Rachel & Ben | Intimate Wedding at Barn on the New River

As with all things 2020, the show must go on! That is exactly what Rachel & Ben did earlier this month for their wedding at the Barn on the New River. They adapted and just went for it with such sweet and heartfelt results!

I met Rachel & Ben for drinks back in January in West Jefferson and we talked and dreamt about their lovely September wedding this fall. There would be dancing, music, and lots of friends and family to celebrate with them. Little did we know what 2020 had in store! Rachel stayed the course though and when the final decisions had to be made for their wedding day, they opted for a small, intimate ceremony this fall and a par-tay next May — the best of both worlds!

Rachel & Ben had so many sentimental details included in their wedding day. The wrap for her bouquet was made from her late-mother’s wedding dress and the diamond in her engagement ring was her mother’s as well. The ring box was designed by the groom (love this gorgeous little piece!). Rachel & Ben exchanged gifts before the ceremony and there were photos of them and their travels interspersed throughout the reception space. You could see that there were SO many happy memories shared and that there was a love and dedication to family amongst this group! It reminded me that family is the most important thing <3

The ceremony took place on the sprawling lawn at the Barn on the New River located just outside of West Jefferson. Rachel honored her mother with a tribute table and candle at the ceremony site. You can tell that Rachel and her dad are close! He was such an awesome support person to everyone the day of the wedding.

After a week of rain, Rachel & Ben were blessed with sunshine and a touch of fall for their big day! The sun shone down upon them for their ceremony and then gave way to soft shade for portraits. One of the awesome things about a smaller, intimate wedding is that you can really get as many family photo combinations as you’d like. There isn’t the pressure of a large wedding reception timeline. Thus, we spent time capturing portraits in front of the barn while folks mingled and enjoyed the cocktail hour.

Most couples who get married in the mountains have to choose between either a wedding in the valley OR a wedding with a view. However, Rachel & Ben got both! Barn on the New River is actually located ON the New River! Part of the property also winds up to the top of the mountain and offers a stunning view of the Ridgeline. We took advantage of ALL of the options for Rachel & Ben’s portraits 🙂

One of the things that I love the most about these two is just how laid back and easy-going they are. It was so easy to get them smiling and laughing!

Dinner was served on the Barn’s patio by Frugal Gourmet. Can you say taco bar??? It was SO GOOD! Rachel’s dad insisted that I stay and eat and he gave me his seat next to Rachel!!! Y’all, I really can’t even with this level of hospitality. It was such an honor to be a part of this day and they treated me like a guest. Such kindness is so rare and I’d like to recognize just how much this meant to me.

Rachel & Ben had their first dance on the patio as friends and family watched. They also cut their cannoli cake (yes, you read that right) before the evening transitioned into a more casual mingling with guests.

I’m so happy for Rachel & Ben. It was such a sweet, calm and happy afternoon. I’m also excited that I get to celebrate with them again next May for their reception party! Congrats to Rachel & Ben!

Vendors: 
Venue: The Barn on the New River
Catering & Dessert: Frugal Gourmet
Florals: Heritage Harvest Farms
Dress: Lillian West gown from New York Bride & Groom of Charlotte, NC
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey
Hair Stylist: Whitney Reed Hair
Suits: Haggar Clothing Co.
Ties: The Tie Bar
Ring Box & Invitation Design: Benjamin M. Brooks Design (groom)