth
Boone, NC 28607
(828)773-3313
http://www.boonephotobooth.com

CATERERS / FOOD / DRINK

» Gadabouts Catering

1615 Tynecastle Highway Banner Elk, NC 28604

(828) 773-0988

http://www.gadabouts.com

» Gamekeeper Catering

3005 Shull’s Mill Road Boone, NC 28607
(828) 963-7400

http://gamekeeper-nc.com/

» Farm to Flame (Food Truck)

163 Boone Creek Dr Boone, North Carolina
(828) 851-1712

http://f2flame.com/

» Owl Creek Breadworks

109 Owl Creek Rd Boone, North Carolina
(828) 262-1697

http://www.owlcreekbreadworks.com/

» Vidalia Restaurant (Rehearsal Dinner)

831 W King St Boone, North Carolina
(828) 263-9176

http://www.vidaliaofboonenc.com/

» Appalachian Mountain Brewery

163 Boone Creek Dr Boone, North Carolina
(828) 263-1111
http://www.appalachianmountainbrewery.com/

» Bald Guy Brew (Coffee)

Historic Valle Crucis, 3657-3 Hwy 194 S Sugar Grove, North Carolina
(828) 963-6660
http://www.baldguybrew.com/

» Benchmark Provisions (Beer & Wine)

122 S Depot St Boone, North Carolina
(828) 386-1329
http://benchmarkprovisions.com/

ATTIRE

» Did Someone Say Party?

685 W King St Boone, North Carolina 28607
(828) 264-7307
http://didsomeonesayparty.com/

» South’s Specialty Clothiers

1180 Blowing Rock Road Boone, NC 28607

(828)264-8977

http://www.southsclothiers.com/

» Lucky Penny (Rehearsal Dinner Outfit)

693 W King St Boone, North Carolina
(828) 264-0302
http://www.luckypennyboone.com/

MUSIC

» Maureen Renihan & Friends (Jazz Duo or Band)

148 North Ridge Circle Boone, NC 28607
(828)406-4264
http://www.maureenrenihanmusic.com/

» Gifty Song (Custom songs professionally produced & written for any occasion)
http://www.giftysong.com/

» Haynes Event Productions (DJ)

112 Chandy St. Boone, NC 28607
(828) 266-1293
http://www.hayneseventproductions.com/

FLORIST

» Desi’s Florals & Design

Boone, NC 28607
(910) 524-1251
http://www.flowersbydesi.com/

» Shady Grove Gardens & Nursery

PO Box 8 Vilas, NC 28692
(828) 297-409
http://www.shady-grove-gardens.com/

» Events by Elizabeth Ashley

PO Box 2516 Boone, NC 28607
(828) 773-8431
http://www.eventsbyelizabethashley.com/

CAKE

» Ugga Mugga Bakery
8100 Valley Blvd. Blowing Rock, NC
(724) 799-1334
http://uggamuggabakery.com/

» Indulge Bakery

8062 Valley Blvd Blowing Rock, North Carolina
(828) 773-1585
http://Indulgebakerync.com/

» Stickboy Bread Co.

345 Hardin St Boone, North Carolina
(828) 268-9900
http://www.stickboybread.com/

BEAUTY

» Beautiful Bride on Location (Hair & Make-up Services)

Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-5954 | Marion Edwards
http://www.beautifulbrideonlocation.com/

» Shear Shakti (Hair Salon, Travel available)

693 W King St Boone, North Carolina
(828) 865-7425
http://shearshakti.com/

» Sharla Bance Makeup Artistry (Airbrush makeup On-location)

2277 Hwy 105 South Boone, North Carolina
(512) 983-9091
http://www.sharlabance.com/

RENTALS

» Miss Match Rentals

PO Box 1463 Boone, North Carolina
(828) 262-9808
http://www.missmatchrentals.com/

» Bushel & A Peck (Vintage Rentals)

P O Box 88 Lenoir, North Carolina
(828) 773-0354
http://abushelandapeckrentals.com/

» Happy Trailers Refrigerated Rentals (Beer Tap Trailer)
PO Box 1463 Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-9808 or (217) 821- 7972
http://www.happytrailersrefrigeratedrentals.com

TRANSPORTATION

» Air Haven Limousine (Various transportation options)

PO Box 1116 Boone, NC 28607
(828) 265-2504
http://www.airhavenlimo.com/

ACCOMMODATION / TRAVEL

» Sleep Inn

163 Hwy 105 Extension, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-0020
http://www.sleepinn.com/hotel-boone-nc

» Explore Boone Area (Website)

828-266-1345

http://www.exploreboone.com/

» Boone Chamber of Commerce

870 W King St. Suite A, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 264-2225

http://boonechamber.com/

» High Country 365

215 Boone Heights Dr Boone, NC 28607
(828) 262-3778
http://www.highcountry365.com/

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SHARING IS CARING!

If you have any friends or family that are newly engaged or getting married in 2015, please share this post with them or on your FB wall so they have an opportunity to connect with some of Boone's best wedding vendors, and for a chance to WIN their wedding photography for 2015! Thank you for sharing!www.wayfaringwanderer.com

INTERESTED IN WINNING FREE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

In celebration of the new Wayfaring Wanderer website, I am giving away FREE wedding day + engagement photography to one awesome couple getting married in the Boone or Blowing Rock, NC area and BEYOND! You do not have to be local in order to WIN! Sound too good to be true? Nope, this is really happening and you can get all of the juicy details on how to enter this giveaway here on the blog.http://bit.ly/free-wedding-photography-2015

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 Weddings }

» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Allyson + Younes' Destination Wedding at Westglow Mansion
» Leah + Chuck's Intimate Mountain Wedding at Banner Elk Winery
» Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch

Wedding Dresses from South's Specialty Clothiers at Smithmore Castle in Spruce Pine, NC | Boone, NC Photographer

Not all girls grow up fantasizing about having the perfect wedding, getting married, and living happily ever after. However, there are still a great deal of ladies who dream of having that fairy-tale wedding where they get to play the princess.

On Monday, at the ACES (Association of Consultants and Event Services) meeting at Smithmore Castle down in Spruce Pine, NC, I ended up spending a lot more time photographing models wearing dresses than I did socializing with other wedding vendors.

That definitely wasn't my intention, but I got a little carried away because I was having so much fun! Brides in wedding dresses is something I am a complete sucker for! They’re positively glowing and look so gorgeous!

There's a reason why I stopped carrying my professional camera equipment with me on a regular basis. It's because I turn into a full-on paparazzi when I get going. I can't just take a handful of pictures and put it away. It's not that easy for me to be done with it once I get started. That's why leave it at home or else I’m in danger of getting photo tunnel vision! 

While there are so many different bridal gown styles available, the types of dresses these models happened to be wearing were befitting of the fancy venue we were at. The girls were modeling mostly princess ball gown wedding dresses as well as a few other wedding gown styles. South's chose some dresses that I thought would be absolutely perfect for a castle wedding!

The Smithmore Castle is a private estate in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. It has been restored to surpass its former glory and is one of the newest wedding venues in the western North Carolina area. As I mentioned earlier in this post, I was there for a meeting along with other local wedding vendors who are members of ACES.

It was such a beautiful house, so opulent and grandiose. One of my favorite features was definitely the incredible panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains from the verandas and patios. The majestic range made for a perfect backdrop to use for the bridal portraits. 

It’s another reason why I stuck around for so long capturing the girls in their dresses because it was so breathtaking!

Tia (pictured above and below) is actually getting married next year in Boone, NC! Isn't she gorgeous?! 

The intricate bead work on some of the dresses was extremely delicate and detailed. The dazzling brides looked so glamorous in their glitzy gowns.

It was a complete surprise to see Heather (pictured below) at the ACES event. We used to work together at my old office job. She's already married to a wonderful fella, but she makes a beautiful bride!

South's Specialty Clothier also showcased a few mother of the bride dresses. They can easily accommodate parents and guests looking for unique attire for weddings, too! The ladies they had modeling the dresses looked simply stunning in their ensembles.

One woman was actually wearing the exact outfit that she wore to her sons wedding. That's how she ended up modeling for the event! 

I really didn't mean to spend almost the entire evening photographing the models wearing wedding dresses; however, I had a ton of fun hanging out with these ladies and working with Laurie (from South’s) and I look forward to the opportunity to do so again in the future!

South's Specialty Clothiers is a local family owned business located in the Boone Mall. For over 30 years it has been the High Country's premier one stop shop for bridal, formal-wear, and casual clothing. South's can fulfill your wedding dreams by working with each bride one on one to provide the perfect wedding gown. They have trained formal-wear consultants with expertise in helping you choose the style that compliments your look for any occasion. 

VENDORS:

Dresses
South's Specialty Clothiers

1180 Blowing Rock Road

Boone, NC 28607
Phone: (828)264-8977

Make-up
Beautiful Bride on Location
(Marion Edwards)

NC Wedding Venue

Smithmore Castle
Spruce Pine, NC 28777
Phone: 904-509-5095

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 LINKS }

» DIY Down-Home Backyard Wedding: Emma + Alex
» Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Wedding Styled Shoot @ Camp Sky Ranch
» Logen & Nick's "First Date" LGTB Friendly Engagement Session in Downtown West Jefferson
» Redefining Self-Love w/ Celebrate You Sessions

Behind-the-Scenes: Interview w/ Desi's Floral & Design Studio | Boone, NC Wedding Vendor

While most of the weddings I photograph happen off the mountain around North Carolina and beyond, it was a real treat to have the opportunity to work with local wedding vendors here in Boone, NC for our Alice in Wonderland styled shoot. Once Desi came on board she ended up being an integral part of the planning process and her contribution to the photoshoot was more than I could include in one blog post, so I interviewed her for more behind-the-scenes details.  


What was your contribution to the styled shoot?

Floral Design & Styling // Costume & Props: Mini Top Hat Fascinator, Bow Tie, Flower Girl Costume, Wands, Heart Garland, Mushrooms, Living Book, Birdcage, (Red Velvet) Cupcakes // Casting: Models // Hair for Alice

Why did you decide to participate?

With my degree and background in Theatre and Film, I find myself gravitating more and more towards projects and events that fall into the category of "a production." While I have focused mainly on floral and styling of weddings for the past 4 years, I was dying to do something that reminded me of my days working with set design and costume departments in Wilmington and early on the Foothills of NC.  

I had already planned to mentor Caitlin (Alice) with the focus on 2014 design trends and modeling, and when Andi asked me to come on board, I knew right away this was something I wanted my hands in! Timing was perfect! I dove into the project, oohing and ah-hing over all kinds of pinterest post, and even watching both of the well known productions of Alice in Wonderland. I wanted to pull off something not seen, unique to us vendors. 

I found myself wanting to contribute more, as it is in my nature to coordinate and produce, so through suggestion and delegation we ended up with more vendors than I expected. I was thrilled that so many local vendors were able to participate in such a creative project, and to top it off be an advocate for mentoring.

Did you have any hesitations?
None at all! I was all in from the beginning!

What was your favorite part of the whole process?
Ok, this is really hard, from the beer fueled meeting, to the hands-on development, to the sneak preview, I loved every minute of it! I guess if I had to choose, when I saw Caitlin arrive on set, I was like omg, this is freakin' awesome, she looked so good, and so like Alice! It felt good to know that we were able to give this student an opportunity that may in fact fuel her modeling career! I really am all about opportunities for kids, a former high school dropout, who went back to school to double major, work on film sets, work for non profits, all that good stuff on my resume, I know how hard it is to try to survive your teens, and I know what it takes to encourage productive citizenship and creative entrepreneurship! Mentoring is a valuable tool that we all can do once in our lives, and you don't have to have a production set to do it, but if you want one, we can make it happen!

What inspired you the most?
My own fuel for creativity, to make the project about a group of co-workers, friends, members, students and family to come together to produce something unique!

What was your least favorite part of the process?

Cold weather

[ Related Article ] If you'd like to see more images from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland click here » http://bit.ly/1mVA4Ql «

Would you have done anything differently?

Put Ruby's hair up :)

What was your biggest challenge in preparing for the shoot?

Weather

What was the most surprising thing you gained from the experience?

Friendship and networking opportunities.

What advice/tips would you give someone planning or participating in their own styled shoot?
Stay open minded and work together as a team. Be prepared for the weather or other incidents that may arrive. Have a catchy theme with ideas that really captures the audience. Just bring it props blankets, stuff that might fit, if ever you wonder if you can use it or not, just bring it, if you don't use it, then no harm done. You can do all the planning in the world, but it really comes down to creative design and the elements you have to work with on the scene.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how likely are you to participate in another styled shoot?

10

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes, but I have to go pick up Stella and go take my monsters to dance and swimming. Thanks for all your hard work, I am so thrilled to have been a part of this!

If you'd like to read more details about this Alice in Wonderland styled shoot, here is a BEHIND-THE-SCENES look with more images and information that wasn't shared here » http://bit.ly/1otIWxy « 

[ V E N D O R S ]

Venue: Camp Sky Ranch

Vintage Rentals: Miss Match Rentals

Florals & Styling: Desi's Floral and Design Studio

Teacakes & Mini-Cupcakes: Gamekeeper Restaurant

Makeup: Beautiful Bride on Location (Marion Edwards)

Hair: Desi Parker of Desi's Floral & Design Studio

Bridal Hair Piece & Groom's Bow Tie: Desi Parker

Wedding Attire: Did Someone Say Party?

Barnwood Tables: Upper Barn

Models/Couple: Caitlin & Zach

Photography: Wayfaring Wanderer

Photography Assistant: Raejan Dunn

[ C O M I N G S O O N ! ] An interview with Andi of Miss Match Rentals, so be on the lookout for her behind-the-scenes insights! Also, we'll be sharing a post with TIPS ON PLANNING A STYLED SHOOT because we learned quite a bit during this experience that we want to share with others! To be notified when new posts are available, sign-up for weekly updates HERE and “LIKE” the Wayfaring Wanderer Facebook page to get connected!