V and J: Micro-wedding at Stone Ashe Vineyards | Asheville Photographer / February 22, 2023 by Lacey R Butler

I ADORED this couple and this venue. Stone Ashe Vineyards is located in the rolling hills beyond Fletcher, NC and Hendersonville. One of those spots just out of the city but so unusual to get to you wonder if you’re actually going the right way. The grounds were perfect, the staff so helpful.. and best of all the newlyweds brought joie de vivre. My favorite vivre of all.

As per usual I’m showing you a cross hair of the collection- details, happy smiles, moody looks. The wine was overflowing, the bees a-buzzin at work, and the couple generous enough to share a drink with me. Thank you for everything, V and J!

The goodboys on the property, by the way, were coersed to do this. They are totally obviously uncomfortable with me posing them looking like they want cake. Just… for the record. I still like this idea though.

This single lady made the amazing cake. Let me see if I can find her info… nope. Please reach out if you know! After a year I have no idea anymore. It was so amazing. I think out of Maryland.

Hi my name is Lacey and I’m a wedding photographer and I took this photo. And also black and white is the best.

I only had a few sips before someone <strike>stole</strike> absconded with my wine which was fair because I “borrowed” theirs for a photo op and then the staff cleaned it up. My bad.

Wine tastings for your group, amazing charcuterie, attentive staff, the view. Did I mention the view? We were supposed to leave for another location for portraits but the couple was having too much fun to leave and this was at least as beautiful anyway.

I couldn’t resist one more image as I drove back home. Always so bittersweet to go, but so happy to have been there a few moments of your life together. <3 Lacey

Brooke and Christian [the farm] / July 25, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

Downpour or not, the show must go on! The Farm in Canton, thankfully, has loads of back up spots so that no one’s got to get wet if you want to stay out of the rain. I seemed to be the only one pushing to work out in the drizzle, but then… I wear combat boots or Van’s for basically every wedding, not gorgeous heels that might sink into the gown, and definitely not a beautiful formal gown- Brooke’s looks like it was made just for her!
Both were teary- Brooke before the walk and Christian as soon as he saw her walk toward him at the alter. In fact, it seemed to me he could hardly catch his breath and was completely enamored with her. In their personal vows to one another, he shared that he knew as soon as they met that she would be the one.

Someone wants to see exactly what I’m doing while their owner finishes getting ready.
Brooke and Christian’s very sweet good boy stole the show quite often. I LOVE dogs at weddings- as unpredictable as children, but adding licks, jumps, beauty- who does not relax as soon as they pet a dog? If you have a dog at your wedding, expect me to include them EVERY time they step between the camera and you.

I was so wrapped up in the emotions between Christian and Brooke I completely forgot that puppers would be running down the aisle with Dad.

I COULD color correct for the variance in temperature between indoor and outdoor lighting, but it also makes a splashy image for a natural variation. If you did not know, there’s a huge difference where natural daylight is more blue than tungsten lighting (which most of us still use, thankfully- I am not an LED fan). Also a rare cameo of me on the right window. Hi!

Joyful wedding! Photography has brought me so much in life, I cannot begin to express it to you. I have witnessed so many different families and all of their joy and emotion and this image really speaks, doesn’t it?

… love… I knew I had time with the couple after the reception, toward sunset, but just in case the sunset was also rained out, I insisted we spend 15 grabbing a few portraits of just them not far away. The ground wasn’t terribly wet, and the couple was very much about it. Stunning couple and the most romantic Asheville wedding photography, if I do say so myself!

Thankfully, it was NOT raining during the sunset time we saved for portraits, although it was also not a sunset glow. However.. the moody view of the black mountains, clouds kissing the summits, was also quite spectacular and we made good use of the time!

I’ve said it on my Instagram, too, but I’ll say it again.. Shannon, the coordinator and director at The Farm in Canton, went above and beyond by loaning her slip on kicks when the brides boots weren’t nearby at the time for this. I am a firm believer in not making you traipse through fields and weeds in heels- although of course I can’t stop you. For the most part, no one will know what you had on under the gown, and if you do show your feet in a pose, bare feet work great if boots aren’t handy.
The Farm is a popular local venue for brides and grooms that is able to have MUCH larger crowds under their covered cocktail and reception venue. They offer a gazebo spot for outdoor weddings or the indoor by-the-fireplace for weather situations. Onsite cabins, fields and farm animals are also right there. And.. I dont have proof of this because I forgot to take a picture of my food but they presented me an ***exquisitely*** plated dish with the best farm veggies I’ve had in a long, long time.

A parting photo with the reception venue behind the glowing wedding couple. I love my job.

The Fields of Blackberry Cove | Asheville Wedding Photography / June 23, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

I ADORE this, and if you do, then you found your photographer because I made this image. I was even WALKING and stooping and carrying a ton of things and swooped in and click! I’m fierce.

This is mostly here for the view. If you can’t tell it rained- rain on your wedding day is maybe or maybe not something you want, but I will tell you the truth that it makes a special magic for your day, like it’s really the only thing happening in the whole wide world… which, it sort of is, in your world, isn’t it?

Showing off the rain! Love the pops of pink and blue in the wedding attire!!

I love this venue. If you’re looking for a solid, beautiful venue I’d definitely check it out. If you’re looking for a photographer who watches for moments more than she fakes them, wants you to have original imagery and uses the environment to create dreamy and architecturally balanced imagery, hello! I’m an Asheville photographer available for travel anywhere!

Junebug Treehouse | Weaverville Wedding / May 25, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

I was so excited for such a refreshing take on an intimate, casual wedding! This venue had rain the night before but you hardly noticed- the treehouse is well built with paneled flooring and furniture that allows for draininage, as well as plenty of sturdy tarps strung about. The host and hostess are cordial, kind and love using their drone to compliment the photography.

My clients, Amelia and Nik, had a laid back day planned for their family and friends. Actually.. full story is that they were fixin’ to just run off to the court house but loved ones said hold up, we got you, and planned the entire event.

You have two floors of this treehouse- the top floor a nice little “get ready” area and the main floor for the ceremony/reception/pictures, in this case. You also have underneath the treehouse and off to two sides, space for lounging/cocktail/waiting and …maybe grilling in the evening? Catering has their own set up.

Couples that have fun together and act like kids, for sure stay together.

Taken just off the side of the treehouse, in the natural wooded area.

Thank you for having me out, and thanks to Junebug Resort in Weaverville, NC, just a few minutes north of Asheville.

Vineyards at Bettys Creek | Asheville Wedding Photography / May 18, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

First look! Romantic, voyeuristic of me maybe, but definitely romantic.

I have never loved an indoor venue as much as I do every single outdoor wedding spot. Nature is where it’s at.

On location at the Vineyards at Betty’s Creek. This wedding was all about the SPRING green and white!

This Vineyard is HUGE. It’s also quite steep, as you can see in a few pictures. I did a TON of walking and worked out my calves and thighs but only because I wasn’t willing to wait for golf carts all day- but let me tell you the staff at this venue is on point. There seemed to be 3 carts driving around the property to transport well-clad guests all day long. They were super helpful and even showed up at the vendor parking lot when I parked!

The groom was patiently waiting for his bride for the first look- in the distance you can see a house that is sometimes used for various things on the property, like getting ready, or smaller receptions.

be prepared for rustic, natural and outdoorsy details all over!

Fun fact. The loose petals were MIA so the flower fairy man, who took his job very seriously, filled his fanny pack with petals he stole off the many dogwood trees on the property.

The couple hung crystals from the trees above the ceremony space.

Including this so people looking for venues get an overall feel for what the land looks like. This is as viewed from the reception building.

Get a woman who looks at you like this… <3

Their dog <3 oh my gosh! Loved his people!! And I may have a hidden talent for getting puppers attention.

Many thanks for Sean Szitas having me out to second shoot with him- always a pleasure! I’d very much love to work this venue again, so if you’re considering it, or any similar venue, please reach out! Best wishes to the beautiful couple!

Providence Cotton Mill | Milner, NC Wedding Photography / April 26, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

This wedding was photographed at Providence Cotton Mill in Miltner last summer. Let me tell you, when I say it was a hot… but then, you look at the images from the day and I just see great light, a perfect location, and people having utmost fun. The bride wore a non-traditional dress- just a complete stunner. The theme was loosely leaning toward till-death-do-us-part and sort of tongue in cheek. Who said forever had to be so serious?

The venue features like 10k square feet, chippy paint on bricks lots of grass and a bricked courtyard. Swampfans helped keep the temps down and the venue is ready for a breeze with completely open windows.

I’d love to work at this venue again!

Cody and Ashley | The Ridge at Asheville, NC / April 17, 2022 by Lacey R Butler

Perfect day in the mountains of Western North Carolina for a wedding!!

I was so happy to get to help Sean Szitas with this wedding. As the new gal in Asheville, building business can be a little daunting. Getting to shoot is like Christmas though, when you love doing it, so THANK YOU to those who have let me help them. Sean is a super relaxed guy, and works hard to take lots of great portraits. Our style varies a little, so I am able to add my journalistic eye as well as details he isn’t able to cover.

The couple privately exchanged their vows while we documented the moment. Both were in tears, as you can see and no kidding, I was a mess about their love story. It is a huge privilege in my life to have witnessed and learned about love from so many wonderful couples. The gist of their message to one another was what a gift to have found each other- and specifically I recall the bride telling her man how easy love is with him, and life, no matter the challenge. Just so amazing to find that!

A big part of the wedding day FOR ME is honoring all you put into planning it. Although images of a couple alone are beautiful, I believe if you wanted to be alone you’d have eloped. The real story is here, the details of kissing surrounded by those you love, your intimate companions and long distance family that loves you enough to make the trip. It is a cultural celebration of those you cherish, not just the bride and groom. And of course.. lens flare. If you choose this time of day, I’ll be sure to incorporate the drama lighting can give us!

The bride was in love with seeing the moon during sunset - she said all my favorite things are right here in this moment! I love fellow romantics! <3

I’d recommend The Ridge venue for anyone wanting a great location with perfect views right near Asheville! There was no end to the places for images, and the venue offers indoor and outdoor spots for the reception. There are onsite golf carts for quick jaunts across the property- definitely cannot wait to get back to this one!

Cassy + Thomas | Twikinham Mountain Wedding / September 2, 2021 by Lacey R Butler

Something happens when you arrive at Twickenham. It’s like when you take the mask off after an hour in a store- you know, like you can finally really draw a nice deep breath and relax.

And after postponing their perfect wedding for over a year for the pandemic, it’s kind of a good analogy.

What I know about about this gorgeous couple could barely fill a ring box. They met in a poetry class. They live in Europe. They are easygoing. Plants, nature and conservation are important to them. The bride’s dress is a family heirloom. A video from family in Europe was played during the reception.

Cassy and Thomas chose this venue particularly for the beautiful view. At the end of the day, just before I headed home to Asheville, we took about 30 minutes to hit the spot for sunset pictures. They gave me all the time I needed with creative freedom, were easy going and fun to work with, and I was able to not only make a few cinematic images for them, but also to allow them to just enjoy a few seconds “alone” to watch the sunset. I don’t think it can be more romantic than to pause on your wedding day with your love and reflect. I’m hoping it’s one of their favorite memories together, just watching the day fold into night.

Their Vendors:

You can check out Thomas and Cassy’s venue here- Twickenham House and Hall is located near Boone, NC. Leigh Harrow was the lead coordinator at the event and I’ve just never had a coordinator so lovely to work with. It’s truly an art to know how to lead people pleasantly and graciously.

The delicate flora’s are the creative art of Shady Grove Gardens.

The cake I had was worth every calorie- highly recommend Stick Boy.

And finally, Earthworks did all the other food, which is carefully cultivated and locally sourced. Heartfelt thanks to the chef and to the earth for providing!