Appalachian Mountain Elopement in North Georgia

Intimate Wedding Along The Appalachian Trail

What happens when couples truly throw their expectations for an elopement out the window? You get an elopement day filled with the things you love and can truly live in the moment on your wedding day. That’s exactly what Allie and Howard did for their intimate Appalachian Mountain Elopement.

When I first met with Allie and Howard, they weren’t sure what they wanted to do for their elopement day. As an elopement photographer, this is actually super common with my couples. They don’t really know where they want to elope or what they want to do. These are my favorite because I get to truly show a couple the possibilities on their elopement day!

When we were getting to know each other, I asked them what I ask most of my couples, “If you could have a dream day together, what would you do? Where would you go? What would you see?”

They replied that they would love to get up in a cabin together, go for a hike with their dog, and go canoeing because it is their favorite thing to do together. I said to them, “What if that day was your wedding day?”

That’s exactly what they did, made their dream day together their wedding day.

Getting Ready at The Cabin

One of my favorite parts of the elopement day as a photographer is the getting ready time. There are so many beautiful in-between moments, imperfect moments, and excited smiles. Choosing a place that matches your vibe and makes you feel comfortable for this part of the day is crucial because it is your first moments on your wedding day. This is the place where you will take those deep breaths, get into your dress for the first time, and realize for the first time that today is your wedding day.

Allie and Howard chose a cabin that was warm, homey, and inviting just outside of Dahlonega, Georgia. It had warm wood interiors and large windows to let in tons of natural light. All of this created a beautifully inviting atmosphere that matched Allie and Howard’s friendly personalities.

When I walked in for the first time the relaxed feel was palpable. Howard greeted me as some family watched some college football games. Allie was getting ready amongst her family with makeup brushes and hair being attended to, a vision of beauty and poise.

What really struck me about their getting ready time was the calming presence that was in every room as these two best friends were about to embark on their forever adventure together.

Writing Their Own Vows: A Time of Reflection

I absolutely LOVE when couples decide to write their own vows during the getting ready time! Not only does it make for heartfelt photographs, but it is an incredible time to reflect on your relationship with your partner.

Writing your vows on the morning of your wedding day allows you to capture the raw emotions and excitement of the moment. It’s your chance to reflect on your journey together and let love and anticipation guide your words. This spontaneity can lead you to write vows that are deeply personal, heartfelt, and filled with emotion of your wedding day. Writing your vows in the midst of those wedding day butterflies, you can create an authentic and intentional memory of the promises you’ll make to each other.

Howard and Allie did just that. They wrote their vows on the morning of, allowing the happy tears to flow, the emotions to bubble over, and their love for one another to pour out onto the page.

First Look: A Moment of Deep Connection

I will preach having a first look together until the day I die. Having a separate first look before your ceremony allows you to see your partner earlier in the day so you can spend as much time as possible together. It’s a moment that you can be fully present with no distractions. Often couples feel less nervous having a private first look moment rather than during the ceremony.

Allie and Howard chose to have this moment in the beautiful backyard of their cabin with the North Georgia forest surrounding them. Having a first look allowed them to get emotional seeing each other in their wedding attire without the added pressure of an audience. They felt comfortable to cry, laugh, and hug each other like it was their last.

I know what you might be thinking? They did have an audience, you were right there with your camera! Yes you are correct, I was there and snapping photos of the whole thing. I make sure that my couples know exactly what is going to happen for a first look and guide them through the whole process so they can be completely present and in the moment. Not only do I want the photos to come out perfectly for you, I also want you to take the moment in. I want to be a fly on the wall capturing your raw reactions. The only thing you need to focus on at this moment is enjoying it and soaking it in.

Canoeing Adventure: Doing What They Loved

Allie and Howard’s favorite way to spend time together was in a canoe, paddling across tranquil waters with their beloved dog, Weatherby, nestled between them. So, when it came time to say their vows, there was no better place than the heart of the mountains, surrounded by the serene beauty they cherished. They glided across a quiet lake and the soft ripple of water was the only sound.

With their dog by their side, they exchanged vows, the mountains bearing silent witness to their commitment. It was more than just a wedding—it was an adventure, a celebration of the love that had carried them through many journeys, and the promise of countless more to come. It was truly a wedding day without boundaries.

When Allie and Howard told me they wanted to say their vows on their canoe amongst the mountains of North Georgia, I was over the moon with excitement! It was a dream to capture and when I say I am down for any adventure, I mean it! Capturing these photos in my kayak was a dream come true for me as an adventure elopement photographer.

Mountaintop Ceremony: An Intimate Family Affair

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the Appalachian Mountains, the couple and their loved ones gathered for a ceremony that would bring their wedding day to a perfect close. The air was cool and crisp. Surrounded by family, they stood on a ridge that overlooked the Appalachian mountains, the same mountains that had witnessed their vows that afternoon.
With their dog resting peacefully at their feet, Allie and Howard exchanged a second set of vows, this time in the presence of those who had shaped their journey. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and quiet joy, the kind that comes from being in the presence of both nature’s beauty and the love of family.

As they sealed their promises with a kiss, the sun slipped behind the mountains, and the sky erupted with the colors of blue hour. They toasted with family to conclude this epic celebration of love. It was a perfect ending—a day that began with calm, radiated adventurous spirit, and concluded with the comforting embrace of family, all under the watchful eye of the Appalachian Mountains.