1. Real Weddings

A Minimalist Rustic Wedding Chattooga Belle Farm Wedding in Long Creek, South Carolina

On her first day of graduate school at Stanford University, Rachel (24) almost crashed her bike into Alex (24) while he was talking to their professor

On her first day of graduate school at Stanford University, Rachel (24) almost crashed her bike into Alex (24) while he was talking to their professor. Within two weeks the pair were in a secret relationship, keeping their feelings under wrap since their was only one other student in their program! After a mountainside proposal, the pair planned a destination wedding from Washington, DC with the help of Rachel's mom. Without first seeing the space, the couple decided to host their affair at Chattooga Belle Farm in Long Creek, South Carolina. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this scenic spot offered a covered outdoor ceremony space with a picturesque mountainside backdrop and hanging mason jar chandelier. They continued to reflect their minimalist rustic theme through their simple centerpieces. "We had single roses in green wine bottles, tree stump centerpieces with burlap and single cut hydrangeas in mason jars," says Rachel. "I wanted it to reflect our Southern roots, but still feel outdoorsy and casual." The gloomy weather forecast leading up to their outdoor vineyard affair didn't phase the pair, who instead embraced the rainy weather and came prepared with boots and umbrellas. "It rained during the morning so we all just rolled our pants up and took photos in the muddy fields—it was the best part!" says Rachel.

The couple planned to have garden roses but the blooms they ordered online dropped all of their petals on the day of the wedding. "We made an emergency run to Cosco and bought every pink rose they had instead," says Rachel. "Regular pink roses are my favorite flower now—these things happen and you have to roll with it!"
Rachel and Alex wanted a natural and romantic color palette that reflected springtime in the mountains. "I found short, chiffon, pale green dresses for my bridesmaids that looked great next to my champagne colored skirt," says Rachel.
Hanging Mason Jar Chandelier Ceremony Decor
"Our wedding theme was all about reflecting the mountains around us," says Rachel. "We choose a beautiful outdoor venue that was filled with natural decoration- the vineyards, the soaring roof of the barn and the Mason jar chandeliers hanging from the rafters."
Intimate Chattooga Belle Farm Outdoors Ceremony
Knowing that the couple wanted an outdoor, mountainside wedding but having to plan from Washington, DC, Rachel's mom scouted out their Chattooga Belle Farm venue—and they booked sight unseen!
Rustic Champagne Tulle Wedding Gown
Casual Chattooga Belle Farm Mountainside Wedding
Rachel and Alex reflected their minimalist rustic theme through their simple centerpieces. "We had single roses in green wine bottles, tree stump centerpieces with burlap and single cut hydrangeas in mason jars," says Rachel. "I wanted it to reflect our Southern roots, but still feel outdoorsy and casual."
Pink Rose Decorated Buttercream Cake
Chocolate and Vanilla Cupcake Tower Dessert Display
Instead of leaving the wedding at the end with an official send off, Rachel and Alex stayed to say goodbye to each guest as they left. "We were the last to leave and made everyone feel special, which they are!" says Rachel. "Our photographer pointed out that we wouldn't have exit photos, so we staged them! Running through the wet field over and over to take photos, with everyone having a blast, was the best part!"