High Country Wedding Guide 2023 Launching January 16!

Author: Hannah Chillag

 Image by  Jaime Johnson Photography

Image by Jaime Johnson Photography

Katie and James love story started out slow and steady. A mutual friend introduced the two but to keep everything old-fashioned and to make sure intentions were true, the duo exchanged calls and letters daily for just under a year (sigh, we’re getting some serious The Notebook vibes over here) before finally meeting in person one March day at a local park. “We didn’t move from the park bench until it was dark,” says Katie, who, along with James, knew before they even physically met that they were destined for one another. And to make things sweeter, get a load of their proposal. It may just be our favorite to date! While joking about how two goats used to be a sufficient dowry for a bride, they couple agreed upon that in today’s world, the only animal that equaled the price of a wife had to a be an elusive (and fluffy!) pink unicorn. So to play off this fun exchange that they had once-upon-a-time, James surprised his lady with a romantic table-for-two, complete with the fluffiest pink stuffed animal unicorn that Katie had ever laid eyes on. How adorable! The couple, whose Big Day was extra special as about 75 percent of their vendors were family members, tied the knot one December day at The Chapel of Rest. Dressing the ceremony in hunter green (the bride’s maiden name is “Greene,” after all) by way of fresh garland, the precious pair wed amongst family, friends, and a view of the Yadkin River. Cheers to these newlyweds! Your Christmas wedding was full of all the “Fa-La-La” feels.

Venue: The Chapel of Rest

Photographer: Jaime Johnson Photography

Cake, Cupcakes: A family friend, Ugga Mugga Bakery

Caterer: Bride’s cousin and brother

Florist: Bride’s aunt

Musicians: Strictly Clean and Decent

 Image by  Four Sparrows Photography

Image by Four Sparrows Photography

For self-proclaimed “old soul” Tina Smith of Four Sparrows Photography, her first-ever styled shoot was all about staying true to herself. Mixing themes of simple elegance with country chic, the perfect High Country combination in our opinion, Tina brought to life a stunning alfresco affair that both complemented the natural environment and showcased her photography skills from top-to-bottom. After seeing just a few photos of 16 Hands Farm, located in West Jefferson, North Carolina, Tina knew instantly that this venue just had to be the setting for her version of a Big Day, describing it as a “small piece of heaven,” and we agree with her wholeheartedly—this venue is a lovely as they come. Sigh, could those bistro lights be any more gorgeous? Sticking to a color palette of sage and blush, and showcasing not one but two couples (and a gorgeous bridesmaid, an actual bestie of one of the bride’s) Tina’s images are chock-full of Pinterest worthy details and inspiration for any nuptial event. Take that delectable-looking three-tiered cake, for example, whose layers feature three different flavors (great for appeasing all guests’ tastebuds) and who icing is piped to mimic a pearl button back of a dress. Kudos on the design, It’s a Piece of Cake! Or how about that charming sweetheart table for two, as simple as it is sweet? A great way to steal away from a wedding crowd and take a moment just for your newlywed selves. A big shoutout to Four Sparrows for sharing this gallery with us and we hope all your brides-to-be out there enjoy scrolling through these images as much as we did!

Photographer: Four Sparrows Photography

Venue, Place Settings: 16 Hands Farm

Cake: It’s a Piece of Cake

Planner: Huffman Events

Hair Stylists: Salon 405

Florals: City Florist of Wilkes

Paperies/Stationery: For the Joy Calligraphy & Design

Formal Wear: Bridal Traditions Wedding & Prom Attire

Bridal Set: Michael’s Jewelry

 

 Image by  Cana Dunlap Photography

Image by Cana Dunlap Photography

Today’s darling couple, Savannah and Tye, first locked eyes during a coed volleyball game at a local church. While that initial encounter on the court sparked no date requests, their official first date was just a short time away and as cute as they come. Tye sneakily sent out a group text asking his friends, including Savannah, if anyone had any interest in a weekend kayaking trip but when Savannah showed up day-of, the date only included Tye (and his third-wheelin’ bestie, Eddy). Fast-forward through four years of courtship later, many dates spent in the sunshine outdoors, and the purchase of some real estate, and the twosome was looking to make their relationship a bit (a lot!) more serious. Tye proposed at the top of Table Rock Summit Trail amidst family, friends, cameras, and imagine it, a drone! Congrats Miss Savannah, your hubby thinks of everything! So it makes perfect sense since their engagement was set against the mountains, that their beautiful Big Day should too. Choosing gorgeous Grandfather Vineyard & Winery as their venue of choice, the duo went for a relaxed outdoor wedding and ceremony filled with understated hues of emerald and navy and Fuschia Moss Floral Design bouquets topped off with what happens to be our fave floral of the moment, black tie anemones. Cheers to this happy couple! Your Big Day was so perfect, so personal, and so YOU!

Photographer: Cana Dunlap Photography

Venue: Grandfather Vineyard + Winery

Coordinater: Nicole Winder, Grandfather Vineyard + Winery

Florist: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Catering: Gadabouts Catering

Rentals: A & J Rental

Music: Threshold Band

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar (hair); Sibel Rea (makeup)

Stationery: Shutterfly

 

 Image by  Boonetown Story

Image by Boonetown Story

A happy bride makes the prettiest bride and this couldn’t be any truer than Chloe on her wedding day. And while we are sure groomie Cameron’s love for his one-and-only was clear to every friend and every family member in attendance, what makes our hearts go pitter patter just happens to be how well done, from top to bottom, this ceremony and Raffaldini Vineyards reception was. Let’s start from the beginning, shall we, and take a scroll through each gorgeous image captured by lovely High Country shutterbug, Boonetown Story. Chloe’s BHLDN halter gown takes the metaphorical (wedding) cake not just because of its flirty open back but for how ladylike that peek-through halter neckline is. Sighs all around. And how about that wooden signage crafted by the bride and her father? Truly professional. And drumroll please… our favorite part of this Big Day and our favorite trend of 2017 has to be the succulent favors prepared by The Succulent Source. We like them because of their cute little size but also because it’s a takeaway that keeps on giving, a favor that guests can actually make use of. All pluses in our book! Chloe and Cameron, we raise our glasses to you two lovebirds and wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Photographer: Boonetown Story

Venue: St. Leo the Great Catholic Church (ceremony); Raffaldini Vineyards + Winery (reception)

Florals: Taylored Blooms

Catering: Salem Kitchen

Cake: Mrs. Pumpkins

Rentals: Hauser Rentals

Gown: BHLDN

Wedding Favors: Succulent Source

Beauty: Kristina Overton

Signage: DIY by the bride and her father

 

 

 Image by  Matt Powell Productions

Image by Matt Powell Productions

We have to agree with today’s featured blushing bride, Melissa. Our favorite aspect about Twickenham House & Hall also has to be the fact that it reminds us of a castle straight out of a modern-day fairytale. Enchanting yet remote, private yet cozy, this is a venue that offers it all. So it comes as no surprise that Northeastern natives Melissa & Joel, chose it to play host to their Big Day bliss and to their family and friends, who came from near and far (Alaska, to be exact!). With a crew of talented folks at their side, included multi-talented Eileen Gaddy, from Gadabouts Catering, who just happened to step in as both planner and caterer, this swoon-worthy fall wedding checks off all the criteria on our list for a top-notch High Country wedding. I mean, get a load of that smooching couples shot! Could you imagine a more romantic setting with that dreamy fog and stunning view? Way to go, Matt Powell Productions! And how about that classic yet elegant navy, gold, and rose color palette? We love how these shades mimic the fall weather just rolling in and how the lighters shades contrast so well with the darker. After an al fresco ceremony underneath the most gorgeously decorated wooden arbor, the couple, along with all of their guests, made the short walk to their dazzling reception inside Twickenham’s spacious hall. From what we can see, this looked like one heck of a fun party!

Venue: Twickenham House & Hall

Photographer: Matt Powell Productions

Planner: Eileen Gaddy, Gadabouts Catering

Florals: Desi’s Floral & Design

Catering, Cake: Gadabouts Catering

Bar Service: Boondocks Brewing

Stationery: Wedding Paper Divas

 Image by  Zack Hamby Photography

Image by Zack Hamby Photography

Sweet and simple—and perfectly Southern! That’s the way we prefer our High Country nuptials. Take a peek at Katie + Wade’s ooh-la-la lovely affair at the always pleasant and always charming, Leatherwood Mountains Resort. This wedding is easy on the eyes and also has us weak in the knees, to say the least. Check out that swoon-worthy Zack Hamby Photography captured first kiss as official Mr. & Mrs. The drape of her dress, the majesty of that arch, and freshness of those Shady Grove Gardens white hydrangeas and tulips has us wishing our hardest that we would have been a guest at this mountainside affair. And get this? Want to know how Wade proposed to his beloved? After dating his gal, Katie, for nearly a year and a half, he began taking selfies always with the handwritten note,  “I love you, Katie” somewhere positioned in the picture. After a romantic nightcap at Bistro Roca, and a return to their mountain cabin, Wade handed her the photo album he had assembled and got down on one knee. Needless to say, Katie said yes! 

Venue, Catering: Leatherwood Mountains Resort

Planner: Abbie Hanchey, Leatherwood Mountains Resort

Photographer: Zack Hamby Photography

Florals: Shady Grove Gardens

Cake: Cakes by Becca

Music: Mountain Peak Sound

Beauty: Beautiful Bride on Location

Rentals: A & J Rentals

 Image by  Fletcher & Fletcher Photography

Image by Fletcher & Fletcher Photography

With college football and what comes with it (cue the cozy sweaters, apple-picking, and hot chocolate!) finally and officially here, we thought it fitting we share this sweet fall-inspired fête between house-divided pair, Clemson fan Amanda & Carolina fan Kyzer. With our dear friends Fletcher & Fletcher Photography behind the lens and floral maven Fuschia Moss providing those beautifully curated bouquets and centerpieces (we spy our fave periwinkle floral thistle), this is a wedding that certainly scores. With the help of their planner, Melissa Riley of Day or Your Dreams Wedding Planning, Amanda & Kyzer pieced together what we like to call a “progressive Big Day.” The duo held their reception at Westglow Resort & Spa, against a backdrop of fall mist and then when all was said and done (ahem… “I do!”), the wedding party along with guests made their way to Chetola Resort for a tented reception. The dreamiest! 

Ceremony Venue: Westglow Resort & Spa

Reception Venue, Catering, Rentals: Chetola Resort

Photographer: Fletcher & Fletcher Photography

Planner: Melissa Riley, Day of Your Dreams Wedding Planning

Florals: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Cake: Stick Boy Bread Company

Beauty: Shear Shakti Salon

 

 Image by  Natural Craft Photography

Image by Natural Craft Photography

Forget that fancy aisle covered in rose petals. It’s time to roll out the red carpet for this next glamorous pair of newlyweds! Unsure what I mean? Read on to find out! Valerie and Justin, who serendipitously met after Valerie performed what we can only guess was one heck of a memorable rendition of the Queen Classic, “Fat Bottom Girls,” (snagged her a hubbie now, didn’t it?) knew their alfresco affair had to be one that nixed the soft and sweet and aimed for the bold and the beautiful. Why? The couple, who respectively hail from Iowa and Missouri, wanted to show off their new High Country home and all its glory to visiting family and friends and give them a glimpse into their newly planted roots. Cue those mighty sassy candy-apple red pumps, vintage birdcage veil, and verdant natural landscape that Valle Crucis Vineyard offers up. While photo maven Ashley, of Natural Craft Photography, was present to document each smile, tender moment, and smooch, Gadabouts Catering was there with their superhero gear on to save the day. When a ominous grey sky threatened to dampen their ceremony, quick thinking by the Gadabouts crew had them serving up at an impromptu cocktail hour while wedding-goers waited out the weather. Sounds like a good plan to us! Thanks for sharing, Valerie and Justin, and congrats on tying the knot!

 

Photographer: Natural Craft Photography

Venue: Valle Crucis Vineyard

Florals: Shady Grove Gardens (florals), the bride (arrangements)

Catering: Gadabouts Catering

Cake: Stick Boy Bread Company

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar

Rentals: A & J Rental

 Image by  Matt Powell Productions  

Image by Matt Powell Productions  

Barefoot, bubbles, and Brown Mountain Beach Resort—need we say more? Those three things, along with the love formed over a five-and-a-half year relationship between Raleigh residents Alex and Tim made their wedding one of our 2017 real-lifer faves. But first, let’s backtrack a bit to their proposal which set the stage for their laidback affair. While Tim had grand plans to execute the proposal of a lifetime (cue a romantic kayak to a remote beach), he found himself thwarted by inclement weather. After many failed attempts, he decided it was now or never and on a whim, got down on bended knee in the middle of their hallway, sweatpants and all. After a resounding yes from Canadian native Alex, the two celebrated in casual style by ordering in Mexican food and toasting from the comforts of their own couch (guacamole, anyone?). To stay true to their adventure-seekin’ personalities, the twosome chose Brown Mountain Beach Resort, a High Country venue that boasts both a sandy shore and a mountain view, the best of both worlds. After spending the wedding morning floating down the creek with family in tow, and sealing the deal under an arbor decorated by greenery, the duo exited their ceremony amidst a shower of bubbles. Thank goodness, Matt Powell Productions was there to capture these sweet candids. Best of luck, dear Alex and Tim!

Photographer: Matt Powell Productions

Venue: Brown Mountain Beach Resort

Planner: Julie Laramie, Brown Mountain Beach Resort

Florals: Garden Gate Downtown

Catering: Lindsay Anderson, Edible Road Trip

Cake: My Local Bakery

Beauty: Haircut 101 (hair); Sharla Bance Makeup Artistry (makeup)

Rentals: Valley Rentals

 Image by  Austen Taylor Photography

Image by Austen Taylor Photography

Pretty in pink is the name of the game this Monday morning and we think you’ll agree with us over here when you scroll through this treasure chest of images shot at Linville Ridge Country Club. Brooke and Jordan’s open-air fête was made even more special because their photographer of choice, Austen Taylor, just happened to be a good pal of both the bride and the groom from college. We adore when friendships come full circle, don’t you? Brooke’s snap decision to keep the ceremony outside despite foreboding clouds proved especially meaningful when the sun made it’s glowing appearance just as she stepped foot (heel!) down the aisle to meet her beloved at the end. Get a load of groomie Jordan’s adorable grin as he locks eyes with her. . . We’re melting over here! After swapping “I dos” amongst their nearest and dearest and against the backdrop of a wooden cross handmade by Jordan’s grandfather, the pair headed to their reception. A gold-flecked cake by Ugga Mugga Bakery adorned with fresh Shady Grove Gardens blooms made the sweetest of statements and wine cork table seatings added the perfect touch of DIY. This is a Big Day worth pinning, from beginning to end. Cheers, lovebirds!

Photographer: Austen Taylor Photography

Venue, Catering: Linville Ridge Country Club

Planner: Kindsay Reeder

Florals: Shady Grove Gardens

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Stationery: Meg Darst

Rentals: Celebrate Rentals

Transportation: Air Haven Limousine