Black Mountain Elopement

Bride and groom under a Japanese Maple at Lake Tomahawk

Lake Tomahawk. I’d heard of it, but not been there before. It is a favorite spot for the couple, and has a great view of the mountains on either end. The gazebo is quote affordable for an extended rental and made a cute setting for their ceremony. I dont usually love these structures, but with flowers, benches inside and some of the only shade available, it worked really well for this pre-sunset ceremony.

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I completely adore the brides dress! A boho look, for sure, complete with carefree blue gems. The blue flowers really accentuated the details they thought through, including Dan’s seersucker blue suit.

Life is but a dream.. romantic couple portraits are my favorite!

You can see the gazebo here as the bride and groom walk along the side of Lake Tomahawk.

I love elopements the best, I think, recently. There’s something so romantic about either just the two in love, or them with just a handful of close ones to witness the moment they vow to cherish one another. I notice so much less stress and the pictures we create can be more focused on you two as you needn’t worry about what’s going to happen next. It’s kind of like actually being present in the moment of your bliss.

Thank you so much for being the most beautiful part of my day! I hope to see you both in concert sometime soon, and maybe, just maybe, work together again on some photographs. Much love! L.

Elopement | Pointsett Bridge in South Carolina

The romance of an elopement! I was so excited to document the elopement for Stephanie and Matthew at Pointsett Bridge. It was my first time there, and I could imagine just sitting around, daydreaming with the trickle of water, dipping into the water, sliding down the rock..

This location is rich with history, which lends an other-worldly charm. The babbling brook, the narrow bridge, the woods.. it was easy to imagine carriage rides and soldiers on foot.. but instead it was this magic moment, a celebration of found love! We wandered around after the extra-brief ceremony provided by the appropriately named “weddings in a flash.”

Otherwise it was just me, the lovebirds, my cameras and the grooms brother <3

The groom and his brother were so silly- and the bride sweet and lovely. Thank you for having me out to document your moment. xoxoxo

Pretty Place Chapel

If I were to marry again.. it might be at a spot like this. Sure, if I knew it wasn’t going to rain or I could afford some light rain on my wedding day… I’d go with a flower farm with a view. Hands down. But this…

Pretty Place is an affordable spot with a to-die for view that offers abundant shelter for the ceremony. So if it did rain.. you’d be set. You’d still have the view, the open air feeling.. Perfect elopement spot, too! There’s a certain innocent vibe; Austin told me when he was a boy he and his friends and cousins would be there. Imagine how surreal to have those memories and then to be…marrying at that very same spot.

It’s pretty rare, but sometimes the best man DOES forget the ring. It made for a nice lighthearted moment.

The only thing I thought but didn’t say at their event (and it’s now some months later so I guess I feel like they probably will never see this although I’m sure he knows…) that the groom looks like Bradley Cooper. Do you see it? Hello Dopelganger! I wonder if it’s true that we all have one…somewhere in the world.

If you’re wondering about this particular photo, the groom had just picked up his bride and lifted her over a particularly steep step. Side note: if you have a fear of heights tell me before we get to the ledge.

Such a gorgeous couple- love them! Also fun and easy going. I’m excited for their new family!

I have a theory that love and laughter are essential to make it work.

I would LOVE to have a reason to go there again! If you’re interested in visiting this spot with me, here is the link: Pretty Place Chapel Call me for your elopement or session! 828.777.6186!

Barn at Valhalla

When I met Sharon, I was immediately put at ease because she’s real. She’s beautiful, sophisticated, and somehow still down to earth. She’s just friendly good people, as they say. I believe she’s a dietician, and it took quite a bit of effort not say how do I easily lose this weight I’m gaining from eating and drinking every night, all night long? Even I know the answer to that one… Anyway, Sharon told me she and Jim had been good friends for a while, and I got the sense it was a blossomed slowly into things that won their hearts over to one another.

On Christmas Eve I found myself eager not for presents under trees, or even at that moment for the celebrations later with my children, but to see this very handsome couple wed. It is always a gift to do what I do.

The only ones at their private elopement ceremony were the minister, her brother as a witness, and myself. I doubled as a photographer and witness extraordinare. Always an honor to be at a wedding, let alone to sign as witness. Thank you both for choosing to work with me on your beautiful day.

Venue: the Barn at Valhalla

Flowers: Fallons Flowers