Hannah + James // Blue Ridge Parkway Winter Elopement

January 8, 2021

This elopement will go down in my books as one of my top 5 favorites. The elements that came together to create this day were completely at the hands of two willing vulnerable souls and the Universe’s magic.

Hannah and James met by chance and they choose each other every day. Their love is contagious and undeniable. It’s like a fire that dances with a friendly breeze to keep it stoked year round. The blue ridge mountains are really special to Hannah. James is an outdoorsman and is happy in any woods so we decided to head up to the Blue Ridge Parkway near Asheville NC to do their elopement.

We had the place almost to ourselves and that was amazing in and of itself. When we arrived the gate was closed because of a lovely snow that surprised us all. They got dressed in the woods and braved the cold and snow. Hannah made her dress from thrifted favorites and James helped her into it. She wore her favorite turquoise pieces, one of her favorite stones. Before we hiked to the ceremony site they chose to have a smudge ceremony. It was beautiful. All was quiet with the exception of a breeze and snow falling from the branches above. They cleansed what was no longer serving them in order to make room for what their union held.

I was able to officiate this ceremony and to say it was special is an understatement. I didn’t hear much of what was said, and that’s okay, but the energy surrounding the two of them was visible. Covered in gold they said their intimate vows as juncos looked on and raven’s peeked in from over head. They stood on a deer skin, harvested and tanned by James’ own hand and exchanged rings made of antler. They drank moon water made by Hannah; an elixir made from moon light, love, and intention. After their ceremony we played. They kissed a lot and laughed like hell. We made a smudge fire to keep our hands warm and danced along the creek bank. It was truly an incredible experience for us all. It was a day steeped in the deep magic only these blue mountains can provide.

I’ll stop rambling and let you get to the photos. These are so special and I hope you enjoy them. Take a deep breath and take your time as you scroll. If this type of elopement speaks to you and you’d like to talk more about setting it up, holler at me. I’d love to share sacred space with you.

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