Jenn + Rutger
What made Asheville stand out versus any other location for your wedding and elopement?
It was a fairly easy decision. Rutger is definitely a mountains vs beach person and Jenn wanted to be married around old huge trees so Asheville is perfect for that. It also helps that we are local to Asheville. Our wedding was always going to be a destination wedding for most of our families so why not have it in Asheville to show off its beauty (and it is easier to plan a local wedding).
We spoke about what you and Rutger do for fun, and you mentioned being into sewing. Did you make your wedding dress?
Yes, I made my dress— and this dress was actually a practice dress I had made {while I was} preparing {to make} my wedding gown. When we had to cancel our big wedding, I didn't have it in me to finish the big gown so I bought some beautiful beads from the local Asheville {business} Chevron Trading Co to make it a bit fancier! I used leftover beads for my earrings and hairpins. The glasses were a long dream of mine to have fancy 'event' glasses I could use like a piece of fine jewelry. My necklace was my mother's, and it was a gift to her from her parents. My mom passed away when I was a child so it was important for me to have elements of her in what I wore. The glasses were a tribute to her as well because I have a favorite photo of her at age 3 wearing fabulous cat-eye glasses with rhinestones on them.
The handkerchief in Rutger's pocket was embroidered by my great grandmother and one of my mom's sisters sent it to me for the wedding. Rutger's suit was custom made at Bruce Julian in Charlotte. I made his bowtie from leftover fabric from my dress. For our entire relationship I've been making bowties for him and always tie them for him. We have photos from important events like his graduation and our engagement of me tying his bowtie.
What was the most memorable moment of the evening out at Graveyard Fields for each of you?
We had never actually been to Graveyard Fields before and seeing the big waterfall for the first time was amazing! It was really exciting standing on the rocks in front of it. We also had fun being like mountain goats on the rocks.
Do you have a favorite image from the evening? Why is that a standout shot for you?
Our favorite image is {me} resting head on Rutger's shoulder looking out over the river. It's so striking and shows the beauty of Graveyard Fields with a tender moment between us.
