Coral Wedding at Mountain Magnolia Inn

Stephanie Weers
March 4, 2014
Categories: Casual, Real Weddings, The Blog

We’re certainly no stranger to a pretty pop of color around these parts. In fact, we recently rounded up a few of our favorite color happy moments and today we’re adding to the love list. BIG time. D’Arcy Benincosa snapped the scenes of this bright coral fete, and you can get to pinning every last moment in the gallery right here.

From the Bride… Scott proposed to me on top of a volcano in Maui. We share a love for the outdoors, so it was fitting he proposed in such a rugged, jaw-dropping environment. The double rainbow didn’t hurt either. We had been dating four years and knew we didn’t want a long engagement. The wedding date was set for seven months later – September 21, 2013.

We envisioned a wedding that was romantic, meaningful, and most importantly, represented us. We decided on a unique venue in the mountains of North Carolina. The Mountain Magnolia Inn is a restored Victorian estate in a beautiful outdoor setting, nestled in Hot Springs – a quaint little mountain town that offers premium access to the Appalachian Trail, mineral hot springs, whitewater rafting and countless other adventures. We knew this was the spot. A gorgeous mountain getaway that was close to cosmopolitan Asheville, yet small enough our guests were all within arms reach.

On the big day, we woke to pouring rain. The ceremony was to be held outside under a 150 year-old black walnut tree! Weeks before, I had scoured Etsy for seven vintage pendant lights to hang on the tree. I knew that regardless of the weather, Scott and I were getting married under that tree. My wonderful photographer D’Arcy Benincosa assured me she could work around the rain. Somehow the rain would make the photographs romantic and lovely. I believed her but it didn’t matter. On cue, the clouds parted and the sun emerged moments before the ceremony.

Our reception was held under a tent with strings of cafe lights swooping down. I had a vision of dark, wooden farm-style tables. We wanted our guests to walk into the tent and feel like they were a attending a big family dinner. I rented mismatched china from East West Vintage rentals in Asheville. The two sisters dressed the tables brilliantly, a tasteful array of china, flatware and two crystal goblets with gold rims for Scott and me.

Flower Gallery, also from Asheville, truly took my breath away when I saw my bouquet and centerpieces. They took my wish for a simple, natural elegance combined with wildflower romance and ran with it. Our color palette was cream/ivory, coral, peach and deep burnt sienna. My favorite touch was they included fresh herbs in my bouquet and centerpieces. Now, every time I smell rosemary and thai basil, I’ll be reminded of my wedding day.

We opted for a dessert bar that included a German Chocolate cake, peach and apple pies, macaroons, lemon bars, cookies and more. My only regret was not tasting more of baker Karen Donatelli’s delicious confections! One highlight to note was sharing our personal vows under the glowing pendant lights. We felt so much love for those twenty minutes nestled under that tree deep in the Blue Ridge mountains.

While our guests enjoyed a bourbon and champagne-fueled cocktail hour, D’Arcy followed us to the river and captured us in our rain boots playing in the water. Our reception featured dancing to our favorite songs, an impromptu Thriller dance in werewolf masks, a bonfire with s’mores, pumpkin homebrew, log sawing, and the releasing of a Chinese lantern. The log sawing is a German tradition that symbolizes the first challenge a newly-married couple overcomes together. I never thought I would be sawing a log in my wedding dress and heels!

It was the perfect day for us. Scott and I are very thankful we have the gorgeous photos and video from D’Arcy. We’ll treasure those memories for a lifetime.