Author: Hannah Chillag

14 Aug Taryn & Dan {Expanded Feature}

Image by Burton Photography

Dan and Taryn’s love for each other can only be described as otherworldly. These smitten kittens met in Hong Kong, which is miles and miles (and miles and miles) away from Dan’s beloved hometown of Boone. But when it came time for the two lovebirds to get hitched, after a rooftop restaurant proposal at that, Dan knew there was no other place he could imagine it happening than in the High Country where he grew up and where his parents still reside. An especially awesome treats for guests arriving from Hong Kong? Getting married in peak leaf season as those in Hong Kong rarely get to experience the change in seasons. Entrusting all wedding day planning to Elizabeth of Events by Elizabeth Ashley as the couple didn’t fly stateside until the week of the wedding (can you see my sweat beads forming over?), the day turned out even more than either Dan or Taryn (or wedding-goers for that matter) could have ever envisioned. Crimson and powder blue dressed the day in terms of color while a dreamlike mist made the most beautiful backdrop for early-morning images captured by photo maestros Burton Photography. This wedding- stunning, all around. Best of wishes to Taryn and Dan, who welcomed the sweetest baby boy last summer! Congrats!

Photography: Burton Photography

Ceremony Venue: St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church

Reception Venue, Catering: Blowing Rock Country Club

Planner: Events by Elizabeth Ashley

Florals: Root & Vine Floral Design

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Stationery: Snow in July Designs

Videographer: Matt Powell Productions

Beauty: Westglow Resort & Spa

Music: The Classic Touch (cocktail hour), Pure Party Band of East Coast Entertainment (reception)

Transportation: Air Haven Limousine

07 Aug Twickenham House {spring styled shoot}

Image by Amy Nadine Photography  

There’s something about those Blue Ridge Mountains that makes our hearts go pitter patter. The sweeping vistas, the fresh air, the peace and calm you almost always feel when you approach them. When all of those things are combined with every shade of blue imaginable (think powder, turquoise, and baby blue!) and a local photographer, Amy Nadine, and her love of High Country, you get a true fairytale vision come to life. And let’s not forget those wonderful splashes of copper, a ruffly three-tiered masterpiece of a cake, and those luxe velvety pieces of furniture provided by A Bushel and A Peck Vintage Rentals. For all you brides seeking some added inspiration for your Big Day look no further than this beautifully done styled shoot at Twickenham! Swoon!

Photography: Amy Nadine Photography

Venue: Twickenham House

Florist: Dish Garden Art

Ring/jewelry/table settings: Schiffman’s Jewelers

Hair & Makeup: Karyna Lopez & Jessica Carter

Cake: EZ Sweets

Vintage Rentals: A Bushel & A Peck Vintage Rentals

Stationery & Handwritten Signs: Sweetfeather Studios

Signature Drink: Old Nick Williams Company, Inc

01 Aug Bailey & Robert {Expanded Feature}

Image by Revival Photography  

There’s no denying it, dolls. A wedding with a good theme will never, ever get old. Which brings us to Bailey and Robert’s mountainside affair at The Mast Farm Inn, a real-life wedding from the 2017 edition of the High Country Wedding Guide that has us grinning from ear to ear, then and now. This adorable pair (did you see how happy they look!?) met at Appalachian State University while they were in the midst of planning an alternative spring break to Ecuador. It was there, in Ecuador, of all places, where their love for one another truly flourished. So it is fitting that when it came time to plan their wedding with photo pros, Revival Photography, they opted for a vintage travel theme. Get a looksie at those map-inspired invites (how cool!) and their incorporation of globes and old-timey suitcases as wedding decor. It’s personal touches like these that make weddings so memorable and we are so glad that Bailey and Robert stayed true to who they are as a couple. Peggy Mendel, with Pearl’s Garden, took the lead in creating bouquets and boutonnieres that really popped against the natural landscape of the venue and provided some peachy-keen perfection. This wedding is one we just simply can’t stop gushing over! Best wishes to these lovebirds!

Venue: The Mast Farm Inn

Photography: Revival Photography

Planner: Danielle Deschamps, The Mast Farm Inn

Florals: Peggy Mendel, Pearl’s Garden

Catering, Cake: Simplicity at The Mast Farm Inn

Bar Service: The Mast Farm Inn

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar

Rentals: Boone Rent-All

23 Jul Lizzie & Josh {Expanded Feature}

Image by Lieb Photographic

Lizzie and Josh’s Big Day just happens to be what we dub, “A High Country slice of heaven.” I mean, could it really get any better (or any more picturesque) than this? Jaw-dropping views, majestic blooms by Shady Grove Gardens, and overflowing emotion between bride + groom make this day more than memorable. The couple, who met while attending Appalachian State University, traded vows at lovely The Lily Patch Farm, a venue that Lizzie said was so naturally beautiful (cue the fairytale flittering butterflies below!), it spoke for itself. Their celebration of love continued in style with a reception under the covered canopy of the The Lily Patch’s greenhouse, a more-than-fun twist on your typical tent. Oh High Country, bless you and all that you have to offer. And did you get a load of that dreamy floral-decked cake? Can we get a piece, Hallmark Cakes? Photographed by the wonderful Lieb Photographic (who just happened to be a former teacher of Lizzie’s, imagine that!) this wedding has us head over heels (ahem…sparkly embroidered TOMS)! Cheers to this darling duo!

Venue:  The Lily Patch Farm

Photographers: Lieb Photographic, LLC. with Feather & Oak Photography

Catering: Reid’s Cafe and Catering Co.

Cake: Hallmark Cakes

Florals: Shady Grove Gardens

Officiant: High Country Ministers

Rentals: Boone Rent-All (linens)

17 Jul Anna’s Bridal Portraits {Overlook Barn}

Image by Kevyn Dixon Photo

One glance at these bridal portraits of sweet Anna at Overlook Barn and you’ll see why we are absolutely some smitten kittens over here. Anna, whose breathtaking e-session with now hubby Ezekiel was featured a few posts back, is in front of the lens again but this time as the leading lady. These wintery bridal portraits by talented shutterbug Kevyn Dixon Photography have such a lightness and whimsicalness about them and can we just say, that dress! Anna looks every bit the snow princess in her lacy stunner from Did Someone Say Party? We hope you enjoy flipping through these photos as much as we did. Here’s to pretty portraits and even prettier brides-to-be!

Photography: Kevyn Dixon Photography

Hair: April Varner at Haircut 101

Gown: Did Someone Say Party?

Hairpiece: A Bit of Love (Etsy)

Venue: Overlook Barn

Bouquet: Lowe’s Foods in Boone

09 Jul Enchanted by Autumn {Expanded Feature}

Image by Michelle Lyerly Photography  

Alright, darlings. . . we’re going to help you cool down a bit from these piping hot summer temps by letting you in on some of our favorite images giving off all the fall feels. We are just over-the-moon excited about being able to finally share with you this batch of glorious captures from our 2017 editorial shoot both styled and photographed by the crazy, talented Michelle Lyerly. Set atop Phoenix Mountain, this styled shoot at Twickenham House boasted the talents of a bevy of the High Country’s most talented vendors… or what we like to call “friendors.” With Ugga Mugga Bakery the confectioners behind the drool-worthy dessert table, Fuschia Moss Floral Design amping up the flower power, and Miss Match Rentals providing an unforgettable autumnal tablescape for two, this fresh-air fete brings both the charm and the elegance you’d expect to complement those stunning mountain views. And how about that beautiful bohemian bride? Canvas Boone absolutely nailed that vibe, don’t you agree? Teamwork and good tidings, made seamless by creatives EventMaker and The Laurel Collective, made this an unforgettable experience and we hope they joy we had in making this all comes together brings a smile to your face! 

Photography: Michelle Lyerly Photography

Venue: Twickenham House & Hall

Florist: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Desserts: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar

Gown: Tatyana Merenyuk, available through Wildflower Bridal

Planners: EventMaker + The Laurel Collective

Rentals: Miss Match Rentals

26 Jun Anna & Ezekiel {Engagement Session}

Image by Kevyn Dixon Photography

When you get wind that a couple has known each other their whole lives, you know their engagement photos are going to be pure magic, and then some. As with the case of lovebirds, Anna and Ezekiel, whose chance-meeting happened when they were mere youngsters in the second grade. Although their actual courtship didn’t start until high-school when Ezekiel invited Anna to be his date to the Tanglewood Festival of Lights, it’s pretty easy to notice from this collection of images by Kevyn Dixon Photography that this pair was always meant to be. Sighhhh…. Moses Cone Estate, Beacon Heights Trail, and a glorious glowing sun played part in making this e-session complete with lots and lots of frameworthy moments. Enjoy!

19 Jun Georgia + Ryan {Expanded Feature}

Image by Common Dove Photography  

Happiness doesn’t even began to describe the emotions we get when scrolling through Georgia + Ryan’s Real Life Wedding album from our 2017 High Country Wedding Guide issue. I mean, this sweet and simple elopement atop Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge has all the feels plus more. Let’s start with the most perfect setting we’ve ever laid eyes on, complete with a hazy mist and Ryan’s childhood home just barely visible through the valley. Jess, shutterbug behind Common Dove Photography, captured the scene so beautifully we feel like we were one of the many honored guests sitting aisle-side. And I think it’s safe to say, that Irlo and Bruce, the couple’s two pooches, stole the show with their puppy poses and puppy paws. If those puppy eyes didn’t do it for you, then how about those pastel blooms courtesy of floral aficionado, Shady Grove Gardens. The peach, periwinkle, and vibrant greens make a lovely contrast against the grey stone of the venue and make us ga-ga for spring weddings all over again. Cheers to this charming couple!  

Venue: Grandfather Mountain

Photographer: Common Dove Photography

Florals: Shady Grove Gardens

09 Jun FoxBerry Farm {Bridals}

Image by Ben Roberts Photo

It’s no secret that we’ve probably watched the movie, Pride & Prejudice, well over twenty times. That misty opening scene, the hauntingly beautiful music, and the way a series of serendipitous events turns Elizabeth Bennet’s steely heart from loathing into loving handsome Mr. Darcy. Sighhh. It’s the stuff dreams are made of! So when the talented Ben Roberts Photo shared with us this collection of bridal portraits at Foxberry Farm giving off all those Jane Austen classic vibes, we knew we couldn’t keep them all to ourselves. Take a look at this bevy of beauties and we think you will agree. . . all that’s missing is our beloved Mr. Darcy. Enjoy!

Images by Ben Roberts Photo