NC WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Bama hopped in her plane and flew to Asheville to take some portraits with her two legged friends. They’re getting married in November at The Omni at Grove Park Inn with Inspired by Design and we’re all really excited about it.
Here’s some images from their portrait session.
Jonathan had planned the most romantic and perfect weekend for Jordan at the Biltmore estate. I was honored to be a small part of it.
Ringing in 2019 in style! Congratulations you two!
I just created this recently for a ‘Wedding Show Case’ at Chestnut Ridge and thought I would post it here also.
A little peak into my work from the last couple of years.
A lovely Engagement session in Key Biscayne, Florida this past February with Danielle + Matt.
I love photographing weddings at Biltmore Estate. I've been so fortunate to spend so much time there with some amazing clients and I wanted to share some of my favorite locations and wedding venues with you.
This magical place has such a big place in my heart. Before my photography business became full time in 2011, I was a restaurant manager at Biltmore for over a decade. I met and married my husband at Biltmore and I was pregnant with all 3 of my children while working there. My kids grew up exploring the grounds, eating amazing restaurant food and have fond memories of employee Christmas parties. I worked so many hours with some of the best in the business. I learned about food and wine, coordinating events/weddings and spent (and still do spend) my days off running and biking on the trails. I know it like the back of my hand and it never gets old.
The gardens were designed to always have something going on, something in bloom and so no matter the season, there is unlimited opportunities for photography backdrops. I challenge myself now to find new locations that are different and to take photographs for my clients that are special to them. However, there are a few spots that I show to all of my couples. They are too epic not to and I have to remember that they will always be unique to them. For most of my clients, getting married at Biltmore is a destination wedding and this might be their once in a lifetime to visit. Some of those spots are the Rompe Deuce, the famous South Terrace with gorgeous mountain views and the Tennis Lawn. The Walled Garden is an absolute favorite and, of course, the Statue of Diana where I often start a session with clients.
The best thing about Biltmore (besides the house of course!) is that they have several venue options and ceremony sites, their own catering teams AND a winery. It's so convenient and there's lots of activities for everyone to do so you don't need to leave the grounds. Biltmore used to have a massive advertisement on 1-40 that simply stated 'Rest Stop' with a beautiful image of the house behind it. It's that simple. Your guests arrive, check-in and the rest takes care of itself. Anyway, I could rave for hours! Hop over to their website to learn more and here's a handful of images showcasing the different venues.
It always amazes me how the staff can quickly flip those spaces from ceremony sites to stunning receptions during cocktail hour and they always have a weather back-up plan. Their hotels provide beautifully lit locations for bridal parties to get ready in and I can always find a secluded and gorgeous spot for the "first-look" and portraits no matter how busy the estate is. I do always recommend organizing some form of transportation for everyone to travel together and especially for photographs around the grounds. It's easier to navigate that way, less stressful and way more fun.
No matter the size of the wedding, it seems like Biltmore Estate can cater to it all! It has been a true gift to document so many gorgeous weddings here.
I am just going to list some of my favorite wedding vendors that I've worked with and whose work is showcased here at the bottom of this post if you're interested.
Thanks for reading along!
Rachael xoxo
WEDDING PLANNERS
Mary Bell Events | Two Sweet Sparrows | Asheville Event Co. | Honey Darling Events | Belle Soiree Events
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Floressence Flowers | The Bloom Room | Blossoms Creative | Flower Gallery of Asheville | Two Buds and a Blossom | Flora of Asheville | Biltmore Estate Floral Team
HAIR + MUA
Lola Salon | Blush Asheville | Powder Me Pretty | Pop of Color Asheville | Anarie
VIDEOGRAPHY
Magic Hour Creative | Almond Leaf Studios
DJ'S + BANDS
Spintastic Sounds | DJ Dillion,
WEDDING GOWNS
Wildflower Bridal Boutique
TRANSPORTATION
Elite Limousine | Mingle Events
EVENT RENTALS
Classic Event Rental
I know I'm forgetting someone here! If you're looking at these for your wedding, be sure to look at your venue's preferred lists as they will be the most professional, tried and tested!
Biltmore Forest Country Club is so charming and quickly becoming one of my favorite places to shoot especially in the fall. I was so excited to work with Sara and her team at Wedding Connections and Flora's beautiful floral designs are always SO captivating!
I started the day as I always do, arriving a little early to scope out the lay of the land and document some details. It's a good way to ease into the hustle bustle of everything and get acquainted with the families. After a little run in with the local turkeys, I found the bride doing her bridesmaids’ hair and makeup, pumped and ready to jump into that dress. We did a little first look which allowed us to get some of the formal portraits out of the way and meant that Jonsie and John could enjoy more of their wedding day and actually attend cocktail hour. I just immediately fell in love with this couple and I had an amazing time documenting their day. They really knew how to have fun and threw an exceptional party! Here's some highlights and vendors below ...
Venue + Catering: Biltmore Forest Country Club | Planner: Wedding Connections | Floral: Flora Asheville | Wedding Cake: Sugar Cloud Bakery| Tent + Rentals: Classic Event Rental | Ceremony Music: The Grit Lickers | Entertainment: Complete Desire on Fire | Second Photographer: Bren Dendy | Film Lab: Photovision |
Lauren + Patrick looked like they just stepped off of a movie set! Can't wait to share more from this gorgeous elopement on Biltmore.
Venue, Floral and Catering: Biltmore Estate | Hair + Make-up: Blush Asheville |
I'm excited to document Amaura and Aaron's wedding in Charlotte this summer. I just recently met up with them for a quick session on their visit to Asheville Easter weekend. Here's a couple of highlights!
Film Scanned by Photovision.
This was such a sweet spring wedding at Biltmore estate in the mountains of North Carolina a couple of weeks ago. Check out the little video montage and vendors involved at the bottom of the post but first, some favorite images of the day.
Jenny wore the same shoes she wore the day she first met Jake and I just loved that. We were lucky to get some fabulous spring weather in March as it had literally been snowing the weekend before and of course it's always a treat to have a couple of hours to take photographs around the property before all of the ceremonies started.
Another gorgeous wedding planned by Cortney of Asheville Event Co. and Congratulations Jenny + Jake!!!
Venue, Floral, Cake & Catering: Biltmore Estate | Wedding Planner: Cortney of Asheville Event Co. | Hair + MUA: Lola Salon & Gallery | DJ: Spilt Second Sound | Transportation: Gray Line TrolleyTours | Additional Photography: Bren Dendy |
I could spend days photographing the beautiful streets of Charleston South Carolina. Iron gates, cobbled stones, quaint window boxes and the doorways filled with as much character as the people that live there. Here's some of my favorite images not taken at Megan and Andrew's wedding a couple of weeks ago :)
I hadn't met Lucy and Graylyn until the day of their wedding. I don't know if it was hearing the English accents or just their warm presence but they immediately felt like long lost friends. They met and fell in love while attending St. Andrews college in the UK. They recited their vows at Graylyn's parents home infront of the fireplace and an intimate group of family from both sides of the Atlantic. The following day; A big bash at the Country Club! It was such a cold February weekend (not that anyone noticed) Lucy and Graylyn barely left each others side, grinning the entire time. After the long distances and time apart it seemed to make the celebration and commitment even more special.
Venue: Biltmore Forest Country Club | Floral Design: Blossoms at Biltmore Park | Hair: Amanda Hughes & Makeup: Wendy Balance of Blush Asheville | Cake: The Peninsula Grill, Charleston | Reception Music: The Dickens | Film Lab: Photovision |
Sarah and Eric's wedding at The fields of Blackberry cove is on Borrowed and Blue today! Such a fun couple and a beautiful day planned by Weddings by Wendy with Catering by Corey and flowers from Flying Cloud Farm.
See more images here.
A couple of favorite's from Kristen + Stephen's gorgeous Biltmore Country Club wedding in Asheville, North Carolina.
Planner: Party Envy Weddings | Venue, Cake & Catering: Biltmore Forest Country Club | Floral: An English Flower Cottage | Hair & MUA: Lola Salon and Gallery | Film Scans: Photovision |
This styled shoot was just featured in the Winter/Spring edition of Southern Bride and so I thought it was about time I shared some of my favorite images here as well. Group of wicked talented wedding vendors listed below ...
Wedding planner: Weddings by Wendy | Venue: The Farm | Floral Design: Flora of Asheville | Catering: Colorful Palate | Cake & Dessert: 50 Fifty the Art of Dessert | Bar Service: Cordial & Craft | Rentals: East West Vintage Rentals | Hair & MUA: Lola Salon | Invitation Suite: Cotton Blossom Press | Wedding Gown: Wildflower Bridal | Jewelry: Spicer Greene Jewlers | Models: Gage Modeling Agency | Menswear: Stargazers | Wedding Favors: Asheville Bee Charmer | Film Scans: Photovision
Jason and Chelsea's Biltmore engagement proposal! #shesaidyes
Ashley + Casey along with the help of Asheville Event Co. planned the most amazing and gorgeous wedding of their dreams at the Biltmore Estate, Asheville NC.
So fun to re-live it here! Also featured on Elizabeth Anne Designs and Aisle Society. {Vendors listed below}
Planner: Melissa Porter, Asheville Event Co | Venue, Catering and Cake: Biltmore Estate | Ceremony Music: Cafe string Quartet | Floral Design: Blossoms at Biltmore Park | Photography: Rachael McIntosh (Second Photographer Abby Leighanne) | Videography: Magic Hour Creative | Makeup: Blush - Asheville Makeup Artists | Hair: A Show of Hands | Film Scanned by: Photovision |
It rained on Katie and Will's wedding day last year. When I say rained, what I mean to say is that a monsoon crashed through the mountains and did not let up, not for one second. It poured, cats, dogs you name it. We spent the entire time indoors and of course did not let it ruin one second of their big day. Katie and Will asked me to take some anniversary portraits for them back at The Inn at Tranquility Farm and guess what!?! It was a really beautiful day! Happy First Anniversary Katie & Will xoxoxo
This day was with no doubt one of my favorites of 2015. Ashlee and Wich invited their closest friends and family to spend the entire weekend with them in Asheville, North Carolina. Wich's family have spent their summers at Montreat for years thus an obvious location for their destination wedding. I'm going to let the images tell the story, but as you will see this day was perfectly filled with everything a good day should be filled with. Family, friendship and love.
This wedding was recently featured on Borrowed and Blue.
{Vendors listed at the bottom}
Venue: Claxton Farm | Event Planner, Floral & Design : Shay Brown Events | Linen : BB&J | Farm Tables & Rentals : Classic Event Company | Invitation Suite : 7 Ton Co. | Photographer: Rachael McIntosh Photography | Videographer : Four Seasons Films | Catering and Cake : M7 Events | Hair & Make-up : Cody's Wedding Creation | Music : Adrian Duke | Officiant : Fred Werhan | Transportation : Youngs Buses | Get-a-way-car : Cody's Wedding Creations |
I'm finally getting around to blogging some images from 'The Lively Workshop' I attended last October with the extremely talented Perry Veil and Rebecca Rose Events. I made a commitment when I started my business to attend a workshop every year, as personal growth and education is a real priority for me. I love to learn and always walk away feeling refreshed, and inspired in ways I couldn't imagine. I've found it's a fantastic way to connect with other creatives meanwhile keeping a finger on the pulse of our industry. This workshop was really incredible, and as you can see below the inspiration shoots were gorgeous! These images taken on a rainy afternoon at The Graylyn Estate in Winston Salem, NC.
Vendor credits below.
Photography direction: Perry Veil Photography | Styling, Direction, Floral and paper goods: Rebecca Rose Events | Linen: Nuage Designs | Hair and Makeup: Lindsey Regan Thorne | Venue: The Graylyn Estate | Models: Directions USA | Gown, Earrings and Shoes: BHLDN | Suit: H&M | Ring: Trumpet & Horn | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Cake: Cakes by Chloe | Rentals: Party Reflections | The Lively Workshop | Film: Porta 800 | Film Lab: Photovision |
This gorgeous Lilly Pulitzer inspired garden party soiree was planned by the fabulous team at Firefly Event company. I loved the cheery color scheme, pink florals and the amazing backdrop of the NC Arboretum! Their guests enjoyed local BBQ, Bluegrass music and square dancing that had everyone up on the dance floor! Other highlights included corn hole, a selfie station with props, and river rocks in place of escort cards. Eleanor and Chris are such a fun couple and I loved getting to know them and being apart of their magical day!
Wedding Planner: Firefly Event Company | Venue: NC Arboretum | Catering: Village Wayside Bar and Grille | Wedding Cake: Callie's Confections | Floral: Flowers by Larry| Hair & Makeup: Turner and Scott | Music: Bobby & the Blueridge Tradition | Transportation: Emma's Bus Line | Additonal Photography: Abby Leighanne Photography |
