Romantic Downtown Asheville Courthouse Elopement with Emily + Oriana

Nov 21

couple kissing at the asheville courthouse on film — *A Bouquet of Autumn Light*

A cold but bright late autumn morning set the tone for Emily + Oriana’s courthouse marriage. Emily is one of my closest friends, and even though this day had long lived in our conversations, even though we always promised to stand beside one another for life’s biggest milestones— I was still hit with that warm feeling in my chest when she asked me to photograph and be present in this intimate moment. From the very first meeting with Oriana, I felt it. I knew this was her person. It’s a blessing to see the ones you care about grow into deeper versions of themselves, to see them choose partnerships, and to witness them be loved with the same devotion they give so freely.

The morning moved slow in the sweetest way. We woke just before sunrise so we could get ready and to the courthouse as soon as they opened at 8:30am. We met Emily’s uncle, who served as her witness, along with Oriana’s friend, who stepped in for her. What a lucky day for love it was, because a handful of other couples were waiting to confess their vows right with us.

wife and wife kissing after getting eloped

The wait ended up being almost an hour, which honestly worked in our favor because the courthouse was beautiful. I loved the intricate ceiling details, the pops of red, the marble, the antique railings, and unique chandeliers. The interior designer living in me was having a ball.

The ceremony itself was simple and sweet, held in a small room where the focus wasn’t on spectacle but on presence. A moment to breathe, to sign, to exchange rings, and a spur of the moment decision to read their vows out loud. They weren’t concerned with how it photographed. They wanted to be there, to feel fully. Their official day of celebration will unfold next year, where all their friends and family will join to share the love and joy of their union. One small polaroid from the room now exists as a keepsake, tender and intimate.

Since it was only 10 in the morning, we celebrated in the best way: brunch at Sunny Point Cafe. A few mimosas and banana bread french toast later, we were laughing it up and reliving the moment they said ‘I do’. After stuffing ourselves, we wandered around downtown Asheville, popping into almost every little shop that caught our eye; a plant nursery, a bookstore, a cool bar called The Whale. We even started the scavenger hunt the stores were hosting, but with our collective attention span, it lasted about three shops before we gave up on it.

After a friendly recommendation, we swung by Flora to create a bouquet for photos. I adore that place and can’t wait to go back next time I’m in town to obsess over every trinket on their shelves.

We decided the Asheville Botanical Garden would be the perfect spot for their post-ceremony photos. I love the eeriness of winter scenery, everything is so stunning. Even with the bare trees, colors of yellow and red peeked through, adding the perfect dimension.