Jump Off Rock - Intimate Asheville Wedding

This intimate wedding in Asheville was one for the books. When I arrived at their ceremony site at Jump Off Rock Kyle, the groom, was there is shorts and a t-shirt setting up chairs. Did I mention the ceremony started in about an hour? This wasn’t because of a last minute problem, Kyle was just really laid back, didn’t need any fuss getting ready, and clearly was excited for the ceremony. And when the Blue Ridge Mountains are your backdrop you don’t need much decor. I didn’t even photograph any of the getting ready moments simply because that wasn’t as important to them on their day. A lot of photographers, myself included, love the getting ready moments and details but I always encourage my brides to consider what images they’ll reflect back on and what is important to them on the day.

For them, they wanted ample portrait time together (a photographers dream) and they wanted to celebrate with their friends and family with good food and beer. So after their beautiful ceremony under the shade of a giant tree, we explored the rocks and a short nearby trail. And of course, popped some champagne to celebrate! (Yes the cork was retrieved, Leave No Trace is so important when photographing in nature!) Morganne was not at all hesitant to climb around in her wedding dress and I was so impressed!

Highlighting both parts of Asheville, we left the mountains for the downtown reception in a local restaurant with lots of local beer. They were so excited to mingle with their guests during cocktail hour, and since their wedding was more intimate, they actually had time to chat with everyone there. We snuck out for some fun portraits in the weird little city that Asheville is, ate the (mostly) vegan dinner, which was delicious, and got to watch them mop cake off of each others faces! I think they laughed most of the day and it was such a joy to be a part of it.

It was so inspiring to see two people focus on what was important to them on their wedding day and then really soak in every moment.