A Backyard Wedding at Ivy Creek Family Farm in Asheville, North Carolina | Hannah & Michael
To Hannah and Michael, the mountains feel like home. So when they were looking for a wedding venue in Asheville, and they stumbled upon Ivy Creek Family Farm, and saw it sitting so snuggly in the valley, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, they knew it was perfect for their wedding reception. Hannah and Michael also truly valued that Ivy Creek is a working farm rather than solely a venue, meaning that we could use this opportunity to help fund a sustainable, local business.
They chose to have their ceremony at the Basilica of St. Lawrence because Michael grew up and began his faith there, which means a lot to him. This was such a special place to them because of it's significant meaning and purpose in Michael's faith.
"The emotion of actually getting to marry Michael overcame me as I spent some time alone early in the morning. I couldn't believe that the day had actually arrived- it felt surreal, that something placed on my heart for so long was about to happen. I really enjoyed spending time getting ready with my bridesmaids, my mom, and Michael's mom. We were able to relax and just spend time together, which can often get lost in this busy time. I put on my dress with my mom and sister's help, and headed over to the Basilica." -Hannah
"Michael and I held hands with a door separating us (so we couldn't see each other) as we read notes we had written to one another. We shared a moment of prayer, which I will never forget. In this moment I was reminded of God's love for us both, and the journey He had prepared for us." -Hannah
"After getting about 4 hours sleep the night before I woke up around 6am and the nerves began to increase rapidly. Before anyone else was awake I had a few hours to myself, and that is when I spent some time writing my note to Hannah and reflecting on our relationship together.
I was so nervous through the late morning all the way until getting to read the note that Hannah had written for me. That moment was so real and I will never forget the calmness and peace I felt. The feeling that I was about to marry the love of my life, the moment that I would get to tell her how very much she means to me, the moment where I felt peace that we were about to experience the first moment together." -Michael
"After walking out the first person that I made eye contact with was Mrs. Gore, Hannah's mom, and seeing her instantly calmed my nerves. As Hannah walked down the aisle, I was overcome with emotion. She was absolutely gorgeous and beautiful. About halfway through the ceremony it started to set in that we were finally to that day. The words that Hannah and I got the privilege to share with one another during our ceremony was a special moment that I will never forget. Those words embodied who we were as individuals and who we are going to be together, and it is all because of the love God has for each of us. After the ceremony ended I was in state of shock that we were actually married." -Michael
"My eyes met with Michael's as the doors opened, and he was really all I could see as I walked with my dad down the aisle. I felt calm and at ease when I saw Michael standing at the altar. There was my person, waiting for me! I couldn't wait to get down the aisle and join him." -Hannah
"The ceremony was so extremely meaningful to me.
Michael and I spent so much time prior to the wedding praying about our ceremony and choosing what songs, verses, and people we would have recite the readings, so to actually be in the moment, hearing the music and the words read, I felt a sense of relief and humility. We really wanted to provide a space for our friends and family to encounter the love that God has so graciously shown us, which felt so powerful in the moment. We spent a lot of time in the planning of our ceremony to make it as intentional as possible. We wanted the ceremony to show people the love that we have, knowing that our love is only because of what God has done, and wanted to take the focus off of celebrating us, and to provide an opportunity for our friends and family to reflect on God's love for all of us.
As I watched my bridesmaids walk down the aisle, I could see the tears in their eyes. It meant so much to me that my friends were emotional about this day. When my cue to walk down the aisle arrived, I suddenly felt calm.
Michael and I memorized our vows, and I absolutely loved looking him in the eyes as I promised him my love, commitment, and faithfulness. The opportunity to tell Michael how much he means to me and what our relationship stands for was such a valuable moment to proclaim in front of our friends and family." -Hannah
"Walking out of the church and driving to the reception was 20 minutes of us saying
"I can't believe we are married!" -Hannah
"My dad picked a song that we used to play as a duet on piano and mandolin. He spoke before the dance, saying that although it was an unconventional dance song, it had a lot of meaning to us. I hadn't really witnessed my dad getting emotional about me getting married, but at this moment he started getting a little emotional, which meant a lot to me as we shared the dance together to one of our favorite songs." -Hannah
"AT OUR reception I felt love. Love between family and friends, love between sets of friends that were there for us, and the love between Hannah and I." -Michael
"During the reception Michael and I snuck away to take a few more photos as the sun began to set. These moments of peace and quiet as everyone else continued to celebrate were truly special. We were able to take time throughout the day and really soak in what was happening. My heart was full of gratitude for everyone who took the time to come out and spend their Saturday with us. It really meant a lot that we were able to share such an incredible experience with friends and family." -Hannah
Mid-way through the reception, as the sun was starting to get lower in the sky, and we had to take advantage of the beautiful scenery.
It was such a calm moment, and as we were walking back and wrapping up, Michael grabbed Hannah and said, "hold on." He turned her to face the mountains and kissed her on her forehead.
They stayed like that for just a few moments, taking it all in. The view, the day, each other, and the meaningfulness of what they had just become together.
WEDDING VENDORS
Wedding Ceremony Venue: The Basilica of St. Lawrence
Wedding Reception Venue: Ivy Creek Family Farm
Bridal Gown: Vera Wang
Bridesmaids Dresses: Daisy Formals
Flowers By: Fred Gore
Men's Attire: Men's Warehouse
DJ: DJ Mad Skills
Hair & Make Up Artist: Kristin Mirabelle
Catering: 12 Bones
Staff: Golden Girls Event Staffing
