Old Edwards Inn I Highlands, NC I Alex + Rachel

Old Edwards Inn boasts so many beautiful spaces for weddings and events, from rustic to chic, both inside and out. Couples often come to Highlands just to step foot on one of these gorgeous sites and find themselves coming back time and time again for both the visual stimulation that not only the mountains offer, but also for the peace that is all encompassing in the Old Edwards spaces.


The Back Story

For Alex and Rachel, the story goes much the same. Although they met in Atlanta, both Alex and Rachel had lived in other mountain communities before and knew that they loved all that mountain living had to offer. So after a weekend getaway to the Old Edwards Inn and Spa in Highlands, they decided it was the perfect destination for their small, intimate outdoor wedding. Plus, Rachel says that she knew her family would also very much enjoy a relaxing mountain weekend! Who wouldn’t?


The Ceremony

The scene was set for a ceremony outside The Lodge and a brisk end of December elopement. The setting was casual and informal as the bride and groom grabbed a first look on the expansive porch just before the ceremony. Intimate and relaxed moments like these make my job all the easier.

After a few quick pictures, we stepped down the stairs into the courtyard for the wedding. Rachel and her father strolled down the sidewalk and into the waiting hands of Alex. A life-long family friend married them in a heartfelt ceremony surrounded by their family, and while the wedding was short and casual it also displayed a level of intimacy and closeness that is unlike most.


The Family

After I do’s, we took pictures with all of the family, keeping it casual and encouraging people to stay warm with their furs and jackets.

The bride’s niece and nephew were giddy with excitement to be a part of their wedding day. After all, it was their first wedding as the flower girl and ring-bearer! Let’s be honest – they most definitely stole the show in the pictures below.

One of my other favorite parts of a wedding day are moments like this. How many connections between father and daughter have I seen, each one just as unique as the bride herself. This daddy couldn’t take his eyes off his little girl throughout the day, and this moment captures that perfectly.

Both Alex and Rachel were very relaxed about the type of photos we took on their day. A quick stroll with them through the Falls Cottages area lent for beautiful backdrops and an in-nature feel without going more than a few steps.


The Couple

The wedding party celebrated the ending to a beautiful day in front of the fireplace at The Lodge. The lounge exuded warmth and a holiday spirit that is unrivaled for an intimate toast amongst family.


The Toasts

Speaking with Rachel a few weeks post wedding, she had nothing but good things to say. “Everything about the day was calm and full of joy for Alex and I. The weekend was exactly what we wanted, and being able to celebrate with our families in such a beautiful, picturesque setting was everything we hoped the weekend would be.”

So if you think that the winter isn’t for weddings, think again. Spaces like what Old Edwards in Highlands offers are abundant in these beautiful mountains. The holidays have everything decked out to the nines, locations aren’t overbooked, and you pretty much have the pick of the litter for caterers, florists, and anything else you can image. Plus, a bonus – cold wintery days allow for plenty of fur and extra snuggling.


The Vendors

Venue: The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn, Highlands NC

Photography: Terri Clark Photography