Alex and Chris’ Biltmore Wedding!

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What an honor to be a part of Alex and Chris’ wedding at The Inn at Biltmore Estate. Honestly, we could not have asked for a better couple, more beautiful weather, or a more perfect setting. We love a good Biltmore wedding and we had so much fun that our feet told us the next day! Epic work day for epic photos! More from us later on this awesome day but for now, here are some snippets from Alex and Chris!

A bit about Alex: Alex was just sworn in as an officer of the court in North Carolina as an attorney and moved from Georgia to Charlotte this year.

A bit about Chris: Chris is in real estate in Charlotte.

How did you meet? We met at Denny Hamlin’s ProAm Jam, a golf event hosted by a company I worked for in Charleston, SC in October 2014. Both of us say we almost didn’t go that night… so glad we did!

Describe your first date? Our first real date was the Georgia Bulldogs bowl game in Charlotte in December 2014. That was the first good excuse for Alex to come up to Charlotte to visit Chris… Thanks, Dawgs!

How long have you been together? Two years in December!

What are your favorite hobbies and activities to do as a couple? We are always up for anything! We love checking out new places in Charlotte, taking mini road trips, and we spend plenty of nights on the couch with Netflix and take out 🙂

Who popped the question and HOW? Chris proposed on a romantic trip to Napa Valley in February 2016. He spent a few minutes on one knee giving what I know was the sweetest engagement speech, but I barely remember what he said because I was so excited!! We came home that same day and I was on top of the world.

Why did you pick Asheville and the Biltmore Estate for your wedding? I (Alex) have dreamed of getting married at the Biltmore since I was a little girl. My mama loved the idea my whole life as well!

What adjective best describes your spouse on your wedding day? Alex about Chris – excited, super sweet and loving, and very calm! When I asked Chris for his adjectives about me, he first said “relief” and I reminded him that wasn’t an adjective… 😛 He said “perfect” and “unforgettable”.

What tangible detail of your wedding day did you love the most? We LOVED getting to see our dog, Henry, for a few minutes during photos. He is the best! I also had a piece of my daddy’s “blue hanky” tied around my bouquet that he gave me when I first left for college 8 years ago.

How many guests attended the wedding? 150

What did you and your guests eat at the reception? Our guests enjoyed signature cocktails before the ceremony (Alex’s was the “Georgia Peach Bellini” and Chris’ was the “North Carolina Old Fashioned”). Cocktail hour started with bacon wrapped scallops, sesame chicken, and tomato bruschetta. We had a salad station, a pasta station, a mashed potato bar (THE BEST!), an artisan station of cheeses, and prime rib and turkey breast… Can we do that part again??

What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Alternating layers of white cake with buttercream and chocolate buttermilk cake with white chocolate mousse filling. Chris also had a few small groom’s cakes – carrot cake, his favorite.

What is the one of the funniest things that happened on your wedding day? Well, Henry has a hard time controlling his bladder and he peed on my dress a little when he saw us… whoops.

What was your first dance song and why did you pick it? “At Last” by Etta James, but played by the coolest band ever, The St. Louis Big Band. We spent some time going through songs with our band and Alex has always loved “At Last,” so it was an easy decision!

What stood out to you the most when you think of your wedding? I think everyone really did have a fantastic time! The band might have been my favorite part (besides getting MARRIED)… I still wouldn’t mind them moving to Charlotte!

What is on your “bucket list” to do together as a married couple? Travel! We both want to see as much as we can of the world… we already have a pretty good start together!
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Alex’s dress was so unique and absolutely perfect for her petite figure.

Alex made a stunning bride. Her makeup and hair was done by the dynamic duo – Becca Brandt and Ashley Brandt. They did an absolutely fantastic job and are good friends of Alex as well.
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Alex’s gift to Chris was a basket packed full of goodies. An awesome watch, cuff links, clothes, snacks, and some booze! The fellas had a great time getting ready.

Chris wrote Alex a lovely letter and got her this beautiful ring!

Because sometimes you need the guidance of YouTube to tie a bow tie.
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When the groom wears Louboutin shoes you get the shoe shot. 🙂

Reflection of beauty.

Alex’s mom was so kind and generous to us. Her face in this photo as she looks at her beautiful daughter makes me a little teary eyed.

Alex’s dog Henry! (Who would make a surprise entrance later!)
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That light… that bride… that veil… makes my job easy.

The beauty of the mountains of North Carolina.

First look with Alex and her dad at the Inn.

Mom and dad.

Now it was Alex’s turn for a first look with her groom. We photographed this moment under the South Terrace of the Biltmore House.
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Chris was looking mighty dapper on his wedding day!

This bridal party was an absolute blast!

Chris did a running jump to high five his best man. We laughed so hard!

Henry!!!

Alex’s baby and he was so so happy to see her!

I mean, could this couple be any more beautiful?
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So so much beauty in this photo. There is something about a beautiful bride in front of our beautiful mountains. And those puffy white clouds? God was smiling on us this day.

Grooms don’t often have requests for certain photos. Chris, this one is for you! 🙂
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The walled gardens at Biltmore were looking so beautiful with their fall mums!

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Trolley rides with the bridal party… we have stories to tell from this experience!

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The setting of the ceremony from above! The Inn at Biltmore Estate is a beautiful location for a wedding. The inn itself is gorgeous inside and out and that view can’t be beat.

Shout out to Biltmore’s floral department for the stunning flowers!

The moms.
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Waiting with dad for the ceremony to start.

The flower girl was not very happy but did great staying in the wagon!

These two were absolutely thrilled to be getting married. Their joy was contagious.

Alex’s dad looking very dapper too. It was evident throughout the day that he is loved by his friends and family.
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The reception was at the Antler Hill barn. This barn has so much character! Each station of the buffet was held in a different stall.

Attached to the barn was a transparent tent for the dinner tables.

Grooms cake with an amazing ice sculpture.

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And now introducing the Mr. and Mrs.!

Toast time brought laughter, tears, and red faces.

Shout out to this 14 year old and her amazing speech! I barely know her and I cried!

Lots of beautiful tears!

Apparently, this man is the reason this wedding even happened. He introduced Alex and Chris at a golf tournament!
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And as he put it “I am the reason Mr. Seabolt had to write that check for this wedding!”

Father of the bride speech… he nailed it. We were all rolling.

One of my absolute favorite moments of the whole day. This is a completely candid moment. Chris is such a nut!
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First dance! Alex and Chris surprised everyone with a choreographed dance and everyone cheered them on.

Apparently Alex didn’t know Chris was going to pick her up!

This is where I give a shout out to the amazing planner Katie! (the one in the white shirt.) She made it happen folks and did a dang good job of it too. She and I talked a lot throughout the whole planning process and I loved getting to know her as we worked alongside.
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The St. Louis Big Band was amazing. And yes, they came all the way from St. Louis for this occasion. They had a Glenn Miller and Frank Sinatra feel to them and were such a joy to listen to. Michael and I always enjoy a good band!

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Alex and her uncle!

Grandma!

We really need a caption for the bridesmaid to the left. 🙂

Congrats Alex and Chris! It was truly a joy to capture the beautiful moments of your wedding day.