November 28, 2022

Golden Autumn Asheville Elopement – Chestnut Ridge Outdoor Wedding

Sarah & Andrew

Ahhh this Golden Autumn Elopement at Chestnut Ridge was absolutely stunning!

We recently partnered with this premier wedding venue in Western North Carolina to hold elopements for couples who want an accessible, no-hike option for their outdoor elopement. This venue includes a covered porch, backup indoor space, and a fireplace, making it super desirable for those who are booking in our unpredictable mountains!

Chestnut Ridge is also the site of our Asheville Winter Elopement Package that we are offering from January to March 2023 (more on that later!)

For now, follow along with us on Sarah and Andrew’s incredible October elopement and see for yourself what makes this timeless style venue truly spectacular.

Meet Sarah, the Bride

Perhaps one of the first things you need to know is that Sarah asked Andrew out first! She initiated by asking Andrew out for drinks when the two met in grad school in Colorado while both were studying architecture.

Sarah loves to cook and garden and was super excited for a special, once in a lifetime moment with everyone that is important to them!

Meet Andrew, the Groom

Aside from being one-half of this architect duo with a passion for design, Andrew is an avid backpacker and amateur woodworker.

Both Andrew and Sarah share a love for summer camping with their pup, visiting breweries, exploring new vineyards, and road-tripping. They design furniture together and hope to one day design a house or cabin together.

Approaching the elopement, Andrew was most excited to see Sarah in her dress and read his vows to her.

The First Look

This is always such a pivitol moment. You really feel like the elopement is kicking off for real!

This also seems like a good time to bring up their proposal story!

After being together for over 5 and a half years, Andrew popped the question on Thanksgiving day 2020. The couple was driving to Telluride, Colorado to celebrate the holiday together with their big dog, Moose. On the way they stopped at Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park to hike. Andrew got down on one knee in the mud. And the couple celebrated the rest of the weekend in the amazing ski town.

The Ceremony

Led by Officiant Julia, this was a heartfelt ceremony to start the rest of their lives!

With a few key family members and their pup in tow, the couple took a deep breath together, exchanged rings, and sealed their vows with a kiss. And just like that, 5 and a half years of dating turned into the first seconds of their married life together!

Post-Ceremony Bliss

Andrew and Sarah decided to elope primarily to celebrate with just their family without the stress of coordinating and pleasing 100+ people.

We definitely get that!

Asheville just felt like home to them and it became the perfect spot for family moments and photos to commemorate it all.

The Sweetest Dog ever!

Just look at this cutie sniffing her bouquet! This photo will definitely make you want to bring your doggie along to your elopement.

Wandering & Warming Up!

After their intimate ceremony and family photos, the couple got to spend some time wandering the property, taking in the mountain views, and warming up in the sunshine and by the fireplace.

Our photographer Amy captured the couple’s essence perfectly as they walked around the ridge.

One of the coolest things Andrew and Sarah did?

They decided to have their ceremony and photos on one day, privately and hold a short reception a few nights later to celebrate with a larger group of family and friends! This is highly recommended if you like to have a party but want to enjoy and relax during your ceremony.