Intimate Foggy Mountain Wedding: Shannon + John

North Carolina wedding

Shannon + John met while working in Boone, North Carolina, so naturally they wanted their tiny wedding to be held in the gorgeous NC mountains. Since most everyone had to travel in, and they knew many guests would need to drive home the night of the wedding, they thought a daytime celebration sounded just right. And when you see their gorgeous wedding photos, with the most magical fog creating an amazing ambiance for the afternoon, we’d say they definitely chose the perfect location and time of day to exchange their vows!

Shannon says, Literally every piece of our wedding was personal. Invitations were hand drawn by a best friend and bridesmaid. My flower crown was made by another best friend moments before I walked down the aisle. My neighbors let me trim their tress and flowers as much as I wanted for the reception. Two of my favorite people set up the whole reception with basically no prep time while we were having our ceremony. AND to top it all off, my two best friends sang “Home” by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as I was walking towards my groom, and it was that much more perfect. The list goes on and on! I know it wasn’t an ordinary wedding, but if you know our hearts, you know how perfect the day was for us.

Big thanks to Emily Chidester for the amazing photos – seriously, fog has never looked better! – and congratulations to Shannon + John on a day that was just right for them!

white bridesmaids

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

THAT CEREMONY!!! I look at the pictures and feel jealous of this amazing ceremony in the foggy mountains but then I get to remember that it's me! Walking through the hills and fog, where I feel the most at home, to the love of my life that also makes me feel the most at home, was the most surreal moment of my life. It was perfect.

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina intimate foggy wedding

North Carolina wedding party

bridesmaids in a field

Love these sweet shots of Shannon + her girls!

bridesmaids in a field

North Carolina wedding

flower crown

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina bride

North Carolina wedding

Shannon’s simple BHLDN dress was a perfect fit for her + John’s laid back nuptials.

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

What an amazing setting…

North Carolina wedding

North Carolina wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Two things: First- PHOTOGRAPHY!!! We had the tightest budget of all time. Even with that, I knew right away who I wanted to capture every tear and moment of nervousness/laughter/joy, and I am so happy with the decision to really care about who's behind that lens. My best friend got married last year and Emily was her photographer - and I knew I wanted to work with her after being a bridesmaid in that wedding. Second- People want to help you. Ten times a day people texted or called me asking what they can do to help. At first I tried to take on everything and say I didn't need any help. Eventually I realized how genuine each person's intentions were and I started handing out tasks! It feels good to be involved and I asked my friends to help with things I know they are good at and everything was amazing.

I know everyone says it, but remembering that at the end of it all, you will be marrying your best friend and even if your cake drops and there is a 100% chance of rain (though it never rained once!), that is ALL that matters! Have fun and relax! Oh, and pack a snack during the "getting ready" time.

photography: Emily Chidester Photography // venue name: Valle Crucis Park in Valle Crucis, North Carolina // florals: Friends // wedding dress: BHLDN // hairpiece: Caroline Bergeron of Willow and Wilder // bride's shoes: Old Navy // bridesmaid dresses: An assortment of cream dresses // hair stylist: Caroline Bergeron // makeup artist: Tori Zananiri & Erica Burchfield // groom attire: John Henry // videography: Adam Hicks // paper goods: Diana Mnatsakanyan // catering: Peter Jones // cake: Jordan Wilkie // music: Chris Hill and Diana Mnatsakanyan // ceremony location: Thunder Hill lookout on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Boone, North Carolina

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