Working my way across the state from east to west, from the coast of NC and then to the Piedmont, August brings me to the mountains to be with David & Jenna for their wedding. On top of one of the highest peaks in Banner Elk, NC, just outside of Boone, is the Banner Elk Winery.

The location was familiar because we were all up here earlier in the year for a great engagement shoot. This time, our morning started out with some fantastic NC mountain fog most likely brought in from Hurricane Irene, which was hitting the NC coast the same day. You can really see it nicely in the second photo showing the house where the bridal party stayed, as well as where Jenna and the bridesmaids got ready that morning.

The 3rd and 4th photos showing the dress and shoes, are some of my favorites. With the photo of the dress, the dark rich woods from the home play great contrast to softness of the dress. Keeping the regal chairs and lamp in the photo highlight how classy Jenna’s dress is. Also, I like that there is enough light to allow the fern on the right side to peak out a bit, letting you know there is always something more that’s just outside of your viewing frame.

Jenna loves sexy shoes, and this is one of several photos she’s going to get of them. This pair here are her ceremony shoes, and I was happy to highlight them behind the very interesting mirror in the master bedroom.

The next 7 photos are all from the getting ready stage. There’s a great moment with David’s brother and niece, as she is watching her dad buckling his belt. It’s the kind of moment I think which will really resonate with them 20 years from now. The first two photos of Jenna getting ready are from 2 different angles. The first is from a far distance, looking through the door. A voyeuristic image from passing by, framed by a wall and a door, with perfect light from the window we can’t see. The very next image is from the dresser in the bedroom, wide, showing great lines. Immediately you see three things, Jenna, the window and the dress. You then go from light to dark, with the mirror, the hairdresser and the lines of the door. I love the 3 vs 3, light vs. dark, and all topped off with the awesome light at the top of the image, lighting the ceiling and accentuated with the grain.

The last getting ready image is one of my favorites of the blog; as we look over a bridesmaid’s shoulder as she reads the gift card from Jenna, we can’t help but see the great moment happening with Jenna and the other bridesmaids. There is so much going on in this shot which happened all naturally. Notice the smile on the bridesmaid in the foreground, the way she holds the card, the second bridesmaid holding her card, Jenna’s hand on the bed post, her other hand (left) held up so softly just behind the card, and of course a genuine kiss of friendship and love. I think this represents everything between a bride and her bridesmaids.
The location of the ceremony is so magnificent; it really speaks for itself.  I would draw your attention to David’s brother walking with his daughter against the great grass mountain backdrop, followed by her not wanting to take the flowers down the isle with her mom consoling her. In the photo of Jenna and her dad coming to walk down the aisle with the cars behind them, you can still make out the fog which is lingering from the morning.

I was also very happy with the  post ceremony photos, where you can really see some strong emotions between David & Jenna and the parents. Jenna’s mom is so happy to be hugging David, followed by a powerful photo of David hugging his mom. Note her hands across David’s head and hugging him so tightly you can just feel the love she has for him. Jenna’s parents were happy throughout the entire day, and is best evident in this hug they have with Jenna.

We finish off the wedding with a great mix of photos from the reception. The B&W photo of the head table raising it’s glasses during a toast is one of my favorites. Followed by David kissing Jenna with perfect lighting which allows everything else to fade to the background and really highlight just the two of them. It was a night filled with well versed toasts and dancing, and it was an honor to be part of this amazing day with some really great people. I wish David & Jenna the best in their new lives together. Cheers!

The great vendors which assisted:

Cake – Stickboy Bakery
Hair/ Makeup – Jessica Helms Hudson
DJ – K2 Productions
Flowers – Pearl’s Garden
Catering – Gadabouts Catering
Videographer – Southern Video Design
Wedding Planner – Michelle Crevier Gerukos & Victoria
Ceremony Musician – Christina Childs
Officiant – Victoria Hutchins
Invitations – Hello Lucky

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