Jess and Aaron's Real Western North Carolina Wedding

I am so pleased to bring you Jess and Aaron's DIY mountain wedding at Cataloochee Ranch, captured by Torrence Photography. It is the absolute epitome of rustic, mountain, DIY charm. The bride groom and family all worked together to make this wedding happen. The make-do culture has a long history in the southern mountains, where steep terrain and sparse population made it difficult to move goods in and out of the region. This wedding definately captured the spirit of community, family, and fun in the southern mountains. Enjoy!

{All images are provided by Torrence Photography}

The couple exchanged vows on a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains on family property. Family friends–owners of Cataloochee Ranch–offered up their home and backyard for the intimate reception. There are so many details of this wedding that warm my heart. Jess and Aaron's wedding was truly a community celebration and a family event. An aunt made the wedding cake, the bride picked wild flowers for her bouquet, and they enjoyed a potluck buffet. Oh, and the brides brother photographed the wedding ;-)

My favorite parts of this wedding are the many details that invoke traditional Appalachian mountain culture. Numerous oldtime and bluegrass musicians provided live music throughout. Real moonshine from a local Haywood County moonshiner provided the kick in Cataloochee Punch, a lemonade-based signature drink. And they didn't let a little rain get them down. (Summer in western North Carolina brings rain almost every day.) Instead they kicked up their heels and enjoyed dancing in it!

I love that the couple didn't overly decorate. The amazing beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the rustic charm of Cataloochee Ranch was decoration enough. A few wild flowers here and there offered the perfect, understated touch for this real mountain wedding.

What a sweet way to end a wonderful wedding in the mountains: the bride and groom ride of on horseback. A very hearty thanks to Stephen and Claire of Torrence Photography for letting me share this wonderful wedding.