WNC Wedding Photographer

An Elegant Mountain Wedding at Claxton Farm | Asheville, NC

This day was with no doubt one of my favorites of 2015. Ashlee and Wich invited their closest friends and family to spend the entire weekend with them in Asheville, North Carolina. Wich's family have spent their summers at Montreat for years thus an obvious location for their destination wedding. I'm going to let the images tell the story, but as you will see this day was perfectly filled with everything a good day should be filled with. Family, friendship and love.  

This wedding was recently featured on Borrowed and Blue. 

{Vendors listed at the bottom}

Venue: Claxton Farm | Event Planner, Floral & Design : Shay Brown Events | Linen : BB&J | Farm Tables & Rentals : Classic Event Company | Invitation Suite : 7 Ton Co. | Photographer: Rachael McIntosh Photography | Videographer : Four Seasons Films | Catering and Cake : M7 Events | Hair & Make-up : Cody's Wedding Creation | Music : Adrian Duke | Officiant : Fred Werhan | Transportation : Youngs Buses | Get-a-way-car : Cody's Wedding Creations |

The Graylyn Estate {A wedding inspiration shoot}

I'm finally getting around to blogging some images from 'The Lively Workshop' I attended last October with the extremely talented Perry Veil and Rebecca Rose Events. I made a commitment when I started my business to attend a workshop every year, as personal growth and education is a real priority for me. I love to learn and always walk away feeling refreshed, and inspired in ways I couldn't imagine. I've found it's a fantastic way to connect with other creatives meanwhile keeping a finger on the pulse of our industry. This workshop was really incredible, and as you can see below the inspiration shoots were gorgeous! These images taken on a rainy afternoon at The Graylyn Estate in Winston Salem, NC.

Vendor credits below.

Photography direction: Perry Veil Photography | Styling, Direction, Floral and paper goods: Rebecca Rose Events | Linen: Nuage Designs | Hair and Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Venue: The Graylyn Estate | Models: Directions USA | Gown, Earrings and Shoes: BHLDN | Suit: H&M | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Cake: Cakes by Chloe | Rentals: Party Reflections | The Lively Workshop | Film: Porta 800 | Film Lab: Photovision |

Eleanor + Chris | A Garden Party Wedding at the NC Arboretum

This gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer inspired garden party soiree was planned by the fabulous team at Firefly Event company. I loved the cheery color scheme, pink florals and the amazing backdrop of the NC Arboretum! Their guests enjoyed local BBQ, Bluegrass music and square dancing that had everyone up on the dance floor! Other highlights included corn hole, a selfie station with props, and river rocks in place of escort cards. Eleanor and Chris are such a fun couple and I loved getting to know them and being apart of their magical day!

Wedding Planner: Firefly Event Company | Venue: NC Arboretum | Catering: Village Wayside Bar and Grille | Wedding Cake: Callie's Confections | Floral: Flowers by Larry| Hair & Makeup: Turner and Scott | Music: Bobby & the Blueridge Tradition | Transportation: Emma's Bus Line | Additonal Photography: Abby Leighanne Photography |

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.

Raven + Bryan | A Crest Center Wedding in Asheville, NC |

First of all I have to say 'Raven' has to be the coolest name of all time! I just loved meeting this pair and getting to know their sweet families. Their day was perfect with some beautiful weather here in the mountains despite the 100% chance of rain forecasted. Nicole from Two Sweet Sparrows did an incredible job putting this all together and we had such a fun time. The weekend kicked off with a Rehearsal dinner at Pack's Tavern, a southern fair of BBQ and a surprise bagpipe performance. I love being invited to the rehearsal dinner and listening to the speeches. Besides the fact that they're usually hilarious I really get to know who my clients are and learn a little more about their story. You're going to be blown away by the amazing floral design by Two Buds and a blossom and well here's some highlights.

Wedding Planner : Two Sweet Sparrows | Rehearsal Dinner Catering + Venue : The century Room at Pack's Tavern | Wedding Venue : The Crest Center | Hair : Adorn | Make-up : Pop of Color Makeup | Floral Design : Two Buds and a Blossom | Officiant : Howard Hanger | Band : Back Porch Orchestra | Cake + Cup Cakes : City Bakery |

"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.

The Wedding Album | NC Wedding Photographer

I have spent a big chunk of time over the past few years searching for the best wedding album to offer my clients. Trying out lots of samples and looking for the perfect balance between quality and affordability. It's so important to me that not only are my products beautiful to look at, but that they will truly stand the test of time.

Here's an album I just ordered and thought that I would share what a typical wedding album and design by me looks like.

These hand-crafted, flush-mount wedding albums are available in fine-art fabric or Italian leather. Each album is hand-bound using fuji crystal archival paper with lay-flat qualities. They have an awesome range of colors to choose from and I love the cameo cut-out and embossing options. Please email me directly for color swatches and pricing information.

This 10x10 album is fabric covered (Almond), features the cameo cut-out and has 32 spreads (64 pages).

Your wedding day is your families first piece of history! It needs to be documented and it deserves to be bound in a beautiful book. 

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A Romantic Elopement in the Rain | A Styled Shoot somewhere in the Nevada Desert

Styling : Amanda O'Shannessy | Floral Design : Flower Story | Hair & Make-up : Ruby Finch Salon | Model : Kendra Lee & Husband | Bridal Gown : Lovely Bride | Paper goods : The aerialist Press | Cake : Pretty Please Bakeshop | Hosted and film processing by The Little Film Lab |

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.

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. 

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