Destination Wedding Photographer | Asheville, NC
At Sandhill Photography we don't just do beach weddings! I love being a Destination Wedding Photographer, and the pictures from this spectacular wedding in Asheville, NC will show you just why! It's so much fun to step outside of the world you know and capture something new and different. This beautiful couple (yes, we're being a bit anonymous at their request) are from right here in Bradenton, Fl, but once they got engaged in the mountains, they knew they wanted to go back there to hold their wedding as well. Surrounded by nature and friends and family who had traveled to join them as they shared their vows, their wedding was everything they could have dreamed of! Wearing a dress made by her incredibly talented mother, the bride could have been mistaken for an Elfin Princess or a Greek Goddess. The Groom stood out from the forest in a blue suit and looked at his bride with a depth of love that would have melted the hardest of hearts. This destination wedding had this photographer nearly in tears at the pure beauty of love and nature. Journey through this beautiful wedding day with me as I share some of my favorite pictures from the day they became husband and wife on a beautiful Asheville, NC mountain top, and don't forget to leave a comment at the bottom to let the bride and groom know what you think of their day!
We started the morning of the wedding at a cozy mountain side cabin where the bridal party was getting ready. The bride's mother and aunt were there with her to help make sure that every detail was perfect. Did we mention that the Mother of the Bride MADE this wedding gown herself?!? I was blown away by the beauty and perfection of every detail!
When it was time for the ceremony, we all drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the trail head for Craggy Gardens and began the mile long hike to the ceremony site at the top of the mountain. Yes, you heard me right. HIKE. Up the mountain. The bride in her gown, the bridesmaids in their heals, all the guests, and even this wedding photographer with all of her gear in tow! And boy oh boy was it worth every step!
The mountain top ceremony was truly unique, with guests standing and sitting wherever they could find a spot, and the bridal party nestled into the overlook with the Blue Ridge Mountains looking more regal and romantic than any wedding arch I've yet to encounter. They were joined as well by hikers of all walks of life who stopped their adventures for a moment to watch the site and help the couple celebrate their love. The bride and groom stood on a traditional Ukrainian rushnyk, embroidered by the bride's mother after she was born, and then later used to bind their hands and seal their marriage. With touches of culture, nature, and their own story, the ceremony was as beautiful as any I've ever seen.
Knowing the newlywed's love of nature, the path back down the mountain made for the perfect spot for their wedding portraits. We stopped at every overlook, scenic tree, and beautiful vista to capture a portrait experience that the couple will never forget. And THAT DRESS! It took my breath away! Whether blowing in the wind, or flowing as one with the nature surrounding it, it seemed to have a life of its own and brought a beautiful, artistic touch to every picture.
We finished the portraits at the reception site, the lovely Botanical Gardens at Asheville. Their grounds are a beautiful garden filled with all native plants, preserving the authenticity of the land. We walked the paths, traversed streams, and stopped at rustic fences to capture the true flavor of North Carolina.
The reception took place in a grassy field under the trees, with music, drinks, and a catered vegan meal (which let me say for you doubters out there, was DELICIOUS!!) The center pieces were made by the bride and brought all the way up from Florida, and the bride's family had been busy decorating while we were off taking portraits. Cake was cut, speeches were made and it can be said that a time of general merriment was had by all! I'm so glad that I got to photograph this beautiful destination wedding, and so happy for the chance to share it with you all!
Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs., we wish you all the happiness in the world! If you'd like Sandhill Photography to capture your Wedding or another landmark in your life,
Contact us for an Appointment!
Photography: Sandhill Photography
Ceremony Site: Craggy Gardens, North Carolina, Craggy Pinnacle Trail
At Sandhill Photography, it's our pleasure to capture all the most special moments in your life. We offer Engagement Sessions, Wedding Photography Packages, Maternity and Newborn Sessions, and Family Photography. We are based in Bradenton Florida, and service the Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Pete areas. Photographer Emma-Rose would love to help you capture memories to last a lifetime. Book your Photography Session today with Sandhill Photography and don't let another one of life's amazing moments pass you by!
