Abby and Zane are clearly in love. They knew exactly what they wanted for their wedding, a truly magical experience that left their guests with chills down their spines. And we are all guaranteed to have that magical experience when you have a Biltmore Wedding.
Abby and Zane asked us to photograph their first look moments two days before their wedding day. This may seem crazy to some, but we all had the BEST time because we didn’t have to rush at all. We picked the time of day that we photographers love (the golden hour) and it was just the 4 of us and Abby’s sweet mama. We laughed, we twirled, and we caught an AMAZING Biltmore sunset over the Appalachian mountains.
In Abby’s own words she said “Everyone should do a first look prior to wedding day. Our Thursday first look was one of the most magical times – the private time I got to spend with Zane after hours around the mansion are some of the best wedding memories. It was pure magic. It relieved a lot of the stress from wedding day and let us enjoy every moment! Not to mention my photo dreams came true.”
10/10 recommend.
Onward to the wedding day! Abby and Zane chose to get married up at the Diana statue. This view is hands down one of our favorites at Biltmore.
This day was a bit rainy, but as mountain folk we know you always get a break in the rain. The weather is ever changing and Abby and Zane are happy to go with the flow. Plus, we already got some amazing sun-shiny photos at their first look session! So the rain didn’t dampen our spirits.
I couldn’t say it enough, the reception set up was EVERYTHING. Shout out to the amazing BobbyMark’s Design for this classic elegant look at the reception! The floral and design were stunning.
Let’s back up to the beginning of the day and to some of the moments and details that made this day so special.
There’s a story behind every dress, and Abby’s wedding dress is no exception. Her mother wore this dress on her wedding day back when she married Abby’s father. After finding out it was her turn to marry, Abby wanted to honor her by wearing her mother’s wedding dress, but making it “her own” by changing the skirt and adding the cutout in the back.
Here is a look at the 3 different gowns used to create both dresses.
Abby’s beautiful tribute to her mother is a reminder to us all to honor those who have poured life into us.
The bridesmaids’ first looks are always fun to see. Watching the conversations and emotions unfold as they see the bride for the first time in her wedding attire never ceases to give us those wedding day “feels”.
Abby wanted to do a first look with her Dad. It was a wonderful opportunity to be able to see each other before the ceremony and have that intimate moment all to themselves.
We hoped he would notice that she was wearing her mother’s wedding gown.
He did and his reaction was priceless.
Because we all weren’t crying enough, Abby did a first look with her brother as well.
He fought those tears hard, but couldn’t hold them back for long.
“Moment Junkie photos” are our favorite kind of photos. Especially when you are willing to go with the flow like Abby and her family did when Abby’s veil flew into the wind and they just rolled with it while we snapped away.
Whenever we see the bridal party before the wedding ceremony, we always seem to get some form of this reaction. Their excitement is almost tangible and it is so great to capture those fun moments when they are hanging out together.
Abby and Zane chose May because they wanted gorgeous weather. And even though it rained on their wedding day, but it only lasted for a little while, and then it cleared up for the rest of the day! You can’t choose the weather on your wedding day, and when it does rain there are 2 options: Embrace the rain and have fun with it, or let it stress you out. Abby and Zane chose to embrace it, and we were rewarded when the clouds parted and the sun popped out for a few of the bridal party photos!
This wedding was so beautiful! I loved the aesthetics and Abby and Zane were so happy to be getting married. We headed back up to Diana for the ceremony. We had a few moments with Abby and Zane so we snagged a few photos of them and their family before the ceremony began.
Their ceremony was full of laughter and beautiful sentiment.
And one insanely beautiful view.
These moments are just so real and beautiful, and that’s why we love them. Nothing can beat the raw emotion of these newlywed moments!
Abby and Zane rented a beautiful Rolls Royce to ride around the estate in. We loved this extra opportunity to get some classy photos with them, the car, and that shack behind them. *wink *wink
Onward to the reception! One of the best times to get candid photos of your guests and family is during cocktail hour. Everyone was so happy, having fun and catching up.
The wedding reception was held under a beautiful tent, made to look like a 5 star hotel ball room.
The toast were filled with happy tears, and a whole lot of laughter. As wedding photographers we make sure both us us are in position to capture all the moments having one photographer photograph the toaster, and one photographer photographing the couple.
Abby and Zane’s first dance was FIRE. They either had it choreographed or are secretly professional dancers.
Let’s party. The Legacy band BROUGHT IT and had us all dancing and singing our hearts out.
Abby and Zane surprised their guests with a fireworks show that lit up the sky over the Biltmore Estate.
We loved how Abby honored her Lebanese heritage with a traditional dance. They involved everyone at the wedding, Lebanese or not, and the smiles were absolutely contagious.
After the sparkler exit we had a few extra moments with Abby and Zane so we could capture some night time shots with the Biltmore house.
Thank you, Abby and Zane for allowing us to be a part of your perfect wedding day. As you read this and look back over the photos, we hope that they remember every moment with tearful joy and laughter.
Shout out to these Asheville wedding professionals for their crazy amazing skills in pulling off such an amazing event.
Wedding coordinator – Liz Tallent with Asheville Event Company
Venue coordinator – Andrea at Biltmore
Hair designer – Amy Elizabeth Walker, AE Studios
Floral designer – Bobby with BobbyMarks Design
Caterer – Biltmore
DJ or Band – Legacy Band booked through East Coast Entertainment
Officiant – Tim Lolley (Blue Mountain Weddings)
Cake designer – Biltmore (Shannon)
Rental company – Classic Event Rental
Limo or car service – Coats Classic Cars and Gray Line Trolley
Videographer – Ian Davidson Films
You want to hear more about this couple and their story? Here it is in their own words. Reading this will not disappoint!
A bit about Abby: I am a dentist from Alabama, who made her way to Texas for college and dental school. Now a permanent Tennessee resident with my husband and golden retriever, Chessy. A complete hopeless romantic who’s dreamt of my wedding since I can remember!
A bit about Zane: Small-town Texan turned Tennessean, devoted new husband and dog dad, lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, lawn care enthusiast, and history nerd who makes jokes at all the wrong times. Not quite a hopeless romantic, but can confess to watching (and enjoying) some Nicholas Sparks films.
How did you meet? We met in college at SMU, and that’s all on which we can agree. Zane is positive we were introduced on the Tri Delta house lawn, but I remember meeting him first at the Beta house down the street. We were distant friends for almost three years before we started dating. After a Memorial Day cookout in 2013, our stars aligned and we’ve been together ever since.
Describe your first date? Zane took me to his favorite restaurant overlooking the Dallas skyline. We talked all night and spent the drive home belting country music at the top of our lungs and laughed until we cried.
How long have you been together? Almost 10 years total, and coming up on our 6-month wedding anniversary.
What are your favorite hobbies and activities to do as a couple? Traveling and seeing our beautiful country coast-to-coast, visiting any mountain at any time of year (unless supplemental oxygen is required, in which case you can find us on the couch),wakesurfing, enjoying live music, and spending time with Chessy.
Who popped the question and HOW? With our perfect golden retriever puppy, Chessy, in tow, we embarked on Zane’s planned weekend getaway in the SmokyMountains of East Tennessee. Just short of Chattanooga, Zane made a “wrong turn” and ended up at Gorham’s Bluff in Alabama. We visited the Bluff years before for our second anniversary and fell in love with the picturesque little town, perched high above the Tennessee River. Zane tricked me into an “early dinner” at the main lodge on the Bluff. A walk through the village’s candlelit streets, a horse drawn carriage, and white rose petals in the gazebo on the cliff’s edge – the proposal couldn’t have been more perfect. For being the most indecisive person in the world, it was the easiest yes!
Why did you pick Asheville and your venue? The Biltmore Mansion has been my dream wedding venue since I was a little girl, not to mention the magic of Asheville and the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was surreal having that dream come true. We also knew that, if the ongoing pandemic prevented us from having a big wedding with all our loved ones, we wanted a venue that was special to us and would be perfect for just the two of us. The Biltmore was that place.
What adjective best describes your spouse on your wedding day? Zane about Abby – “Breathtaking” is the only word that could possibly do justice. Abby about Zane – Hilarious as always, confident, and easy going.
What tangible detail of your wedding day did you love the most? (Cake, dress, special item?) There are so many! We wanted to include as many sentimental items as possible. I re-designed my Mom’s wedding dress and incorporated parts of it in my wedding dress and rehearsal dinner dress, and her veil surrounded the wedding cake. My Mom’s wedding ivy, which she’s been growing since my parents’ wedding in 1991, was mingled in my bouquet, and the strands from my bouquet are back in the garden flourishing for the next generation! We used my parents’ cake cutter as well. My “something blue” was a blue ribbon I won with my sweet pony that passed away four years ago. All those special details (and so many more) were captured perfectly in our photos for years to come!
How many guests attended the wedding? More than 150 of our family and close friends. We are so blessed for all those who traveled to celebrate with us!
What did you and your guests eat at the reception?Beautiful strawberry salad with a salmon and filet duo entree. After-dinner bites featured honey butter chicken biscuits (an homage to Zane’s favorite menu item from Texas’ finest export, Whataburger), grilled pimiento cheese sandwiches, and canolis.
What was the flavor of your wedding cake? Almond with classic buttercream!
What one of the funniest things that happened on your wedding day? There were several comical episodes that can’t be publicized, but one we can relay is my brother ripping his pants while trying to do the splits with my Dad! He never missed a beat and proceeded to party anyway.
What was your first dance song and why did you pick it?We chose a mash-up of two of our favorite songs—“From This Moment On/You’re Still the One” by Caleb and Kelsey. Over our nine-year relationship, Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One” has always been one of our songs and, when we heard Caleb and Kelsey’s version combining it with another of Shania’s greats, we knew we’d found the one.
What stood out to you the most when you think of your wedding? Sheer perfection. From the family and friends surrounding us with love, the incredible band that kept us dancing all night, the magical fireworks, the stunning florals, the beautiful sunset and mountain views, it was just the perfect day. Our hearts and deepest gratitude go out to our amazing vendors and the best photographers who kept the party going all day! And to my parents, especially my mom, for making all of my wedding dreams come true!
What is on your “bucket list” to do together as a married couple? Visiting all 63 national parks in the United States. We started out with Acadia on our honeymoon in Maine, and couldn’t recommend it highly enough. We can’t wait for all the adventure to come!
To view more of our Biltmore weddings check out our link here—> Biltmore Wedding Photographer
