Winter Mountain Elopement in Asheville

Whew! This was a very chilly mountainside elopement but oh, so gorgeous! This was certainly a memorable one for me, and winter is actually my favorite time for elopements. The trails up on the mountain are empty for the most part, and it’s so peaceful up there—the perfect time to soak up the beauty and the solitude. With Asheville becoming such a popular place to visit, I don’t have many chances to experience the undisturbed splendor of it all. I think this is just what Tiese and Jon were hoping for on their wedding day.

About their special day

Before we headed up to the mountain, Tiese and Jon got ready at Albemarle Inn where they stayed during their time here. The inn has lots of natural light and classic décor, and I loved how the getting ready photos turned out! After donning their wedding day attire, Tiese’s dad brought over a cute wheelbarrow—it’s a family tradition to get a photo of the groom pushing his beautiful bride, and it was too cute with her hiking boots sticking out!

Then it was time for the ceremony—or so we thought. As we began our drive up to Black Balsam, I noticed the day was much colder than the one before. Even still, I was a little surprised to find the Blue Ridge parkway the gate closed when we arrived. (It must have closed on our way up because I check several times that morning.) Luckily, Nick, the officiant, went a different way, and I was able to communicate with him to find a new parkway entrance—poor Nick waited for an extra hour and a half, but he really saved the day! We finally made it, and it was glorious! Sometimes, I think things like this happen serendipitously. Once we got the top, it was clear that we got the timing just right after all. Delicate icicles hung all around, more gorgeous than even the finest crystal. Her bouquet from Flourish Flower Farm added the perfect touch of elegance. Their exchange of vows was so heartwarming and magical—just what they were hoping for.

Afterward, we warmed back up at the New Belgium Brewing Company with a few beers and delicious wedding cake—the brewery offers their private tasting room as a reception for small groups, how fun! Congratulations, you two! Thanks for letting me be a part of your special day!