Asheville, Backyard Wedding, Bride & Groom, Intimate Wedding, Romantic, Weddings

Mary & Bennett’s wedding was such a sweet surprise as they booked me just one week before their small, intimate celebration at Diamond Falls Preserve in Bat Cave, NC. I adore small, intimate weddings and this one really took the cake!

Mary & Bennett met in Brevard, NC while in school and they are both artists. Their sweet, creative natures really shone on their wedding day. They were so excited to be surrounded by family and celebrating, but every time they got a moment alone they were 100% focused on each other <3

Family in attendance got ready with everyone helping prepare for the day. The laid back atmosphere definitely highlighted the fact that the priority of the day was about being surrounded by your closest people.

There were so many personal touches that Mary included throughout the day. Her dress was made from her late-mother’s wedding gown (see the lace back and skirt of her dress). Mary & Bennett’s wedding bands and this cute little ring box were made by Bennett’s mother Meredith who is a metalsmith. The ceremony also included a flute ensemble and all of the music was played by family members. There is seriously SO MUCH TALENT in this group! I was really touched by all the personalized details that they included throughout the day.

One thing I love is getting a few minutes alone with the each member of the couple separately before the ceremony. All the ties are tied, boutonnières are pinned and hair and makeup is fresh. Nerves are up and the excitement is electric — I love capturing the joy and thrill of what’s about to happen!

Diamond Falls Preserve is a gorgeous piece of property on a craggy river with small, natural waterfalls. The large cabin sits right on the river with several terraced lawns overlooking the natural beauty of this location. It made for the MOST GORGEOUS ceremony backdrop. I mean seriously… look at this place!

After the ceremony, family mingled on the terraces overlooking the river. The circular terraces were perfect for the relaxed and intimate reception traditions. The mother/son and father/daughter dances were combined into one and almost became a dance off! Mary & Bennett’s fathers and the best man and maid of honor toasted the newlyweds. I am not often brought to tears at weddings, but I had tears streaming down under my mask during Mary’s maid of honor’s toast. She toasted Bennett’s dedication to Mary through the joys and sorrows of life. There was not one dry eye there that day!

When it came time for portraits, we utilized the natural grandeur of Diamond Falls Preserve to highlight the authenticity and light that Mary & Bennett emanate through their love for one another. I really can’t put it any other way. It’s evident that there is a deep, tender love between these two <3

I’m so grateful to be able to witness these sorts of intimate celebrations. If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s to value those closest to us. I absolutely love that weddings are transforming into gatherings of only your closest people. It really highlights what the joining of two souls in marriage is all about!

Congrats to Mary & Bennett!

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Vendors: 
Venue: Diamond Falls Preserve
Catering: Chef Michael’s Catering
Cake: The Messy Baker