Alyssa + Miles chose to marry in Boone, NC, where their relationship began as college sweethearts when they were both 18 years old. For the wedding, family and friends did most of the preparing and planning, taking a little input from Alyssa and running with it. In fact, Alyssa didn’t even know what the ceremony or reception were going to look like the day of the wedding, but she loved every detail!
Alyssa + Miles
Boone, NC
August 8, 2015
Wedding day weather: Sunny with clouds
Number of guests: 30
Your budget: 10,000
Biggest splurge: Photography
Biggest savings: Location and Rentals
Why did you choose the Mountains for your wedding?
My husband and I met in Boone while attending Appalachian State University. We wanted to return to the place that brought us together.
Wedding day theme
Rustic and nature. We wanted to highlight the greens, brown, and sunny peaches of August.
Where did you find your inspiration?
Pinterest, various bridal magazines and our photographer’s portfolio.
How did you choose to personalize your wedding?
My mother-in-law made all the decor and put together the mason jar gifts. The various gifts we bought for family and the little trickets we used during the wedding were all personalized with photos of our childhood.
What was your favorite part of the reception?
I really enjoyed the dance with my father – I forget how great of a dancer he is and how HORRIBLE I am. However, he made me feel like a princess all the same. I loved the dance with Miles, but my dance with my daddy was quite special.
What are three things you’re super glad you did?
I’m glad we had the wedding outside despite the risk of bad weather. I’m glad I wore flats instead of heels (and my feet are thankful too)! And I’m thrilled that we kept the wedding small and intimate – that those who attended were our closest friends who we see and talk to everyday and the family that has always been close by.
What was the biggest challenge in planning your mountain wedding and how did you overcome it?
We were challenged by distance – we currently live in Greenville, NC. We had to do a lot of planning without seeing what anything looked like so finding a venue became difficult when we didn’t have a lot of money to spend on a mountain weekend trip to shop for venues. Luckily, Miles’ parents live in outside Charlotte and were able to take pictures of various places they visited and my friends who frequent the mountain area were able to help me pick a location, etc.
How did you find and choose your vendors?
We were early patrons of Galileo’s and always entertained the idea that we should have our wedding there since they could cater to music and food. We always loved the atmosphere, the food, and the culture at Gal’s and knew we needed to go back.
What is your best piece of advice to other mountain brides who are planning their weddings?
Have your ceremony in the early afternoon before it rains.
Boone, NC Wedding Vendors
Photographer: Revival Photography | Dress Store: David’s Bridal | Caterer: Galileo’s | Design and Decor: Goth Chic Accessories | Event Venue: Howard Knob Park | Shoes: Ivanka Trump | Invitation Designer: Jen Simpson Design | Design and Decor: Little Gem Girl on Etsy | Fashion Designer: Steve Pace – Florist in Boone | Bakery: Stick Boy Bread Company | Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Tommy Hilfiger | Equipment Rentals: Upper Barn Rentals | Floral Design: Bouquet Florist of Boone | Wedding Cake: Stick Boy Bread Company