Some elopement days feel less like a timeline and more like an adventure. Cora and Jim’s Asheville elopement was exactly that.
They began their day in a way that felt unmistakably them: hopping on their scooters and riding off for coffee. Coffee has always played a meaningful role in their story (their very first date unfolded over a shared cup) so starting their elopement day with a scooter ride and a warm coffee felt beautifully full-circle. The morning felt relaxed and joyful, setting the tone for everything that followed.
Back in their hotel room, Destiny of A Brush with Destiny pampered Cora as she got ready for the day. One of my favorite hair and makeup artists, Destiny worked while Cora shared stories from her adventurous life and how her relationship with Jim naturally unfolded over time. Conversation flowed easily, laughter filled the room, and a quiet excitement built as the day began to take shape.
A Castle-Like Ceremony at Homewood
From there, we made our way to Homewood, the venue for their wedding ceremony. With its stunning architecture and timeless elegance, it truly looks like something straight out of a fairytale, making it the perfect backdrop for Cora’s fairytale vision of her day. Their ceremony, officiated by one of the best in Asheville, Gina of All the Things Ceremonies was intimate, meaningful, and beautifully simple. We followed the ceremony with another scooter ride and portraits around the property.
As an Asheville elopement photographer, it’s always a joy to photograph venues that feel both grand and personal, and Homewood offered exactly that balance.
Mountain Views: No Hiking Required
Next, we headed to a scenic overlook for mountain portraits, an intentional and much-appreciated part of the day. Cora was clear about one priority: no hiking. She wanted breathtaking mountain views without the demands of a trail, so I scouted the perfect overlook in advance to make that vision happen.
This is such an important reminder for couples planning an elopement in the mountains: you can absolutely have breathtaking Asheville mountain photos without hiking at all. With thoughtful planning and local knowledge, it’s completely possible to enjoy the views comfortably, wear your sparkly shoes, and still get jaw-dropping images.
Lunch, the Biltmore, and a Perfect Ending
After portraits, we slowed the pace over lunch, savoring the fact that they were officially married. We ended the day at the Biltmore Estate, capturing elegant portraits to close out their elopement story. With mountain views, historic architecture, and a day designed entirely around what they love, the celebration felt unmistakably and beautifully theirs.
Cora and Jim’s elopement proves that your wedding day doesn’t have to follow tradition, it just has to reflect you. From scooters and coffee to castles and overlooks, every moment was intentional, relaxed, and full of meaning.
If you’re dreaming of a day that feels adventurous, personal, and stress-free, working with an experienced Asheville elopement photographer like me can make all the difference, from location scouting to crafting a day that fits your vision perfectly. Let’s chat!
