Gideon Ridge Inn Engagement Pictures in Blowing Rock, NC

After having to reschedule several times due to the unpredictable mountain weather, we finally managed to squeeze in Katelyn & Seth's engagement shoot last week. Initially, they were hoping to do a snowy engagement session but Mother Nature didn't cooperate with us this winter, so we waited.




I checked the forecast, as usual, and it wasn't looking so favorable for later that afternoon so we bumped up the time in hopes of avoiding the storms. And because these two are getting married in just 2 days we had to get their engagement photos done, RAIN or SHINE, this time around!

Gideon Ridge Inn Engagement Pictures in Blowing Rock, NCWhile on my way to the shoot it was apparent that the rain wasn't going anywhere, but we were determined to make do with whatever we were given despite the less than desirable weather.

Blue Ridge Mountain Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge Inn in Blowing Rock, NC


The Gideon Ridge Inn had a porch, thankfully, that no one was interested in using because of the showers. We didn't mind having the place to ourselves!

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge InnAnytime during the shoot when I noticed that the rain had subsided, we would run out to grab a few quick photos before we had to retreat back to the shelter of the stone porch. We only had about 5-10 minutes each time until the rain started up again, but it was better than nothing!

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge Inn

I'm pretty thankful that we did get to spend some time doing their engagement pictures out in the open with the mountain view because those are my favorite photos from their shoot. After all, the amazing views are the main reason why Katelyn and Seth chose Gideon Ridge for their engagement photo location.

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge InnI loved the location because I had a lot of interesting areas that we could use even though the rain posed some challenges. We gained permission to use this lovely venue for their engagement pictures because Seth was in cahoots with the head chef at Gideon Ridge. It's one of Bistro Roca's sister properties which is where Seth works as a chef.

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge Inn
The couple decided to have engagement photos taken because they don't have very many "nice" photos of them together as a couple where they're not making goofy faces or flipping off the camera. ;-)

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge InnKatelyn and Seth were super sweet, and they didn't seem to have a problem with all the cheesy things I did and said to get them to laugh. It wasn't so bad dodging the rain with these two either, it was actually fun. They were troopers, though, that's for sure!

Blowing Rock, NC Engagement Pictures @ Gideon Ridge InnCONGRATULATIONS to Katelyn + Seth on your engagement and upcoming marriage! Thank you so much for choosing me to capture your adventurous engagement photos in Blowing Rock, NC.  I can't wait to photograph your wedding this weekend! I hope you enjoy this sneak peek while I finish up your full gallery.



Are you newly engaged or in the process of planning a wedding? Download a FREE copy of the 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist to jump start your planning!

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12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist
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

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

The sound of fire truck sirens echoed nearby as Leslie and Nick's ceremony was just getting started. Any other couple might be annoyed at the blaring interruption, but they both laughed it off and made a joke because they weren't going to let something silly ruin a perfectly beautiful day.

Their short and sweet ceremony took place outside beneath a magnificent willow tree on the lawn at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. The natural setting was one of the reasons that Leslie and Nick were drawn to this particular wedding venue. Having their ceremony and reception at the same location made things much easier.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC




Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC


This was my first time photographing a wedding at Chetola, and we couldn't have asked for a more amazing day. Seriously, it was absolutely gorgeous, swans were swimming around the lake with their ducklings, the rhododendrons were blooming, and the sun was shining! The mountain weather was impeccable.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC




Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC
The couple envisioned a laid-back wedding day which seemed like it was simple for them to accomplish with the experienced team of wedding vendors they chose to help make their dreams a reality. Leslie and Nick were as easy-going as they come, too, so they just enjoyed themselves without stressing over the details.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC


Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC


Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NCAndrea, with The Whole Shebang, helped the day run so smoothly. I'm convinced that having a wedding coordinator is a necessity if you want a carefree experience, they keep a handle on all of the details so you don't have to!

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC




Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC
Desi's Floral and Design Studio created the stunning floral arrangements used in the reception decor, as well as the boutonnieres and bride's lovely bouquet. The flowers had hints of peach and pink mixed with various shades of green, they were gorgeous!

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC


Leslie was hoping to incorporate a garden theme into the reception decor by using ivory and white botanical table linens along with silver centerpieces and chargers to dress the tables. I loved how simple and chic everything looked.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC
Stickboy Bread Company made a classic white cake with white icing that looked so elegant.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC
It was super cute when the groom exclaimed, "WOWWWWW!" after turning around to see his beautiful bride all dolled up for the first time on their wedding day.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC



Doesn't she look AH-MAZING in the handmade lace dress that she designed?! I loved the bohemian feel it had with a vintage vibe. 

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

This fun-loving couple and their spirited bunch of family and friends were ready to party down.

For real. 

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NCThey enjoyed good comfort food consisting of sliders and mac & cheese catered by Timberlake's Restaurant, danced to great music carefully selected by the bride and groom, and had a blast in the super awesome Boone Photo Booth that was a big hit.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

The props found their way onto the dance floor at some point which was pretty hilarious. I got a kick out of watching a group of goofballs geeking out with a cut-out of the bride's beloved cat Ivan.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

Funny thing, her cat looks a lot like our cat Moses. I now want a cut-out of my cat, too! ;-)

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC



There was a moment when I was taking a quick break to scarf down some food when I suddenly hear a crowd of people singing in unison at the top of their lungs to Steve Winwood's Higher Love. They were getting into, too.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC


I quickly left my plate for Cody (my hubby/2nd shooter) to finish because I knew it was too awesome of a moment for me not to capture. 

Tiny Dancer by Elton John was pretty entertaining to watch with one of the guests singing that tune while wearing a pair of oversized glasses. I laughed so hard!

Lots of laughs were had that day.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NCLeslie told me that she was looking for a wedding photographer that was versatile and could create beautiful photographs, but she also wanted someone that was fun with a sense of humor who understood the emotional aspects of the wedding day as well.

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC

She declared, "I knew we'd be a good fit!" just after I photographed their first look and family photos prior to the ceremony. Hearing that made me feel all warm and fuzzy because I want all of my couples to enjoy an awesome experience. Having your photos made can actually be fun!

Thank you so much for choosing Wayfaring Wanderer + my trusty sidekick (Cody/hubby) to photograph your outdoor wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. It was an honor and a pleasure to capture all the love and laughter that was had on your wedding day! I hope you enjoy these highlights while I finish up your full gallery! :-)

Garden Themed Outdoor Wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NCCONGRATULATIONS to LESLIE + NICK! 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! 

Are you newly engaged and/or planning a wedding? Get a FREE 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist HERE: http://bit.ly/weekly-wander

Featured VENDORS }
» Ceremony & Reception Venue | Chetola Resort
» Catering | Timberlake's Restaurant
» Wedding Planner | The Whole Shebang
» Floral Designer | Desi's Floral & Design Studio
» Wedding Cake | Stickboy Bread Company
» Rentals | CE Rental and Luxury Loo

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
GET CONNECTED }

» WEBSITE: wayfaringwanderer.com
» BLOG: blog.wayfaringwanderer.com
» FACEBOOK: facebook.com/wayfaringwanderer
» INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/wayfarinwanderer
» WEEKLY WANDER: http://bit.ly/weekly-wander

Featured LINKS }
» Focusing on the Marriage and Not the Wedding
» Brit + Blake's Rustic Mast Farm Inn Wedding in Valle Crucis
» Allyson + Younes' Westglow Mansioin Wedding in Blowing Rock
» Kari + Chad's Mountaintop Destination Wedding at Kilkelly's

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. 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer




A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC PhotographerA Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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!

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer


A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC PhotographerFirst looks are my favorite and theirs was playful and fun, just like the two of them!

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer


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. 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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.

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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! 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
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.

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer


A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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. 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
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.

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
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!
A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC PhotographerA Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
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! 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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!

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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!

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer


A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer
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! 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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! 

A Rustic Mast Farm Inn Destination Wedding - Boone NC Photographer

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! :-)

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 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