Intimate Riverside Elopement
If I had to describe the perfect intimate affair, it would look a lot like this: simple, stunning, and a whole lotta love. This duo accomplished just that (and so much more) by hiking to their favorite spot with close friends, stunning Philosophy Flowers blooms, and Heather Payne in tow. Surrounded by greenery and a light mist in the air, they said their vows and you can see it all unfold right here!
From Heather Payne Photography... It's fitting that Ann Marie and Joe married riverside. It reflects the restful quality that is so charming about their relationship. Harold Boyle, a Pulitzer prize winning journalist once penned, "What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt. It is sure to get where it's going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else."
Ann Marie and Joe hiked to their favorite spot with five of their closest friends. Friends took hands and gathered around the couple as they said their vows. The couple lit a candle as a simple, beautiful symbol of their unity as husband and wife, and as they did, the river gently continued on its way, reminding us to rest in what we know and let go of what we don't.
From the beautiful Bride... Our wedding day was incredibly special because is was "so us." It was intimate, meaningful and unique. We hiked forty-five minutes down into Linville Gorge with five of our closest friends and got married on a big rock in the middle of the gorge. We were surrounded by "God's cathedral" — green trees, rocks, running water, and a light mist in the air. One of my favorite moments was coming out of the trees and into the gorge with my groom and my friends. It was so magical coming into that place. It was still and quiet like it was waiting for us. We, of course, shook away the quiet with our joy and laughter, but it felt like it was all just for us for a little while.
The most meaningful part of the ceremony was that our best friend officiated. Thus, the whole ceremony was full of honesty, love, and laughter.
After the ceremony, we sat on the big rock, toasted with champagne, and ate roast beef horseradish sandwiches, potato chips, and strawberries. It was a perfect day!
Ann Marie and Joe hiked to their favorite spot with five of their closest friends. Friends took hands and gathered around the couple as they said their vows. The couple lit a candle as a simple, beautiful symbol of their unity as husband and wife, and as they did, the river gently continued on its way, reminding us to rest in what we know and let go of what we don't.
From the beautiful Bride... Our wedding day was incredibly special because is was "so us." It was intimate, meaningful and unique. We hiked forty-five minutes down into Linville Gorge with five of our closest friends and got married on a big rock in the middle of the gorge. We were surrounded by "God's cathedral" — green trees, rocks, running water, and a light mist in the air. One of my favorite moments was coming out of the trees and into the gorge with my groom and my friends. It was so magical coming into that place. It was still and quiet like it was waiting for us. We, of course, shook away the quiet with our joy and laughter, but it felt like it was all just for us for a little while.
The most meaningful part of the ceremony was that our best friend officiated. Thus, the whole ceremony was full of honesty, love, and laughter.
After the ceremony, we sat on the big rock, toasted with champagne, and ate roast beef horseradish sandwiches, potato chips, and strawberries. It was a perfect day!