I find myself revisiting this wedding SO often. Not just because I am now friends with Sierra (and Glenn), but because these photos capture something SO authentic and true. JCM Photography freaking killed it, but it was really Sierra and Glenn's attitude on the day that really made this day totally goose bump worthy.
Just as a beginner - Sierra and Glenn are local to Asheville which is totally a rarity for me. Most of my couples come from out of state or even all the way from the west coast! This couple dealt with a lot of challenges with wedding planning through the planning process - the biggest being the budget and the second was time crunch since they didn't want to wait. They had a smaller budget to work with, so they spent most of their time finding vendors who would actually work with their budget. (There is a fine line between PRICE SHOPPING and WORKING WITH VENDORS on your budget. Another blog for another day.) The biggest and best thing they did for their budget and for vendor availability was picking a Thursday for their wedding day! They got discounts galore for it being a Thursday, and they totally had the pick of the litter for vendors since it's rare to have a Thursday booked up.
Sierra and Glenn decided on a venue that isn't typically used for weddings and is gorgeous! The Brevard Music Center is tucked away a few minutes from downtown Brevard. It's super charming, industrial, and has an open air venue that keeps air flow and a view of the lake/pond. They also have a pair of ducks that are inseparable and totally willing to walk up to you to nibble on your pant leg!
Because budget was tight, these two decided to DIY a lot of their elements including putting up some drape, putting up lights, saving a tad bit by buying their linen, and DIY-ing their decor. Since it is a Thursday wedding, they were allowed to set up on Wednesday for the decor and everything. Although things like lighting took most of their time setting up, they had me to finish up their table florals and set up while they went to their rehearsal dinner. (They now admit that they should have hired out the lighting like I recommended! Ha!)
The day of the wedding had it's challenges - more so than most weddings. Rain totally foiled their ceremony location plans at Glenn's family's property where a lot of his family has also gotten married in the past. We had planned for this Plan B for a while, so we decided to finally execute the plan. They did get to get ready at the property, do their first look, and the wedding party photos! We also had to hold ceremony for a family related emergency (everyone is okay and safe).
Besides being a bit behind and the rain itself, nothing stopped these two love birds from getting hitched and totally cheesing out the rest of the evening with their breakfast for dinner stations and fun piñata cake cutting! (The piñata was also a DIY project by the bride!)
PLANNING + COORDINATION // PLAIN WITH SPRINKLES
VENUE // BREVARD MUSIC CENTER
PHOTOGRAPHY // JCM PHOTOGRAPHY
VIDEOGRAPHY // JOHN APPLETON
PLACE CARDS + SIGNAGE // FRECKLES + INK
FLORAL // CAROLINA FLOWERS
CATERING // VERBENA CAKES & CATERING
DJ // PRESTON PRINCE
CEREMONY MUSIC // JAY BROWN MUSIC
HAIR // BRIDE’S BEST FRIEND
MAKEUP // ALI LAWLESS - ANARIE
OFFICIANT // HANNAH - HEARTLIGHT WEDDINGS
PARTY RENTALS // RENTAL ME THIS
TRANSPORTATION // BACKCOUNTRY BUTLER
PINATA // BRIDE DIY