Outdoor Chic Wedding at Summerfield Farms | Summerfield, NC

Kristen and Mark fell in love while they were white water rafting guides in Idaho Springs, Colorado. I’m seriously glad they found me at Triad Weddings, because I kinda fell in love with them too.

You may remember their stunning engagement photographs.  We started our session in Asheville but we couldn’t find any water…and I REALLY wanted us to shoot in some water. I suggested we drive an hour away to Pisgah National Forest. This adventurous pair hopped in the car. Cold water? No problem. They jumped right in. Literally. The long day was so much fun and ended with some awesome images of this gung-ho couple.

I tried to incorporate water into both their engagement and wedding photographs, because, well, that’s a major element of their story! Photographing in and around water can offer up some challenges but it is so worth it. One of my favorite images from their wedding is “the ring shot”.  We put their rings on ice and my assistant poured water slowly over them. It took us darn near a half an hour to get the shot just right, but I love that we were able to make it work.

I could write a book about everything I adored about this couple and their Summerfield Farms’ wedding. The whole day was a joy to photograph. For starters, Kristen was completely on board when I asked her to get dressed outside instead of in the Bridesmaids’ Cottage. Hands down, some of my favorite images from the day.

Their ceremony was under the Little Tree and was completely outdoors. It was sweet, personal and just plain ‘real’. Kristen and Mark’s beloved dog, Rupert, served as a groomsman. Kristen did something I wish I had done at my wedding…walked down the aisle barefoot. She carried it off with sophistication and grace. Major props to her on that one. There was no groom’s side and bride’s side. All of the guests comingled and acted as if they had known each other for years.

The reception was in The Barn. Beer was served out of a canoe, music was bumping, the dance floor was crowded and guests were fully engaged in the fun. At the end of the night, several guests were actually willing to fulfill my request to scale across the rafters in the Barn and assault the dance floor with bubble guns.

Really. What more could you ask for??

My favorite, favorite, favorite shot from this wedding was during Kristen and Mark’s Romance Session. We found a silo under construction to use as the backdrop and the reflection and color give the effect of water. Perfection.

I really could go on and on about this charming couple. Kristen and Mark, if I could photograph your wedding all over again, I would be there in a heartbeat! Congratulations!