The sound of fire truck sirens echoed nearby as Leslie and Nick’s ceremony was just getting started. Any other couple might be annoyed at the blaring interruption, but they both laughed it off and made a joke because they weren’t going to let something silly ruin a perfectly beautiful day.

Their short and sweet ceremony took place outside beneath a magnificent willow tree on the lawn at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. The natural setting was one of the reasons that Leslie and Nick were drawn to this particular wedding venue. Having their ceremony and reception at the same location made things much easier.

This was my first time photographing a wedding at Chetola, and we couldn’t have asked for a more amazing day. Seriously, it was absolutely gorgeous, swans were swimming around the lake with their ducklings, the rhododendrons were blooming, and the sun was shining! The mountain weather was impeccable.

The couple envisioned a laid-back wedding day which seemed like it was simple for them to accomplish with the experienced team of wedding vendors they chose to help make their dreams a reality. Leslie and Nick were as easy-going as they come, too, so they just enjoyed themselves without stressing over the details.

Andrea, with The Whole Shebang, helped the day run so smoothly. I’m convinced that having a wedding coordinator is a necessity if you want a carefree experience, they keep a handle on all of the details so you don’t have to!

Desi’s Floral and Design Studio created the stunning floral arrangements used in the reception decor, as well as the boutonnieres and bride’s lovely bouquet. The flowers had hints of peach and pink mixed with various shades of green, they were gorgeous!

Leslie was hoping to incorporate a garden theme into the reception decor by using ivory and white botanical table linens along with silver centerpieces and chargers to dress the tables. I loved how simple and chic everything looked.

Stickboy Bread Company made a classic white cake with white icing that looked so elegant.

It was super cute when the groom exclaimed, “WOWWWWW!” after turning around to see his beautiful bride all dolled up for the first time on their wedding day.

Doesn’t she look AH-MAZING in the handmade lace dress that she designed?! I loved the bohemian feel it had with a vintage vibe. 

This fun-loving couple and their spirited bunch of family and friends were ready to party down.

For real. 

They enjoyed good comfort food consisting of sliders and mac & cheese catered by Timberlake’s Restaurant, danced to great music carefully selected by the bride and groom, and had a blast in the super awesome Boone Photo Booth that was a big hit.

The props found their way onto the dance floor at some point which was pretty hilarious. I got a kick out of watching a group of goofballs geeking out with a cut-out of the bride’s beloved cat Ivan.

Funny thing, her cat looks a lot like our cat Moses. I now want a cut-out of my cat, too! 😉

There was a moment when I was taking a quick break to scarf down some food when I suddenly hear a crowd of people singing in unison at the top of their lungs to Steve Winwood’s Higher Love. They were getting into, too.

I quickly left my plate for Cody (my hubby/2nd shooter) to finish because I knew it was too awesome of a moment for me not to capture. 

Tiny Dancer by Elton John was pretty entertaining to watch with one of the guests singing that tune while wearing a pair of oversized glasses. I laughed so hard!

Lots of laughs were had that day.

Leslie told me that she was looking for a wedding photographer that was versatile and could create beautiful photographs, but she also wanted someone that was fun with a sense of humor who understood the emotional aspects of the wedding day as well.

She declared, “I knew we’d be a good fit!” just after I photographed their first look and family photos prior to the ceremony. Hearing that made me feel all warm and fuzzy because I want all of my couples to enjoy an awesome experience. Having your photos made can actually be fun!

Thank you so much for choosing Wayfaring Wanderer + my trusty sidekick (Cody/hubby) to photograph your outdoor wedding at Chetola Resort in Blowing Rock, NC. It was an honor and a pleasure to capture all the love and laughter that was had on your wedding day! I hope you enjoy these highlights while I finish up your full gallery! 🙂

CONGRATULATIONS to LESLIE + NICK! You’re MARRIED! YAYAYAYAYAYAY! I wish you two newlyweds a lifetime of epic adventures and I hope that your marriage will only grow stronger as you continue this journey together! 

Are you newly engaged and/or planning a wedding? Get a FREE 12-Month Wedding Planning Checklist HERE: http://bit.ly/weekly-wander

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