On a misty and foggy summer day, these two found their sanctuary within their quiet elopement at Cabin Heaven in Hendersonville, NC. In a wedding world where grandeur often steals the spotlight, there’s a quiet magic in elopements; this is why I love being an elopement photographer so much. On this damp summer day, the elements conspired to make this love story even more enchanting.

Chris and Camille exchanged their vows on the deck of the cabin, with only the mountains and a few close friends and family as their witnesses. They shared cake and wine and a few traditions of their culture.

Over the years, I have photographed several weddings and elopements at Cabin Heaven. It never fails to take my breath away! As a North Carolina wedding and elopement photographer, it’s a venue I repeatedly recommend to couples looking for micro wedding package! If you’re getting married here, or just looking to elope in general, let’s make sure you get the photos of your dreams!

NC photographer, Asheville Wedding Photographer, NC Elopement Photographer, Moody Elopement Inspo, WNC photographer, wedding inspo, Cabin Heaven elopement

Let me *spill the beans* on the cutest thing you’ll see today! Jack and Makayla, who kicked off their romance over coffee way back when, wanted their engagement session to really emphasize who they are and what they love! That’s how we wound up at Thornwell Books for their cozy bookstore engagement session. Yup, that’s right, a coffee shop slash bookstore combo – talk about a match made in heaven!

Y’all know me – I love a photoshoot that strays from the norm. I would rather photograph 5 sessions in places that feel authentically like my couples than 50 in the most beautiful landscapes. This spot felt so “them” and I loved that about it. I am SO eager to photograph their wedding this year!

If you’re currently brainstorming your perfect engagement session, I’d love to hear about it! Inquire here to get the ball rolling! You might not be dreaming of a cozy bookstore engagement session, but there are SO many alternative concepts out there to dream up.

Finding brownstones in the city as big as Manhattan you can feel really daunting, especially if you don’t feel like wandering for hours. That’s why I put together a brief guide to what I feel are the best brownstone locations… in my opinion. These spots are incredible for couples or engagement sessions, headshots, a sunny podcast filled walk (my activity of choice!), or a pretty bike ride. As an occasional NYC photographer, using these spots makes my life sooo easy since brownstones make such a charming backdrop. So, where are the best brownstones in NYC?

Brownstones can be found all over NYC. In fact, there are many in some of Brooklyns historic neighborhoods. I.e. Clinton Hill, Park Slope, Fort Greene, Cobble Hill, etc. However, depending on where you’re staying in New York City, getting to Brooklyn can be an hour long subway adventure rather than a mere walk. With that said, the streets below are where you can find the best, historic, tree-lined brownstones of the Upper West Side!

The details:

• 89th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
• 80th Street between Central Park West and Amsterdam Avenue (for more that are painted white)
• 73rd Street between Central Park West and Amsterdam Avenue
• 69th Street Between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue
• 65th Street between Central Park West and Broadway
• Side streets adjacent to Central Park West

Save this TikTok for easy referencing!

My advice is to plan a fun day of biking in the park with Citi Bikes and head out of Central Park onto Central Park West! Here is an amazing Central Park Map and other resources. Grab lunch or hit up the local bookstores and meander through some of these streets with your NYC photographer!

If you’re interested in booking your NYC Engagement Session, please reach out! I would love to dream with you, help you formulate a plan, and document your love story.

It’s been a couple of years since I bought this vintage wedding gown at a Salvation Army for a mere $40. When I saw it in the window, I was immediately inspired to use it for an editorial studio bridal session and had such a clear vision in my head for the shoot. I wanted blue everything…which is a little odd because blue isn’t usually my color of choice! It’s the only way I saw this photo concept in my head though!

When it finally came down to putting it together, I first reached out to my friend Savanna, owner of Oopsie Daisy Florals! She totally had full freedom to create what she thought would be best – I just wanted it to be blue! She used Delphinium for two massive floral meadows. I was (and still am) obsessed!! Her design fit soooo well with the vision I had and really brought these photos to life!

I ordered a new backdrop from my favorite seamless paper company, Savage Universal , in the color Ultramarine. I absolutely fell in loveeee with this color and now It just seems too precious to use it often!

My girl Mariah of Joy Coordinating was our stunning model and a hand in planning this shoot! She collaborated with Wild Mane Artistry to really ensure that all the beauty needs were met. She beyond exceeded them!

This was my second time doing an editorial studio bridal session and I love how it poses as a fun challenge. Shooting in a small space can be daunting if you’ve never done it before. Ultimately though, it pushes you creatively to try new things!

Hey there, New York City lovers! So, picture this: a chilly morning in October, sunlight streaming through the windows, and two lovebirds sipping on their fave coffee. Yep, that’s the vibe of the couples session I recently shot in the heart of NYC. This NYC in-home couples session is TRULY what my dreams are made of.

The apartment was all about that easy-breezy morning light – you know, the kind that makes everything look Instagram-worthy without even trying. No fancy setups, just the natural glow that turned their space into the perfect backdrop for a NYC in-home couples session.

But let’s talk coffee – because what’s a cozy morning without it? The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, creating this comfy atmosphere that made the whole session feel like a lazy Sunday morning hangout.

Being a NYC photographer is exactly as magical as it sounds…

As a couples photographer, I was just there to capture the real stuff. They shared laughs, quiet moments, and, of course, a few sweet snuggles by the window. It was like freezing those everyday, genuine bits of their relationship, right there in their own little NYC love nest.

The city outside? Well, it kind of took a backseat for a little while, but not forever. We ambled out onto the fire escape to soak in some warm sunshine, look down on the surrounding streets, and take in the sounds of the city. Even then, It felt as if it was just these two in the big city.

If you’re thinking about booking a couples session in New York City, just remember how many options you have! Of course Central Park, Brooklyn pizzerias, and SoHo streets are beautiful. However, sometimes all you need are the sweet moments at home in your apartment with the person you love!

Because, trust me, the magic happens when you keep it simple – just like a cozy morning, a cup of coffee, and the promise of a new day in NYC.

Have you checked out my blog on how to elope in NYC? You can check it out here! No travel fees apply to photoshoots or weddings in NYC.

Your Downtown Asheville Courthouse Elopement can be so SIMPLE. Eloping at the Buncombe County courthouse is a straightforward and efficient process, perfect for couples looking for a simple and intimate ceremony! As an Asheville Elopement Photographer, I am looking for beauty in everything, and this courthouse has just that. It’s stunning interior architecture is colorful and bold – making is so photogenic. Here’s a brief guide on how to make your elopement happen!

Marriage License

Before heading to the courthouse, you and your partner need to obtain a marriage license! Both individuals must be present and provide a valid ID AND Social Security card. The license is typically valid immediately upon issuance and for up to 60 days. Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds Office at 205 College Street. More info can be found here!

Scheduling the Ceremony

While many courthouses offer walk-in ceremonies, I would advise you to call ahead to see if this is possible! The Asheville offices can get busy! Scheduling ahead ensures that you have a dedicated time for your ceremony, making the process smoother. At the Buncombe County courthouse, civil ceremonies are only available on Fridays from 8:30am – 2:30pm.

Officiant or Magistrate?

In North Carolina, you can choose to have your marriage ceremony performed by either a religious officiant or a magistrate. If you opt for a magistrate, they are available at the courthouse to conduct ceremonies. If you prefer a religious officiant, you can arrange for one to meet you at the courthouse.

Your Witnesses

In NC, at least TWO witnesses of 18+ years old must be present – make sure they have valid identification. The particular elopement shared below had numerous friends present, but two of them were required to sign the marriage certificate. This requirement varies by state!

Get Married and Celebrate!

You’re welcome to write your own vows or say the vows as described by the officiant/magistrate.

After your short and sweet courthouse ceremony, take advantage of Asheville’s charm to celebrate your union. Explore the vibrant downtown, enjoy a meal or drinks somewhere like Eldr, have a larger celebration with friends and family at Rhubarb in their event space, or simply relish the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

My favorite thing about elopements, whether you’re saying ” I do” on the Blue Ridge Parkway or having a downtown Asheville courthouse elopement, is the flexibility you have to celebrate how YOU want to. There is so much beauty in that.

When a little girl is dreaming of her wedding day, she imagines finding her prince charming, choosing out the perfect gown, and saying “I Do” in front of a grande castle.. In this scenario, this little girl is Taylor and her dreams came true! She and Haydens Deerpark at Biltmore wedding exuded elegance and beauty in every manner.

After a morning of getting ready at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, Taylor and Hayden kicked off their wedding day with a private first look and vow exchange. Many happy tears were shed in these peaceful moments before the ceremony. I’m a huge advocate for first looks as it gets all the jitters out! Ultimately though, every couple should do what feels right to them.

Deerpark at Biltmore is one of the Biltmore’s eight wedding sites. Yes, eight!! This venue has a rustic charm to it, with it’s main halls encircling a courtyard at it’s center. This makes it a great option for both indoor and outdoor weddings! Taylor and Hayden had their ceremony inside, leaving the outdoors dedicated to dancing and having a good time!

By the end of the night, it was obvious that these two truly had their dream wedding day. As always,
I was so honored to document their wedding and capture the big and little things, and everything in between. Being an Asheville wedding photographer is truly my dream job and I’m so blessed to get to do this.

Venue: Deerpark at Biltmore

Florist: Bostic Florist

Dress: Poffie Girls

Tux: Thomas & Sons Tuxedos

Makeup: Jenna Arredondo

Catering & Cake: Biltmore

Congratulations on your engagement! As you embark on this exciting journey towards your big day in Asheville, NC, we understand that planning a wedding can be so thrilling!….. and overwhelming. Figuring out what to do after getting engaged can be daunting. To make the process smoother, we’ve compiled a list of essential tips for newly engaged couples, with a focus on one of the most crucial aspects: finding and booking your Asheville wedding photographer!

Savor the Moment

Before diving into wedding planning, take some time to enjoy being engaged! This time is SO sweet. Share the news with family and friends, celebrate the love you share, and bask in the joy of this significant milestone. Seriously, soak it all in! The wedding world will tell you otherwise, but there is no rush to jump right into planning the next thing.

Discuss Your Vision:

Sit down with your partner and discuss your vision for the wedding day. Think about all of your favorite things and how it can influence your wedding style! Not just aesthetically, but also functionally. Do you want a wedding weekend with lots of activities? Or would you rather have an intimate dinner party following a sunset ceremony? Understanding your preferences will help guide your decisions throughout the planning process.

Set a Budget:

Establishing a wedding budget early on is KEY. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on each aspect of your wedding, based on what is of upmost importance to you – including your Asheville wedding photographer This will help you narrow down your options and make informed decisions.

Find the Perfect Asheville Wedding Photographer:

Capturing the very essence of your wedding day requires a skilled ~ and compatible ~ photographer. There are some photographers who will stage, direct, and pose all day long, and others that won’t do any of that in any capacity. Then there are some right in the middle (hi, it’s me! Your local Asheville documentary style photographer). Wedding photographers and venues are the first vendors to get booked up, so it’s important to get those locked in quickly.

Full blog post on how to find the right wedding photographer for you – coming next week!

Until then, let’s chat about your wedding!

---

Nestled in the heart of nature’s embrace, Zipporah and Vijay’s Whimsical wedding on Bearwallow Mountain was a celebration of love, tradition, and the breathtaking beauty of the North Carolina mountains. From the crisp mountain air to the warm hues of autumn, this wedding was a captivating blend of natural wonders and timeless love.

The Venue:

Choosing The Poplars at Bearwallow Mountain for their wedding, Zippy and Vijay invited their guests to immerse themselves in the rustic charm and serene beauty of this mountain retreat. With many guests staying on the property, the wedding weekend transformed into an immersive experience, fostering a sense of family and togetherness.

Their festivities kicked off with a pre-wedding hike on Bearwallow Mountain. Side note – this hike is a wonderful elopement location! It’s a fun trek that leads to sweeping mountain views and even has a few cattle grazing up top!

A Dress with Generations of Love

As the main wedding day began, there was a buzz of energy in the cabin. Zippy donned a wedding gown that carried the legacy of love. As the third generation to wear this vintage wedding gown, every stitch and thread told a story of enduring commitment and family ties, weaving a tapestry that connected past, present, and future.

Zipporah epitomized grace and elegance. Following the vows, she transitioned into a second magical dress for the reception. This dress was absolutely perfect for frolicking over the hills at sunset – which is just what we did. From the changing leaves to the golden glow of the setting sun, each moment felt like a work of art.

Zipporah and Vijay’s Whimsical wedding on Bearwallow Mountain was truly a dream. To be trusted to document their wedding, the wedding of two talented creatives themselves, was such an honor. One I would gladly accept again and again!

Tags: NC Photographer Asheville wedding photographer, North Carolina Elopement Photographer, Whimsical wedding photos, How to get married in Asheville

The Venue: Skyline Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the couple chose the stunning Skyline Lodge as the backdrop for their nuptials. The decision to rent out the entire lodge for the weekend added a layer of intimacy and exclusivity, creating a private retreat where family and friends could come together to celebrate love in the crisp mountain air.

When Anna and Hill came to me over a year ago to document their love story, I knew their celebration was going to be something special. After a picturesque engagement photoshoot in the charming Blowing Rock, NC (stay tuned for the blog post on that!), the couple embarked on a journey to create not just a wedding day, but an entire weekend filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.

The Perks of a Wedding Weekend

1. Extended Celebration: One of the biggest advantages of a wedding weekend is the chance to extend the celebration beyond a single day. Anna and Hill’s loved ones didn’t just witness their vows; they shared in a series of events, from the rehearsal dinner to a day-after brunch, creating a tapestry of memories that will last a lifetime.

2. Quality Time with Loved Ones: In the hustle and bustle of a one-day wedding, couples often find themselves wishing they had more time with each guest. A wedding weekend provides the opportunity for genuine connections, as family and friends relax, unwind, and enjoy quality time together.

3. Relaxed Atmosphere: Anna and Hill envisioned a laid-back weekend, and that’s exactly what they got. With the lodge exclusively reserved for their guests, the atmosphere was one of ease and joy. From hiking excursions (check AllTrails for the best hikes!) to late-night bonfires, Anna and Hill’s wedding weekend in Highlands, NC, allowed everyone to revel in the festivities without the rush of a single-day event.

4. Stress-Free Logistics: Breaking away from the one-day wedding model also meant less stress for the couple and their guests. There was ample time for setup, coordination, and adjustments, ensuring that every detail was perfect without the pressure of a tight schedule.

5. Breathtaking Backdrops: The beauty of a mountainous landscape provides an ever-changing canvas for wedding festivities. From the golden hues of sunset during the ceremony to the misty mornings for brunch, Anna and Hill’s wedding weekend in Highlands, NC, showcased the natural beauty of their chosen location.

Capturing the Magic

As a wedding photographer, the joy of capturing these moments is unparalleled. Every laugh, every tear, and every quiet moment had the space to unfold organically, resulting in a collection of images that truly reflected the depth and breadth of Anna and Hill’s love story.

In the coming blog post, we’ll delve into the magic of their engagement shoot in Blowing Rock, NC. Until then, let Anna and Hill’s wedding weekend in Highlands, NC, serve as an inspiration for couples looking to create a celebration that goes beyond the ordinary—one that embraces the beauty of love and the charm of a mountain escape.

Stay tuned for more tales of love and breathtaking landscapes!