Creating the Perfect Dreamy Highlands NC Wedding Experience

Last Memorial Day weekend, I had the opportunity to coordinate a beautifully intimate wedding at the Hutchinson House, one of the properties owned and operated by Old Edwards Inn. Highlands, NC is a gorgeous area, rich with history and nature. The drive was so beautiful, I didn't notice I'd lost cell reception going through the switchbacks up the mountains.

Upon arriving at the Hutchinson House, I was blown away by the natural light, HUGE rhododendrons, and tons of spots for photos for my couple! The house was so warm and cozy, providing the perfect space for family to gather in celebration.

The covered shelter at the Hutchinson House complete with a wood fireplace.

So many perfect gathering places.

One of my duties as a wedding coordinator is to build a perfectly functional ceremony outline, so that rehearsal is the smooth, fun experience it should be! Channing and Matt had the most gorgeous weather for their rehearsal, followed by an intimate dinner.

Rehearsals are a great opportunity to practice for the big day.

On wedding day, my duties started bright an early. From giving Hair and Makeup a gate code at 7am, to organizing dessert layouts, I was running back and forth between the reception area (pictured below) and the main house! I do hourly check-ins with my bride to make sure she doesn't need anything that I could be doing. Channing was calm, collected and happy the whole day--just how I like it!

The reception setup! The bride personally wrote cards for all her guests that I placed at their assigned seats.

While Hutchinson House has beautiful natural scenery, the bride wanted a meadow feel for her ceremony. I helped the Mother of the Bride decorate the ceremony space accordingly with an assortment of plants they had sourced! (It's easy to wrap potted plants in their plastic containers with large strips of burlap and twine for a natural look.)

A meadow feel for a ceremony.

While I gathered guests in the house and closed all the blinds, the couple had their "first look" in the courtyard. Channing was absolutely stunning and Matt was awed!

A "First Look"

The ceremony went off without a hitch! The guests were given champagne upon entering the space, as well as dried rose petals to shower on the couple as they recessed!

Channing's dress had gorgeous floral details for a pop of color with a removable overlaying skirt!

During the ceremony, I popped over to the reception space to light the tealight candles and do final touches on place settings! The couple opted for an arrangement of tables that I refer to as "caterpillar seating," as circular tables are snaked around for optimal, fun, intimate conversations! I absolutely loved that the height of the space was utilized with these cuts of taller tree limbs. Natural maple cuts were used for greenery in the centerpieces. Small tealights and votive candles were used to create an evening ambiance as the sun set.

A knotted napkin, a personalized letter, and handmade table numbers kept things cozy.

The reception was absolutely gorgeous. The bride dedicated her bouquet, the couple had their first dance to a warm, familiar song and dinner was delicious and well-served! Speeches were touching and personal, leading to several happy tears (myself included--I can't help it. I love love.)

You can see the floral details on the dress here without the skirt!

One of many touching speeches.

As the night wore on, dessert in full-swing, the night turned misty. I don't think of myself as much of a photographer, but I think this photo speaks for itself. You can just imagine the quiet, comfort that was the sunset.

The guest book had to be saved a few moments after this, due to light misty rain.

Each year I swear I'm not working a wedding on Memorial Day Weekend and each year I am SO glad when I take a booking for that weekend. I've never had better, happier weddings than on long holiday weekends. Channing and Matt were absolutely no exception.

Cheers, friends! Here's to many, many happy years as beautiful and serene as the landscape Highlands, NC offers.