The 37 Venue in Waynesville

When they told me that I would be shooting their first official wedding under new ownership - the pressure was on! Plus, Lauren is one of the sweetest people ever (the bride) and I had told her to check them out... so the pressure was on from THAT side as well.

It was my first wedding of 2021 and if this is how the year continues in wedding world it is going to be a great year. It was an intimate wedding full of sweet detail and moments. I love that her decor matched the venue and the chandelier floral design.

This beauty - my gosh - it's the first thing you notice in the ball room and it is really, really hard to look away.

Fun fact; I only live in North Carolina because my dad used to restore historical buildings and specifically the details like these floral moldings. Asheville and the surrounding cities are full of gems like this building and that's why he chose the area. We followed a few years later. So I am always slightly distracted by fun historical architecture and details.

Are you ready to see the girls in those dresses?

Besides her girls (and her little girl) the first person to see Lauren once her dress was on was her grandfather - who is in a nursing home and couldn't be there. When he saw her in her dress he started to cry and I'm honestly really proud of Lauren for keeping it together.

We eventually did a first look with Kimber & Johnny (that he didn't know was happening) and one with Lauren and Johnny (those pictures aren't in the previews because I already had way more than I usually post). During the first look with Johnny (and this is why I opted to skip the actual "First Look" photos for this preview blog) Lauren suddenly starts laughing and goes, "Is that THE tie?" Apparently, when they met on a dating app his main picture had him wearing that same tie. So he wanted to surprise her with it even if he wasn't going to wear it all day. So I made sure to focus on that tie.

The beginnings of all things are small, you know. & my favorite parts of love stories are the little details; like a yellow and blue tie.

PS - it was freezing outside, but inside was SO warm. I was pretty thankful for an indoor ceremony space today for sure.

During the ceremony he gifted Kimber with this little necklace - because he isn't just committing to her mama he's committing to her as well.

The reception was so sweet. A little restaurant literally across the street from the venue did the catering and it was delicious. Specifically some sort of spinach dip they had. They also had the cutest cookies that they had individually packaged so guests could take home. Since he isn't a fan of cake Lauren actually woke up and made a ton of Key Lime Pies herself for him (they are his favorite).

Always here for edible glitter.

There is so much space at this venue.

Plenty of room for tables for food, gifts, decor, and guest books without taking up mingling or dancing space.

[Speaking of that little restaurant, they have the cutest store front and patio. Which makes it make even more sense that their name is The Patio]

1000% I brought confetti (with the venue's permission) to celebrate their first wedding under the new owners and for Lauren & Johnny to have some fun with!!!

Congrats, you two. Thank you for trusting me with your big day... and for starting my 2021 wedding season off on the BEST foot.

PS - you all should have seen us trying to light and handle sparklers in winter wind. At some point I was holding a couple and had a full on torch in my hand and sparks were flying EVERY WHERE!!! It was pretty at least!!

Vendors:

Venue II The 37 Venue

Planner II Carolina Love Events

Florals II Clyde's Florist

Photography II Victoria Grace Photography

Baker II Morgan Owen

Cookies II The Cookie Kit

Her Ring II Kay Jewelers

Her Dress II David's Bridal

Caterer/Beverages II The Patio

Hair & Makeup II Bethany Nicole