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13 Nov Chloe & Cameron {Raffaldini Vineyards}

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

31 Oct Melissa & Joel {Twickenham House and Hall}

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

25 Sep Katie & Wade {Expanded Feature}

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

18 Sep Amanda & Kyzer {Expanded Feature}

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

11 Sep Valerie & Justin {Expanded Feature}

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

28 Aug Alex & Tim {Expanded Feature}

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

21 Aug Jordan & Brooke {Expanded Feature}

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

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