They were next door neighbors—separated by no more than a sliver of sheetrock—for about 3 months before the two officially met. Their first date was at a local vegetarian-friendly restaurant because Katelyn hadn’t eaten meat since she was 7 yrs old. She’s since reverted back to being a full-on carnivore after this chef with awesome culinary skills came into her life. The couple has pretty much been inseparable for the last 9 years.

I met Katelyn’s mom at a wedding I photographed last year. Colinda, who officiated Emma & Alex’s wedding, found out I was the “Wayfaring Wanderer” and we instantly hit it off. I’m almost certain that Colinda pretty much handpicked me to be their wedding photographer, and I’m glad because they like to have fun and don’t take themselves too seriously. Katelyn & Seth are definitely kindred spirits!

The location that the couple selected for their wedding and reception venue was a no-brainer. There isn’t anywhere else that Katelyn would rather say their vows than the Christmas tree farm where she grew up from the time she was 8 yrs old—her parents are still happily settled there, too. It was an idyllic setting hidden in the mountains that allowed their guests from near and far to freely experience the beauty of the Blue Ridge while celebrating their union.

Their ceremony highlighted the couples Celtic roots with a handfasting ceremony and also incorporated a Scottish custom that included drinking from a quaich (loving cup) to solidify their bond and unite them for life. The heartfelt vows that they exchanged were a mix of silly and sweet, and they had guests teary-eyed and cracking up. I was doing the same thing right along with them from behind the camera!

Katelyn wore a strapless Maggie Sottero wedding gown with a chapel length train that had champagne-colored fabric underneath with an ivory lace overlay. There were a dozen or more crystal buttons that went down the back, and it also had a delicate bolero jacket with crystals and bead work to wear over the gown. It was AH-MAZING! Katelyn was a stunning bride and she looked positively radiant on her wedding day!

Shear Shakti was responsible for the brides super cool updo, and a close friend from Atlanta did Katelyn’s make-up. The shoes were these fantastical sparkly wedges by Benjamin Adams that she loved almost more than her dress. Park Place Florist took care of the bouquets, boutonnieres, and floral arrangements.