Bride & Groom, Experimentation, Weddings

Oh, how I adored this wedding. From the unique venue with a DIY event space and incredible views to the sweet moment between Catherine & Alex during their first look. This wedding really was a dream.

Catherine & Alex tied the knot on June 2nd at Mountaintop Vistas in Sugar Grove, NC. Nestled on a gap and situated directly on the North Carolina and Tennessee border, Mountaintop Vistas offers not one, but at least three vistas of the NC/TN High Country. With an Air BnB rental on site, the event space is a converted airplane hangar with full amenities and lots of space for a smaller wedding. The property surrounding the owner’s home and hangar offers so many options for a photographer. I was instantly in love with the space!

Having gotten to know Catherine & Alex over the last 9 months or so, I can absolutely see why they chose this venue to tie the knot. The natural beauty of the land mirrors the natural sweetness of their love for one another. These two are devoted to one another and knew that their wedding HAD to be a reflection of their lives and values–a sentiment that I love and adore.

The afternoon began with the ladies getting ready in one half of the Air BnB, while the guys took over the other half. The time was made even more special by Catherine & Alex’s dog Penny, who I instantly loved as she reminded me of my own high-spirited fur baby. With 90’s and early 2000’s tunes playing in the background, the maid-of-honor Kaitlin applied the bride’s makeup before Catherine’s mother gave the finishing touch of flowers in her hair.

Catherine knew she wanted to have her first look on one of the trails on the property–a request that I was happy to oblige. When Alex turned around, a wide smile and relief that he was finally reunited with Catherine spread across his face. These two are absolute best friends and it makes my heart sing!

Catherine also requested several double exposures. While I’ve experimented with double exposures, I had shot any at a wedding before. I was thrilled with the way these came out!

The real gem of this venue is the ceremony space. Facing east, this vista offers views of Boone, Sugar Mountain and the peak of Grandfather Mountain.

Their ceremony was punctuated by humor from Catherine’s father, a full grown man as their “flower girl”, and one of their best friends as the officiant. Catherine & Alex incorporated the tradition of handfasting into their ceremony, binding them in their new union of marriage.

(Such a good pup!)

With a sprinkle of rain here and there followed by a spectacular sunset, the reception was fun, intimate and laid back. Galileo’s catered the event with an empanada and taco bar (YUM!) and the cake was provided by Ugga Mugga (one layer each of chocolate orange and salted caramel). I loved Catherine & Alex’s foxtrot first dance, which was timed perfectly with the sunset!

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. I have THE BEST clients, who I feel share the same love of life and nature as I do. Thank you to Catherine & Alex for making me a part of your big day. And congratulations on starting this new phase of your life together!

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Vendors:
Venue: Mountaintop Vistas
Caterer: Galileo’s
Cake: Ugga Mugga
Rentals: Boone Rent-All and Parties Too!
Hair: Shear Shakti – Kathryn
Flowers: Shady Grove Gardens (with DIY designs by the bride)
Plates/Glassware/Rentals: Miss Match Rentals