Summer + Troy | Engagement Photography Session On The Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate was perfect. It was one of those rare moments when you walk onto the front lawn, take a deep breath in and realize that you have the entire place to yourself. It was magical. So myself, Paul from Four Seasons Films, Summer and Troy took a stroll, capturing their love in this magical place.

Summer and Troy asked Paul to help them create a one of a kind wedding invitation! A video to be mailed out as their save-the-date message to all of their wedding guests! Click here to see their message.

Katlin + Matt | Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC

Katlin and Matt booked me nearly 2 years before their wedding date and when the day finally came, I felt like I was documenting two dear friends getting hitched. After so many conversations, emails and an awesome engagement session here in Asheville Katlin some how failed to mention however that she was planning to wear the most gorgeous flower crown of all time! The Bloom Room are out of this world fantastic and of course a wedding at the Biltmore Estate never disappoints. Their intimate wedding in the gardens was bursting with special moments, sweet gestures and thoughtful gifts. They exchanged some of the most beautiful vows I have witnessed and truthfully there wasn't a dry eye in the house (including my own). I still to this day have no clue why I photographed the gang shaking yellow towels enthussiastically in the air but everyone seemed to really enjoy it :) Here are some of my favorite images of this wonderful wedding in May.

Venue, Catering & Cake: Biltmore Estate | Officiant: Darr Conradson | Hair: Lola Salon | Makeup: Blush Asheville Makeup Artists | Floral Design : The Bloom Room | DJ: The Bride's DJ | Ceremony Music: Asheville String Trio | Rentals: Classic Event Rental Company |

"A Bushel and a peck and a hug around my neck." Hendersonville, NC

My children have been singing "A bushel and a peck" for months now, and it sort of stuck with me. This was a lovely wedding last spring. Here, some images of the first look in the Groom's family orchard.

A Travel Inspired Wedding at The Grove Park Inn | Asheville NC

Wedding Planning : Two Sweet Sparrows | Venue + Catering : The Omni at Grove park Inn | Hair + Makeup : Lola Salon | Floral Design : Flora | Officiant : Howard Hanger | DJ : Spintastic Sounds | Additional Photography : Jeremy Russell |

Emily + David Engaged | Asheville, NC

Emily and Dave looked like they just stepped off of a 1940's movie set. They were amazing and their session was so much fun! They met and fell in love at culinary school and so it made sense to pay a little visit to The French Broad Chocolate Lounge. Of course, cake just like life, tastes much better when you have someone to share it with.

Hair & Makeup : Beauty Parade Salon, West Asheville

A New Year's Eve Proposal | Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NC

Corey contacted me weeks before he proposed to Malory at the Biltmore Estate. Many emails later, here I was hiding behind the statue of Diana on the afternoon of new year's eve. Moments like these are amazing and I'm always so excited (albeit a little nervous) to capture these for my clients. So much emotion! I LOVE IT … and truly for someone to really think this through and hire a photographer on top of that was so thoughtful on Corey's part. He definitely caught his girl by surprise and the Estate provided the perfect backdrop. I especially love the images I think 4th down the page, after Malory said 'I DO' and Corey points me out up the hill, clueing her into our big successful scheme. 

Carolyn + Josh | Wedding Portraits

A Look back at 2014

I realize I'm a couple of weeks behind here but Happy New Year Everyone! The thing is I haven't been spending the last few weeks reflecting, setting goals or making good business plans for the year ahead. The truth is I've been building lego forts, taking my kids to the movies, painting, planning vacations and eating far too much British chocolate. I took a little break from work and I have to say it felt great to slow down a little and not think about my to-do-list for a minute or two. I'm so excited about the year ahead but before I do anything else I wanted to look back at some of my favorite images from 2014. A massive thank you to all of my clients and talented vendors I have worked with. I am filled with gratitude for such a fantastic year filled with adventure, friendships and some amazing weddings.

Bridal Portraits | Old Sherrill's Inn | Fairview, NC

Spending time at The Old Sherrill's Inn is good for the soul. The history and traditions run deep, and I soak up the nostalgia every time I visit. The house was built in the late 1700's and became an Inn for travelers to stay when passing through Hickory Nut Gap. Outstanding views, and secret hide-a-ways surround the house and endless paths lead to more stories and adventures. This shoot was a little different as I teamed up with one of my favorite people in the world and extremely talented wedding photographer Jeremy Russell. Abby (the bride, also a local wedding photographer) and her husband Andrew are the sweetest couple. We had a great time making these images together. Click here to see Jeremy's awesomeness.

Bouquet by Two Buds and a Blossom.

The First Look | Rose Garden, Biltmore Estate

Photographing a couple's wedding is a real honor for me. It's monumental, albeit a little stressful and well, a really big deal that my clients completely trust me to capture this massive moment in their lives. The morning that I wake up and don't feel a little nervous to rise and accomplish this task I think is the day I will stop shooting weddings. 

Laura and Brian's wedding day was no exception to this rule especially given that they are both two highly creative and accomplished artists themselves (no pressure). The biggest compliment someone can give me as a wedding photographer is to be told to be myself and encouraged to be creative. Laura and Brian did just that and we had a wonderful time in the Butterfly garden on the Biltmore Estate.

Here are just a couple of images from their first look amongst the roses.

Wedding Venue: Butterfly Garden, Biltmore Estate

Hair & Makeup: Blush: Asheville Makeup Artists

A Memorial Day Wedding | Rivers Ridge Lodge, Old Fort NC

Lis and Wes both serve in the US Army and their red, white and blue wedding was planned beautifully by Kiersa Holy of Events by Kiersa. The love and support from these two families was indescribable and I was beyond honored to document their wedding.

My day began following a trail of balloons to The Rivers Ridge Lodge and I continued to be inspired at ever turn after that. The property is tucked privately away in a wooded area of Old Fort and encircled by the river. The trees provided just the amount of shade on that gorgeous hot day and guests played lawn games and threw rocks in the water. My absolute favorite moment was witnessing Wes present Lis's daughter Lilli with a ring and make his promises to her also during the ceremony; there wasn't a dry eye to be found. Guests were invited to wear red, white and blue and encouraged to embrace the holiday, while the creative use of color and river rocks made for a fun tablescape. The truffles from French Broad Chocolates was a major hit along with the rest of the awesome food and of course the banging sounds of Bright Light DJ.

Congratulations Lis & Wes and thank you for everything you sacrifice every day to serve our country.

Event Planning : Kiersa Holy from Events by Kiersa

Hair & Make-up : Upper Cut Salon

Venue : Rivers Ridge Lodge, Old Fort NC

Officiant: Family Friend

Ceremony Music : Natalya Weinstein 

Flowers : Urban Farm Girl

DJ : Jacob of Bright Light DJ 

Catering : Mamma Dukes

Cake : Short Street Cakes

Truffles : French Broad Chocolates 

Ginny & Jarrod's Wedding | Antler Hill Barn on Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC

I first met Ginny and Jarrod in South Carolina a couple of weeks prior to their big day to take some Bridal portraits with they horses and dogs as they were unable to attend the actual wedding. I loved them immediately (the couple and the animals) and I knew their Biltmore wedding was going to be amazing! Unlike most weddings I'd photographed on the Estate there were no plans to visit the house or gardens. The Antler Hill barn holds a special place in Ginny's heart as it was one of the last places she visited with her Father before he passed away. After spending time with Ginny and her four-legged friends I also couldn't imagine her and Jarrod tying the knot anywhere else. To top the day off Ginny enlisted Tamara from Belle Soiree to plan and co-ordinate the day and I was so excited to work with some of Asheville's best wedding vendors again. The Bloom Room just never fails to amaze me and this Spring floral design was no exception. They also incorporated some of Ginny's Guinea fowl feathers into her bouquet and I loved the charm attached with a picture of her Father. This was my first experience with a dance floor full of glow sticks and glasses which were major crowd pleaser's along with the bonfire and s'mores.

Thank you Ginny & Jarrod for inviting me to photograph your beautiful wedding!

Event Planning : Tamara Heston from Belle Soiree Wedding & Event Consultants

Hair : Laura and Madison at Canvas Studio for hair  

Makeup : Joanna Ferree at Powder me Pretty

Venue : Antler Hill Barn, Biltmore Estate

Officiant: Family Friend

Ceremony Music : James Barr

Floral Design : The Bloom Room

Tent & Rentals : Classic Event Rental

DJ : Spintastic Sounds 

Catering & Cake : Biltmore Estate

Additional Photography : Abby Moore (Thank You Abby!)

Emily + Ben | Engagement Photography Session

Asheville Engagement Session at Biltmore Estate.

Emma & Dave's Intimate Wedding | The Walled Garden, Biltmore Estate

This intimate destination wedding on Biltmore Estate was simply lovely! Here's a handful of my favorite images. Click Here to see more.

Venue, Food & Floral: Biltmore Estate

Rentals: Classic Event Rental

Ceremony Music: Braidstream

Officiant: Howard Hanger

Wedding Portraits in the Rain | Biltmore Estate

One of the benefits of shooting in the rain.

Ainslie & Adrian | A Biltmore Wedding in the Champagne Cellar

The Champagne Cellar at the Winery on Biltmore Estate is the absolute perfect place for an intimate destination wedding. Ainslie and Adrian treated their friends and family to quite the experience! It was such an escape for their wedding guests while they joined together with them to celebrate their love and commitment to each other. The cellar was decorated beautifully by The Flower Gallery and the food and service from the Biltmore staff was impeccable as always. Ainslie and Adrian chose to do a first look at the Inn which allowed us to take advantage of the estate and make some portraits before the festivities began. I think my favorite moment of the day has to be the epic 'cake smash' there at the end! I wasn't expecting that from these too ;) 

Bridal Portraits | Landrum, South Carolina

This equestrian bridal session in Landrum, South Carolina was nothing short of gorgeous! Who doesn't love a bridal session in the country with beautiful light, a fantastic couple, four horses, a great dane and a grey hound RIGHT?

I photographed Ginny and Jarrod's wedding in Asheville yesterday and even though Ginny was wearing a different dress I thought I should wait to post these until after their big day. Ginny loves her animals so much and I (who have never rode a horse bedsides you know a donkey at the beach) really enjoyed learning how to care for horses and what amazing temperaments they have. Ginny and Jarrod’s love for each other is so sweet and I am honored to have been their wedding photographer.

Couple's Choice Award

 

It was so great to hear that I have just been awarded the Couples' Choice Award from Wedding Wire. Thanks so much to all of my clients last year who took the time to provide a review and give some awesome feedback. 

Erin + Brian Mountain Wedding | Biltmore Estate

I need to warn you, there are probably too many images in this blog post, but I really have to share this wedding in its entiretity with you. This day was more than beautiful, and fun, and Erin and Brian planned so much time for photography - it was amazing! The mountain views, the people, the floral design everything!

So there's your warning and now I'm going to let the photographs tell the story. Oh and don't forget to check out the amazing vendor line up at the end of the post.

Event Planning : Tamara & Virginia from Belle Soiree Wedding & Event Consultants

Hair : Bella Chic Salon   Makeup : Amanda Carter

Ceremony Site : Dry Cow Hill, Biltmore Estate

Officiant: Family Friend

Ceremony Transportation : Biltmore Estate Shuttles & Land Rover

Ceremony Music : James Barr

Floral Design : The Bloom Room

Reception Venue : The Crest Center

DJ : Spintastic Sounds (You're the absolute best Pat Lance)

Catering : M7 Events

Thumb Tree : Illustrated by Mom (a sketch of the tree that they got married under - incredible)

Transportation : Asheville Historic Trolly Tours

Additional Photography : Abby Moore (Thanks so much Abby I could not have done this without you)