Blowing Rock, Bride & Groom, Romantic, Weddings

The sweetness and quiet sincerity that I get to share with clients at intimate weddings is truly one of the reasons I’m a wedding photographer. Elizabeth & Lance’s elegant and intimate Blowing Rock wedding was the perfect example of a day that gives me that warm feeling that I am documenting one of the most important days of someone’s life. I feel honored to have been a part of that!

Blowing Rock is such an amazing place to get married. As a destination wedding location for North and South Carolinians, Floridians and pretty much anyone from the Southeast, Blowing Rock offers luxury accommodations, fine dining, and several major wedding venues and reception spaces. An added bonus is that the Blue Ridge Parkway is just minutes from downtown for those wanting a more rustic wedding day or easy access to the outdoors.

Elizabeth, on the other hand, is a Blowing Rock native and while she currently lives in Florida, she chose to get married in Blowing Rock with her ceremony a the iconic St. Mary’s of the Hills Episcopal Church followed by a reception at The Inn at Ragged Gardens.

With an mid-morning ceremony planned, Elizabeth began her day at her parents’ home getting her makeup done and relaxing with her son Liam close by.

Blowing Rock has many elegant homes and this home was both gorgeous and cozy! I really enjoyed how low key the morning was with coffee in pajamas and family popping by as the ceremony time got closer. Part of Liz’s wedding day ensemble included this set of chandelier heirloom earrings. They were her “something borrowed” from a family friend. So stunning!

When the time arrived, we headed over to St. Mary’s for their ceremony. While I’ve been in Blowing Rock many times, I’d never actually been inside of the sanctuary at St. Mary’s Episcopal. I was blown away by the beauty and serenity offered by the interior, which is also adorned with a painting of the early-twentieth century American Impressionist Elliott Daingerfield. The piece “Madonna of the Hills” was painted by Daingerfield in 1918 and serves as the altarpiece of the church.

With family arriving and the bride hidden away, we took time to snap a couple of photos in the vestibule before heading into the sanctuary. Little Liam definitely preferred to stay close to his Papa. The ceremony was sanctimonious and sincere.

You can tell by the look on Elizabeth’s face when she entered that she was so happy to be marrying Lance (and he to be marrying her!).

Since the wedding took place while Hurricane Florence hit the NC High Country, family photos were taken inside at St. Mary’s.

The reception at The Inn at Ragged Gardens offered guests the true Blowing Rock experience. With a rustic lodge atmosphere, fine wine and cocktails (the Irish coffees looked amazing!) and some of the best food in the High Country, Inn at Ragged Gardens was the perfect wedding reception venue for an intimate Blowing Rock wedding. The flowers and table decor was arranged by Sherri from Take Heart (known for her famous prayer tree in the summer 2018). The whites and greens with soft pastels and glimmering candles set the tone for the afternoon. The cake from Hallmark Cakes was also delicious and matched the elegance of the day.

The sweetest thing happened at Elizabeth & Lance’s wedding — they asked me to dine with them! It really touched my heart that they made me feel like a part of their family. Cheers, mirth and facetime with loved ones who weren’t able to make it to the wedding followed with a cake cutting rounding out the afternoon.

FINALLY the rain subsided and I had a chance to take photos of Elizabeth & Lance.

These two were obviously so thrilled to have a moment alone.

With a two year old, they took time during their portraits to relax. And they both looked so stunning! The sprawling lawn, masonry and tower trees surrounding the Inn offered several locations for portraits of Elizabeth & Lance.

Once again, I’m so thankful to have met Elizabeth, her mom Pam, Liam and Lance. Their kindness and sincerity gave me all the feels <3 Congrats to Elizabeth & Lance!