A Rustic DIY Wedding at Skyline Lodge North Carolina

In the breathtaking mountains of North Carolina, Alexis and Megan’s wedding was an intimate, family-filled celebration with vibrant DIY details and personal touches. They had a whirlwind engagement, and decided on a rustic nature-inspired wedding day at Skyline Lodge.

Tell us your surprise adventure proposal.

Megan: Oh, absolutely! Alexis pulled off a total surprise proposal. We were on a hiking trip to Patagonia in March 2022, and at the top of a glacier, she suddenly got down on one knee.

I was completely caught off guard, it was such a beautiful moment. It was just us and the stunning views, and it was perfect.

Alexis: I wanted it to be something she’d never forget, and I knew she loved the mountains just as much as I did. Patagonia felt like the perfect place to pop the question!

Why did you choose Skyline Lodge in Highlands North Carolina for your wedding?

Alexis: Being from Colorado, I’ve always felt connected to the mountains, and we both wanted that reflected in our wedding. We fell in love with Skyline Lodge for its retro, campy vibe and the incredible mountain views. It felt like the perfect nod to my upbringing, and it gave us that peaceful, outdoor feel we wanted.

Megan: Plus, the venue was so versatile – it felt both cozy and adventurous, which is totally us.

What was the vibe or theme of your wedding day?

Megan: We wanted our wedding to be all about family, friends, and love – something relaxed but vibrant. We went with bright colors, a family-style dinner, and even had a bonfire to close out the night. It felt like one of those big family dinners we both grew up with, but with our special twist.

And yes, our friends’ dogs were part of the day! We served pup cups during cocktail hour – it was the cutest thing.Alexis: We just wanted everyone to feel like they were part of the celebration. It wasn’t just about us; it was about everyone who supported us along the way.

A flat lay shot of wedding details including two pairs of shoes, wedding invitations with mountain illustrations, floral earrings, wedding rings in a velvet box, and a floral bowtie.

Two bright bridal bouquets with a mix of pink, yellow, and white flowers, placed on stone steps beside vibrant garden flowers.

Close-up of two wedding rings placed on a soft blush rose surrounded by delicate florals.

A close, intimate shot of Alexis and Megan, foreheads gently touching, both smiling with joy.

Alexis and Megan sit on a rock in the forest, laughing together as one leans in for a kiss.

Both brides share a sweet moment with their dogs, Boone and Bindi, who are adorned with floral collars and bowties.

Megan walks down the aisle with her father, holding a bouquet of delicate pink and white flowers, framed by the outdoor mountain venue.

Two young flower girls with floral crowns sit attentively in the front row of the ceremony, watching as the brides exchange vows.

A beautifully set outdoor family-style dinner table with mismatched table settings, fresh flowers, and candles, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere.

An outdoor ceremony setup at Skyline Lodge, featuring wooden chairs, large floral arrangements, and a natural mountain backdrop. The altar is framed with greenery and pampas grass.

A close-up of the floral ceremony backdrop at Skyline Lodge, with greenery and soft florals arranged around an intricate wooden arch.

Alexis and Megan walk hand in hand down the aisle after their ceremony, surrounded by cheering guests. The smiles on their faces say it all!

Did you undertake any DIY projects?

Alexis: Yes! With a lot of help from my amazing Mom, we did all of the florals ourselves. From the ceremony backdrop to the bouquets and even the flower crowns for our flower girls, we handmade everything.

The night before the wedding, we gathered our bridesmaids, drank wine, and created our own bouquets with fresh florals from Trader Joe’s. It was such a fun and memorable way to personalize our day.

What were your favorite moments from the big day?

Megan: This is hilarious in hindsight, but one of our favorite memories was definitely a mishap involving our new puppy, Bindi. We adopted her a month before the wedding, and as we were finishing getting ready, we noticed blood on the bed!

Yep, Bindi went into heat on our wedding day.

Our flower girl saved the day by lending her a pair of pink panties with a tail hole cut out – it’s a memory that’ll keep us laughing forever.

Alexis: Oh my gosh, yes! And honestly, the whole day was filled with joy. One of my favorite moments was right before the ceremony. We decided to spend the morning together to calm our nerves, instead of getting ready separately. It was the best decision because it helped us both relax and really take in the day.