Mikayla + Montana’s Blue Ridge Elopement
Blue Ridge, GA | North Georgia Elopements
Georgia Elopement Photographer | Summit and Sur Photography
As a former southerner, I spent a lot of time up in the mountains of North Georgia as a teenager; it’s a place I have hiked, kayaked, ridden horses, and just generally explored as much as possible. Once I become an elopement photographer, I was itching to shoot an adventure wedding back in North Georgia since I had so many ideas for spots that would be perfect for a couple’s big day. Fast forward to last year, Mikayla and Montana reached out about having their intimate wedding in Blue Ridge, GA and well, I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough! It was not only a dream come true to capture an elopement here, but working with these two was absolute perfection.
When I arrived at the gorgeous Airbnb on the day of their Blue Ridge wedding, it was already mostly set up to perfection with gorgeous tablescape details, a macaron and cupcake station, and lots of beautiful, meaningful mementos placed throughout. Mikayla is actually a wedding photographer herself in Florida, so it really should have come as no surprise that their details were on point! Mikayla and Montana decided to get ready together with the exception of their outfits, as they wanted that part to be a surprise for the ceremony. Once their hair and make-up was complete, they both got dressed separately with their families so as not to spoil the surprise. After a few more very special moments with family, everyone went down to the backyard where there was a gorgeous arch set up for their ceremony. Mikayla walked out first with her father and brother and then waited before seeing Montana walk down the stairs of the house with father. They were both so excited for this big moment as evidenced by the huge smiles on both of their faces.
With their ceremony officiated by a family friend, they exchanged heartfelt vows to each other that had everyone tearing up (yes, your photographer cries too). Knowing that Montana is typically the one in their relationship who has more to say in times like this, Mikayla surprised her by writing some beautiful, longer vows; in turn, Montana kept hers a little more short and sweet to as a nod to Mikayla’s own personal style. They also had their families contribute to their unity box, gifting them special mementos to cherish in this new stage of their relationship. Afterwards, the pair put their vow books in the box and after exchanging rings, were declared married!
After lots of family photos and a quick refreshment, Mikayla and Montana headed out for a little adventure of their own for some moody, fall photos! We started at a spot on the Toccoa River that I was familiar with from tubing down the river as a teen; with it’s gorgeous rocks and trees, it was the perfect place to snap some elopement photos without having to drive too far from their Airbnb. Lots of couples photos and individual portraits later, we headed to our final stop: Lake Blue Ridge. This was a spot they had picked when we first started planning so we knew it would be great for their blue hour photos that they were super excited about. At this point, it started to drizzle so we broke out the clear umbrellas which really only added to the moodiness—-it was fantastic. Once we were all cold and the light was gone, it was time to head back for dinner!
When we were in the process of planning, Mikayla and Montana looked at various options for dinner but ultimately settled on having their families prepare a meal for them which, to me, sounded like an amazing choice. So after getting back from our little adventure on the lake, the newlyweds were greeted by their families and the smell of steak and other delicious food that was almost ready. While everyone waited for the food to be finished, Mikayla’s mom gifted them a beautiful framed print that everyone admired. We took advantage of the outdoor patio area and took a few photos near the fireplace before heading inside to watch the slideshow that their families had put together with photos throughout Mikayla and Montana’s relationship. With everyone laughing and crying, it was a special moment enjoyed by all.
Before dinner was served, Mikayla and Montana broke some “rules” and decided to have dessert first. They dug into their wedding cupcakes, ordered from The Sweet Shoppe of the South in Downtown Blue Ridge; it was clear from their faces that these cupcakes were incredible! A few more shared bites of cupcake later and a family prayer, everyone changed into comfy clothes and sat down to eat dinner. Mikayla and Montana toasted to their wedding day and were even visited by a little ladybug at their table!
After taking a few minutes to stuff my face with delicious food (I still think about the bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeño peppers), I snapped a few more candid photos of their little reception before heading back to the city. It was an absolutely gorgeous fall elopement day in North Georgia and I feel so lucky to have gotten to work with these two amazing people. Congrats again Mik and Mo!!!
Vendors
Mikayla’s Suit: Versona
Montana’s Dress: Elope Bridal
Lodging: Airbnb-Weaver Creek Lodge
Cupcakes: The Sweet Shoppe of the South
Macarons: Milk and Honey Macarons
Wedding Arch Floral Arrangement: With Love Designs and Shoppe
Officiant + Bouquet: Family Friends
Looking for an elopement photographer for your Blue Ridge or North Georgia elopement? Reach out today to get started!