Bohemian NC Lake Wedding with Bright Fall Color

Jessy and Matt’s wedding was absolutely beautiful, elegant, and detailed. It was so well put together that anyone not involved in the planning would have no idea that this gorgeous wedding was created in less than two months! Jessy’s vision coupled with the top notch vendors that she chose made for an amazing wedding day! Plus, many of the details on this day, like the ceremony and cocktail hour musicians being friends of the couple, were very personal, which made it even more special! One of Jessy’s wedding day dreams was for photos by the water with lots of fall color and a gorgeous fall wedding bouquet. Even though they are a couple whose big day was changed because of COVID, she got her wish! Mother Nature set this fall season of change up perfectly for Jessy and Matt’s wedding and Jessy’s dream came true! The amazing fall color captured in combination with Jessy and Matt’s bohemian style!

How did you meet?

We met at an acoustic cafe in Greenville SC. He was playing a solo set and I couldn’t stop staring at him.

What is your proposal story?

He took me to Cumberland Falls on our way home from Thanksgiving dinner. We had our dog with us and everything was slippery and icey. I knew something was up for him to take me there in those conditions because he’s definitely the more safety conscious of the two of us!

Tell us a little a bit about your wedding (your vision, color, style, and location choices).

We wanted to use the colors of the fall leaves and keep it simple, elegant, and bohemian. I wanted to be by a lake in the mountains so this venue was absolutely perfect, and only a half hour from our home. In the midst of the Covid pandemic, it was important to us to keep things as easy as possible.

Tell us about your attire choices.

I always wanted a fall wedding and a long sleeve dress. I found my long-sleeved Vera Wang gown the first time I went shopping and never looked back. I wore a flower crown and cowgirl boots. I wanted to be comfortable. My husband pieced together his jacket, boots, and bolo tie from Amazon, Ariat, and a jewelry-making friend in his hometown. It all came together perfectly.

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

We were married during the covid-19 lockdown, so our guest list was very limited. We were only able to invite our closest inner circle of friends and family. I chose to skip the bouquet toss and a formal bridal party. Everyone who attended is who would have been in the wedding. We splurged on photography and food, and are so glad we did!

What were your favorite parts of the day?

My favorite part of the day was our “first look.” Our photographer orchestrated everything, it was very private, and gave us a few minutes alone before the ceremony. I loved our ceremony and reading our hand written vows. My brother-in-law married us and that was so special. He choked up as he explained our ceremonious ritual, planting a baby lemon tree with soil from each of our hometowns. That was so funny and sweet, I’ll probably never forget it. Our 17-month old son wanted to be held during our first dance, so I did. It meant the world to me to dance with both my loves.

Tell us about your wedding flowers.

My wedding flowers were truly a work of art. Flowers by Larry in Hendersonville NC designed the bouquet and arbor. I have them dried and on display now.

Tell us about your wedding cake.

Our wedding cake was a small two-tiered “naked” icing design. The bottom layer was apple cinnamon with whipped salted caramel icing and the top tier was a vanilla pecan cake with cream cheese icing. Flowers by Larry provided some flowers and dried apples for decoration.

What did you do for favors?

I had saved baby food jars and used them to make white candles with apple cinnamon scented oils and dried flowers on top. We painted the lids black and painted J&M in gold lettering. My husband distilled a special batch of rye whiskey and we put them in small bottles. Everything was assembled in small burlap bags adorned with fall leaves and feathers by my mother in law.

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

We love the Appalachian Mountains and are both lake people, born and raised. We wanted a fall wedding, so it made sense to have our wedding at a venue in the mountains with a lake. We felt right at home. My biggest advice to others planning a mountain wedding is to take advantage of the natural beauty surrounding you and keeping things relaxed.

Event Credits

Wedding DressVera Wang
Groom’s AttireMen’s Wearhouse
Bride’s ShoesKeds for Kate Spade
Bridesmaid DressesJoyfolie