An Unforgettable Kayak Ride Down the Haw River in Saxapahaw, NC
Like many modern American couples, Anna and Kyle fell in love over fries and craft beer. Just kidding! While the couple did meet randomly at Lynnwood Grill & Brewing Concern in Raleigh, NC, their love was far from deep-fried. After a few first dates, it was easy for Anna and Kyle to know that they had found their soulmate. Their combined love of Saxapahaw, NC led to an adventurous and quite unexpected marriage proposal.
Located just outside Chapel Hill, Saxapahaw is the sweet southern home to a quaint general store, brewery, pub, music venue, and hiking trails along the Haw River. In 2018 Anna and Kyle decided to take their newly purchased kayaks out for a spin on the Haw River. It was on that same spring day that Kyle surprised Anna with a picnic proposal. The two basked in the romance of the moment by soaking up their love with the sun and champagne. But Anna and Kyle forgot one little thing. That they had to paddle four miles back up the Haw River to return to their car! After an exhausting kayak journey back up the river to the general store, Anna was met by yet another surprise. Kyle had invited their entire family and friends to celebrate! Today, Saxapahaw holds an incredibly special place in their hearts.
Who Says You Can’t Invent Your Own Wedding Color? Mountain Wedding Preparation
When it came to picking a theme for their mountain wedding, Anna and Kyle weren’t sure. Instead, they chose to focus on colors and designs that they liked. Colors such as gray, mauve, ivory, and last but not least – eucalyptus! Anna invented the color eucalyptus to subtly enhance the already gorgeous mountain wedding venue. Along with their peaceful mountain wedding colors, the bride and groom selected gold geometric shapes to brighten their rustic chic decor.
Gorgeous Mountain Wedding Dress From Lana Addison Bridal
While Anna and the bridesmaids got their wedding hair and makeup done, Kyle led his groomsmen to the local brewery for a few brews and a bite to eat! But don’t worry, the ladies made sure to have fun with a champagne and silk bathrobe photo shoot. After their bestie photo shoot, Anna stepped into her floor length Pronovias gown from Lana Addison Bridal salon. We absolutely love the delicate sheer detailed high neckline of this bridal gown. The train of this bridal gown fell like a mountain reflection pool around Anna’s ankles. Located in Cary, NC Lana Addison Bridal caters to every bride’s beautifully unique style and taste.
Richard Barlow Photography bounced between the two bridal party groups to capture every cheerful and tearful moment. Don’t miss Kyle’s hilarious custom designed socks covered in the faces of each of his groomsmen!
Simply Elegant Mountain Wedding Ceremony
When you get married at a gorgeous destination like the mountains of NC, there’s really not that much wedding decorating necessary. The surrounding fresh greenery and breathtaking views of the mountains in the distance are beautiful all on their own. The only thing Anna and Kyle needed to add to their mountain view ceremony altar was a wisp of white linens and a touch of eucalyptus. It was exactly in this space that bride Anna describes her favorite moment of the day,
“Honestly, my favorite moment was when the ceremony doors opened and I saw my soon-to-be husband standing at the front of the Pavilion.”
Anna walked down the aisle with her father, who pre-recorded Canon in D on the guitar for the bridal party to enter the ceremony to! It’s special details like this that make each wedding truly unique.
Warm and Cozy Mountain Wedding Reception with Friends and Family
Following Anna and Kyle’s wedding ceremony, guests were invited to a beautiful candlelit wedding reception. Exposed farm wood covered in eucalyptus leaves and dinner ware from CE Rental gave the dinner tables a woodsy, whimsical vibe. Massive stone fireplaces filled to the brim with candles and wooden chandeliers only enhanced the mountain wedding ambiance. Kyle couldn’t keep his eyes off of his wife, who appeared to be glowing with happiness. Personal touches included UNC and NC State themed koozies and corn hole boards. The couple also had a customized giant Jenga set for guests to enjoy outside and play throughout the evening. And perhaps the sweetest detail of the evening, the Duck Donuts dessert table! “Donut mind if i do!”
Anna and Kyle’s mountain wedding was only the beginning of their life full of adventures. They are incredibly thankful that they have amazing wedding photos to help them remember that day forever.
“Loving our wedding photos was our first priority, since it is what we’ll have to remember our wedding day for the rest of our lives. We are so happy that we hired Richard!” -Bride Anna
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