Ethereal & Earthy Wedding In The Blue Ridge Mountain

Daniel and Lindsey were expecting a baby together during the pandemic. With the help of Lindsey’s maid of honor, Madeline, Daniel planned for a surprise proposal at the couple’s baby shower. During one of the games at the party, led by Madeline, she asked the question, “Who will cry more when you get engaged?” Lindsey looked at Daniel, bewildered. He proposed with a small speech in front of their friends and family. 

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Daniel and Lindsey’s intimate spring wedding embodied the spirit of North Carolina with earthy touches of bohemian glamor. Their ceremony and reception were held at the Twickenham House in Jefferson, North Carolina. Nestled along the Blue Ridge Parkway, this private estate included spectacular views of the hillsides. Set on the stone patio, their ceremony overlooked a breathtaking view of the mountaintops beneath dreamy skies. The wedding procession moved along the stone walkway, through the trees, making its way to a circular altar adorned with fluffy, bohemian florals. Lindsey wore a long-sleeved lace gown with a plunging neckline and flowy tulle skirt, finished with illusion mesh detail and buttons down the back. She paired her look with a flower crown made from roses and eucalyptus. Daniel complimented the soft color palette with a custom brown suit and linen vest. The couple’s 17-month-old daughter was a highlight of the celebration. Instead of having their daughter walk down the aisle as they originally planned, Lindsey walked down the aisle with her father on one arm and her daughter in the other. After the ceremony, guests grabbed a glass of champagne from the seating chart wall and made their way to a cozy candlelit reception. Gauzy table runners floated across exposed wooden tables set with tender moments of florals. The couple stole away for windswept and ethereal photos along the cliffside, and, lucky for us, their daughter also tagged along for the most adorable sparkler exit.

We actually met shortly after we both graduated from the University of Florida in an adult kickball league in Gainesville, FL. Funny enough, I only joined the team at the insistence of my now ex-husband, who introduced me to my now husband (Dan)! We remained close friends for years, through my marriage (& later divorce). 

A little background, we had our daughter prior to getting married (pandemic baby!) —

I organized the proposal with Lindsey’s MOH Madeline. We discussed having the proposal be at our Baby Shower in October of 2021. We threw around some options of how we could incorporate it into the events of the day, but Madeline came up with the idea of doing it during one of the games we were going to play. We settled on doing it during the Shoe Game, Baby Shower Edition. Madeline came up with all the questions that she would ask us and we decided the final question would be, “Who will cry more when you got engaged.” 

We were obviously both sitting back to back, and after that question was asked. Lindsey was 8+ months pregnant and we were in the backyard of her dad’s fiancés home along the St. Mary’s River, surrounded by friends & family. After this question, I stood up and walked around to her very palpable confusion. She muttered, “What the f*** is this!?”. As I went down on one knee, she looked at me bewildered and said, “Are you serious?” looking around to confirm with the crowd if this was happening. I made a joke to her that I don’t recall, and then I went through a mini speech in front of family and friends, and asked her to marry me. She cried and said “YES!”

We wanted an intimate (& scenic) elopement feel but with an intermediate guest count; combination of glam & bohemian-inspired decor. 

I absolutely loved my dress. I picked a ethereal/bohemian inspired gown with plunging neckline, open illusion back, flowy soft tulle skirt  & I added lace appliqué long sleeves to complete the look – perfect for the bohemian feel! 

Dan had a custom brown suit (“tan sharkskin”) with a slight pattern/texture to the fabric, paired with a complimentary colored vest that matched the groomsmen suits to tie it together. 

What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?

A dedication chair to Dan’s mother at the ceremony, she unfortunately passed away before meeting our me, our daughter and celebrating our wedding. 

Our signature cocktail menu featured our beloved pets: 2 golden retrievers (Hunter & Forrest) and our cat (Henry)! Great way to incorporate them even if they couldn’t come

My daughter’s dress was inspired by my own, tulle skirt and lace long sleeves. She looked adorable. Coupled with a Flower crown for me & my daughter (though she refused to wear hers lol). 

Our first dance – we had picked out a song by Coldplay, then without letting me know, Dan surprised me with a much more personalized song for us as a couple in our journey (Starting Over by Chris Stapleton), which we dance to with our daughter.

Honestly, the entire ceremony – our daughter Evelyn (17 months old at the time), was supposed to walk with my matron of honor‘s 6 year old son. As is expected with kids being unpredictable, my daughter ended up refusing, and I walked down the aisle with my dad while holding her. She was the belle of the ball standing in front of us during the whole ceremony laughing, jumping & waving, the guests loved it 

Yes! The groom baked the his & her wedding favors – cookies! 

Hers : Kitchen sink cookie

His : Raspberry white chocolate macadamia nut  

We also made welcome bags for our guests with snacks, travel essentials, etc.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. The day is intended to be a celebration of your love with your closest friends and family, remember to enjoy yourselves.