An August Wedding in Boone, NC

This past August, I had the pleasure of coordinating the wedding of Karly and Tanner up in Boone, NC, at The Mill at Rock Creek. If you've been considering getting married in Boone, this was a WONDERFUL wedding venue with plenty of outdoor ceremony spaces to choose from. The interior space was open, bright and complete with a HUGE bar and a pool table in the Groom's room (a must in my professional opinion).

Huge patio area for cocktail hour (with a covered porch to the left).

The exterior space was beautiful with space galore for larger guest counts and immaculate landscaping. With it being august, the hydrangeas were in FULL BLOOM along the courtyard area. It was stunning.

The couple chose this location for the ceremony! The hydrangeas were taller than me!

A second, larger exterior space for outdoor ceremonies/cocktail hour.

The couple had rented the space for the evening prior for a full ceremony rehearsal. I help each of my brides create their ceremony order (complete with Processional and Recessional orders). While not a requirement, Rehearsals help make sure all members of the Bridal Party and family know what to do and when to do it. Wedding Day nerves are better with a little run-through the day before.

Such a fun, sweet bridal party!

On Wedding Day, I was up bright and early checking the forecast and checking in on my bride's hair and makeup. We were 50/50 on needing a rain plan, and it was definitely overcast. (Side note-I think pictures turn out the best when it's cloudy!!)

I headed to the venue and got right to work setting the tables and assisting with floral directions. This venue has gorgeous real wood tables and beautiful chairs, so the bride decided to keep things rustic and simple. Assigned seat cards were arranged, greenery carefully placed around real wooden centerpieces, and table numbers were triple-checked.

Simple, clean, elegant place settings! Don't worry--those chairs got straightened out!

A sweetheart table gives the couple a chance to chat without interruption. Ceremony florals were moved in front of the table, once we were free to do so. I loved the real greenery used to drape the fireplace here. Yes, I was up on a ladder during the ceremony lighting the candles on the hearth.

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The overall look right as cocktail hour was beginning.

We made the call around 10am to keep the cermony outside. My bride wanted to "YOLO" it (in her words) and risk the rain. Turns out, it was the right call. The rain held, the cloud cover cooled things down and the ceremony was absolutely perfect.

The newlyweds riding the "I Do" high during Recessional!

If there's one thing I love to see, it's a couple that prioritizes delicious food for cocktail hour, too. The guests had PLENTY to choose from at this wedding. Just look at this charcuterie grazing table!

Light florals continued the baby blue theme into cocktail hour.

While guests mingled over delicious finger foods and gathered near the open bar, the Bridal Party was busy taking the best photos! Their photographer, Bree, from Shack Photography did a GREAT job of coordinating with the family to get every shot in the shot list and stay on the timeline. An absolute pro!

Always trust a photographer's action shot instruction! They turn out great!

They heard the appetizers were ready! Just kidding--I always bring my couples a plate of appetizers and drinks during cocktail hour/pictures.

Dinner was from a local, authentic Mexican Restaurant. After the couple enjoyed their first dance, we got right into a quickly served buffet-style dinner.

Enjoying being Mr. and Mrs.

Of course we couldn't end the evening without a sweet treat!! The couple opted to have so many delicious options for the guests to enjoy! Providing a variety of treats means that more guests are likely to find something they love. These treats came from Williams Deli & Bakery in Banner Elk!

From red velvet cake pops to banana pudding shooters, this couple went ALL OUT on desserts!

I'm so glad the rain held, the food rocked, and this beautiful couple got to start a new life dancing the night away as Mr. and Mrs. Schmidt. Here's to many, many years of health and happiness!!

Have any questions about having an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception during the possibility of inclement weather? Curious about the timeline I built to keep cocktail hour to a true hour with tons of pictures to cover? Interested to know how I handled hiding the bride with such an open concept space before the ceremony? Reach out today!