North Carolina Elopement in the Clouds
What better way to spend your elopement day than above the clouds? Danni & Brett’s North Carolina elopement was beyond perfect. Thunderstorms in the forecast and tornado warnings weren’t going to stop these two from getting married.
We started planning their elopement a few weeks in advance, probably the quickest I’ve helped a couple plan their day!! One of the most popular questions I get asked is, “How far in advance do we need to start planning?” and I think these two are a perfect example that you can plan a beautiful day in just a few weeks.
Danni & I watched the forecast nonstop the morning before their ceremony, and despite the high chance of thunderstorms, the rain miraculously held off for us. We started the day with their first look at the trailhead of their ceremony spot. Danni walked up to Brett and as he turned around, she spun around and showed him her dress. They both had the biggest smiles on their faces. I love how first looks set the tone for the rest of the day, filled with so many emotions and excitement for what’s to come.
After a few quiet moments at the trailhead, we began a short hike to their ceremony spot. We took a few photos as we made our way up, and some at the top as we enjoyed the view before the ceremony.
Vanessa, their officiant, met us at the top and Jen, their videographer, set up a livestream for their family and friends to watch the ceremony. Danni’s family in Australia woke up super early in the morning to watch, it was so special to hear everyone’s excitement through the phone. Vanessa then began their ceremony, and they said their vows surrounded by beautiful fog rolling over the mountains.
After the ceremony, we headed to a nearby park where Samantha from Parkway Picnics had set up a gorgeous vegan picnic including delicious donuts from a local bakery. We were originally planning to have a mountaintop picnic at their ceremony spot, but instead decided to find a covered spot in case of rain. I searched the internet for a spot that was both close by to their ceremony spot, and had a covered spot where it would be comfortable to eat even if it was raining, and found the cutest gazebo only 2o minutes away that ended up being absolutely perfect. Everyone sat around the table chatting, enjoying delicious food, and we even had some ducks from the pond join us.
From there, we headed to a trail just the three of us for portraits. We were able to do the longer hike on the Blue Ridge Parkway that we planned for, which was such a great ending to the day!! Danni changed out of her dress for the hike, and packed it in her backpack to change into at the top. The trail was covered in the prettiest fog as we hiked up, and we were blown away by the views when we got to the top. It felt like we were floating above the clouds. The sun even peaked out for a few minutes as we were shooting, it couldn’t have been more perfect.
We made our way down the mountain before dark, and stopped at one last spot on the way. We saw this rock and immediately knew we needed to sit on the edge for these epic photos. * I think it’s important to note: I always make sure my couples are comfortable taking photos like this before I direct them. This looks reallyyy high, but it’s all about camera angles 😉 I would never put a couple in a dangerous situation or spot they’re not comfortable in. Be safe out there!!
And that’s a wrap!! We hiked down from there and reflected on the amazing day we just had. One of my favorite things about hiking on an elopement day is the time it gives you to reflect and enjoy the last few moments of the day before it’s over. Thank you so much for reading!! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into Danni & Brett’s North Carolina Elopement!!
Hey there!! I’m Erin. If you’re planning your own North Carolina Elopement, click here to read more about how I can help you plan your dream day!! Thank you so much for reading Danni & Brett’s elopement story!!
