04/23/2024
OK….I tried really, really hard to pare down the number of photos to upload from Chris & Marisa’s elopement session but I couldn’t get it any lower!
This was no “ordinary” elopement. They were officially married last year but wanted to celebrate with a 6 month all-day adventure having fun!
We met at 5.55 a.m. - meaning a 4 a.m. wake up call for me (3 a.m. for the bride). But how beautiful does she look?
I gave everyone the heads up to start driving early as the parkway would be dark and the animals would start to be lively at dusk. Yep, I saw three animals crossing the road, including a bear, so I was extra glad that we were poodling along. While no camera captured those moments, just living and breathing it makes the start to the day extra special.
We hiked up to the top of a mountain, just before a huge storm swept through - but then look at the clouds and the color in the sky. I swear that none of this was exaggerated in editing.
After the mountain hike, we wanted to head to a waterfall hike but the heavens opened - and I don’t mean “pretty rain” but torrential.
So, we suggested an alternate falls and it’s amazing how a few minute drive and being patient for 10 mins can mean the difference in weather around here!
The mist sprayed off of the falls, which due to lots of rain, meant that the falls were plentiful. Just enough to breathe in the fresh air, invigorate us and be grateful for how lucky we were to live in the Asheville area.
After the falls, we headed to the river, where we dipped our toes in the water, Christopher pumped up his inflatable kayak and we had a picnic by the shore and had a lazy afternoon on the river.
It was so relaxing that none of us wanted to leave. Birds singing, water rushing and great company. Lots and lots of laughter. The early start is always worth it - you can doze later in the day!
We finished off the day with some play in the park and all of us left feeling on a natural high that a day spent in nature gives you.
We finished at 2 p.m. - yet the 8 hours felt like 3 hours, wedding days go by so quickly.
Elopements can be tailored to individual couples needs and we’re up for all suggestions. They happen rain or shine so it’s great to have someone with local knowledge who knows where to head to in case of inclement weather.
Let me know what you think and what your wedding was like. I’d love to learn more about your wedding day and what stood out the most for you. What would you do differently?
If you’re already married, congrats - but you can still head out on an adventurous day and relive it with us.
Martin Wedding Films did video footage for this incredible day.
