Kristi and Thomas were married in Highlands at the glorious Farm at Old Edwards Inn. So much beauty! I can’t help but think what a contrast the setting must have been for so many of the guests traveling in from Texas! We live in the mountains and there is just something extra special about Highlands. It was such a lovely wedding day. There was a genuine spirit of hospitality from Thomas’ parents as they hosted everyone in their hometown. The stories told throughout the day along with all the smiles shared really showed off how much Kristi and Thomas are loved by their friends and family. It was an honor for us to be there and to photograph all these great moments.
Kristi and Thomas have such great chemistry and literally the best smiles ever.
Let’s back up to the beginning of the day. This historic Inn is where the guys got ready in downtown Highlands.
Old Edwards Inn is stunning!
The Farm is just down the road from the Inn and is where the ceremony and reception was held. We simply swooned over this new ceremony pavilion!
The reception hall at the Farm was nothing short of stunning. Mary Bell Events and the Bloom Room nailed the design!
Kristi’s skin was flawless! Wendy, with Blush Asheville, did a fantastic job making sure Kristi’s natural beauty was enhanced!
Cheers girls!
Thomas’ smile is simply THE BEST.
First signs of Fall beginning to appear.
Thomas and his mom shared some very special moments together.
Kristi made a GORGEOUS bride! Her dress was so classy!
We love love love this location for a first look. An added bonus was that the sun dipped behind a cloud for a moment so the light was JUST right.
Such great chemistry!
Let the ceremony begin!
Meriah loves black bridesmaids dresses! Each of these beautiful ladies wore them perfectly! Plus black makes a beautiful backdrop to show off these gorgeous flowers.
Can you tell what they used for greenery for this chandelier? Hops!!!
First dance love.
Old Edwards has some amazing food and even better presentation!
The band “Cashmere” out of Atlanta had the dance floor hopping!
Sugar Cloud Baking Company is one of our ABSOLUTE favorites!
Cheers to the happy couple!
Now let’s party!
Congrats Kristi and Thomas! We wish you ALL the best in the world!
Shout out this all-star set of wedding professionals that made this day rock!
Wedding coordinator – Mary Bell Events
Venue coordinator – Sara Brown with The Farm at Old Edwards Inn
Dress Designer – Bliss by Monique Lhuillier
Where you purchased your dress – Nordstrom
Makeup artist – Wendy and Christie with Blush Asheville
Hair designer – Amanda with Blush Asheville
Floral designer – The Bloom Room
Caterer – Old Edwards
DJ or Band – Cashmere
Officiant -Tim Lolley with Blue Mountain Weddings
Cake designer – Sugar Cloud
Now, here is more from Kristi and Thomas…
A bit about Kristi: I was originally born in Chicago but raised in Houston. I went to school at the University of Texas in Austin and then law school in Houston. I have the best friends a girl could ever ask for and my family is pretty great too. My most time consuming hobbies are eating and working out- it’s about balance, right? Meeting Thomas was the best thing that ever happened to me.
A bit about Thomas: I was born in New Orleans and raised in Alabama before moving to Oklahoma. I went to the University of Denver for both college and my MBA. I come from a very small family and was raised in an even smaller town in Alabama. Most of my childhood was spent outdoors – and is still where I fell most at peace. I fancy myself a connoisseur of the finer things in life – food, wine, cocktails, cigars, and of course, Kristi.
How did you meet? We met on an app called “Coffee Meets Bagel,” although Thomas hates admitting this . However, we quickly found out that not only did we work for the same company, we worked 1 floor apart!
Describe your first date? We met at a small wine bar after work. Although sparks did not initially fly, we randomly ran into each other again 3 days later when I went to a crawfish boil at a house down the street from Thomas’. Thomas happened to be walking his dog by the party, we saw each other (I awkwardly waved) and the rest is history.
How long have you been together? Four and a half glorious years
What are your favorite hobbies and activities to do as a couple? We are both total foodies. We love cooking together and trying out new restaurants and bars. When we’re not eating, we both enjoy a good work out and traveling to and exploring new cities.
Who popped the question and HOW? Thomas popped the question when we were in Vienna last year. It was day 2 of our 2 week vacation. He told me we were going to a secret bar and that he didn’t know exactly how to get there. Soon into our journey, I felt we were walking around aimlessly, and right as I was about to have a full meltdown about the heat, Thomas got down on one knee. He had hired a photographer to capture the moment and we got to go on a fun photo shoot after!
Why did you pick Old Edwards Inn and the Farm? We both wanted a destination wedding and mountain vibes. We were familiar with the Highlands because Thomas’ parents retired there a few years ago. We knew of Old Edwards and heard only glowing reviews from locals who had been to numerous events there, so we took a leap of faith and booked the venue site unseen. Thanks goodness everyone was right and the venue was more than we could have ever hoped for.
What adjective best describes your spouse on your wedding day? Kristi was floating from happiness. Thomas was as excited as a school boy – a lot of joy with a splash of nervousness.
What tangible detail of your wedding day did you love the most? (Cake, dress, special item?) I (Kristi) LOVED my dress. I (Thomas) loved my white dinner jacket, Kristi’s whole look, and watching our closest friends dancing during the reception.
How many guests attended the wedding? 94
What did you and your guests eat at the reception? There is too much to list. That was also one of the reasons we chose Old Edwards- the food. We had a chilled seafood tower, lobster lollipops, mini kobe burgers, a fried seafood action station, whole bone-in beef rib, boursin mashed potatoes, pumpkin ravioli, truffle mac and cheese, quail wellington…. Oh how I wish I could eat it all over again.
What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Almond with a blackberry compote.
What is the one of the funniest things that happened on your wedding day? We had an active dance floor at our wedding, and I (Kristi) was leading the way. My dress was a smidge tight due to alterations issues, and by the end of the night when I went to drop it low, my dress zipper popped open. Luckily I had a large bow covering the zipper so no one saw but the internal embarrassment was real.
What was your first dance song and why did you pick it? “You’re Simply the Best” from Schitt’s Creek. We heard the song while watching the show (which we love) and almost immediately felt it was the one.
What stood out to you the most when you think of your wedding? How happy we both were and how much fun we had.
What is on your “bucket list” to do together as a married couple? Visit every continent together and find the best farmer’s market in every location.
