STEPHANIE + WARREN
MAST FARM INN // BOONE, NC

It was a day that reminded us that we live in a rainforest. Warren’s grandpa always called these types of days when the mountains breathed smoke, “rabbits cooking dinner.” The rain was constant all morning and afternoon. It would pour, drizzle, and subside. There was a note of the crisp fall air, but the humidity clung on to the last days of summer.

As they both nervously prepared for the day with their closest friends, the rain momentarily paused. Warren met Stephanie in the soaked grass and gave her the biggest hug. They laughed. He circled her to check out every angle. They exchanged cards, only to make Warren tear up at Stephanie’s words. 

We walked past the horse pasture into a large open field. The mountains were mighty, and the passing fog opened up to release another melody of water escaping to the earth.

Guests sat in the light rain faithfully, never complaining. Some had umbrellas, others didn’t. No one seemed to mind the pitter-patter of the shower. Steph approached her dad, and he instantly became emotional. He walked her down the aisle with her mother, sobbing along the way.

Vows and poems were read. Tears fell. Rain halted.

They were pronounced and took a minute to themselves to take it all in. They rejoined their community to celebrate with custom cocktails and southern snacks. 

After everyone had enjoyed delicious southern comfort food, we snuck away at dusk to catch the last glimpse of the colors catching in the clouds. Our feet were soaked from the tall, damp grass, but no one seemed to mind.

Warren and Stephanie danced and sang to each other, stopping only to look at each other with the strongest adoration. Their mothers cried. 

The party felt larger than their guest count. Everyone joined the newlyweds to enjoy the specially selected playlist. As a tradition, the men took off their shirts to dance around Stephanie and lift her in the air. There was a vibrant energy that continued throughout the evening and beyond the last song played.