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11 Mar John & Grace {Overlook Barn}

Image by Boonetown Story

Happy Sunday, all you lovelies out there! To wake you up on this sleepiest of mornings, we have Grace and John’s spectacular (and we really mean it) Big Day at Overlook Barn. John first locked eyes with blonde bombshell Grace while getting their individual undergrad degrees at North Carolina State University. While the pair were “just friends” for the first several years of knowing each other, fate united them as one when John began grad school and their inner circles of mutual friends really clicked. Fast-forward through a few moves across state lines and some job changes, John found himself ready to pop the question, in the bathroom no less. Groomie-to-be found himself so excited to ask his leading lady that he couldn’t wait for the “perfect” spot to present itself—he just had to do it. And we don’t blame him one bit. The couple chose the High Country for their swap of the “I do’s” and although rain did happen to fall on said special day, both Grace and John took to heart the old wives tale that rain on your wedding day meant good fortune in the future. No doubt this is true for these lovebirds. Here’s to a life of looking back on these beautiful images, remembering this stunning day, and cherishing the love that these two have found in one another.

Venue: Overlook Barn

Photographer: Boonetown Story

Planner: The bride

Florals: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Catering: Woodlands BBQ Restaurant & Catering Service

Cake: Publix

Signage: Shotgunning for Love Letters (chair signs); TheBeezeKnees (“reserved signs); the bride (remaining signs)

Beauty: Hair by Emily Dunn; Jacqueline Villalpando (makeup)

Rentals: Miss Match Rentals

Stationery: Minted.

Music: DJ One Touch

19 Feb Jenny & Lance {Beech Mountain Club}

Image by Michelle Lyerly Photography

There are weddings that make you smile and then there are weddings that make your jaw drop to the floor. Jenny and Lance’s Beech Mountain-set nuptials captured by marvelous mountain girl photographer Michelle Lyerly happen to be the latter. The gown, the bride’s up-do, their ceremony setup (a teepee, get out!)— all utter perfection and details of this wedding that still have us giddy to this day. And if their first encounter wasn’t precious enough (they met at summer camp in their youth) then how about the fact that their two pooches, Chi Chi and Champ, joined in during the ceremony? “I made sure to kiss Chi Chi and have Lance kiss her, too,  as we were a packaged deal,” says Jenny. Yes, hunny, yes. And to make sure guests had a great time, the couple along with Reid’s Cafe & Catering Co. treated everyone to a seven-course lavish meal that ended with some sweet sorbet. Umm, how about yum? Let’s raise our sparkling champagne glasses to these two, a host and hostess after our own heart.

Venue: Beech Mountain Club

Photographer: Michelle Lyerly Photography with Rodney Brown Photography

Planner: Embellished Events for You

Florals: Fuschia Moss Floral Design

Catering, Cake: Reid’s Cafe & Catering Co.

Rentals: Miss Match Rentals (specialty china, glassware); Chair & Equipment Rentals (tables, linens, flatware); The Star Group & Company Inc. (teepee, furniture)

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar

Music: Deans’ Duets (ceremony); Dillon Cable (cocktail hour); Grindstone (reception)

Videographer: Dorn-Long Films

11 Feb Go for the Gold {Styled Shoot}

Image by Wayfaring Wanderer

It’s no secret over here that we are fans of the sparkle. So when Wayfaring Wanderer’s glitz & glam styled shoot popped up in our inbox one fine morning, we couldn’t contain our excitement and knew that it would delight you all as much as it delighted us (hence it’s four page feature in our current HCWG). It puts a new twist on a High Country wedding, mixing a posh location (hello, Westglow Resort & Spa) with a glittering aesthetic that reminds us of all the good parts of The Great Gatsby. Painted gold florals, a skyhigh cake whose ruffle tier looks good from every angle, and a sequined tablecloth complete this look and make it one of our favorite styled shoots from 2017. And how about those precious His & Hers chairs topped with Millefleurs floral creation? Makes us want to get married over and over again.

Venue, Beauty, Catering: Westglow Resort & Spa

Photographer: Wayfaring Wanderer

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Florals: Millefleurs

Jewelry: Village Jewelers, Ltd.

Vintage car: Air Haven Limousine

Rentals: A Bushel and A Peck Vintage Rentals (furniture); Miss Match Rentals (tabletop)

Bride’s Attire: Did Someone Say Party?

Groom’s Attire: Bridal Traditions Wedding & Prom Attire

22 Jan Caroline & Dominic {The Inn at Crestwood}

Image by Jordan Maunder

Holy cow. Could this wedding be any dreamier? As soon as these Jordan Maunder images popped up in our inbox we knew (and I mean instantly) that they just had to grace the pages of our newly published High Country Wedding Guide 2018 (and our blog, obvi!). So let’s meet Caroline and Dominic, the darling duo of today’s featured wedding at The Inn at Crestwood who met one balmy summer night on Lake Norman in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the couple resides in North Carolina where they spearhead their cinematography business, Arden Film Co., their hearts reside in the mountains. The bride, who knew she wanted to keep the decor as neutral and natural as the venue’s surroundings, opted for a color palette of dove grey, cream, and verdant greenery and we just simply cannot get enough. And how about that drool-worthy Ugga Mugga Bakery cake? Gimme. Keep those fingers scrollin’ for one of our favorite High Country weddings of 2017!

Venue: The Inn at Crestwood

Photographer: Jordan Maunder

Planner: Love & Honey Weddings

Catering: The Table at Crestwood

Cake: Ugga Mugga Bakery

Florals: Millefleurs

Stationery, Signage: Vicki Hanson-Burkhart, The Curated Estate

Rentals: Boone Rent-All

Beauty: Jennifer Abercrombie Beauty

Videographer: Arden Film Co.

15 Jan Hello world!

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15 Jan Windswept Wonderland {2018 Cover Shoot}

Image by Common Dove Photography

As the saying goes, “Good things come to those who wait,” and for all those talented vendors involved in making this cover shoot a reality, we think they would tend to agree. After months of keeping this Common Dove Photography gallery a secret, the time has come at last to share with one and all the images and fun behind-the-scenes details from this tremendously special editorial. We all woke up very early one August morning (and by early I mean 4:30 a.m., yikes) and drove up the Blue Ridge Parkway in fog and chilly pre-dawn temperatures. We were chasing that sunrise (that oh-so beautiful mountain sunrise that takes your breath away) and I’m happy to report that we found it. HCWG is eternally grateful for all those that helped make this event so memorable! Scroll down through all of these stunning images to see who all was involved in making this day the BEST day. 

DETAILS:

Photography: Common Dove Photography

Planner: Events by Elizabeth Ashley

Venue: Grandfather Mountain

Videographer: Matt Powell Productions

Florals: Bundles & Blooms

Cake: Christina Banner Cakes

Catering: Reid’s Cafe and Catering Co.

Bride’s Attire: Did Someone Say Party? (lace gown); BELK (two-piece gown)

Jewelry: Village Jewelers, Ltd.

Beauty: Canvas Beauty Bar

Stationery: Champagne Maker

Calligraphy: Kristen Henderson Calligraphy

Rentals: A Bushel & A Peck Vintage Rentals; Miss Match Rentals

Harp: Deans’ Duets

Model: Style Souffle

08 Jan Laura & Aaron {Crossnore Presbyterian Church}

Image by Alayna Kaye Photography

If you’re a fan of lovely lavender, blush pinks, and fresh greenery, then you’ll definitely want to save all of Laura & Aaron’s  Alayna Kaye snapped images to your secret (or not-so secret?) Pinterest board. The precious twosome met in college choir at East Tennessee State University, shared their first official date over slices of delicious Main Street Pizza Company—sounds like the perfect first date to us—and a few years later began planning their High Country nuptials at the Crossnore Presbyterian Church, an ideal meeting point for guests traveling from Tennessee (where the couple resides) and North Carolina. Laura, who describes her bridal style as “very simple,” but yet oh-so sweet, planned a ceremony that highlighted the beautiful, historic rock facade of the church and as a complement, planned a reception with a rustic mountain theme. Delicious cupcakes topped with purple icing (Laura’s fave color) and a breathtaking view of Grandfather Mountain greeted guests upon entry into the Hugh Chapman Center, setting the scene for one heck of a reception. After lots of dancing and frivolity, the newlyweds exited to a sea of sparklers and well-wishes, starting off on their journey as husband and wife. Cheers to these lovebirds on their lifetime a of happiness.

Photographer: Alayna Kaye Photography

Venue: Crossnore Presbyterian Church (ceremony); Hugh Chapman Center YMCA (reception)

Florals: Callista Designs

Catering: Pedalin’ Pig BBQ

Cake: Chance of Sprinkles Bake Shop

Rentals: Boone Rent-All

Music: Piero Bonamico (piano); James West (guitar); Showtime Productions DJ

Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal

18 Dec Katie & James {Chapel of Rest}

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

11 Dec 16 Hands Farm Styled Shoot

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

20 Nov Savannah & Tye (Grandfather Vineyard + Winery)

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