A Fairytale Wedding at Chestnut Ridge | Kelsey + Zach
The Beginning
Kelsey and Zach met while Kelsey was home from college for the summer. Zach had recently made a big move across the
country, from Arizona to North Carolina. He was looking for a new job and one of his buddies encouraged him to make
the move. Something was pulling him to the East Coast. They would later realize it was to cross their paths and bring them together. They truly believe it was God writing their story and preparing for both their lives to change.
Kelsey didn't make it easy for Zach, as she turned him down a few times. She was focused on college and her career but she finally said yes to a date at Chili's, Zach's favorite restaurant.
They had the best time just talking and getting to know each other. This first date was just the beginning of the BEST summer
break ever. They spent the summer hanging out with each other, going to concerts, movies, theme parks, beaches,
festivals...you name it! As the summer came to an end and it was time for Kelsey to go back to college and they both wondered
what that meant for their relationship. With much prayer and several visits to see each other on the weekends, their relationship began to grow and they knew it was going to lead to a beautiful love story. Fast forward a few months, Zach was able to make the move to Wilmington so they could be together.
Engagement
Zach and Kelsey loved to spend time at Wrightsville Beach. At least once a week after work, they would go for a walk, watch
the sunset, and just relax on the beach. They would leave their phones in the car and just spend quality time with each
other. So when Zach proposed on August 22nd (a Wednesday) Kelsey had no idea what was coming. It was a total surprise,
but it was perfect in every way.
the sunset, and just relax on the beach. They would leave their phones in the car and just spend quality time with each
other. So when Zach proposed on August 22nd (a Wednesday) Kelsey had no idea what was coming. It was a total surprise,
but it was perfect in every way.
The Venue
The venue was really important to this couple. They had a specific vision and wanted a space that gave them the creative
freedom to bring that vision to life. On a whim, they decided to take a trip to Asheville, NC to visit Chestnut Ridge.
Chestnut Ridge is absolutely stunning and it checked off all of their must-haves for their special day. The ceremony would
overlook the mountains and the reception would be in the barn. It was so beautiful and peaceful. They knew that it was
the place they wanted to get married!
freedom to bring that vision to life. On a whim, they decided to take a trip to Asheville, NC to visit Chestnut Ridge.
Chestnut Ridge is absolutely stunning and it checked off all of their must-haves for their special day. The ceremony would
overlook the mountains and the reception would be in the barn. It was so beautiful and peaceful. They knew that it was
the place they wanted to get married!
DIY Decorating
Kelsey and Zach enjoy tackling projects together and being creative. They did almost all of the decorating
themselves and they had so much fun planning and crafting together. The favorite thing they made was jumbo LOVE
marquee letters. They had the best time putting everything out on the wedding day and seeing their vision and decorations
come to life. They also chose to do a unity tree during the wedding ceremony. They planted a tree using dirt from their childhood
homes. Not just the state or town that they grew up in, but the very dirt from the backyards where they spent so much time with
their families. This was a very special moment during the ceremony.
Let's Eat Cake!
The happy couple had a small two-tier wedding cake and it was delicious. They also had an entire table of family made
cakes for dessert (10-12 cakes!) These were recipes that had been passed down through generations in their
families. They had 12 layer chocolate cake, red velvet, pound cake, carrot cake, german chocolate cake, you name it! This was a big hit with all of their guests as there was something for everyone.
cakes for dessert (10-12 cakes!) These were recipes that had been passed down through generations in their
families. They had 12 layer chocolate cake, red velvet, pound cake, carrot cake, german chocolate cake, you name it! This was a big hit with all of their guests as there was something for everyone.
Roxy
There was no question that they wanted their fur baby, Roxy, to be there with them at the wedding. She spent time with both of them while they were getting ready and even had her own white color with a fresh floral attachment.
She was carried down the aisle by one of the bridesmaids and sat in the front room closest to the bride. She was also there
throughout the reception. Kelsey and Zach wouldn’t have had it any other way!
She was carried down the aisle by one of the bridesmaids and sat in the front room closest to the bride. She was also there
throughout the reception. Kelsey and Zach wouldn’t have had it any other way!
Last Dance
There were so many songs that they wanted to play throughout the day. They chose to have a private
last dance right before the grand exit. The lights were turned down and they danced to Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran. All of their
family, friends, and guests were lining up outside for the sparkler exit and they were able to just dance and take it all in
once again before saying goodbye to everyone and ending the night. This was one Kelsey's absolute favorite moments of
the night.
It was such a gorgeous day for Kelsey and Zach. It had snowed the day prior so the snow was still glistening on top of the mountains and in the shaded areas. It was a dream wedding day!
Congratulations to this beautiful couple!
To find out more about Chestnut Ridge, click HERE.
Photo credit: The Family Films
last dance right before the grand exit. The lights were turned down and they danced to Kiss Me by Ed Sheeran. All of their
family, friends, and guests were lining up outside for the sparkler exit and they were able to just dance and take it all in
once again before saying goodbye to everyone and ending the night. This was one Kelsey's absolute favorite moments of
the night.
It was such a gorgeous day for Kelsey and Zach. It had snowed the day prior so the snow was still glistening on top of the mountains and in the shaded areas. It was a dream wedding day!
Congratulations to this beautiful couple!
To find out more about Chestnut Ridge, click HERE.
Photo credit: The Family Films
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