Intimate Garden Wedding at a Family Home in Cashiers
Mariesa (she/her) never planned on long-distance dating, but when she met Kimberly (she/her) online, something just clicked. That connection led them to Kimberly’s family home in Cashiers, North Carolina, the same place where they first met in person, for an intimate garden wedding surrounded by mountain air and family memories. They exchanged personal vows in the garden, shared a quiet first look, and ended the night with a candlelit dinner on the porch. Morning Wild Photography captured every candid, heartfelt moment from start to finish.
Why did you choose to marry in Cashiers, North Carolina?
We chose Kimberly’s family summer home in Cashiers because it’s where we met in person for the first time. The wraparound driveway and garden felt symbolic of our relationship. We even did our first look in the exact spot we met, then walked to the garden to marry there.
How did the day unfold?
We woke up together, full of nervous energy but determined to keep the day stress-free. Kimberly arranged flowers and went over last-minute details with her brother while Mariesa had her hair styled.
Our first look happened to “It’s Always Been You” by Ray LaMontagne, the same song playing in Mariesa’s car the day we met. Kimberly’s brother officiated a heartfelt ceremony in the garden, and we exchanged rings to “Songbird” by Eva Cassidy.
The bouquet was a highlight, created by Fiddlehead Designs, who normally does not take wedding commissions but made an exception. After photos around the property, including the dahlia garden, a lake, and a meaningful pasture, we enjoyed a candlelit dinner prepared by family on the porch. The evening ended in the same apartment where we stayed the first time we met.
All of these moments were captured beautifully by Morning Wild Photography, who documented the day with a relaxed, documentary style we loved.
What was the vibe or theme of your wedding?
We didn’t have a formal theme. We just picked things that felt like us. We wanted the day to focus on love, not worrying about what anyone else might think. That meant an intimate guest list and relaxed styling.
How did you decide who to invite?
We knew we wanted an intimate day, so we kept it small. Kimberly’s twin brother officiated, his wife helped with details, and Mariesa’s mother joined at the last minute. That made it possible to focus on the meaning of the day rather than managing a big crowd.
Tell us about your wedding outfits.
Mariesa wanted something casual but elegant. She tried on several dresses, but nothing felt right until a bridal assistant at Love Curvy Bridal pulled one she wouldn’t have chosen herself. The moment she tried it on, her face lit up. It was more extravagant than she planned but absolutely perfect.
Kimberly chose a tailored two-piece suit from J.Crew. It felt comfortable, chic, and matched the relaxed vibe of the day. Both of our rings were designed by Ken & Dana Design, adding another thoughtful detail to their look.
Were there any non-traditional elements?
We skipped big traditions like a wedding party or formal reception and instead focused on personal details like a photo journal Mariesa made of their first year together and thumbprint necklaces exchanged as keepsakes.
Any standout wedding vendors?
Fiddlehead Designs went above and beyond with the bouquet, creating something simple yet stunning. The dress from Love Curvy Bridal, the tailored suit from J.Crew, and the rings by Ken & Dana Design all played a huge part in making the day feel perfectly ours. And we can’t say enough about Morning Wild Photography for capturing it all.
What advice do you have for couples planning an intimate wedding?
Keep your focus on what matters most to you. For us, it was having a photographer we trusted to capture our love. The smaller guest list, simple decor, and relaxed approach gave us the space to enjoy the day exactly how we wanted.
Photography by Morning Wild
Cake Sarah’s Sweets
Celebrant Mark Criser
Dress Love Curvy Bridal
Florist Fiddlehead Designs
Hair Stylist Creative Concepts Salon
Rings Ken & Dana Design
Signage Timeless Accessory Inc.
Suit Banana Republic & J.Crew
