Kristen and Blake had a gorgeous Grove Park Inn wedding in September. The day was cloudy but the mountains seemed to show off despite it.
Kristen and Blake were SO much fun to work with. Their story of how they met is one of my favorites as well. Hint… it involves meeting on a cruise boat! (See their story below the photos!)
As you will see, when you scroll through the images, they are goofballs and love to have fun. Especially Blake. We love, love, loved getting to share in their joy and will remember this day well. Thanks Kristen and Blake for being so awesome to us Mozingos.
We never get sad about a chance of rain on wedding days. Those clouds and that sun peeking through over the mountains is glorious!
The mountain view terrace is a stunning place to have a Grove Park Inn Wedding. Complete with fire pit and views that are to die for.
We loved this. Custom socks for the bridesmaids and bride!
Custom made shirts!
Matching PJ’s and custom champagne glasses. Kristen had some awesome details!
Such a beautiful bride, inside and out!
Candid moments with the dads.
The man… Blake.
We love that Meriah got a shot of the gals toasting and Michael got a shot of the guys toasting… completely unplanned!
These moments make me smile.
Just being chill.
Through the bridesmaid’s eyes.
A special moment with Kristen’s cousin and mothers putting on the “memory charms” on Kristen’s bouquet.
Such a fun group of gals!
Shout out to Wendy with Blush Asheville for the gorgeous bridal makeup!
Kristen’s first look with her dad had us all in tears.
Kristen’s mom and brother were crying too. It was beautiful.
This guy.
Bobby with Bobby/Marks design did an incredible job on the flowers!
Let the ceremony begin!
This wedding was full of so many beautiful smiles. Seriously though!
Snap chat at the end of the aisle for the win!
That wedding arch though… <3
Let the goofiness begin!
Blake trying to twirl Kristen for the videographer and Krisen tripping all over her dress! It was hilarious!
This photo sums up their personalities so well. 🙂
Onward to the reception!
The introductions were hilarious!!
Especially when Kristen’s brother busted out a back flip!
Introducing….. !!!!
The dips.
We love working with Mark with Bobby/Marks Design. (That’s him kissing Blake!) He was super organized and on point with this wedding.
Party on!
Congrats Kristen and Blake! We wish you MANY years of happiness and joy!
Now, lets hear a bit more from this awesome team about themselves, how they met, and their wedding!
How did you meet?
We met at a blackjack table during a Caribbean Cruise in 2011. Blake (after many drinks) was dishing out his best pick-up lines on Kristen but she was not having it! After years of randomly staying in touch and trying to get her to visit me in Denver, we finally found a way to see each other again when I moved to Charlotte. We immediately reconnected and the rest is history.
Describe your first date?
Our first date was to the ACC Football Championship in 2013. Her team (FSU) was playing Duke and I had just moved to Charlotte. She had Tickets and I had a Spare room for her to stay in. By the end of the game – we were already planning our trip to California to watch our teams in the National Championship
How long have you been together?
4 Years
What are your favorite hobbies and activities to do as a couple?
We love cooking together at the end of a long day. Anything Outdoors (Hiking, Biking, Paddle Boarding, Taking the Dogs to the Park) Sounds odd but we absolutely love just relaxing together while watching a movie or playing card games.
Who popped the question and HOW?
Blake popped the question during July 4th Celebration in 2016. Our families were together at Blake’s Family Cabin in North GA. Every year, they shoot fireworks on the lake so we were all out on the boat together. Only his dad knew so we went out a little early to catch the sunset and I asked while taking some pictures with her. Blake’s dad had some champagne ready to go!
Why did you pick Asheville and the Omni Grove Park Inn?
The beauty of living in NC is you have every environment (mountains to oceans). Kristen and I love taking days to ourselves and exploring the state on spontaneous adventures. Some days, we’ll just wake up, get in the car, and see where we end up. From our hiking and skiing trips together, the mountains have always been our favorite so we knew we wanted the wedding to be around that area. Plus, with 90%+ of our guests coming from out of town, we wanted to give them a venue that captured the natural beauty of NC – not city streets. With the mountains, breweries, and food – Asheville was a no-brainer.
While checking out different wedding venues, Blake’s Parents recommended having a quick lunch at the Grove Park. Walking in, the whole venue just captured us! The fireplaces… The Spa… The View… It’s a nationally known historic resort and the building speaks for itself. With this being a once in a lifetime occasion, we knew this was the place.
What adjective best describes your spouse on your wedding day?
From Blake – Kristen was “Gitty”. Just a combination of excitement, joy, and fear of messing up the wedding vows.
From Kristen – Blake was emotional. He couldn’t control his happy tears or the excitement of marrying the love of his life.
What tangible detail of your wedding day did you love the most? (cake, dress, special item?)
The photobooth – in the beginning, I didn’t think it was that important but Kristen insisted and she was definitely right on that one! It’s so funny to go back and look at all our guests just having fun, posing with props, and silently getting wilder as the night (Drinks) carried on….
How many guests attended the wedding?
166 – although we’ve been told we had some wedding crashers join us from the bars… 😉
What did you and your guests eat at the reception?
Chicken Roulade with Cheesy Risotto and Roasted Veggies
What was the flavor of your wedding cake?
Vanilla Butter Cake with Strawberries and Grand Marnier Whipped Cream
Chocolate Sponge Cake with While Chocolate Mousse
What is one of the funniest things that happened on your wedding day?
The glow Light rods on the Dancefloor. This was a complete surprise to us but everyone loved them and they were a huge hit! We have so many videos of people acting out crazy dance moves with them!
What was your first dance song and why did you pick it?
Oasis by A Great Big World. It’s a song about someone finding that one and only person who knows them completely. Knows about their best, their worst, and all the weird unique things that makes them, them. Being with that other person, makes the other feel they can overcome any challenge that lies ahead as along as they’re together – isn’t that was marriage is in a nutshell? Lastly, the cruise ship we met on was named Oasis…
What stood out to you the most when you think of your wedding?
From Blake – When I first saw her coming down the isle. I was already emotionally excited but that sent me over the top. Everything else was just blocked out. Seeing all my family (from both sides) coming together as one was a very close second.
From Kristen – Doing the first look with my father and brother. They are usually very strong but it was very sweet to see all the emotions of happiness and pride coming out of them! Also, seeing Blake’s face when the live song was played in front of us.
What is on your “bucket list” to do together as a married couple?
Start a Family. Travel to our “Top 10 List” (places we’ve always wanted to see) Always encourage each others dreams. Never forget that were stronger together, even when we don’t always get along.
Shout out to these professionals that made this day so amazing.
Wedding Planning and Design – Mark Arrington with Bobby/Mark’s Design
Dress Designer – Matthew Christopher
Where you purchased your dress – Ladies of Lineage
Makeup artist – Wendy with Blush Asheville
Hair designer – Amanda Hughes with Hughes Hair Design
Floral designer – Bobby with Bobby/Mark’s Design
Caterer – Omni Grove Park Inn
DJ or Band – Allegro Music (ceremony); SiFi – Simon (cocktail hour & reception)
Officiant – Philip Lingle with Asheville Marriages
Cake designer – Grove Park Inn
Rental Company- Classic Event Rental
Videographer – A Beautiful Life Films
To view more of our portfolio check it out here–> Asheville Wedding Photographer
