Highlands NC Summer Destination Wedding

For a quick reprieve from the dense Charleston heat, we are taking you to the Appalachian oasis of Highlands, North Carolina. Allow the cool, fragrant mountain air to revitalize your senses, and the vast green landscape to set the stage for Lindsay and Michael’s dreamy wedding day.

Tucked away on a luscious verdant mountaintop is The Farm at Old Edwards, a perfectly manicured property with sweeping views and serene stillness. In their loungewear and fuzzy slippers, we heard Lindsay and her bridesmaids’ laughter carrying through the dense forest surrounding the bridal suite. With a fresh natural face and her iridescent copper hair pulled back into a sophisticated low bun, Lindsay stepped into her gown. Romantic petals laid flat on her shoulder straps, weaving down her form-fitting bodice overlaid with delicate floral appliqués. Her full skirt stirred up magic as she spun around, romancing us all and preparing our hearts for the storybook day that lay ahead.

Looking suave and self-assured, Michael waited patiently under the cooling canopy of mountain laurel and river birch. He adjusted his silk bow tie and showed off his custom cufflinks. Taking his place on a curved arched bridge overgrown with moss and sprawling rhododendron, he anticipated his bride’s arrival. Gripping her train and her white bouquet, Lindsay strolled down to the river to meet Michael. Standing above still waters reflecting the picture-perfect image of the rustic white bridge and the enamored couple, Lindsay and Michael embraced for the first time on their wedding day. Savoring every opportunity to bask in her beauty, Michael admired his bride as she lovingly wiped his tears.

In the immaculate Orchard House, the guests took their seats facing a floral installation blooming with blush spray roses, sweet peas and white campanulas. Despite the building’s modern design, its massive glass doors and reaching windows tethered any separation from the thriving forest growing beyond its walls. Mingling amongst themselves and admiring the stunning room splashed in natural light, the guests turned their attention to the wedding party coming down the aisle. In an eyelet dress and a flower crown, Michael’s daughter confidently walked towards the arbor holding her little brother’s hand. Already tearing up, Michael stood proud with his kids by his side. Like a dream, Lindsay came down the aisle with her father, bathed in the glorious white light bouncing around the room. The couple embraced and in the harmonious company of friends, family and Appalachian forests they vowed to a lifetime of love together as Mr. and Mrs. Snider.

While the guests enjoyed Appalachian lemonades in the apple orchard, we followed the happy newlyweds around the property, wading through courtyards and gardens toward the reception space. Stunned to silence, we entered the Pavilion, an expansive rustic room with pristine limestone floors and towering ceilings framed with dark wooden beams. The romantic florals and sage green octagonal bar contrasted wonderfully with the mirroring stone fireplaces and iron chandeliers. Three-tiered floral installations draped from the ceiling with green vines and pink blooms floating above our heads. Cozying up on a white sofa with plush pink pillows, the couple enjoyed a moment sipping in champagne and the luxurious ambiance before their beloved guests filled the room.

Parting a sea of smiling faces, the couple made their way through the guests and onto the dance floor. Folks crowded around swooning at the romantic sight as John Legend’s “Conversations in the Dark” serenaded Michael and Lindsay. Holding one another close, they didn’t miss an opportunity to be fully present with each other — locked in one another’s gaze, they danced in a world of their own. Lindsay and her father shared a dance, rocking and swaying while Michael wept on the sidelines. Michael and his mother followed behind while Lindsay’s family watched with adoring eyes. Everyone gathered around and raised a glass as Lindsay’s father thanked the guests and welcomed Michael to the family. Eager to admire every stunning detail and enjoy the delectable bites, folks leisurely grabbed their plates, finding their places at the candlelit round tables for dinner.

Ready to stir up some fun, Lindsay and her soft sage green bridesmaids took to the dance floor as soon as they heard the first soulful sounds from Sol Fusion. Folks were quick to ditch their dinner plates and join in, including Lindsay’s grandma who stole the show in her purple gown and electric blue wheelchair. With three frontwomen in hot pink flapper dresses, Sol Fusion inspired some energizing pizazz. Showing off his best moves to Dad, Michael’s son tore up the dance floor in his white tennis shoes. Ready to follow suit, Michael changed into his white Nikes and Lindsay put on her pearl embellished Jimmy Choo sneakers. Jumping to the center of the dance floor in her tiered-tulle party dress and heart-shaped white sunnies, Lindsay was there to give every song her all.

Having the time of their lives, the adults and kids waved their glow sticks in the air while sporting their new heart-shaped sunglasses. Wood-fired pizza hot from the oven was passed around with custom vintage Coke bottles that read “Mr. and Mrs. Snider.” Dancing around the spacious venue, singing along and snacking on the late-night bites, everyone was swimming in the playful atmosphere. Lindsay and Michael made their way to the center of the dance floor for the final song, ending the dance party with a passionate kiss.

Ready to send off their new favorite couple, the guests lined up down the stone-stacked steps outside the Pavilion. Waving their sparklers in the air, the guests sent their love and well wishes to the glowing couple. Taking it all in, Lindsay and Michael shared one last kiss, then jumped onto the backseat of a vintage blue Pontiac — riding off into the night madly in love, and in style.

Thank you for including us in your magical day! We wish you a lifetime of happy nights like this one!