Priya and Trevor's Indian-American Wedding at Brown Mountain Beach Resort

“In the flush of love’s light
We dare be brave
And suddenly we see
That love costs all we are
And will ever be.
Yet it is only love which sets us free”

— Dr. Maya Angelou

Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to wear three different gorgeous outfits at their happy wedding celebration?!? Anyone who knows my photography style, knows I LOVE bold colors and Indian ceremonies are notorious for their incredible colors. I was SO excited when Priya messaged to say my colors would show off their day best. She also wanted a team of “female boss babe vendors” because she knew we would get *ish done! Obviously I loved her immediately!

From the beginning we knew the timeline would be a little complicated with two ceremonies in one day but it was super fun exploring the options and the various ways Brown Mountain Beach could accommodate what they were looking for.

Her family was coming in from India and his mostly from Texas but because they currently live in NC, they wanted to highlight the beauty of our lovely state. She wanted mountains and he wanted the beach. They could not have chosen a better venue.

After the rehearsal Monday evening, everyone was delighted to celebrate with dancing at their Sangeet. For those unfamiliar with the term, the word “Sangeet “ means  music, or in this case, Music Night or Musical party. This musical night is a celebration of the union of not only the couple but the bonding of both families. It is here that both sides bring down their barriers and mingle in a fun environment. Everyone had so much fun!

Tuesday morning preparations finished with a first look between Priya and her sweet parents before she met her groom at the aisle. They exchanged a few sweet moments, raved over her dress and wished her many blessings.

Seriously though… this dress. You guys. Can all my future weddings PLEASE have this many colors!! I am obsessed!

They were adamant that this ceremony represent who they are as a couple, and not the typical patriarchal traditions that typically come with wedding ceremonies. They wrote most of the bi-lingual service themselves, incorporating a few traditions they loved and creating new ones at the same time. It was a beautiful testament to their strength as individuals and as a newly bonded couple.

With the first ceremony in the books, everyone took a lunch break then changed outfits for the American ceremony. Trevor and Priya shared a first look this time and after solidifying their vows a second time, had fun with their wedding party and relaxed for the rest of the evening, full to the brim with the love of their blended families.

It was an absolute honor to be included in your big day you guys!! Let’s do it again soon! ;)

The Wedding Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola with Ashley Warren

Venue: Brown Mountain Beach Resort

Coordinator: Hillary with BMB

Indian Sari was flown over with Priya’s mother direct from their home town.

American Dress: New York Bride and Groom

Rings: James Allen

Hair and Make Up: Shipra Ajmera

Florist: Edgemont garden

DJ: Spin Fire Entertainment

Video: Breel Productions

Erin and Ian's Wedding at Brown Mountain Beach Resort

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

Erin and Ian know how to throw a party. From the very first conversation they knew they wanted me on site for both the rehearsal and the wedding day, and by the end of the chat, they were adding me for the river day that would follow on Saturday with their guests. And not long after that they decided I needed to be there for the Luau that would follow the river day and of course Sunday Brunch to send everyone off!

This isn’t even including the 3 days of Widespread Panic they attended before the wedding, the Tuesday group hike and Wednesday Rafting excursion. I could not have planned a better wedding week if I had laid out every single detail myself. These two are adventurers to their core and I adore them for it!

When I pulled up to the rehearsal on Thursday after unpacking my gear, I walked down to the beach to find these two love birds having the time of their lives in a bathtub that had been pulled into the river. I knew right then this was going to be one hell of a weekend and they did not disappoint.

After hours around the bonfire Thursday night with all their friends who had just arrived, everyone got up early to detox from the hangover with some group yoga on the deck, and now I must insist that EVERY couple offer this to their party on the morning of the wedding. It was such a relaxing way to start the day and the focus on gratitude brought many happy tears and hugs and simply set the tone for the day. It was like nothing could possibly go wrong after everyone set their intention for the day to be grateful for this space and these people. Truly incredible.

One of the most important pieces of the weekend for Erin and Ian was good music. They knew the music would set the tone for every activity so they went all out. Rebekah Todd serenaded the crowd during the ceremony and cocktail hour with some surprise songs that were super meaningful to the family.

The Dickens Band got every single person on the dance floor for the reception, bringing the mic to the floor and getting everyone to sing their hearts out to their favorite punk rock and alternative bands. It was an absolutely wild night followed by another fun bonfire.

Next up, Saturday was designated as the river day! Everyone hopped in the trolley and made their way down the beach on bright blue floaties! It was such a fun and relaxing afternoon filled with love and laughter.

If you know me at all, you knew this was coming :)

My favorite shoot of all time will forever be trash the dress and I knew these babes would be up for anything so I had them throw their outfits back on and hop in the river!! Always 200% worth it!! So fun and carefree!

The grand finale!

A low country boil, oysters leis and cocktail umbrellas. What a night! These two brought in Daniel Korzelius, the Human Juke, for their beach luau. There is no song he can’t play and they did their best to stump him! From Bohemian Rhapsody to Taylor Swift he had everyone singing along and made the night truly memorable. Definitely a weekend for the books. Please feel free to invite me to your next Smittfest you guys!!

Thank you so much for including me on your special day!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola Photography

Venue and Accomodations: Brown Mountain Beach Resort

Coordinator: Leah with Brown Mountain Beach

Rings: Perry's Emporium and Matheu's Fine Watches & Jewelry

Hair and Make Up: TM Bridal Beauty

Florist: Edgemont Garden

Officiant: Jay Webb with Love and Wisdom

Ceremony Music: Rebekah Todd

Reception Music: The Dickens

Luau Music: Daniel Korzelius The Human Juke

Catering: Plate Perfect Catering

Alex and Harry's Wedding at Brown Mountain Beach Resort

“I’m not good at making specific plans. Just meet me under the sky somewhere and be alive with me”

— Victoria Erickson

I vibe really well with all my couples. They and I can usually tell right away from the initial consult that we will or won’t be a good fit and we book accordingly. That said, some vibes are next level. The fact that Alex and Harry are both avid adventurers and love all things camping and exploring was a given that we’d be a great fit, but then they chose my favorite wedding venue, Brown Mountain Beach Resort.

BMBR encourages the whole wedding party to hang on the river all week, stay in yurts, roast s’mores at the nightly bonfires, drink bourbon and smoke cigars. I mean… if you’ve known me for any amount of time… nothing speaks my love language more than alllll that.

Harry and Alex were actually exploring the area looking for a place to camp when they stumbled upon BMBR & just knew it was where they were going to get married! They weren't even engaged yet, but Harry had the ring, and it was only a matter of time. They were college sweethearts and knew each other well enough to know, it was their perfect magical place.

Triple bonus, I found out Harry is an automotive engineer and actually builds the racing breaks for my baby!! We geeked out more than once over the weekend lol. There seriously could not be a better match.

Alex’s relationship with her father and brothers is much like my own, and was therefore absolutely necessary to share a first look (and first sip of bourbon) with them. She and I might actually be twins in another universe.

Then Harry’s crew had their own surprise for him, which shall not be named here, but the bottom right photo below is a good indicator. They were all banned from the bar afterward lol.

In addition to sharing a first look on the river rocks, they decided to do a private vow exchange as well. They knew their ceremony vows would be perfect and meaningful in their own way, but there were other things they wanted to share with each other in a more intimate way. I highly recommend this you guys. Tears were shed by all of us, they were able to get all the initial jitters out of the way, it insured they had alone time to just enjoy their wedding day for a bit, and the rest of the day was a party with everyone they loved. Best of all worlds.

Harry is actually from England, so they had several international guests staying onsite who had never been to North Carolina, or even the U.S. so they had so much fun introducing them to their favorite way of life.

My favorite vow from anyone on any wedding day I have ever witnessed, happened to also go down this weekend. Harry vowed to always have chocolate on hand for Alex, to cure any blue day…then he pulled a Kit Kat out of his pocket. Ladies and Gents… this is a proper vow. Take note.

After hours of dancing the night away, they shared one final solo dance while their crew lined up for the sparkler exit. A perfect quiet moment to soak in a day full of love and laughter.

You guys thank you so much for including me on your incredible day. So grateful to know you! Hopefully we can share a hike or camping trip soon!! Enjoy Punta Cana!

The Vendors who made the day possible:

Photographer: Cynthia Viola Photography

Venue and Accommodations: Brown Mountain Beach Resort

Coordinator: Sonia with Brown Mountain Beach

Her Dress: Angel Rivera from Hayden Olivia Bridal

His Suit: Tommy Hilfiger from Men's Warehouse

Her Ring: JSV Concepts

His Ring: MN Handcrafted

His Tie: Kind Design

Hair and Make Up: Tiffany at Brushes & Braids

Florist: Edgemont Garden

Officiant: Derek Portugal - Bride's Brother

DJ: Mountain Peak Sound

Catering: Plate Perfect Catering

Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Trash the Dress Shoot at Brown Mountain Beach Resort

“The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

If you have followed me for any amount of time, you know trash the dress photography is my all time favorite type of shoot. The wild abandon of breaking the “rules.” The sheer joy that comes with splashing water on your love when you’re “not supposed to.” The simple fact that you get authentic memories of a moment that wasn’t buried in tradition and expectation, but wild and free, just like your new love.

Katie and Dan wanted those moments too and with as much fun as we had on their adventurous engagement session at Otter Falls, we knew we made a great team.

Of course Brown Mountain Beach was the perfect venue for capturing everything they were looking for. They wanted to include their best girl Kimura, ride off on their motorcycle, hop in the canoe, and of course, jump in the icy mountain water! I couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect shoot if I wanted to!

While perfect photos in a proper, clean dress and suit certainly hold value and help you remember your wedding day, you cannot deny that you could ever forget holding onto your train so it didn’t get caught in the engine as you road away on a motorcycle, or dying laughing as your splashed your love and danced in an icy mountain river barefooted as the sun set in the background.

There are days that need to be remembered, and then there are memorable days. And I submit that the spontaneous moments that catch us by surprise in between the planned ones, are the ones that will never leave us.

I’m ready for your next adventure whenever you are.