Blue Ridge Mountain Fall Elopement / Anna + Tim
Not many wedding days are totally stress free but Anna + Tim’s wedding come pretty dang close, if you don’t count the 15 minutes we were searching for his lost ring, but more on that in a bit. Anna and Tim knew exactly what they wanted for their elopement day and planned every bit of it with intention. Because of the way they designed their day, when it came they were completely relaxed, there was almost NO stress which is so rare for a wedding day but I think it's a testament of their personalities and how beneficial it can be to be organized and clear with what you want. Anna and Tim rented a cabin outside of Asheville, North Carolina with a wooded area and creek in the back. There they got ready together and had their first look in the wooded yard. They got to exchange private vows with tears in their eyes while the dogs offered comedic relief running around.
I loved how Anna and Tim allowed their dogs to run free and enjoy themselves. She wasn’t even concerned when they stepped on her dress (which is most likely (read: definitely) going to happen if you include your dogs on your wedding day. Sometimes we can try to control the dogs and force them to participate when they may be feeling a bit overwhelmed and excited by a new environment, but I’ve noticed the more you can let your dog be the more they tend to calm down and just want to hang by your side on the day of.
If you’re wanting to include your dogs in your wedding day, read these tips:
Afterwards, with only their parents and pups present, they had their ceremony. Since they decided to have the ceremony at the rental it made it very convenient to include their parents and dogs and Anna was still able to have her father walk her down the “aisle”. Let Anna be your reminder, even when you’re eloping you can still include traditional wedding elements! (Also please peep the most cutest good-est bridal party there ever was.) After their ceremony and signing of the marriage license we captured a few formal family photos and then celebrated with cake and champagne.
Noticing the cake toppers they chose and that Anna allowed the baker to smoosh the dogs nose into the cake to make it look like he snuck a taste, I KNEW we were kindred spirits. Anna and Tim were so sweet and insisted I sit down and enjoy their wedding cake with them and their parents. To be included in someone’s special celebration is such an incredible honor that I do not take lightly. To be treated as a guest and not a vendor is so generous and kind and is one of the highlights of my job. Not to mention, even though we hadn’t met in person yet, Anna welcomed me with the biggest hug and truly made me feel like a friend. (Probably because we had DM’ed a ton connecting on various things on Instagram like being farmer friends, our dogs, charcuterie and more leading up to their day which I loved!) I truly feel like I have the best clients in the world.
After filling up on cake and bubbly we headed to explore some near by views in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We wandered through a sun drenched meadow under a perfectly clear day. All was going so smoothly until we realized Tim’s ring had slipped off his finger. (Cue the only 15 minutes of stress the whole day.) And to make matters worse, this wasn’t like my husband’s ring which I bought for 60 bucks off Etsy that could easily be replaced. Anna and Tim had handmade their rings with a local jeweler in Asheville! We were on our hands and knees looking under every blade of grass in this thick meadow. I was totally freaking out on the inside but Anna and Tim were so patient the whole time. Anna had mentioned that Tim was her rock and it was so clear in that moment. Because of Tim’s soothing demeanor they didn’t freak out or get frustrated or mad, they just kept talking through it and diligently searching. Unfortunately they were leaving town the next day so they would be able to come back, and we were running out of daylight as the sunset approached. Right as we were about to cut our loses and move to the next location Tim found it!! We all were able to laugh about it and make it in time to our next location.
Anna was so stoked about the mountains views the entire time. Having moved to their own cabin and plot of land outside of Asheville among the mountains, this area held a special place in their hearts. We had a dreamy sunset that bathed the mountains in a warm light and then quietly disappeared. It was a deep sigh of contentment we could all feel after a perfect day. With full hearts we made our way back to the warmth of our cars.
Back at their rental, Anna and Tim wrapped up their evening with a private hibachi chef who cooked dinner for them and their families. Arguably one of the most important aspects of your day but easily the most forgotten when planning a smaller elopement. Pro Tip: Always make sure to have dinner plans in place especially when you’re coming down from the mountains late. Things are often booked up or closed and after a full day of emotions, hiking and exploring, it’s so important to ensure you have a meal. I always say, we want to avoid hanger just as much as rain on your wedding day!
Here’s what Anna + Tim had to say:
“We are both full on crying. I never could have imagined anything like this. Going through these photos immediately took us back to our best day. We scrolled through them no less than 3 times last night. The first time just in awe and remembering our day. And then going back through to talk about all of our favorites and giggle at all the dog photos. You captured us, our family, and our pups so beautifully. We love that our photos seem so natural and not posed. We couldn't have asked for a better photographer and friend! I know we will cherish these for the rest of our lives. Thank you so much!!”
Vendor Team:
Dress: Wildflower Bridal
Hair/Make Up: Manning Lucas
Flowers: The Blossom Jar
Cake: Blue Ridge Bakery
Officiant: Vanessa Allen LaRotondaficiant.com
Hibachi Chef: Chef Blue