Rustic NC Mountain Getaway Wedding Photographed by Mark Maya
Where Brandon Johnson and Jennifer Padavic’s mountain getaway wedding took place in Lake Toxaway, NC, is a sharp contrast to where the couple first met. It was in a bustling city that their love story began. After swiping right on a dating app, they realized they lived only a half-mile apart in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. They met in the middle for their first date, and within an hour, Brandon says, he knew they’d spend their lives together.
On Jan. 2, 2021, Brandon and Jennifer kicked off the new year with a hike to the top of Bear Mountain in New York’s Hudson Highlands. While admiring the sunset from the mountaintop, they talked about goals for the upcoming year, and Brandon pulled off a magical proposal. The couple got right to planning a getaway wedding in the mountains of NC.
The pair were set on an intimate hideaway in nature. “My heart was envisioning a casual weekend in a rustic cabin in the mountains with my closest loved ones. I wanted to … have it feel like a quiet, intimate getaway for each of them as well,” Jennifer explains. After the couple chose their wedding venue tucked in the Blue Ridge Mountains, they found Mark Maya Photography to capture the mountain wedding through photography and video. Mark documented it all, from the breathtaking views of hazy mountains ridges to the personal touches that Jennifer and Brandon’s family helped create.
Unique Durham NC Videographer – Mark Maya Photography
The bride and groom hired Durham-based photographer and filmmaker Mark Maya to document the precious moments of their rustic North Carolina mountain wedding. “From our very first interaction, Mark was incredibly organized, warm and inspiring to speak with,” says Jennifer. “I knew immediately and was confident that my photos would be incredible – and seriously, they are breathtaking.” Mark captured the beauty of the big day through photos, drone images and videography.
“I can’t imagine how much time he put into creating our wedding video,” Jennifer says. “Even friends and family that weren’t at the wedding shed heartfelt tears while watching. I don’t know how he did it, but Mark was managing to capture both photo, video and drone images all while remaining so nice and calm. I’m SO grateful for finding him. Highly recommend!!”
A Mountain Getaway in Lake Toxaway NC
Brandon and Jennifer tied the knot at Earthshine Lodge in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, with their closest loved ones. The intimate weekend was filled with scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, stargazing and sparklers. Their color palette of lavender, peach, ivory and moss was inspired by nature and the rustic venue.
Brandon and Jennifer are grateful for their family and friends who made the mountain getaway of their dreams a reality. The photos and video by Mark will serve as a fond reminder of their perfect day.
Rustic Setting for a Getaway in the Mountains
Earthshine Lodge also provided overnight accommodations for the guests. The private setting on 76 acres bordered by Pisgah National Forest allowed for quality time with Jennifer and Brandon’s family and friends. “The best part was that all of the meals were prepared and served on-site to our guests,” Jennifer says. The lodge provided a unique experience for the wedding party and guests including axe throwing and archery classes.
Mark’s photography highlighted all the personal details that Jennifer and Brandon’s added to their wedding day. Jennifer’s sister, Jessica, handled all the planning while their mother put together the floral arrangements and Jennifer’s flower crown with dried flowers from Alfloral. Jessica says that inviting family members to participate in the wedding heightened the experience. “We didn’t stick to norms or gender-specific roles,” Jennifer adds, noting that her mother walked her down the aisle while her dad, Chris Padavic, became ordained to officiate the nuptials. Brandon’s sister served as the ring bearer.
Sparkler Send-off
After the emotional vows and reception, Jennifer and Brandon relaxed with their loved ones around a fire roasting marshmallows, and kicked up their heels on the dance floor. “My favorite moment was right after sunset when I surprised my guests and came out in my wedding party dress,” Jennifer says. “The band (Pimps of Pompe) kicked it up a notch and since it was the night before Fourth of July, all of our guests serenaded us with sparklers on the dance floor. It was truly magical.”
Check out the incredible video that Mark composed from the happy day below!
Can’t get enough of the rustic, vintage style of Mark Maya’s photography? Check out another gorgeous mountain wedding he captured here!
