It is no secret that my new obsession is elopements, shooting Vista and Matt’s Asheville Elopement was extra special! I have a love/hate relationship with social media, but one of the things I DO love about it is it’s ability to bring together people who otherwise might not ever meet. Vista’s good photographer friend posted about her and Matt’s elopement in a photography group I’m in, I commented that I was available, and within a couple hours of commenting I was booked to shoot their Asheville elopement. Vista and Matt both serve in our Armed  Forces and they are one of the coolest couples I’ve met! They chose Asheville as their place to get hitched because it is Matt’s hometown! Matt flew in from New Mexico and Vista flew in from Washington, both of the places they are both stationed at. I didn’t meet either of them until I arrived at The Botanical Gardens at Asheville. It didn’t matter one bit though due to the warmth of Vista, Matt, and their families, we all quickly fell into a rhythm.

When it was time to get married Vista was escorted in by both of her parents to the gazebo that Matt’s family had lovingly decorated. All their family and friends surrounded them in a circle in the gazebo for the ceremony. It was peaceful, intimate, and so touching to see how much love was surrounding them as they recited their vows. After their ceremony all their family left to go to the cabin where they were going to have a home cooked meal by a family friend! It was lovely because it gave the three of us time to walk around the gardens and capture some shots of just the two of them. I loved all of Vista’s tattoos and thought the River Arts District would be a cool place to take them for photos, so we went there next. The graffiti in the RAD really made Vista’s tattoos pop and we were able to find some cool spots to shoot at. Vista and Matt will soon be stationed in the same place, and will be able to officially start their married life together!

Venue >>> The Botanical Gardens at Asheville 

Wedding Dress Boutique >>> Brides For A Cause

Flower Crown >>> Lucille Bloom Society

Makeup & Hair Stylist >>> AnaRie 

Officiant >>> Jon-Paul for Elope Asheville