Mountain Xpress Local Wedding Guide 2010

FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 23, 2010 mountainx.com l O c A l W E d d i n g g U i d E

W e l c o m e t o t h e X p r e s s

l o c a l W e d d i n g a l b u m

This year, the Xpress wedding guide was born from photos sent in by our community of local wedding-service providers. Our album is truly your album, and contains photos authentic to WNC. We appreciate the many lovely images we received, and regret we werent able to use all of them. Congratulations to all the happy couples-to-be!

Asheville Photography

828.989.0619

www.ashevillephotography.net

Excited About Your Wedding?

By Brittany Mullins

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l O c A l W E d d i n g g U i d E mountainx.com FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 23, 2010


Why we went local Asheville, North Carolina and the Blue Ridge Mountains make a gorgeous backdrop for desti-nation weddings, reports WeddingBasics.com. But we knew that. With the mountain scenery, great weather, activities for guests and romantic accommodations, Asheville has wedding written all over it. Add to that the local farms and busi-nesses at the ready to provide every wedding-related detail from lush bouquets to special diet catering and really, why would anyone want to have a wedding somewhere else? But as much of a trend as destination wed-dings have become, if you already live in the per-fect spot theres no reason to hire a travel agent. In fact, there are lot of arguments for staying put. EcoWedding.org suggests, Pick a central location where the majority of the guests dont have to travel too far, Keep things simple, and Keep it local. In other words, make local your destination. A local wedding has some serious perks: Less stress, less expense and less impact on the environment top the list. Locally sourced prod-ucts limit both the fuel cost to transport them long distances, as well as the headache of tim-

ing a shipment. Working with community-based businesses means personalized service, and also keeps money in the local economy. And, while a wedding at home (back-yard ceremonies were recession-chic; pot luck receptions get the guests involved; D.I.Y. decor lends a personal touch) can save serious cash, a local wedding doesnt have to mean strictly homegrown. Asheville boasts plenty of stunning venues like the fairyland-esque glen at Homewood, the overlook deck at the Crest Pavillion, or the time-tested environs of the Grove Park Inn. A totally local event is more doable now than ever before. A hundred years ago, an Appalachian bride might have sewn her own gown, her commu-nity might have baked a layer cake using number 10 cast-iron skillets, and the ceremony would have taken place at the family home or church. Same idea today, only with plenty of added luxury. Consider a one-of-a-kind dress handmade by a local designer, a specialty cake baked to suit the brides and grooms personalities, a bouquet from an organic farm, gifts selected from area boutiques, a memory-making B&B suite within walking dis-tance to the festivities, a conflict-free diamond ring bench-made by a local jeweler and the pictures (taken by a local photographer, of course) to com-memorate the occasion. Just to give you an idea about how it will all play out, Xpress offers up our local wedding album: a WNC-sourced guide to all things matrimonial. And dont forget our online business directory at mountainx.com/guides/wedding.X

photo courtesy Brown photography

photo courtesyrebecca DAngelo photography

Black-Eyed Susan CateringCateringCatering

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l O c A l W E d d i n g g U i d E mountainx.com FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 23, 2010 5

We fell in love with with the mountains and wanted to have our wedding right there. It was the scenery that attracted us here, and seemed like a pretty epic decision binding ourselves to each other, and to the mountains, too. Here, at Max Patch. WNC is blessed with venues of all sorts from the great outdoors to lovely spaces in the heart of downtown. View the Xpress online directory for a long list of gorgeous options.

What a lovely opportunity to select our own in-season flowers from a garden. We took advantage of the areas farms and used locally sourced flowers, in season.

photo courtesyblue goldsmiths

WNC is home to so many amazing craftspeople. We want-ed jewelry as unique as our bond, and sought out local jewelers to create custom wedding bands for us. Here, our design from blue goldsmiths.

photo courtesyThe enchanted Florist

photo courtesyChristopher smith photography

FEBRUARY 17 - FEBRUARY 23, 2010 mountainx.com l O c A l W E d d i n g g U i d E6

What she wore

by Alli marshall One of the many blessings that come from an original tailored garment is the opportunity to incorporate personal, poetic and sentimental touches, explains local designer R. Brooke Priddy of Ship to Shore. Often my clients bring items from loved ones of generations past. Its a concept that goes far beyond the something old, something new adage. Priddy repurposes and incorporates gloves, scraps of lace, velvet flowers, pearls, hats, even entire wedding gowns into one-of-a-kind dresses for the brides who come to her shop. Thats a really big difference a world apart, in fact from the process through which many women choose a gown. Catalogues, bridal superstores and main-stream mall-style shops offer plenty of selection but in impersonal settings and with few if any options for customizing. When it comes to weddings, few brides would admit to wanting a cookie-cutter feel to the big day. So what stops many brides from purchas-ing a custom-made gown? Price. Tales of nest egg-cracking designer gowns are the stuff of both legend and nightmare. FYI: The most expensive wedding dress in the world, to date, is the $12 million Diamond Gown, a collaboration by Renee Strauss and jewel dealer Martin Katz. But thats hardly everyones style, and when it comes to cus-tom design (within reason), Priddy points out that People dont seem to know that the prices are not that much higher than local off-the-rack chain retailers. Sometimes much less. (Alterations and extras are hid-den costs of off-the-rack gowns.) While buying locally might mean spend-ing less; it definitely means keeping money in the local economy and avoiding unfair trade or sweatshop practices associated

photo courtesyWedding Inspirations

with many mass-produced clothing lines. But most importantly, a local designer provides one-on-one con-sultation and personal touches. Back to that something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue tradition: Each of these lucky items can be sewn in like secrets under hems, or woven into accentu-ated waistlines, says Priddy. In my experience, the more the dress tells a story laced with a history unique to the bride the more emotionally fulfilling the whole experience can be. WNC boasts many talented design-

ers as well as small boutiques that can offer personalizes service when it comes to finding the perfect dress. Brides on a budget can check local consignment and vintage shops for second hand and antique gowns. These dresses, at the hand of a tailor or seamstress, can be updated and made to fit perfectly. Have a fam-ily heirloom wedding gown thats brimming with emotional value but is hopelessly out of style? Consider hiring one of the areas many altera-tion shops to take in, let out, shorten, remove sleeves or otherwise revamp the dress. X


What she wore

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (a surprising resource for weddings) debuted its Asheville Wedding Crashers blog on Valentines Day. Its intent? To celebrate and capture the unique spirit of the wedding scene in and around the Asheville area. Look for photos, guest blogs, insider tips, funny stories and bridal trends. Visit www.myweddinginasheville.com to learn more.

photo courtesyr. Brooke priddy / ship to shore

Adorn Salon just earned a Best Bridal Salon nod from The Knot wedding maga-zine. We do between 40 and 50 weddings a year, take great pride in our work, and love being involved in peoples big day. We have recently relocated to a beauti-ful new space and have added spa services to our menu in response to the many requests we get for pampering from our brides, writes owner Rebecca Hecht. Also earning kudos were City Bakery & Cafe for wedding cake bakers; Biltmore Estate and On Broadway for reception sites; Artisan Catering and Deli for wedding cater-ers; and Studio Flora Diva for florists. Visit www.theknot.com to learn more.


What we ate: Local food

Top 10 reasons to buy local food include: Better tasting food, sustaining rural heritage and protecting the natu-ral beauty of the mountains, says the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. For your wedding, tapping into the bounty of local farms has never been easier. When you buy local food, you help keep local farms in business, strengthen our economy, preserve rural landscapes and encourage sustainable agricultural practices, adds ASAPs marketing and communications contact, Rose McLarney. And you benefit directly: You enjoy fresher food. Know those popular green bumper stickers that read Local Food: Thousands of Miles Fresher? thats what theyre talking about. For a special event like a wedding, you want the best ingredients, explains McLarney. When you buy local, you get those in several senses. You get better tasting food. You get unique, regional food that is a reflection of your weddings location. And you get food thats really fitting for a celebration, because its good for your whole community. A bride and groom who live in WNC probably already have an idea of their favorite local flavors. They might know a farmer from one of the areas many tail-gate markets, or favor a particular baker or producer of specialty foods. Mead, wine, beer, goat cheese, chocolate, honey and jam are just a handful of the many products that can be locally sourced. For those planning a wedding from

afar (or for local residents needing some suggestions), McLarney recommends ASAPs Local Food Guide at www.buy-appalachian.org. They can either search for specific ingredients or browse the Caterers & Bakers section, she says. Salad dressing, coffee and freshly milled grains can be found in the guide; so can vegetarian chefs, dessert master-minds and pasta makers. Local food, like slow food, is a move-ment. Actually, the two are intimately linked. Slow food is an idea, a way of living and a way of eating, reads the Slow Food USA Web site. It is a global, grassroots movement with thousands of members around the world that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to community and the environment. But if joining a movement seems like a major undertaking on top of planning and carrying off a wedding, dont let the revolutionary language throw you. At its essence, local food means edibles that travel the shortest distance from farm to plate. Whether its an heirloom tomato or a delicately balanced, three-tiered cake, the less time spend in transit, the better. And, because wedding planning doesnt leave much spare time for trawl-ing farmers markets in search of the best radicchio and ripest strawberries, consid-er leaving all that shopping to the experts. The local caterer or chef you choose to prepare you meal or hors doeuvres can sleuth in your stead. Another bonus for going local: The folks making your food have the insider info on where to find the very best goods.

photo courtesyArtisan Catering

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The Orchard at Broadmoor V incenzos R is torante

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What we ate

We have had the pleasure of serving several 100-mile menus to brides and grooms who are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of their wedding and showcasing the very best of what WNC has to offer, writes Miki Kilpatrick from Saffron Fine Foods. All of the meat, fish, fresh vegetables and dairy are sourced from within a 100-mile radius.

photo courtesyArtisan Catering

A few of the many places Saffron gets delicious veggies, meats & cheeses:

Happy Cow Creamery, Pelzer, SCLooking Glass Creamery, AshevilleSunburst Trout Farm, CandlerFarside Farms, AshevilleHuntley Family Farms, BarnardsvilleDeep Woods Mushrooms, Mills RiverMadison Farms, All Over Madison CountyHolly Springs Nursery, Mills River

From Miki Kilpatrick at Saffron Fine Foods

A sample Spring menu, courtesy Saffron:

Hors doeuvresSweet Pea Risotto Balls with Herbed Tomato SauceLocal Goat Cheese Crottin with Rhubarb Jam in Wonton CrispGreen Eggs & Ham Spinach and Bacon stuffed Deviled Eggs

dinnerSpinach Salad with Shitakes, Roasted Red Pepper, Walnuts & Goat CheeseLamb Roulade stuffed with Roasted Garlic & Fresh HerbsScallion Mashed PotatoesSpring Vegetable Trio: Roasted Asparagus Spears, Sauted Radishes with Watercress, Sugar Snap Peas with Caramelized OnionArtisan Breads with Herb Butter X

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By the Bucket, By the Vase, or By the Stem

From May-October, Master Gardener Judy Garry offers hundreds of varieties of organic, home-grown fresh and fragrant cut fl owers from her East Asheville garden. And because this is a home garden,

our prices are extremely competitive!

From Bridal Bouquets to Flowers for the Cake, We offer Full Floral Services

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Love is love

Land of the Sky United Church of Christ supports marriage equality for gays and lesbians and officiates same-sex commitment ceremonies. We believe that marriage equality is an important justice issue, and our community of faith includes families that are affected every day by the status quo that says they cannot enter into the legal covenant of marriage, writes Rev. Amanda Hendler-Voss, co-pastor. Both pastors are married with kids, writes Hendler-Voss, so we know full well the privileges and challenges afforded by the institution of marriage.

photo courtesy BobbyMarks Designs

My true-love hath my heart, and I have his, By just exchange one to the other given: I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss, There never was a better bargain driven: My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.

His heart in me keeps him and me in one, My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides: He loves my heart, for once it was his own, I cherish his because in me it bides: My true-love hath my heart, and I have his.

Sir Phillip Sidney

Rev. Larry Anderson

Your Wedding Should beJust the Way You Want it!

828-681-5177www.AndersonWNCWeddings.com


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How we ate cakeby Alli marshall

It seems like every wedding movie has the requisite scene where the bride- and groom-to-be perch on fussy little chairs and sample an array of pastel-hued sliv-ers of cake. Words like butter cream and fondant are tossed around and eventually lead to something massive and white and tiered like a designer wedding gown. Something far closer to sculpture than scrumptious. The thing about wedding cake (and most of us past our mid-20s have gone to enough weddings to have done the necessary research) is that its never very good. Pretty to look at, but often dry and bland. Why else would so many wed-ding cakes meet their ends smashed into brides and grooms faces to the delight of photographers? Or toppled by an inebri-ated best man? Thats where a locally made cake comes in. For starters, small cake shops tend to turn out pastries that taste as good as they look. No mass-made con-fection here; these edibles are lovingly crafted one at a time and flavored with regional delicacies. Short Street Cakes menu offers flavors like Aunt Tissys Italian Cream Cake and Ashevelvet (Red velvet the way it was meant to be. Brown). That bakery also offers gluten-free and fruit-sweetened options, while West End Bakery can create vegan wed-ding cakes in chocolate, white and car-rot. Speaking of carrot, Worlds Best Carrot Cake just happens to be located in Woodfin and can make a nuptial-ready carrot dessert or (thanks to a team effort with baker Candace Blakeslee of CB Desserts, any number of wildly imag-ined cakes. On her blog, Blakeslee writes, Cant decide between two flavors? A cake can be made with layers of each flavor or a swirl of those flavors. Like

mocha, or tres leches, or golden rum. While independent local bakers get to show off their individuality, so do the bride and groom. Put those two creative forces together and you wind up with a cake that says a lot about the couple it celebrates. Thats the case at Sweet Promises, which can do a traditional rolled fondant or a fantastical seasonally themed dessert. Baker Wynette Scruggs describes an elaborate autumnal tree cake she made: A design which was created for bride who wanted to reflect an enchanted forest theme for her fall wedding. Similarly, Annies Naturally Bakery, along with buttery white tiered confec-tions, crafts some comedic treats. Head cake decorator Natalie Haynes describes one chocolate treat as a whimsical grooms cake done for an outdoorsman complete with icing whitewater, a tent topper and a sign for the Appalachian Trail. And then theres the mandolin grooms cake created by Tiffanys Baking Company: The perfect details from strings to tuning pegs only enhance the chocolate decadence. And thats really only the tip of the icing er iceberg when it comes to personalized designs. Sisters McMullen can whip up a wedding cake made of dozens of elegantly frosted cupcakes. City Bakery has decorated a tiered cake with birch bark and fresh daisies; both bakeries have turned out pop-art spec-tacles of geometric shapes, fanciful icing and layered balancing acts worthy of Cirque du Soleil. But its all because local bakeries know their clients and work in collaboration to make the perfect dessert. And not just perfect looking, either. X

Find a directory of WNC bakeries at mountainx.com/guides/wedding.

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Gifts we received

Teapot by river Arts District artistpatty Bilbro

Want to get really Asheville, long after the actual ceremony? Many local artists offer registries for couples, who might then end up with a set of dishes both hand-crafted and unique. Forget department stores and work with independent local retailers who stock all manner of wares. And if youre curious what the process is like setting up a registry with an artist, rest assured, theyve made it virtually stress-free. Heres a sample step-by-step primer from ceramic artist Dawn Dalto: Normally I meet with the couple in person so that they can see the work and make selections. They tell me which pieces they want and how many. I then set up a special section on my Web site for them. It has each of the items that they selected and the quantity that is being requested. Then their guests can visit the site and

make purchases. I give them a link to their particular section that they can send to their guests, and if they wish I will put a link on my front page with a link to their page. Some couples dont want a link as they want it to be more private. I give the purchaser the option of having the item shipped to them or I can hold it in my studio for them to pick up or even deliver it myself to the couple prior to the wedding if they are local and can ship too. I offer free gift wrapping also for wedding registries. I try to make is super easy for both the couple and their guests. What are the advantages? Along with the convenience of registry, Dalto lists get-ting a hand-made dinner service, tiles, wed-ding-day accessories that meet their theme and style, ease for their guests to purchase something the couple wants without hassle, free gift wrap, free local delivery.

lavender weddingsat Mountain Farm

contact us:

Weddings at Mountain Farm are a down-to-EARTH a air.

Views of lavender and the Black Mountains make a dramatic backdrop for your wedding.

Hosting only a limited number of weddings a year gives our sta an opportunity to get to know the wedding party and tailor your experience at Mountain Farm to create the wedding you envision. Our wedding site at Blueberry Cottage, a romantically rustic cabin that sleeps up to 8 people, is included for three days and nights. The two-acre lawn is ideal for up to a 40x80 tent. The picturesque arbor, lavender eld and ower gardens are a unique setting that will create an unforgettable experience for you and your guests!We also specialize in table favors and wedding party gifts from the farm: honey, soaps, lavender wedding tosses, and more!

125 Copperhead Bend Burnsville, NC828-675-4856 www.mountainfarm.net


Ashevilles River district Artists Situated along the French Broad River mere minutes from downtown Asheville, the River Arts District is home to more than 100 artists. Many of them will work with couples on creating their registries. Youll find two examples of River District Artists that offer bridal registries listed below. However, head on down to the River Arts District any day of the week and discover the possibilities on your own. Find out which artists are open on any given day by visiting www.riverdistric-tartists.com and clicking on Calendar Open Studio Hours.

Hofman studiosRegister for gifts and/or wedding china at Hofman Studios. Artist Michael Hofman makes hand-built porcelain that he impresses with antique lace. Hofman says, Often brides will bring in old family lace or perhaps extra lace from their own wedding dress for me to make their pieces with.111 Roberts St., River Arts District. (828) 232-1401. www.hofmanstudios.com

The Potters Mark ltd.The Potters Mark offers handcrafted, functional stoneware, featuring a rare red glaze: A piece of art you can use every day, says Potters Mark artist Eileen Black. Couples can use the Web site or call to build a registry. Potters Mark will work with a couple to design their own Web page, where their family and friends can go to order items.The Cotton Mill Studios, 122 Riverside Drive, Studio A, River Arts District. (828) 252-9122. www.pottersmark.com

Common HouseflyA toy store for the food conscious, declares Common Houseflys Web site. The shop offers pots and pans, tableware, glassware, bar accessories and much more.

Proprietor Kerryn Davis says its very easy to register at Common Housefly, simply come by during regular business hours ... and request a sheet to list [your] general info and wish list, and it is then kept [at the store] for guests etc. to pull and shop with.104 West State St., Black Mountain. (828) 669-0503. www.commonhousefly.net

New Morning Gallery New Morning Gallery showcases a collec-tion of American-handmade decorative and functional crafts ceramics, furni-ture, glass and more in a 12,300 square-foot, multilevel space in Biltmore Village. The gallery assists couples in building their own online registries.7 Boston Way, Biltmore Village. (828) 274-2831 or (800) 933-4438. www.newmorning-gallerync.com

Porter & PrinceCouples can make appointments to come into the store to discuss their bedding, bath and furniture needs. After a couple has selected the items for their wish list, a registry is created. The couples guests can then visit the store and choose from the list. Gifts can be picked up at the store when it arrives or shipped with a minimal fee. Gift wrapping provided for smaller items.2 Hendersonville Road, Suite A1. (828) 236-2337 or (888) 431-2337. www.por-terandprince.com

giveArtfully.comAn online gift registry based in Asheville that offers handmade art and crafts: origi-nal pottery, photography, textiles, hand-made books and more. Creating a registry at giveArtfully.com is a free, one-step pro-cess. Much of the artwork is created upon order and allows the couple to be involved in the design process by selecting colors, finishes, styles and sizes.(888) 696-6807. http://giveartfully.com X

Some very WNC registries

www.saffronfinefoods.comcontact@saffronfinefoods.com828-280-3094Check out sample menus at www.saffronfinefoods.com

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Where we stayed

photo courtesyThe Gardeners Cottage

by Alli marshall Often venues and accommodations go hand-in-hand. If your Asheville Wedding is a destination wedding, thats likely to be the case. There are plenty of great locales for such an event, from the all-inclusive services of The Inn on Biltmore and The Grove Park Inn to more intimate settings like The Hawk & Ivy Country Retreat in Barnardsville (where one of the proprietors is even an ordained minister and can perform the ceremony) or Hot Springs Mountain Magnolia Inn (which can lodge 38 guests and has a restaurant on site). If your local wedding doesnt include a combined venue/guest rooms establish-ment, WNC offers plenty of excellent accommodations no chain hotels or motels necessary at a variety of price points. The Home Away from Home: Since Asheville has long been a tourist destina-tion, the city has made an art of the Bed & Breakfast. The Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association includes more than a dozen inns; with a total of nearly 100 rooms. The Montford historical district alone is home to B&Bs housed in stately homes some designed by noteworthy architect Richard Sharp Smith in the early 1900s. B&Bs provide personalized service, delectable meals and a distinctly local touch: per-fect for out-of-town guests who want a unique experience. easy elegance: Boutique hotels might be a buzzword among discerning travel-

ers, but in Asheville theyre old school. Historic properties include the sprawl-ing Princess Anne Hotel (once owned by Johnny Mercers father) and the Albemarle Inn (which hosted Hungarian composer Bela Bartok). New properties such as Hotel Indigo and The Grand Bohemian Hotel seek to continue the tra-dition. When in the mountains ... Do as the mountaineers do. Rent a cabin. Or rent a group of cabins. There are plenty of options, from rustic to luxe (hot tub with mountain views, anyone?), and plenty of local rental agencies ready to find the per-fect setup for your wedding party. Cabins can be found close to all the amenities of town (the button-cute 1920s-era cabin village at Tunnel and Swannanoa River roads comes to mind); others are tucked into wooded privacy, or surrounded by outdoor adventures, like hiking and tub-ing. Romance on a budget: Hostels arent just for European backpackers. Ashevilles handful of low-cost hostels including the brand new, right-in-the-action Sweet Peas on Lexington Avenue are fun and friendly. Good for the adventurous and social, hostels offer travelers a chance to meet other on-the-move folks. Communal kitchens, living rooms, game rooms and other amenities like tourist info and bike rentals make for a pleasant stay for wed-ding guests on a shoestring. X

For more accommodations, check out moun-tainx.com/guides/wedding.

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How we did it

photo courtesyrebecca DAngelo photography

Back in the day, getting hitched was as simple as jumping over a broom. These days, theres a bit more too it: Forms to fill out and file, officiants to procure, rings to buy. The good news is that, despite the legalese involved, the actual process in the eyes of the law requires little more than a trip into the Buncombe County Courthouse. Interesting fact: Buncombe County Marriage records are on file, dating back to 1891, at the Register of Deeds (first floor, room 110). If youre not interested in historical research, you can simply pur-chase marriage license and certificates of marriage in this office. No appointments are necessary; hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (though both parties must be present by 4 p.m. to complete the paperwork). Couples where both people are over 21 have it easiest: As long as both are cur-rently single, they simply need their driv-ers licenses and social security cards (or a legal document with the social security number). Those under age 21 will need a birth certificate as well; those under 18 must bring parents to sign for them.

Getting the marriage certificate requires filling out a form at a computer in the Register of Deeds office, or online before hand at buncombecounty.org/GOVERNING/DEPTS/RegisterDeeds/vital_marriage.htm. Worth noting: If you have been mar-ried before, you need to supply the date of a divorce or a spouses death. No phys-ical or blood test is needed; the only thing administered will be an oath. A marriage license now costs $60 (make your check out to Register of Deeds or cash) and is valid for 60 days. The ceremony must be performed by a an ordained minister; the minister does not have to be local. If youve not planned for a ceremony, a magistrate is available on the 10th floor of the court house. To finalize the process, return the signed license to the Register of Deeds where it will be filed. A copy of the Marriage Certificate costs $10. Get extra copies so you can show them to the DMV and Social Security Office should you need to make relevant name changes. Online help is available for Social Security name changes at socialsecurity.gov. X

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Mountain Xpress Local Wedding Guide 2010

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Transcript of Mountain Xpress Local Wedding Guide 2010