The Camp at Buffalo Mountain: Luke + Caroline's Rustic Fall Mountain Wedding

Wedding

Dec 14

36° 12' 36“ N 82° 23' 55'' W

Caroline and Luke are married! You guys may remember these two from their summer engagement session on Luke’s family farm in Virginia (you can see it and read about how they met here). I’ll never forget the fun we had exploring the farm, Luke and Caroline’s smiles, laughter, and how they look at one another. Those same smiles and laughs were definitely present on their wedding day!

Luke and Caroline’s wedding was another one on the books where we had to hold on to a potentially rainy forecast all week and pray for a break (story of my 2018)! When Jeremy and I arrived to the Camp at Buffalo Mountain (an amazing, rustic, camp nestled in the mountains), we were greeted by gray skies and mist lifting off the mountains— no rain! We were lucky!

The ladies were getting ready in the cozy retreat center, while the guys were over at a nearby house relaxing before the ceremony. When I arrived, Caroline showed me her dress (a stunning two piece) and told me that the week before the wedding had been crazy and that she had been in a car accident and that her car was totaled. I am SO glad that she was okay and not hurt for the wedding! As makeup continued, Caroline and Luke sent each other gifts and letters to read before the ceremony. I joined Caroline out on the porch as she opened her gift from Luke. As Caroline wiped a few tears, she opened another card and a car key came flying out! She read the card quickly and her jaw dropped. She looked at me and said, “I’m getting a new car!” She jumped up and ran inside to tell her best friend and matron-of-honor. Talk about an amazing wedding gift!

After getting Caroline into her dress, she requested to do a first look with her father and stepmother, another with her mom and brother, and then one with her bridesmaids. All resulted in tears and hugs as Caroline’s family and friends saw her for the first time on her big day. We then headed out for portraits. When we entered Allison Lodge at the camp, candles had been lit and string lights were on, creating such a beautiful spot for the ceremony. After the rings were exchanged, and the first kiss, Luke and Caroline were finally husband and wife! We headed outside for portraits and quickly returned to the warm reception for drinks and an amazing bbq dinner. After a fun introduction, including Luke and Caroline’s ‘secret’ handshake, and a super sweet first dance, the DJ opened the dance floor and their friends and family danced the night away under the lights!

Luke and Caroline— congratulations you two! I am so incredibly happy for you! Thanks for welcoming us in like family and letting us be a part of your big day. I can’t wait to see where your next adventure together takes you!

Big thanks to Jeremy Gouge for second shooting and assisting me on their day!