Jen and Dan’s elopement at Laurel Falls will of course go down as one of my favorite weddings of all time because it is something special to get to photograph your own sister’s wedding. It all hits different when you’re the one giving the maid of honor speech, when it’s your husband officiating, when it’s your grandmother you’re photographing for family portraits. It was such an honor to be able to use my experience and talent to serve my own family and create something I know will be cherished for years.

Originally planned for Ireland, but as the story goes, covid ruined those plans. Deciding to stay local they opted for most beautiful spot on the east coast, Asheville, NC. From the get go my sister wanted a very intimate wedding with just family invited. To further simplify things and create a more relaxing wedding weekend they specifically looked for a venue that had accommodations as well. Laurel Falls, just outside of Asheville has 4 adorable cabins on their property in addition to mountain views and a covered carriage house for reception activities, so basically the perfect spot for an intimate elopement with a 14 person guest list.

Well all got to have breakfast together in the morning at the main cabin and then relax in our own cabins to get ready. Once it was time everyone met up at the rock overlooking the mountains for the ceremony. Not wanting a stranger to marry them, Jake got to officiate and my grandma made a special appearance as the flower girl. Jen and Dan skipped the bridal party traditions and Jen even walked herself down the aisle, barefoot. After their “I do’s” and a romantic flower petal recession we all wandered down to the carriage barn where the reception was held. Tin Can Pizzeria and Black Moth Bar where there with their mobile trucks and made food and drinks a breeze while the Social Bunch had set up a beautiful dinner table for everyone. After their first dance and numerous rounds of pizza my sister wanted to be comfy and warm so she ditched her wedding dress for a matching tie die sweat set embroidered with her name and wedding date - the perfect way to enjoy the dancing and bon fire into the evening.

The best part was just how relaxed everything was. Being that everything took place at the venue we didn't have to rush about from place to place, or worry about packing up stuff and forgetting anything, we got to spend the entire time together and knew that everything we needed we had, and if anything went late it didn’t really matter, especially with such a small group we could keep things flexible and easy. If you’re looking for something similar for your day, I highly recommend finding a venue where you can spend the entire wedding day and weekend! Now scroll to see the most adorable flower grandma and the details they included in their elopement at Laurel Falls.