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

06 Mar Brandi & Jason {Engagement Session}

Image by C. Elkins Photography

High school sweethearts, Brandi and Jason, had been waiting over ten years to take their engagement pictures together. The lovebirds spent a day in the Blue Ridge mountains with Caitlin of C. Elkins Photography who captured their romantic yet laid back session beautifully! A hike down to a waterfall, a couple costume changes, and even a cozy blanket and coffee mugs made this e-session especially swoon-worthy. Enjoy! 

01 Feb Haley + Sam {Expanded Feature}

Image by Wayfaring Wanderer

Peonies and ruffles and sparklers, oh my! Haley and Sam’s blushing day was one of our all-time favorite Real Weddings from the 2017 High Country Wedding Guide, so naturally, we’re tickled pink to share an expanded feature of it with all of you darlings today. The Big Day, planned by Haley and her mama and flowered by Bouquet Florist + Gifts struck that perfect balance between feminine elegance and rustic charm, a tone certainly set by their picturesque venue, Overlook Barn. After their charming ceremony backdropped by the sweeping valley views, the celebration moved inside the chic barn space where farm tables were topped with soft blush peonies, greenery, hand painted signage, and of course, a knockout ruffle cake by those dolls at Ugga Mugga Bakery! Goodness gracious, we just love every bit… 

Photographer: Wayfaring Wanderer

Venue + Rentals: Overlook Barn

Florals: Bouquet Florist + Gifts 

Catering: Dan’l Boone Inn Catering

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

25 Jan Stacy + Spencer {Elopement at Black Balsam Knob}

Image by Amelia Fletcher Photography

Let’s take a break from all of the beauty of the new issue (I know, don’t panic, we’ll be back) and dive head first into the incredibly romantic mountain elopement by Amelia Fletcher Photography. The moment Stacy and Spencer’s special day popped into our inbox, we knew we just had to share it with all of you! On a perfect September day at Black Balsam Knob, the lovebirds tied the knot in the woods with only their officiant and photographer as witnesses and the result was nothing short of Braveheart-esque magic. And as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also being treated to their newlywed portrait session which took place immediately following their vows on the edge of the mountain as the sun set over the range. Absolutely gorgeous! 

Photographer: Amelia Fletcher Photography

Gown: J.Crew

Bouquet: Carolina Roses

Officiant: Travis Smith

Hair + Makeup: Amanda Scruggs of Fringe Salon + Spa