Shelby and Kirk’s Intimate Mountain Elopement in Boone, North Carolina
Shelby and Kirk planned an intimate elopement ceremony with a mountain view in North Carolina after sharing breakfast with their immediate family in the cutest A-frame. Get all the details below.
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About This Elopement in Boone
Photography by Erika El Photography
“Shelby and Kirk’s day started at a sweet Scandinavian-designed A-frame in Boone, NC. They spent the morning getting ready as their family started to arrive. They had their first look inside the Airbnb and then we snapped a few portraits on the property that offered mountain views, flowers, and the cute cabin for a backdrop. While doing so, the family brought in breakfast from a local bakery. After a sweet moment of prayer before the meal, they fueled up for the upcoming hike.
Their family joined them on the short but steep hike (1.5 miles), chatting and joking the whole way. After approaching the top and soaking in the views for a bit, they picked a spot they loved for their ceremony. Kirk’s brother officiated as their 3 other family members watched and wiped away tears. Shelby was the definition of beaming, and when they were pronounced she literally jumped for joy, it was one of the purest moments of love I’ve witnessed.
After sharing some celebratory beverages and enjoying the ‘wedding cake’, their family headed back down the trail so Shelby and Kirk could spend some time alone exploring and soaking in the newly married bliss! We explored the rock overhang and enjoyed the valley views while capturing memories for them.” [Erika, the photographer]
Wedding Details We Love
Erika shares some details from Shelby and Kirk’s wedding day she loved:
- Their cake! They weren’t going to have one but his brother surprised them with a celebratory “cake” (hostess cupcakes).
- His brother officiated for them.
- They did things differently and chose to have brunch with their family in their rental before hiking for their ceremony and portraits, in lieu of a post-ceremony reception.
- Bringing along a Polaroid camera to capture some fun in a nostalgic way.
- I loved that their family came on the hike with them so they could have their ceremony in the mountains.
Deciding to Elope & Planning
“We decided to elope because we wanted an intimate experience and to be surrounded by nature as much as possible. We were thinking of having a micro-wedding in an outdoor venue but when I saw photos of a nature elopement I just fell in love… and then Kirk did too! We were both not looking forward to the stress of planning a wedding, and climbing a mountain together sounded much more fun. As it turns out, it was the best decision we could have made for our day!
Planning the elopement was a collaborative effort with Erika. She helped us consider what we really wanted out of our day and how to prioritize those aspects. Planning an elopement is not as straightforward as planning a wedding (as far as I know) and it was much more open-ended. Erika gave us timeline examples and ideas of what we could do. She also sent us a document full of outdoor locations which ultimately led us to our ‘venue’. We decided that we wanted our day to be intentional and in nature, so beyond our first look and brunch in the morning we were outside until 8 pm!” [The couple]
LNT During Your Adventure in North Carolina
“This location, of course, should be approached with LNT in mind. It is a popular spot among the Blue Ridge Mountains and we want to have continued access to it, so it is important that guidelines are followed like staying on the trail, packing out your trash, camping only where it is appropriate (it is a popular spot for camping as well and there are no restrooms) etc.
This specific trail does have limited parking and that is one of the main issues here since it is such a popular trail, they have put up signage and it is an absolute must to follow those parking rules, and to carpool. Additionally, there are black bears so it is important to follow LNT in regards to wildlife. This location also does not allow any items to be brought in i.e. chairs, decor, arbors etc. no use of bird seed, rose petals etc. and no blocking off trails/areas as it is a public space for others to also enjoy.” [Erika, the photographer]
Top Tips For Your Adventure
“Carpooling! Being prepared for parking delays/arriving early to have time to secure an appropriate parking space. Educate yourself in black bear safety. Due to the rocky cliff top it is an absolute must to have appropriate footwear, and due to it’s location on an exposed rocky cliff top in a gorge to be prepared for any weather, especially wind.” [Erika, the photographer]
Memorable Moments During This Elopement
From the photographer:
- When they did their first look, Shelby was SO excited and complimentary of Kirk. I think this moment is typically focused on the bride and what she looks like, but I loved hearing how excited Shelby was to see her groom in his suit and couldn’t stop complimenting him.
- Shelby said multiple times how excited she was to get married. She was really focused on the ceremony and their union, and less on all the other things happening. When they pronounced them, Shelby jumped up and down pumping her fists in the air, she was so thrilled.
- His parents prayed over them before brunch.
From the couple:
“All the quality time we had together surrounded by beautiful scenery. There was no rush, no tasks, nothing but Kirk and I and a few of our loved ones. We had so much carefree fun on our wedding day just because we had the time to do so, to truly take in the day and all that it held for us.”
Vendors
Photography | Erika El Photography
Aframe Cabin | Chalet Shiloh
Photos From This Elopement Adventure
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