it was quite the journey to get to this beautiful april day at the nc arboretum where melanie + ryan got married. when we heard of the tragedy that struck their family, preventing a wedding in the fall, we knew we had to help if they wanted it. so we offered our services, as they rescheduled and starting to plan for their new date this past april. melanie + ryan took us up on our offer, and along with their family, friends, and a dynamic vendor team…they had an emotional, gorgeous wedding day!
it was not until about 2 months before the wedding, in a phone conversation with melanie, that we discovered that ryan and i were from the same small hometown of chapin, sc. melanie to ryan, ” ryan, did you know a nicole riley from chapin?” …his response? “no, but i knew a nicole white” my mouth fell on my desk. that was my maiden name! ryan was the school mascot {go eagles!} and i was a cheerleader. what a small world we live in. after about 15{ish} years, it was great to see ryan and his family!
thank you to blue bend photography for these images – we hope you enjoy them as much as we do!
the day started early with a rehearsal at the arboretum – and then the all the ladies got ready at The Hilton in Biltmore Park, who generously offered them a suite to get ready in, and then a room for the night! they then headed over to the venue to get the big day started! many thanks to asheville makeup artist, blush by wendy ballance for offering their oh-so-talented services!
beautiful melanie!
i have to give a backstory on this next image… right before the ceremony started, the guys asked me to spray them all down with OFF to keep the mosquitoes away. for sake of time, we lined them up and sprayed them down! one of my favorite images of us in action! thanks blue bend!
their ceremony…emotional, sweet, and oh so musical! the groom and his men performed, including when melanie walked down the aisle. not. a. dry. eye.
love these images taken right after the ceremony…
onto the reception! the food was fantastic {as always} by asheville wedding caterer, the colorful palate ; the cake by french broad chocolate lounge ; asheville event rentals by classic event rental ; and smooch booth photo booth ; flowers by Jane’s Creative Designs; and the dance floor was hopping with The Restoration Band!
melanie + ryan…what an honor to be a part of your day. wishing you all the love, happiness, and the most musical journey in life!
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