Built their Adventure on: Modified Mid-Mountain
Why they loved it: It was a unique experience with excellent vendors. The day carried on with time to soak up the time together and flexibility.
It began with an idea… a Blue Ridge Elopement Idea
Shay (she, her, hers) and Isaac (he, him, his) are an adventure couple that beats to their own drum. They met each other while thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. And committed to their forever with vows on a gorgeous multi-day hike in Scotland.
I had an idea to showcase what I think could be such an amazing elopement day. Something perfect for a couple that is looking for an adventure that is easygoing and fun, but not people powered!
When I approached them about this out-of-the-box Blue Ridge elopement idea to have an adventure elopement on a real horseback trail ride, they were both all in.?
And, turns out, it was a wonderful way for Shay and Isaac to have a new experience together (wahooo?️!!!). It allowed them to reminisce on their many stories and adventures together in a fun, unique way.
Turning a Blue Ridge Elopement Idea into a Reality:
We met late morning at a stable in Pisgah National Forest, Brevard, North Carolina. Brevard is an elopement gem–only about 45 minutes from Asheville, and about a 30-minute detour off the famed Blue Ridge Parkway. It was there that we met our companions for the day. We met our guide Jerry and our three buddies for the day- three stunning horses! (YES! I was on a horse, too!)
As Shay put the finishing touches on her makeup in the car, we got celebratory cheers from passersby and headed to a nearby mountain bike trail. Isaac finished packing the treats from Ashville Luxury Picnic Company. He put the treats in a beautiful, handcrafted backpack that was perfect for our horseback elopement experience!
We then headed to the stable where the Pisgah Forest Stables team set us up with our horses. We had our saddles fitted and reviewed the rules and safety for our adventure.
The trip up the mountain, to the elopement, was beautiful.
There were rustling trees, the crunching of gravel under our horses’ hooves, sweet laughs from Shay & Isaac, and tender touches as they reached out to each other while their horses walked side-by-side. They enjoyed each other and the sights. I was hard at work, photographing from my own horse while we were riding.
As we rode up, we needed to decide–where they would want to have their ceremony & picnic? A hike down to a waterfall, or, continue riding up the mountain to a lovely clearing in the trees? Like many adventure elopements, this horseback trail ride Blue Ridge elopement idea was flexible to the day and the weather and locations at hand. Game time decisions and staying nimble for the win!?
With help from our guide Jerry, the couple confidently chose to go to the most beautiful little “meadow.” Located near the top end of the trail. It made an incredible spot to share words of love and a beautiful celebration picnic. The bonus of the meadow was that the horses were free to roam, creating a dreamy woodland moment that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.
This elopement idea was shaping up to be way better than I could have dreamt.
Arriving at our meadow, we dismounted and started gathering picnic items from the saddlebags and beautiful handmade picnic pack.
I want to give a big ol’ shoutout to Mackenzie from Asheville Luxury Picnic Company.
She was incredible and proved my point that it’s valuable to share your vision of your adventure with your vendors! She was flexible, and thoughtful, and created a stunning portable picnic for Shay and Isaac to share.
With Mackenzie’s creativity, they were snacking on dried fruits and a gorgeous charcuterie board with real glassware. There was a beautiful rug for their vows ceremony “stage” that doubled as a resting spot for their picnic, AND had pillows for picnic lounging. It was all carried up via horseback saddlebags. ?
Towards the end of the experience, the couple celebrated the experience with a very creative (and RIDICULOUSLY good!!!) pair of giant macaroons as a “wedding cake replacement.”
This was truly a perfect treat for the occasion: portable, yummy, and no extra utensils needed. This is another glorious example of why when planning your adventure elopement you want to think outside the traditional wedding box!
A cheeky visitor at the elopement.
While Shay & Isaac shared their declarations of love, they had a mid-exchange surprise visit from a very curious horse.
Isaac’s horse had made his way over to see what they were up to, and maybe to see if Shay’s flower crown was up for grabs as a little snack!! lol.
PS: those flowers were inspired by Shay’s tattoo inspired by her time on the Appalachian Trail! I styled their flowers with that inspiration.
This Blue Ridge elopement idea developed as the day went on, as all good elopements should!
As we meandered down the mountain, we said “goodbye” to our new horse friends and decided to continue the adventure. We went just beyond the stables for some more relaxed and playful portraits. We stumbled upon a creek. It created the perfect setting to take in the rustling leaves, the babble of the brook, and for Shay & Isaac to embrace this moment together.
This elopement idea could be yours!
There are a few primary things I want you to take away from this adventure elopement inspiration session:
- The first is that every adventure elopement should evolve as time goes on. Going with the flow in your elopement experience results in the best-unexpected twists and turns because you can be genuinely open to and excited about new ideas/opportunities that spring up.
- The second is that I am absolutely up for any adventure you throw my way. I mean, I rode a horse to photograph this experience!!? By getting involved in your adventure with you, side-by-side, I believe it creates more authentic action shots from your elopement experience for a better, more beautiful story of your day.
- Lastly, I want you to realize that this Blue Ridge elopement idea doesn’t have to just be an idea you read online!
If this idea feels like you then we can make that happen!? You can book a call with me here and together, we can plan the perfect elopement, vow renewal, or engagement photoshoot for you and your partner!?
After my years of experience, I’ve seen A LOT. I’ve been in a remote spot and realized the couple forgot forks. I’ve been on a mountainside and needed a napkin. So for this blue ridge elopement idea, it was easy!
Both! Some couples come to me with a vision, but other couples come to me with a feeling that they know they want. If the couple already has a vision, I help however I can to execute it. But if a couple doesn’t have a plan they are envisioning, I help the couple to figure out how to make their feeling a reality.
