Kristin and Ross Marry in The Mountains

A trip to the mountains in August is always a welcome relief in North Carolina.
Kristin and Ross would be married in Highlands, a town that holds a special place in the hearts of Ross' family.
After braving the incredibly curvy road that leads to the town, Betsy and I quickly realized the appeal of this charming town.
The wedding rehearsal took place at the private residence of a family friend Friday night. The beautiful setting was a photographer's dream and I was excited about the visual potential.
Well, much like many other areas in the state, the mountains have been experiencing a severe drought. Things were about to change Saturday.
The rain began to fall early Saturday and decided to stick around throughout the day. Ross, who was reminded numerous times that rain on your wedding day was good luck (including once by me), had to scramble to move the wedding ceremony to the Highlands Falls Country Club, the site of the reception.
Everyone took things in stride and they ended up with a touching, fun ceremony in the area that would later serve as the dance floor.
Kristin and Ross are both incredibly laid-back and that helped make the transition a breeze. They had many siblings and nieces and nephews who turned the ceremony into a wonderful family affair.
The old-school photo booth was a huge hit and Ross brought his pals from the band Hometown Sweethearts in from Wisconsin to rock the house. They had everyone dancing all night long.
General Manager Jason Macaulay and his staff at Highlands Falls Country Club did a fantastic job with all of the food and beverages. As an avid golfer, I was awed by the beauty of the golf course, which features a hole with a waterfall flowing behind the green.
It was a joy working with Kristin, Ross and their wonderful families.
Have a great time and eat lots of lobster in Bar Harbor!

Kristin and Ross

Cute nieces

Kristin and her mom at the rehearsal

Kristin and Ross enjoy the rehearsal

The Highlands Falls Country Club

Kristin gets ready

One of Ross' sisters

Ross' brother escorts their mother to the ceremony

Ross' nieces watch Kristin walk down the aisle

A lighthearted moment during the ceremony

The vows

Just married

There was some beautiful light as a light rain fell

The photo booth was great fun

They made a scrapbook with the photo booth pictures

Ross' cousins tell some tales

The couple enjoys the speeches

Toasting

Waylan Nate Palan, left, and Scott Beardsley of Hometown Sweethearts

Ross' brother rocks "Sweet Caroline"

A bubbly finish

Some Cool Relief for a Smokin' Hot August Wedding (Clary and Robert Part 2)

It's August in the Carolinas and you know it's going to get hot.
So I guess this was the perfect time for one of the coolest weddings I've ever had a chance to photograph.
I recently got to work with Clary when we did her bridal portrait and I photographed Clary and Robert's rehearsal dinner Friday night.
I knew this was going to be an elegant event and both families are incredibly personable and easy to work with.
We started the day at Clary's parents' home as the bridesmaids got prepared. Clary's mom, Liz, who is also a model, thought of every detail. She brought in her friend Melissa B. Melvin, who typically works on fashion shoots, to help get the dresses just right.
The day was indeed hot, but everyone stayed cool through the beautiful service at Myers Park Baptist Church.
Our company photographer, Laura Mueller, was a huge help as she photographed the guys and preparations at the church.
Myers Park Country Club looked incredible, adorned with amazing floral arrangements from The Blossom Shop.
The ladies from Confetti Distinctive Events, Janie Sellers, Betsy Blue and intern Nicole Moody, did a great job handling all of the details with help from Myers Park Country Club social director Bobbie Eller.
One of the cooler elements at the reception was the bar, which was made of ice. Ice Sensations created the bar and other interesting ice features.
Another unique feature was the bourbon and cigar bar, complete with a gentleman hand rolling cigars for the guests. Joe and Alex from PVT Label Cigartainment were on hand throughout the reception.
The Maxx, a lively band from Atlanta, provided a steady soundtrack that had guests dancing all night. Kathy Allen of Cakes of Distinction created an elegant cake and the couple toasted with beautiful crystal flutes her parents brought back from a trip to Santorini Greece.
Clary and Robert are off to honeymoon in Anguilla.

Clary and Robert

Clary's mom, Liz, was striking

The girls head to the church

Clary's dad tries to stay out of the fray before the service

Clary looked amazing in her Vera Wang Couture gown

Two lovely ladies, Clary and her mom Liz

Maid of Honor Elizabeth

Liz is greeted by a friend

Clary and Robert's dads walk him to the church with Dr. Shoemaker

Myers Park Baptist Church

Heading to the reception

Flowers by The Blossom Shop

The cool ice bar from Ice Sensations was a hit

The gorgeous cake by Kathy Allen of Cakes of Distinction

Alex of PVT Cigartainment rolls a cigar

A big send off after a great night