Backyard Wedding, Bride & Groom, Fall, Romantic, Weddings, West Jefferson

“A dream is a wish your heart makes…”

Stephanie & Tanner’s fall color wedding was certainly a dreamy, fairy tale wedding!

Stephanie & Tanner tied the knot earlier this month at the Austin family’s Christmas tree farm in Ashe county. Their wedding date 10/10/2020 was by far the most popular date this year and it was also timed perfectly with peak fall colors here in the Blue Ridge Mountains. I know that everyone wants sunshine, but the fall colors really do POP when it’s overcast and misty. What a treat!

“Have faith in your dreams and someday your rainbow will come shining through.” 

The day began with Beyonce, Backstreet Boys and showtunes playing while the girls got ready at the old farmhouse on the property. Stephanie’s dress was STUNNING with a sweetheart neckline, gorgeous scalloped lace edges and a billowing train. These two are in love with Disney and with her bright red hair, flower, crown and romantic dress, Stephanie looked just like a princess from a Disney movie <3 I just ADORE how expressive Tanner is! I caught so many fantastic expressions from him throughout the day!

“Because when I look at you, I can feel it. And I look at you and I’m home.”

The details for the day all included bright fall reds, oranges and yellows. The florals by Santara Flowers were gorgeous and fit the vibe perfectly. The decor was a mixture of charming and rustic and 100% authentic! Both families spent a lot of time prepping the farm for the wedding and working on the design for the day and their effort really shone through! So many aspects of the day were handmade or had special, sentimental value to the Austins or the Proctors. From the groom’s wood wedding band made from barnwood from the farm to the memory table honoring those who could not be present… Stephanie & Tanner infused their personalities into their big day!

“Love is an open door.”

If you live in the High Country, then I don’t have to tell you how variable the weather is up here. It rained throughout the wedding day, which I learned is a sign of fertility! Thus, we worked with mother nature’s plans for the ceremony. Stephanie & Tanner were married surrounded by family and friends <3 Smiles, tears and laughter were abound for their nuptials.

Stephanie & Tanner had a special brand with their initials that they use to brand a wood piece that guests signed at the reception. They were also showered by Christmas tree pine needles from trees on the farm as they left recessed from the ceremony!)

“My dream wouldn’t be complete without you in it.”

After the ceremony, we took photos against the STUNNING backdrop of full fall color! You can tell just how close these two are with their bridal party attendants!

“Okay, can I just, say something crazy?”

When Tanner “popped the question” to Stephanie he prefaced his proposal with this quote from Frozen. And despite the rain and the long hours spent planning, their wedding was their dream brought to life! We only had a short break in the rain that day, but we made use of the time… how fairy tale magical is this?!

“Love is a song that never ends.”

The reception took place in a barn on the property. Stephanie & Tanner celebrated with first dances (including a sweet, special tribute dance with the bride and her new father-in-law), toasts, a pumpkin pie cake cutting, and bouquet and garter toss! Oh… and this crew liked to DANCE, which I can always get behind 🙂

What a day! I’m so grateful for the opportunity to photograph this joyfilled and down-to-earth bunch of folks! Congrats to Stephanie & Tanner!

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Vendors:
Venue: Private Christmas Tree Farm
Caterer: Boxcar Grille
Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Southern Provisions Co.
Florals: Santara Flowers
Band/DJ: A&A Disc Jockey
Rentals: A&J Rentals
Dress Designer: Simply Blush Bridal