Location: Hidden River Events | Asheville, North Carolina

What makes a wedding an elopement?


Traditionally, the term elopement in marriage refers to a wedding done in haste, and often in secret. In today's wedding market, elopement have come to mean weddings with only a few people (the amount can vary, but usually less than 30), performed in a small, intimate setting.


For Jayme and Alex, that looked like about 20 of their closest family and friends, near a pond in wooded Asheville, North Carolina.

Getting Ready


Jayme had her hair and makeup done in her hotel room and then met me at Hidden River Events. There, she was able to get ready in one of their tiny cottages where we did her photos with her mom, dress, and details. The cottage was also within walking distance of the ceremony location, or a quick drive in the Hidden River golf cart!

The First Look & Couples Photos

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Photos before or after?


Often this is a question I get asked as a wedding photographer. Do we do our couples, bridal party, or family photos before or after the ceremony? My answer comes down to first, do you want your first look to be during the ceremony? If the answer is yes, then I would recommend doing all photos after the ceremony.


However, if you do not mind some people seeing you before, then doing some family photos, bridesmaids/groomsmen photos, or even couples photos before the ceremony can help allow the rest of the day to be more relaxed and also gives more time for couples photos following the ceremony! (which is when the couple usually wants some down time/along time anyway!)

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Congratulations Jayme & Alex!