Our jaws dropped as we pulled up to The Vineyards at Betty’s Creek , a wedding venue about an hour outside of Asheville, NC where Marnie and Mario were going to get married. The lush greens, streams running down the hillside, rustic buildings hidden around the property. So many photo ideas, so little time.
Destination weddings are fun because they take me out of my Colorado comfort zone and stick me in a new area that brings fresh ideas. The greenery and wetness make all the colors vibrant – it’s a very different feel than out West.
Marnie got ready with her girls in an old cabin. Lots of laughter eminated from their little house as I walked up. I love the combination of excitement, nerves and happiness a wedding day brings out of everyone. Of course, the guys had a few beers, played poker and got dressed in 10 minutes flat – typical guy fashion.
The first time Mario and Marnie saw each other was as she was walked down the aisle by her mom. It was a really sweet, emotional moment. Marnie’s childhood pastor married them with a beautiful mountain view in the background. Rain threatened but then drifted away. Marnie’s friend performed a knot tying ceremony that joined the bride and groom together until they kissed at the end.
Mario and Marnie are huge Harry Potter fans, so their reception was Harry Potter-themed. It was so clever and fun, every detail was thought of. Marnie and Mario poured so much time and heart into making this wedding totally them, and they did it. I just love when a wedding reflects both the bride and groom – they become a team right away.
I was privileged to have Laura Anderson travel with me as my second photographer. Congrats to Mario and Marnie!