Friday, May 29, 2015

Wedding Magic in the Carolina Mountains

It seems like yesterday that my dear friend Jill and I were sitting on the porch of our rental cabin in the Carolina mountains and discussing the biscuit bar for this wedding. It seemed  so far away. And now after all Jill's  careful planning,  this magical event has happened.  And I do believe that she outdid herself! 

First let me say that there has never been a weekend with such perfect weather- low 80's, light breeze, and nothing but sunshine. On Memorial Day,   in Greenville, South Carolina, family and friends gathered to see Laura and Charlie married. 

Let me share with you this  magical wedding day in the Carolina mountains.


The Ceremony Location - The Chapel at Glassy Mountain in the Cliff's community

The ceremony took place at the most beautiful chapel- high on the top of a mountain, tucked up in the clouds  with the valley below. So high and glorious, that you could almost  touch  the angels. 






 
Not a cloud in the sky-

 
Inside the stone chapel- a view like no other.

 
Greg- the very talented Greenville florist- putting the finishing touches on the flowers
at the gate to the chapel!



 
Hydrangeas mark the pews for the family.



The wedding programs await the guests in the foyer of the stone chapel.
 
 
 
Jill, the mother of the bride, inspects the chapel before the ceremony.
 
Laura arriving at the chapel.
 
 
 
A stunning bride -  soon to be a wife.
 

 
 
 
 
Mother and daughter before the ceremony.

 
 
 
 
Jill and her beautiful daughters- Katie and Laura.

 
A final picture of mom and her  three children, before the ceremony. What a  gorgeous family!
 
But where is Dad? 

 
Proud papa Barry is bringing the wedding veil for his daughter to the chapel..





 
The bridal bouquet

 
The chuppah  with the incredible blue sky in the  background.
It looks like we are in heaven.
 
 
The Ceremony

 
Katie and Annie - such pretty bridesmaids.

 
Charlie's mom and dad escort him down the aisle.
 
 

 
 
Walking down the aisle to " Somewhere Over the Rainbow"- here comes Laura with mom and dad.-
 I think Dad is a bit teary eyed.
 
 
 
Watching as Laura comes down the aisle.
 



Married at last!
 



The happy couple-  Laura and Charlie!
 
 
And just for those of you that doubt  angels can fly- take a look at these!
 


A happy bride, smiling as the wind swirls her long veil over the magnificent view.

 
Stunning!
 
 
Now down the  mountain to Mountain Park for the wedding celebration.
 
 
 
The Cocktail Hour
 
Cocktails and appetizers on the terrace by the barn at Mountain Park.
 



 



 
Burlap tablecloths with dusty pinks and sage colors in the flowers.




Ferns, ivy, and ficus trees lit with white lights outside the bar. 

 
One of the signature cocktails- "THE LAURA" - a peach sangria.
 
 
Along with delicious passed appetizers such as Crab Cakes and Shrimp and Grits Shooters,
wedding guests were treated to the quintessential southern food- a biscuit!


 The Biscuit Bar
 

 
The Homemade Pickle Bar

 
Gnarly vines on wooden boxes held flowers on the Escort Card table. 

 
The Escort Card Table- 
 
 
 
 
 
Wedding Dinner in the Barn
 
 
 
Enter through white curtains flanked by beautiful  arrangements on top of old barrels.




 
Communal farm tables with rows of floral "hedges" in wooden boxes with grape vine handles.
 


 
Pinterest worthy pictures!






The most beautiful shade of pink that I have ever seen.
 


 
Soft pink napkins under glass vessels ready for the peach gazpacho. 
 Love the way the charger anchors the entire place setting.

 
Rows and rows of roses, hydrangeas and succulents on all the tables.




The peach gazpacho has been served and the dinner begins.
 


Love the touch of the rosemary sprigs in the butter.
 

 
 
Great looking bar made of old whiskey barrels.
 
 
 
The Cliff's culinary team outdid themselves on the food.  It was sensational.

 
The menu boards were created  by one of Jill's friends- Laurell.  Awesome job.
 
Even though I missed it, I heard the Banana Pudding was out of this world!

 
Sweet Potato Wedding Cake with Chai  Cream Cheese Frosting.
 
 
Time to Party!
 
 
 
 
First the wedding speeches- then we dance!



Father and Daughter Dance to My Girl.
 
 

 
Barry shows his daughter a few new steps!

 
Laura and Charlie's first dance.

 
Cutting the cake



 
Laura's brother, sister-in-law and nephew- baby Wes.  Baby Wes rocked the night away!
A future party animal for sure.

 
Jill lighting a sparkler for the getaway.

 
 
Hand in hand- down the row of sparklers- Laura and Charlie leave as a married couple.
 
 
A toast to the Bride and Groom
 
Laura and Charlie- May all your wishes come true together! 
 
 
 
What an incredible wedding weekend!   
To my friend Jill- not the smallest detail went untouched by your gracious style.  
It was truly a "masterpiece" wedding- one we will always remember.
 
 Congratulations to you and Barry for  creating these  unforgettable
moments in your daughter's life.