Blue Ridge Evergreen Wedding

Grace and Cameron were married just after Christmas in Virginia’s Blue Ridge mountains. They went with a “gentle Christmas” feel, with just a touch of pine, pinecones, red berries in the arrangements by Creative Occasions and bridesmaids dressed in the perfect shade of evergreen. We are getting all the Christmas in July feels with these beautiful photos from Amy Ledyard Photography!

How did you meet?

8 years ago on a hot summer July night my sister and I attended a new youth group in our hometown. Little did we know that in 2012 we would meet playing kickball, turn into incredible friends, and four years date and get married. We owe it all to the Lord and a stuffy youth group gym. 

What is your proposal story?

Cameron planned a weekend while I was away at college. I knew he was coming up for a date but had no clue whatsoever. He seemed anxious. That cold November I was dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans but he was suspiciously in a button down. We walked on our favorite riverside walk. I told him I wanted him to go near the river. He led the conversation into an encouraging one until I had to comment about the trash in the river…oh man. He struggled to regain the romance while I tried to connect the dots. Finally he grabbed my hands and said, “Grace, i want you to be my helpmate for the rest of my life…the fact that you want to even help the river is what I want for the rest of my life”. He got down on one knee and asked, “Virginia Grace will you marry me?”. I had my choice words of unbelief and said, “Is this forreal? Are you sure?” And cried while saying yes! The day was full of surprises from parties with girlfriends, seeing the Grinch, but the day ending with a surprise photo/memory table and Candle lit dinner at our favorite restaurant. Many people congratulated us and one couple came over and prayed over us. WOW! And of course free dessert! 

What was the most important to the two of you while planning? Was there anything that you chose to splurge on or skip?

The most important part for planning was thinking about it being one day. One day versus the rest of our lives. We needed to think about the next day, week and month after the wedding. Yes the wedding is a special day but a wedding can be a success but the marriage can fail. We sought wise counsel, a healthy home, and the Lord above all else. We splurged on the DJ because we are party people who always want to dance! And we love dancing with others!  

What were your favorite parts of the day?

Our favorite part was dancing with each other as well as our friends and family. We had hiccups along the way but I cannot thank our family and friends enough. One funny moment that I recently found out about is my flower girl had forgotten her shoes and only had brown crocs. Thankfully my MOH decided bare foot would be the way to go! Ahaha! 

Did you include any family heirlooms or special traditions?

Yes the lace from my mothers wedding dress was wrapped around my bouquet. I wore my great grandmothers mink coat for photos. My aunt had my wedding date stitched to five handkerchiefs for my bridesmaids from my grandfathers. 

Why a Mountain Wedding?

Mountains are a place of refuge and strength. You can see the highs and lows of a mountain but you have to experience both to truly have joy. A mountainous wedding is literally highs and lows in reality. Nature and creation is truly a reflection of the love that We have in all of us. 

What’s your biggest piece of advice for other couples planning a mountain wedding?

My advice is get married in the mountains for a peaceful setting, a place to reflect, and a place to challenge yourself. My wedding was 65° in December and perfect. Don’t believe the naysayers, go where your heart rejoices.  

Event Credits

Ceremony VenueAppalachia Hills
StationeryShutterfly
Groom’s AttireBelk
Bride’s ShoesAmazon
Bridesmaid DressesDavid’s Bridal
HeadpieceClaire’s