Riverside Beach Wedding in North Carolina

Stephanie and Spencer knew they wanted to keep their wedding details simple in order to focus on friends, family, and each other, so when they found Brown Mountain Beach Resort, they loved how it provided a beautiful riverside beach backdrop for their celebration. Stephanie spent months hand-painting shaved wood roses in deep reds and rose gold for their centerpieces, blending perfectly with their rustic, jewel-toned palette. Since baseball has been a big part their friendship, they decorated the speakeasy below the main space with vintage and replica baseball treasures and even played prohibition-era world series broadcasts over an old radio during the event! Although they wanted to keep things minimal, these amazing photos by Jenni Chandler Photography prove that their day was a gorgeous event!

How did you meet?

We met online and our first date was at a local coffee shop. We spent almost 4 hours talking that first day and we have been inseparable since. We were together for 5 years before we decided to get married.

What is your proposal story?

We went to a Washington Nationals game in DC. It snowed us out early, but we did get to see Bryce Harper hit one of his last home runs as a Nat. We stayed at The Old Post Office building (also in DC) and had dinner at BLT Prime’s overlook of The Grand Lobby that evening. The president had been expected to visit and did show up for a private dinner while we were eating. Spencer proposed when dessert was being served. Our waitress had collaborated with Spencer to hide the ring in a small box they used for special treats. Everyone on the top balcony cheered for us which was amazing. I couldn’t stop crying. When we left the restaurant, there was a crowd waiting to see the president leave and Spencer yelled “she said yes!” which embarrassed me… but was also hilarious to everyone there as they cheered.

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

We skipped all sorts of traditional trappings involved in weddings. No bridal party, single dances, or even a traditional style cake, just us having OUR wedding. The splurge went towards our rings and our accommodation of friends and family for the weekend mountain getaway.

What were your favorite parts of the day?

The ceremony itself. Watching our extended family’s little children dance to the live music. Combing back to our cabin to find candle light pathway leading upstairs…to find FOOD the staff saved for us!

What did you do for favors?

A few months before the wedding, when the reservations were finalized, we created a “guide” of sorts that went over the cabin arrangements, local area, campground, and other accommodations offsite that we bound & mailed out.. We put together a mountain weekend “survival kit” with water bottles, toiletries, first aid kits, gourmet snacks and recovery drinks. We placed the bags in each of our guest’s cabins for them to discover upon arrival alongside a printed itinerary with a map. At the reception we had Instax instant cameras out for people to either fill our leather-bound guest book or take home. We sent a camera home with each family with children.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?

If you are having an intimate wedding of less than 50 people, and have the time, plan your own wedding and use the savings towards other important elements. Invite who you really want present at your ceremony and honor your family and friends that deserve it. Don’t let anyone pressure you into any piece of your wedding. It is your day, but don’t let that overshadow the celebration and comfort of your guests.

Why a Mountain Wedding?

We wanted an outdoor setting in the fall specifically so nature would lend its beauty, We also wanted the weather to have a better chance of being cool. Most of all we were thrilled with being able to have a ceremony on a beach IN the mountains! 

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

Our biggest advice is for couples planning a mountain wedding (especially if the ceremony is outside) is to accept ahead of time the weather could be less than stellar, and to be prepared if that happens! Ours was amazing but it sprinkled right after the vows – it was beautiful. Be honest with yourselves.