The Ridge at Asheville, NC / April 17, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

Perfect day in the mountains of Western North Carolina for a wedding!!

I was so happy to get to help Sean Szitas with this wedding. As the new gal in Asheville, building business can be a little daunting. Getting to shoot is like Christmas though, when you love doing it, so THANK YOU to those who have let me help them. Sean is a super relaxed guy, and works hard to take lots of great portraits. Our style varies a little, so I am able to add my journalistic eye as well as details he isn’t able to cover.

The couple privately exchanged their vows while we documented the moment. Both were in tears, as you can see and no kidding, I was a mess about their love story. It is a huge privilege in my life to have witnessed and learned about love from so many wonderful couples. The gist of their message to one another was what a gift to have found each other- and specifically I recall the bride telling her man how easy love is with him, and life, no matter the challenge. Just so amazing to find that!

A big part of the wedding day FOR ME is honoring all you put into planning it. Although images of a couple alone are beautiful, I believe if you wanted to be alone you’d have eloped. The real story is here, the details of kissing surrounded by those you love, your intimate companions and long distance family that loves you enough to make the trip. It is a cultural celebration of those you cherish, not just the bride and groom. And of course.. lens flare. If you choose this time of day, I’ll be sure to incorporate the drama lighting can give us!

The bride was in love with seeing the moon during sunset - she said all my favorite things are right here in this moment! I love fellow romantics! <3

I’d recommend The Ridge venue for anyone wanting a great location with perfect views right near Asheville! There was no end to the places for images, and the venue offers indoor and outdoor spots for the reception. There are onsite golf carts for quick jaunts across the property- definitely cannot wait to get back to this one!

Pretty Place Chapel / March 23, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

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.

husband and wife pretty place — 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!