Jessica + Brandon Wedding Day- From City Hall to Biltmore With Love

It’s amazing how things can happen when true love is involved! I hadn’t see Jessica in a while, after doing some photography for her amazing business Bluebird Designs, and suddenly there she is, on facebook, expecting! I was overjoyed and reached out, only to get a message from her just before mine went through. Love when stuff like that happens. SO…we got together again to capture this amazing life moment with her new hubby, Brandon.

Brandon and her fell madly in love, and hey, why wait! With the blessing of this new little one on the way, they wanted to get married but without all the hubbub that comes with planning a huge event. Asheville courthouse wedding it was! But still wanting to have a special and meaningful moment between them, they planned a photo shoot and vow reading at Blitmore, to capture the beauty of nature as well. After roaming around, and probably taking more pictures than they thought (sorry guys, you were just too magnificent! I couldn’t control myself) we settled on the beautiful bridge leading away from the gardens and around the lake. It was so picturesque. With my amazing hubby capturing with second camera from across the lake, I was close by to capture their very special vow exchange. Weddings are all about celebrating the love between two people in a way that is special and meaningful to them, and that’s exactly what they planned! Loved everything about it.

Baby is due in November of this year!! And who knows, maybe they will have a wedding party next year to cover two amazing things; their blessed union and their new family member! Thank you Jessica and Brandon for bringing me into your special wedding day. I am SO happy for you both and the life you are embarking on together. May you have endless joy, laughter and love through your days together.

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Vintage Glamour in Downtown Asheville- Juliette + Keevon at Rennaissance Hotel

Downtown Asheville is a beautiful and eclectic metropolis, both with a modern edge and breathtaking scenic views from all angles. Our real life couple, Juliette and Keevon, were a perfect fit for this downtown wedding.  We picked TWO fabulous dresses for Juliette at Wedding Inspirations Bridal Boutique; a wedding dress that fit like a glove with a gorgeous, dramatic train, AND a beaded, fringe reception dress giving a nod to the roaring twenties for the after party. It was great that they had so much selection at the same store; Wedding dresses, mother of the bride, some wedding party, reception dresses, flower girl dresses, robes and so many jewelry and accessories. This is my first styled shoot I’ve done with a reception dress and I definitely plan to do it again. I loved having a whole second look to play with and Juliette and Keevon had fun pretending they were in the “kick-back party time” segment of the wedding day.

For Keevon, we fitted a classic black and white tux from Mitchell’s Tuxedos. Kathy is a genius and picked out the perfect look for him.  And he looked SO handsome in it! Some men were just born to wear tuxes. For the second look, with something this classic, we just lost the bow tie and partied on into the night.

A special touch to our couple’s photo shoot was a 1955 Bel Air classic car, bringing an old Hollywood feel. Burrell Vintage Cars parked it right outside the hotel, and we couldn’t stop clicking away. For couples who want a special touch, you can’t go wrong with a classic car! The pictures from that part of the day had such an amazing flair because of the beauty of that car paired with this gorgeous couple.

From the super chic lobby to the top floor views of the mountains and surrounding city, The Renaissance Hotel was the perfect venue for our shoot.  For couples who have lots of out of town guests, a large amount of guests who might range in age or needs , or people who just love amenities, a hotel wedding is a perfect choice. Renaissance Hotel is also a dog friendly hotel, making this a perfect destination for dog lovers. You can do everything from your bachelorette pool party or bridal shower, to rehearsal dinner, to wedding and reception, even the morning after breakfast; with a hotel wedding, it’s all in one spot. And as a wedding videographer and photographer here in Asheville, I can speak from experience that it’s nice to have that capability. And not to get rained out LOL.

We really enjoyed showing such a wide range of moments with our couple; from sweet and cuddly overlooking the sunset, to edgy and editorial in front of the RH bookshelf.   We had the best; the venue, the amazing flowers and chic cake, the FABULOUS dresses and tux, a one of a kind classic car, not to mention award winning hair and make-up, and the sweetest, cutest couple. Thank you to everyone for your passion and creativity. This wedding styled shoot will be hard to top!

Special thanks to Christine at Renaissance for taking care of us all day, and Silvio for such a beautifully decorated table!

VENDORS WE LOVE

Photography- Studio Misha Photography

Venue- Renaissance Asheville Hotel

Hair- Britton Asheville with Eclipse Salon

Beauty- Frances Martinez with Franky and Rouge 

Flowers- Asheville Wedding Florist

Cake- Parfaits and Petit Fours 

Bridal Fashion- Wedding Inspirations Bridal Boutique

Groom’s Fashion- Mitchell’s Tuxedos

Antique Car- Burrell Vintage Cars

Photo Assist- Myriah Wood 

Bride Model- Preston Juliette Owen

Groom Model- Darius Keevon Baten

Avyanna + Phoenix - Sanctuary in the Pines at Highland Lake Cove Retreat Center

This wedding day was just a glorious collection of people, emotions and shining elements of beauty and love that came together to bless these two people, Avyanna and Phoenix, as they joined their lives together. Every piece of the day was intentional, and brought in for reasons meant to enhance and elevate. These two are true soul mates! And I am overjoyed not only that I got to be there to witness and capture it as their photographer, but also because I get to count them as special people who matter to me in my life.

Avyanna was a vision in her pink, sparkly “princess” dress! Their little one, soon to be joining their family, took a center place in the middle of the day, always there, always feeling into everything they were experiencing, and soaking up all the love. Even when we had to make a run for it during our couples pictures early in the day when a HUGE wall of water was falling from the sky and making its way toward us, there was always a smile and a happy kiss between the couple. The rain was just another beautiful element.

The ceremony was the most moving part of the day. Avyanna made her way down the aisle with a slow march, taking in every face, every detail, soaking up every second of this important journey. I got teary eyed watching it! And at the end of the ceremony, after their first kiss as a married couple, they surprised everyone with a first dance, right there in front of all family and friends, complete with bubbles. Their exit song was singing “thank you”s to everyone there, and Avyanna and Phoenix hugged and had a special moment with everyone in attendance. I am going to have to steal that idea for myself in the future LOL.

This was such a lovely and heart-felt celebration. And I’m so honored that they chose me to be their wedding photographer and videographer. We captured the ceremony to be relived forever, and with all those special moments, I’m so glad they made that decision. Blessings to you both and little “blueberry”. More joy soon to come.

Gabi + Trey at Long Leaf Vinyard- Wedding Sneak Peak

This was one of the most picturesque weddings of the season! Not only are Gabi and Trey a beautiful and sweet couple, but it seemed that every element of the day came together in a magical way. The weather, although on the hot side, was perfect. Blue sky with white puffy clouds met with green, hillside vineyards to create a stunning view behind the ceremony site. And there were dark clouds peaking up in the distance causing a light sprinkled for about 2 minutes, and then it was clear the rest of the day. Flowers by Blue Ridge Blooms along with NINE beautiful bridesmaids added pops of blush and pink everywhere. Add in a classic and chic reception tent with chandeliers, a rockin’ band, and happy smiling friends and family, and you get an AMAZING wedding day!

I’m so grateful to have been a part of this day! Thank you Gabi and Trey for choosing me to be your videographer. I can’t wait to get it all done for you to enjoy. For now, here’s a little sneak peak to bring back the joyful memories of the day.

Vendors Extraordinaire

Videography- Studio Misha

Venue- Long Leaf Vineyard

Flowers- Blue Ridge Blooms

Caterer and Cake- Verbena Cakes & Catering

Ceremony Music- Ben Phan

Photography- Chelsea Allegra

Reception Music- ECE: Nigel Experience

Hair and Makeup- AnaRie

Signage- Freckles and Ink

Wedding Planner- Carolina Love Events

DOC- Nikki Sciurba

Aimee + Bryan - Lake Eden Events & Lodging, Black Mountain, NC

One of my favorite wedding couples from 2018! Aimee and Bryan, I am so glad that everything turned out so amazing for your wedding day! You had perfect weather and picturesque views during the ceremony, and the celebration lasted long into the night at the reception. AND we had time to meet up before and shoot a sweet mini-engagement session. Loved it.

You had THREE, yes three, cakes! Baked by your amazing sister if I remember correctly. Gorgeous multi colored wild flowers adorning your hair and making up your bouquet. I loved that you did a first look! It’s always such a special moment, and we got to do pictures early LOL. Your doggie was there with a felt flower necklace around her collar that you made. And duck poop on your wedding dress! You were such a trooper. The pictures we took by the lake were hopefully worth it, and I’m so glad you let me know that it successfully came out!

Happy Anniversary to you both! I wish you multitudes of joy and blissful love throughout the years. Keep laughing, keep loving, and have fun together. Crossing my fingers our photo paths will cross again; Should you ever visit Asheville again that is :) Cheers!

Kesi + Orrin Wedding- Barn Wedding with Mountain View Ceremony

I met Kesi and Orrin in the best way, through another wedding I had photographed; From one happy day to another! They wanted a super laid back wedding in the woods, with a ceremony overlooking the mountains, and all their family and friends there to witness. A year earlier they had signed their marriage certificate, so this was really all about celebrating with everyone that was important to them. It was a gorgeous ceremony, on a giant hillside overlooking the mountains. They had a moment together just the tow of them before the ceremony began. Orrin waiting with anticipation at the bottom of the hill, where Kesi strolled down for a loving kiss and hug. Then, hand in hand, this already loving husband and wife, took their first steps as bride and groom towards the ceremony site. Under a natural wood arbor, they took their vows in front of family, friends and some nearby horses, with kids picking wildflowers on the sides.

I am so happy that Kesi and Orrin asked me to come and share this day with them as their photographer, and capture all these special memories. I loved following them into the woods for bride and groom portraits with their super cute son, Ash. After a joyous reception with roast pig, cupcakes, and dancing, their wedding night would be spent in a tent by the river with rose petals and champagne, lovingly added by the friends, with the “Just Married” sign hanging by the door.

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Ceremony

Family Portraits

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Allison + Josh- Autumn Wedding with Color and Waterfalls- Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC

The leaves were bursting with color all around us, with a breathtaking view off the porch of the main house at Laurel Falls. Allison and Josh were getting ready. Well, as we all know, the bride always gets ready while the groom is hanging out waiting, LOL. Rebecca Biggers with Lola Salon & Gallery was transforming her with old Hollywood glam, with a nod to our natural surroundings by adding a little sprig of pine. It looked so feminine and gorgeous. Flora dropped off the bouquet and boutonnieres and we were all gasping with amazement. I’ve never seen a bouquet like this before. It was massive and just filled with amazing flowers and details.

It was bright and sunny at the ceremony site, but we had a fabulous view of the mountains behind us. Later, we explored the vast property and took some intimate and sweet Bride and Groom Portraits. There was no place that wasn’t gorgeous. But I think the waterfall was my favorite. Allison just popped off the backdrop of this gorgeous falls area. And then we snuck in one last kiss on the path back back to house. A perfect day!

Let me know what spot you liked the best. Please comment below and share your thoughts.

Vendors Supreme

Venue- Laurel Falls

Flowers- Flora

Hair and Makeup- Lola Salon and Gallery

Design and Art Direction- Dana Irwin

Sarah + Joey in a Misty Mountaintop Wedding at The Cabin Ridge in Hendersonville, NC

Sarah and Joseph got married at an amazing hilltop wedding venue, The Cabin Ridge, on a foggy and chilly day in October. This is my second time at this venue and it’s amazing every time. It was beautifully, magical how the mist covered the landscape and hung around like a giddy wedding guest.

The ceremony took place inside, in front of a warm and cozy fireplace decorated with flowers and lights. The bride and groom were the warmest in the room for sure, from standing right in front of the fire, and I think by their undying love for each other. Exchanging of letters and personalize wedding vows made the ceremony feel special and touched the hearts of everyone attending. After family photos, where everyone DID brave the cold and wind for one large group photo outside, it was dinner and speeches. The bride and groom greeted each table, which I always think is so wonderful, and then first dances began.

Sarah and Joey started at opposite sides of the venue, and met in the middle for a super sweet choreographed dance. Not to be outdone, the love that beamed during the Father/Daughter dance brought a tear to my eye for sure. It always gets me. I think of my dance at my wedding more than 11 years ago now. Gosh I JUST LOVE WEDDINGS!

The sparkler exit was particularly magical with all the mist and fog accumulating in the night air. This amazing couple took their first steps towards a new life of love, commitment and devotion to each other.

Thank you to Sarah and Joey for choosing me to be your wedding videographer! And for choosing me and Myriah to do both photo and video for your special day! May you smile and laugh for many years to come watching your memories unfold again and again.

Vendor Love

Wedding Venue - The Cabin Ridge
Hair and Make-up- Marie Churilla
Flowers- Choy’s Flowers & Ikebana
Bridal Dress or details- The Lily Rose Bridal Shop, dress is Heather by Watters
Groom’s Attire and/or Groomsmen-  Men’s Warehouse
Catering- Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
DJ- Pol VanRhee
Day of Coordinator- Andy Owensby
Photographer- Myriah Wood

Cake- Sweets of Lake Lure - Ennis Julian

Karyn and Kyle- A Playful and Loving Wedding at Highland Lake

Karyn and Kyle were by far my most playful and fun couple of the season. I was so excited that they chose me to be their wedding photographer. They didn’t want a big to do. So it was a day that was all about family and concentrated on the simple ceremony that started it all.

A beautiful handmade wooden arbor was center stage in front of the lake at Highland Lake Cove in Flat Rock. The color had just started bursting, with orange, yellow, and a little bit of red sparkling like fireworks in the tree tops. While Karyn was getting ready with Mom and other family, flower girls were princessing around with silver crowns and practicing for their procession. And that’s how it all began. The little gents came bearing rings, and flower girls sprinkled their petals paving the way for the beautiful bride. After her dad walked her down the aisle, he imparted some special words to her, whispering in her ear, causing surprising tears to flow. It was a special moment for sure. Her brother facilitated the nuptials, vows were exchanged, and rings were given. Time for cake and champagne!

We went out in the autumn leaves for bride and groom pics, out by the lake for some tender moments, and ended it all with a bridal piggy back ride back to the venue. It wasn’t in our original plan to do more photos but when Karyn and Kyle told me they wanted some photos downtown and there was ALSO a mural that was really important to them, I felt like it was just super important to capture it. Especially once I saw the pic of their favorite mural. “Play Every Day” I mean it doesn’t get any better then that! When you’re a wedding photographer, and you are blessed with a couple that wants to do crazy, fun things….you take every advantage!

So our downtown bride and groom photo session was born! Starting at the mural, then going to some crosswalks on the way to downtown center. On the way back, I was inspired by Karyn wearing her new hubbies jacket and the secret flask that was brought out. I gave them the idea, and the Tossing Bouquet in the Air Like A Rockstar photo was born. It was so EPIC!

Thank you to Karyn and Kyle for going along with my crazy photo ideas. And for being so loving and vulnerable in your bride and groom portrait session. It was an honor to be your wedding photographer. And even though you wanted a small ceremony with no fuss, no muss, you still valued capturing these special moments with photography. I wish you many joyful and playful years ahead. Enjoy each other and remember to PLAY EVERY DAY!

Vendor Love

Venue- Highland Lake Cove

Cake- Sams Club

There were so many family photos I had put in a slideshow.

Because it was just family at the ceremony, we took plenty of extra time capturing everyone together. YAY for family photos!

Angela + Katie - Seasons on Love at Oglebay

I felt SO honored to be able to take part in this wedding between Katie and Angela.  I was privileged enough to photograph their engagement session when they were here visiting Asheville last year.  We really had a great time.  Super early shoot in Dupont State Forest where the mist was rising off the water at Hoooker Falls, making it so ethereal.  We laughed about coming up with poses and then abandoning those poses to play and have fun, showing off their love style in the setting of the fall leaves.  It’s always the best when I get to have an engagement session with a couple. #1 you get to know them which I think allows for better photographs, and #2 We learn how to communicate in “photo speak”.  Meaning I get to learn what works and what doesn’t, good sides to the camera, angles, and verbal cues that work best with our flow.  So ALL that aside, let’s just say we had a blast and I was bummed when their wedding was out of town and I wasn’t going to be their wedding photographer. HOWEVER, the stars aligned and I was able to fit them in, between my FOUR other weddings in September! And traveled out to work with them on this SUPER special day!  (Some of our amazing engagement session is here for you to peruse as well!)

The venue was really nice, and I have to say, the deer walking around was like magic. Since I was staying there I got to meet and help out a lot of the family during rehearsal, setting up the venue, and snapping some pics of the festivities. It was nice to see it all happening before the official day. The wedding day was perfect! Weather was perfect and the temperature decided to take a nice dip so we were all cool and loving it. Angela made Katie cry when she sent her a beautiful ring with a compass on it during her early morning makeup session. Katie said, “That’s three already today!” And that’s how the morning went. It was one sentimental loving moment to the next. These two ladies just couldn’t wait to get married! The love was infectious and so wonderful to witness.

Katie surprised Angela with a “Seasons of Love” serenade from the group during the ceremony. It’s one of Angela’s favorite songs, and it held a deep meaning which played in well with the ceremony. Bubbles and applause carried the newly married couple out of the ceremony, and Mrs. and Mrs. Dunn started their lives together as one forever. We partied on into the night, sharing epic dances (yes, there was Uptown Funk as Father/Daughter Dance!) and many, many loving kisses stolen between the new couple. 

Thank you again Angela and Katie for bringing me on this journey with you as your engagement photographer and THEN your wedding photographer. I was so happy to be there and see it all unfold. May these memories bring you endless joy through the years, as you share this amazing life together. I wish you a wonderful Season of Love!

Vendor Love

Venue- Oglebay Resort

Hair and Makeup- Vanessa Sogan Beuty FX

Catering - Bad Axe BBQ

Cake and Cupcakes- Mama C’s Bakery and Deli

DJ- Soundtech DJ Services

Photography- Studio Misha

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Engagement Session 2017

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Wedding Day 2018

I don’t think I’ll ever get a Bride hand feeding a deer again. It was so magical and fit with the day so well. This resort is home to A LOT of deer that are extremely friendly as you can see.

As we were taking these photos in a field by her getting ready cabin, Angela, the bride to be, drove up to drop someone off. It was unexpected and we dove for cover!! I literally almost fell on top of her while I was holding my hands out and shielding her from view and she was crouching in the grass. It was crazy and made for a laughable moment we got to talk about later on. And NO, Angela did not see her!

My first wedding in the round! This was really cool and made a very intimate and special circle around these two special people tying the knot.

They walked in together on either side of the circle. They couldn’t take their eyes off of each other.

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The Father/Daughter dance was to “Uptown Funk”. It was pretty epic.

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