A Nature-Inspired Mountain Wedding With Lots Of Bowie
The picturesque backdrop for this unique celebration was set against the serene beauty of Camp Sky Ranch in Blowing Rock, North Carolina on September 9, 2017. The special day was made even more unforgettable with the charming presence of Alex, the garden store manager, and David, a skilled barista. A keen eye for detail can be seen in the photos taken by Carolyn Scott Photography, capturing the joy and love shared between the happy couple.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
When I got engaged, I was overwhelmed with anxiety about planning a wedding. A simple Google search for ‘engaged and overwhelmed’ led me to Offbeat Bride, where I found solace in knowing I wasn’t alone in my feelings. It was liberating to realize that I could plan my wedding on my own terms, without feeling pressured to conform to traditional expectations. One of the biggest concerns I had was the dress – specifically, the idea of wearing an all-white gown.
But when I stumbled upon a stunning lacy number with dark chocolate brown undertones, I knew I’d found the perfect fit. The sense of relief and comfort that came with finding ‘the one’ was palpable. As we began planning our special day, my partner and I were adamant about creating an atmosphere that felt natural and effortless. We drew inspiration from Middle-earth, imagining a whimsical celebration surrounded by lush greenery.
After searching far and wide, we found the perfect venue in the North Carolina mountains where I grew up – it was a haven of beauty, requiring minimal decoration to truly shine. The fact that it boasted a dining hall and charming open-air chapel meant we didn’t have to worry about having a rain plan. Our priorities were clear: delicious food, excellent beer, and taking control of our own musical destinies as DJs.
We opted for an eclectic mix of Etsy artists (our bouquet, rings, and more) and handmade elements, with even the invitations and save-the-dates crafted by yours truly. My mom took it upon herself to grow the florals in her garden, arranging them just before the big day. Vintage-ware plates and paint chip seating arrangements at Lowes added a touch of whimsy to our celebration.
Tell us about the ceremony:
As we crafted our ceremony and vows together, we drew inspiration from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer, a unique gift from my mom. Our script was secular and understated, reflecting our personal style. With both sets of parents by our sides, we walked down the aisle to the chapel, a moment made even more special with my dad serving as officiant and sharing heartfelt words.
We opted for an intimate ceremony without a bridal party, instead incorporating meaningful elements like a cello performance during the prelude and recessional, where my friend held the rings. Our readings featured poignant passages from Rumi and Tolkien. For me, it was crucial to maintain an atmosphere of presence throughout the ceremony. To achieve this, we requested that our guests refrain from using their cellphones for photography or video recording.
Many attendees appreciated this decision, acknowledging that it would have been a distraction. Some initially disappointed by the restriction soon discovered they were able to be more fully present in the moment and enjoyed themselves more as a result.
Tell us about your reception:
As the sun set on our special day, we kicked off the celebration with a lively cocktail hour, complete with mingling, lawn games, and a serve-yourself beer truck that doubled as a stunning piece of art. The rustic charm was perfectly captured by the truck’s Blue Ridge Mountains-inspired design. Following the ceremony, we transitioned into a sumptuous dinner catered by a renowned restaurant specializing in meats, with an impressive array of vegetarian options to satisfy all palates.
But the pièce de résistance was our unconventional dessert spread featuring an assortment of mouthwatering pies instead of traditional cake. As the evening unfolded, our first dance seamlessly segued into a pulsating dance party that kept the energy high and the memories flowing.
Music played a pivotal role in our wedding celebration, as we were adamant about showcasing our own curated playlist.
This was an aspect that brought us immense joy and allowed us to share our eclectic tastes with our loved ones. Our playlist boasted an eclectic mix of David Bowie tracks, K-Pop beats for added flair, traditional Greek dancing to honor my mom’s heritage, and nods to our shared love of ’80s and ’90s tunes and metal music – including a special appearance by Judas Priest.
As the night drew to a close, we ended on a poignant note with ‘The End’ by the Beatles.
However, the true highlight of the evening was when David’s 95-year-old grandmother, typically confined to a wheelchair, rose to the occasion and danced with infectious enthusiasm to a salsa track. The collective euphoria that followed as our friends formed a human dance circle around her remains an indelible memory of our special day.
What was your most important lesson learned?
As I look back on the wedding planning process, it’s clear that I spent a significant amount of energy worrying about the smallest details. It was easy to get caught up in concerns like whether or not guests would have a good time, if they’d find our non-traditional ceremony unorthodox, and whether my family would be upset we weren’t having the ceremony in a church.
In the days leading up to the wedding, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of love and support from all those around me – friends, family, and even strangers who were traveling great distances to celebrate with us. It was then that I realized just how much love and positivity surrounded us, and it helped shift my focus away from the stressors and onto the joy that our special day would bring.
Vendors
This romantic celebration was brought to life by a talented team of professionals. Behind the lens, Carolyn Scott Photography captured every special moment with her keen eye and expertise. The couple’s wedding planning was meticulously managed by The Whole Shebang Wedding Planning, ensuring that every detail fell into place seamlessly. The idyllic setting for their big day was Camp Sky Ranch, where lush greenery and rustic charm provided a picturesque backdrop for the ceremony and reception.
As a personal touch, the bride opted to have her mother create the stunning floral arrangements that added a pop of color to the overall aesthetic. The bride herself looked breathtaking in her custom-made dress courtesy of Cathy Telle, while the delicious food and delectable pies were provided by The Gamekeeper. The thoughtful couple also wanted to incorporate dried bouquets and boutonnieres, which were beautifully crafted by Cat Westerwisp.
Rings played a significant role in the ceremony, with Aide-Memoire providing the perfect pair for the happy couple. Hair and makeup for the bride were expertly handled by Haircut 101, leaving her looking radiant and confident throughout the day. To complete the vintage-inspired look, Missmatch Rentals provided exquisite tableware and glassware that added a touch of elegance to the proceedings.
