Although Jeremy and Kristen grew up in the same town, attended the same high school, AND were just two years apart, they didn’t meet until years later. Thankfully once their paths crossed, we are left with said stunning celebration captured by the incredible Heather Payne Photography. It’s the ultimate sweater weather celebration and we’ve got it awaiting your arrival in The Vault!
From Heather Payne Photography…It’s sometimes rare to run across a couple that are so genuine and naturally “in love” and not afraid to express it. Jeremy and Kristen grew up in the same town, attended the same high school, just two years apart, but didn’t meet until years later. Kristen was working in a local kid and craft store when Jeremy came in to buy a gift for his friend and business partner’s little one. It wasn’t long before they started dating, and they fell in love almost immediately. After just over a year of dating, Jeremy asked Kristen to marry him at sunset in Asheville, North Carolina on his birthday. On October 18, 2015, they were married in a beautiful, but simple ceremony with 100 of their closest family and friends.
Kristen’s love for all things light, simple, and elegant made planning their wedding relatively easy in terms of design. She knew that despite planning a fall wedding, she wanted the colors to be white, grey, blush pink, and gold, with a few fall colors incorporated into the flowers, and lots of greenery. Luckily for her, Jeremy was fine with her plan as long as they could have a fall wedding and he could wear a brown suit. The ceremony and reception took place at Kristen’s grandparents’ cabin or “the cabin”, as family has always called it. They decided not to have a wedding party, but have family wear specific colors and coordinating attire.
The day of the wedding, Kristen and her sisters spent the morning leisurely getting pampered by the hair stylist and make-up artist at the cabin, while enjoying coffee and breakfast made by her mom and nana. “It was truly the most stress-free morning and spending it getting ready with my sisters and mom made for an intimate, memorable day with family before I was to start a new family with Jeremy. None of it felt quite real until I was completely dressed and walked out the door to do the first look with my dad. That’s when it hit me and when the tears came”, according to Kristen.
After the father/daughter first look, it was time for a first look with with bride and groom. Jeremy had arrived to the cabin about an hour earlier to get ready. Jeremy and Kristen were taken a mile down the road to a woodsy area close by to share their first look. Such a special moment as they opened their eyes to see each other as bride and groom for the first time. “I’ll never forget the way he looked at me and began to cry when we were told to open our eyes. In that moment, I was reminded that he sees me as the most beautiful girl in the world and life with him will be one filled with joy.”
Both of Kristen’s parents walked her down the aisle and gave her away to Jeremy. The ceremony had traditional and unique aspects, including both traditional and hand-written vows, as well as the planting of a tree with soil from both of their childhood homes to symbolize their individual histories and coming together as one. After they were pronounced husband and wife, guests enjoyed corn hole games, hot cider and the sun setting over the lake. Once the couple’s first dance, the father/daughter dance, and the mother/son dances were complete, guests were seated at a long table running parallel to the lake under cafe lights while vinyl records were played by the DJ. Dinner was served family-style and included southern staples such as a strawberry and goat cheese salad, fried chicken, green beans, and macaroni and cheese.
Dancing ensued, popsicles and homemade cakes made by Kristen’s great aunt were enjoyed as the night came to a close. The fun wasn’t over quite yet though, as their was one more surprise that Kristen didn’t know about. Guests lined up for the sparkler send-off and Jeremy and Kristen began walking down the pathway when, at the end of the line, a 1988 Jeep Grand Wagoneer (Kristen’s dream car) was waiting for them. Jeremy had purchased it and had parts of it restored just days before the wedding, for the sole purpose of surprising her. In total shock when he said it was theirs to keep, Kristen jumped into the air with excitement. Before he could get around the car to open the door for her, she ran to the passenger side and hopped in. They drove off feeling unbelievably grateful for a wonderful family that provided them with such a stunning wedding day and an incredible team of people that brought it all together.
Photography: Heather Payne | Catering: Mama's Boy | Makeup: Elijana Cosmetics | Hair: Anna Bonnema | Venue: At Home | China + Glassware: Barrons Rental Store | Desserts: King Of Pops | Event Planning + Floral Design: Whitewood Events | Rentals: Goodwin Events | Specialty Textiles: Alanah Textiles