Intimate and Rainy Blue Ridge Mountains Wedding

Sydney got her fairytale.

The entire weekend experience was something I'll never forget. Twenty-seven of their favorite people stayed in a massive Airbnb on a lake in Asheville, North Carolina for the couple’s Blue Ridge Mountains wedding. People drove or flew in from multiple different states and we shared bunk beds and meals with friends old and new.

Dreaming of a Mountain Elopement

There were chances of rain all week and they seemed to lessen as the days went on but the weather in the mountains is volatile. I could feel that we were all a little nervous about their plans to elope at Black Balsam Knob but there was still a deep knowing that it would turn out all right.

The night before, the couple’s family stayed up late decorating the sun room for the reception — hanging string lights and setting up the dinner tables.

Setting Intentions for the Day

The morning of, I went for a run around the lake, breathing in the crisp mountain air and when I got back I journaled my morning pages like usual. But this time, I wrote down exactly how the Blue Ridge Mountains wedding would go. I described every little detail and dream I had for them and their day.

Rainy Blue Ridge Mountains Wedding 

The trail was an hour drive from the Airbnb. As we drove higher and higher, rain started to pour. I was nervous. I could feel it from Sydney too.

There was a forty minute period when we were on the side of the road under umbrellas, stuck, unsure what to do next. The rain was still coming down and time was ticking so I said, “what if you get married in the woods under umbrellas and then the three of us take portraits at the peak after? I know it’s not what you wanted but it’s an option.” Portraits with Thomas were most important to her anyway, so after some deliberation and running into the trail for picture proof, she agreed.

Right as the ceremony ended, the skies opened up, we RAN up the trail, mud and all and a double rainbow appeared followed by one of the most epic sunsets.

I’ll never get over it.

So many things went wrong and right leading up to this. In the car on the drive back to Asheville, they both agreed it could not have been more perfect. I think so too. Their Blue Ridge Mountains wedding was a weekend full of love, connection, teamwork and dreams come true.

I love when couples honor who they are and embrace the unexpected. If you’re looking for a photographer who thrives off unconventional and celebrating the real you, I’m your girl.

Review from Sydney:

I knew that I wanted her to photograph my wedding one day. She captured our small intimate wedding in the mountains so perfectly. Our portraits were literally magical, but the way she captured all of our in between moments is my favorite. It’s all those not so posed and glamorous moments that I never want to forget and I’m so glad I have them forever. I’ll never be over it.

Amazing vendor team:

Photographer: Lauren Parr Photography

Florist: Carolina Flowers

Dress: Birch on Main

Cake: Amy’s Bakery