Andrew + Rachael | Rustic NC Mountain Wedding

I met Rachael at Campbell University. She was in one of my classes. One of my fondest memories was her bringing her dachshund puppy into my office for a bit. I’d photograph that puppy a few months later at Rachael’s graduation photos (along with Rachael’s boyfriend, Andrew). Fast forward to August 17 of this year, and I was photographing that pup once again…this time at Rachael and Andrew’s wedding.

Rachael texted me last year to see if there was anyway I’d be willing to fly down to NC to photograph her wedding. I couldn’t say no. So, I flew down a week before the wedding to spend some time at the lake with family before heading to Asheville for the wedding. I took my mom along to help me out.

The wedding was held at the Fields of Blackberry Cove. Rolling hills, mountains in the background and a gorgeous barn were a perfect backdrop for this intimate wedding. This venue is not just a venue, but they also cater the food, grow flowers, help decorate, and offer golf cart rides. They were truly an amazing group to work with who were so genuine and intent on making the day perfect for the special couple.

The wedding was small but filled with so many special details that made it memorable and unique. Of course, it wouldn’t be Rachael and Andrew’s wedding without their three dogs in attendance, including that dachshund I photographed those years ago. Look for notes of dachshunds in the photos. Another aspect that made the wedding uniquely theirs was entertainment. They are self-proclaimed non-dancing people. While Andrew and Rachael enjoyed a dance to themselves, no one else was keen on the idea. Rachael provided wedding bingo as an alternative. Everyone mingled and had a blast filling out their bingo card.

One of my favorite aspects was during the ceremony. As each parent and attendant walked down the aisle, Rachael and Andrew had recorded special words for each of them that shared just how much those individuals meant to them. It was so heartfelt and personal. I love seeing how people make their wedding celebrations unique to them.

Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Rachael and Andrew became husband and wife under a large tree with mountains standing to bear witness.