Erin + Michael- An Autumn Wedding At The Bywater

I love being a wedding photographer more then anything else I do!  But it’s even BETTER when you get to photograph the wedding of a friend.  Erin introduced me to Michael and immediately I liked him and I LOVED them together.  Such an amazing calm and centered energy between them; anyone can tell right away their connection is strong.  And how cute that it was at the Bywater, our old favorite hang out.  

Their plan was to have a laid back and chill wedding day with a focus on what was important…love, family and friends. We started the day with Erin surrounded by her close knit group of girls, doing her hair and makeup, and getting her dressed in her gorgeous wedding dress with YELLOW SHOES, OMG I loved them so much.  It brought such a wonderful Autumnal feel to her look.  Ceremony was simply laid out with the river as the backdrop.  The weather was perfect!  And Erin and Michael were shining in their love for each other, with the sun slowly setting behind them. 

Reception kicked off with Purple People Feeder while everyone settled into the bonfire with drinks from the bar.  After the first dance between the newly wed bride and groom, everyone cut a rug to their favorite tunes.  A unique cake topper of personalized Erin and Michael candles brought in the artistic feel that they share.  Talk about artistic, they MADE the guest gift for everyone to take home; a beautiful print they collaborated on and printed together. 

The whole day was gorgeous and a perfect joining between two wonderful people.  And now I can add one more reason why I love the Bywater!

VENDORS WHO ROCK!

Venue- The Bywater

Jewelry- Elementality

Flowers: Carolina Flowers

Dress: Tre Bella Bridal

Catering: Purple People Feeder Food Truck

Dessert: Short Street Cakes

Hair & Make-Up: My sister :)

DJ: Michael's Friend, Alex Farrar

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Jessica + Derek - Biltmore Engagement and Sunflower Love

Jessica and Derek are tying the knot in October this year. We actually did TWO engagement sessions, which I LOVE! It got to show two completely different sides of their love; Love of the Gym and their connection to Biltmore and of course…sunflowers. I love the juxtaposition from the tough and interior gym shots and the bright, sunny, flowery shots at Biltmore.

Here’s the link to the gym blog post - https://www.studiomisha.com/blog/2019/4/21/jessica-derek-tough-love-engagement-session-at-south-slope-crossfit

So our Biltmore destination was a special memory for them, since Derek proposed to Jessica at Chihuly Nights. We actually went back to the exact bench where the magic happened. When I heard the recount of the story I discovered that, since they were already sitting, Derek didn’t go down on one knee. I had to laugh because almost 14 years ago now when my hubby proposed, he didn’t go down on one knee either (We were at a beautiful picnic at a park). So we re-created a proposal on the beautiful lawn by the gardens. Don’t get me wrong, it’s so wonderfully open these days to do whatever is in your heart or what you feel when it comes to a proposal; the beauty is in the meaning and the love behind the actions. But there’s also something nostalgically beautiful about tradition, at least to me.

We had a serious chuckle when we arrived at the sunflower field. For those of you that have been there before when they’re in peak season, it’s magnificent. The sunflowers are like 6 feet tall and the size of a bowling ball! When we got there……they were adolescents LOL. We made the best of it, and had some fun doing it! We were also lucky to find the train exhibit there in the gardens. With all of us being pass holders we had the freedom to go wherever we wanted. And there was an epic recreation of the Biltmore House in natural materials. Like a fairy house you would build in the woods, but on a grande scale!

I’m super excited for their wedding day. The weather is going to be Autumnal and gorgeous and I’m betting on amazing color by then. As their wedding photographer I got to experience it all with them. It’s why weddings are so magical for me, and I’m grateful everyday that I get to make this my career. Make sure to come back and see the wedding photos!

This is the perfect “Man Lean” achieved. I love when a groom rocks his model pose!

Vintage Glamour in Downtown Asheville- Juliette + Keevon at Rennaissance Hotel

Downtown Asheville is a beautiful and eclectic metropolis, both with a modern edge and breathtaking scenic views from all angles. Our real life couple, Juliette and Keevon, were a perfect fit for this downtown wedding.  We picked TWO fabulous dresses for Juliette at Wedding Inspirations Bridal Boutique; a wedding dress that fit like a glove with a gorgeous, dramatic train, AND a beaded, fringe reception dress giving a nod to the roaring twenties for the after party. It was great that they had so much selection at the same store; Wedding dresses, mother of the bride, some wedding party, reception dresses, flower girl dresses, robes and so many jewelry and accessories. This is my first styled shoot I’ve done with a reception dress and I definitely plan to do it again. I loved having a whole second look to play with and Juliette and Keevon had fun pretending they were in the “kick-back party time” segment of the wedding day.

For Keevon, we fitted a classic black and white tux from Mitchell’s Tuxedos. Kathy is a genius and picked out the perfect look for him.  And he looked SO handsome in it! Some men were just born to wear tuxes. For the second look, with something this classic, we just lost the bow tie and partied on into the night.

A special touch to our couple’s photo shoot was a 1955 Bel Air classic car, bringing an old Hollywood feel. Burrell Vintage Cars parked it right outside the hotel, and we couldn’t stop clicking away. For couples who want a special touch, you can’t go wrong with a classic car! The pictures from that part of the day had such an amazing flair because of the beauty of that car paired with this gorgeous couple.

From the super chic lobby to the top floor views of the mountains and surrounding city, The Renaissance Hotel was the perfect venue for our shoot.  For couples who have lots of out of town guests, a large amount of guests who might range in age or needs , or people who just love amenities, a hotel wedding is a perfect choice. Renaissance Hotel is also a dog friendly hotel, making this a perfect destination for dog lovers. You can do everything from your bachelorette pool party or bridal shower, to rehearsal dinner, to wedding and reception, even the morning after breakfast; with a hotel wedding, it’s all in one spot. And as a wedding videographer and photographer here in Asheville, I can speak from experience that it’s nice to have that capability. And not to get rained out LOL.

We really enjoyed showing such a wide range of moments with our couple; from sweet and cuddly overlooking the sunset, to edgy and editorial in front of the RH bookshelf.   We had the best; the venue, the amazing flowers and chic cake, the FABULOUS dresses and tux, a one of a kind classic car, not to mention award winning hair and make-up, and the sweetest, cutest couple. Thank you to everyone for your passion and creativity. This wedding styled shoot will be hard to top!

Special thanks to Christine at Renaissance for taking care of us all day, and Silvio for such a beautifully decorated table!

VENDORS WE LOVE

Photography- Studio Misha Photography

Venue- Renaissance Asheville Hotel

Hair- Britton Asheville with Eclipse Salon

Beauty- Frances Martinez with Franky and Rouge 

Flowers- Asheville Wedding Florist

Cake- Parfaits and Petit Fours 

Bridal Fashion- Wedding Inspirations Bridal Boutique

Groom’s Fashion- Mitchell’s Tuxedos

Antique Car- Burrell Vintage Cars

Photo Assist- Myriah Wood 

Bride Model- Preston Juliette Owen

Groom Model- Darius Keevon Baten

Avyanna + Phoenix - Sanctuary in the Pines at Highland Lake Cove Retreat Center

This wedding day was just a glorious collection of people, emotions and shining elements of beauty and love that came together to bless these two people, Avyanna and Phoenix, as they joined their lives together. Every piece of the day was intentional, and brought in for reasons meant to enhance and elevate. These two are true soul mates! And I am overjoyed not only that I got to be there to witness and capture it as their photographer, but also because I get to count them as special people who matter to me in my life.

Avyanna was a vision in her pink, sparkly “princess” dress! Their little one, soon to be joining their family, took a center place in the middle of the day, always there, always feeling into everything they were experiencing, and soaking up all the love. Even when we had to make a run for it during our couples pictures early in the day when a HUGE wall of water was falling from the sky and making its way toward us, there was always a smile and a happy kiss between the couple. The rain was just another beautiful element.

The ceremony was the most moving part of the day. Avyanna made her way down the aisle with a slow march, taking in every face, every detail, soaking up every second of this important journey. I got teary eyed watching it! And at the end of the ceremony, after their first kiss as a married couple, they surprised everyone with a first dance, right there in front of all family and friends, complete with bubbles. Their exit song was singing “thank you”s to everyone there, and Avyanna and Phoenix hugged and had a special moment with everyone in attendance. I am going to have to steal that idea for myself in the future LOL.

This was such a lovely and heart-felt celebration. And I’m so honored that they chose me to be their wedding photographer and videographer. We captured the ceremony to be relived forever, and with all those special moments, I’m so glad they made that decision. Blessings to you both and little “blueberry”. More joy soon to come.

Aimee + Bryan - Lake Eden Events & Lodging, Black Mountain, NC

One of my favorite wedding couples from 2018! Aimee and Bryan, I am so glad that everything turned out so amazing for your wedding day! You had perfect weather and picturesque views during the ceremony, and the celebration lasted long into the night at the reception. AND we had time to meet up before and shoot a sweet mini-engagement session. Loved it.

You had THREE, yes three, cakes! Baked by your amazing sister if I remember correctly. Gorgeous multi colored wild flowers adorning your hair and making up your bouquet. I loved that you did a first look! It’s always such a special moment, and we got to do pictures early LOL. Your doggie was there with a felt flower necklace around her collar that you made. And duck poop on your wedding dress! You were such a trooper. The pictures we took by the lake were hopefully worth it, and I’m so glad you let me know that it successfully came out!

Happy Anniversary to you both! I wish you multitudes of joy and blissful love throughout the years. Keep laughing, keep loving, and have fun together. Crossing my fingers our photo paths will cross again; Should you ever visit Asheville again that is :) Cheers!

Kesi + Orrin Wedding- Barn Wedding with Mountain View Ceremony

I met Kesi and Orrin in the best way, through another wedding I had photographed; From one happy day to another! They wanted a super laid back wedding in the woods, with a ceremony overlooking the mountains, and all their family and friends there to witness. A year earlier they had signed their marriage certificate, so this was really all about celebrating with everyone that was important to them. It was a gorgeous ceremony, on a giant hillside overlooking the mountains. They had a moment together just the tow of them before the ceremony began. Orrin waiting with anticipation at the bottom of the hill, where Kesi strolled down for a loving kiss and hug. Then, hand in hand, this already loving husband and wife, took their first steps as bride and groom towards the ceremony site. Under a natural wood arbor, they took their vows in front of family, friends and some nearby horses, with kids picking wildflowers on the sides.

I am so happy that Kesi and Orrin asked me to come and share this day with them as their photographer, and capture all these special memories. I loved following them into the woods for bride and groom portraits with their super cute son, Ash. After a joyous reception with roast pig, cupcakes, and dancing, their wedding night would be spent in a tent by the river with rose petals and champagne, lovingly added by the friends, with the “Just Married” sign hanging by the door.

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Ceremony

Family Portraits

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Jessica + Derek - Tough Love Engagement Session at South Slope CrossFit

I’ve mentioned before how much I love photographing engagement sessions. And I especially love when the couple makes it super personal and unique. Jessica and Derek met at their CrossFit gym, and they love working out together, so it became the perfect backdrop for our engagement shoot.

Jessica and Derek were rock stars. They planned the 405 pound duo dead lift, Squats with a kiss thrown in, tying the knot (literally) and then spontaneously we threw in jump rope and several funny attempts at a chalky high five.

Thank you guys for celebrating this special moment with me and letting me capture these memories for you. I can’t wait for the wedding in OCTOBER!

Please like, comment and share. Tell me about where you met your soul mate? What would have been the setting to your engagement session?

VENUE- South Slope CrossFit in Downtown Asheville, NC

Allison + Josh- Autumn Wedding with Color and Waterfalls- Laurel Falls in Fairview, NC

The leaves were bursting with color all around us, with a breathtaking view off the porch of the main house at Laurel Falls. Allison and Josh were getting ready. Well, as we all know, the bride always gets ready while the groom is hanging out waiting, LOL. Rebecca Biggers with Lola Salon & Gallery was transforming her with old Hollywood glam, with a nod to our natural surroundings by adding a little sprig of pine. It looked so feminine and gorgeous. Flora dropped off the bouquet and boutonnieres and we were all gasping with amazement. I’ve never seen a bouquet like this before. It was massive and just filled with amazing flowers and details.

It was bright and sunny at the ceremony site, but we had a fabulous view of the mountains behind us. Later, we explored the vast property and took some intimate and sweet Bride and Groom Portraits. There was no place that wasn’t gorgeous. But I think the waterfall was my favorite. Allison just popped off the backdrop of this gorgeous falls area. And then we snuck in one last kiss on the path back back to house. A perfect day!

Let me know what spot you liked the best. Please comment below and share your thoughts.

Vendors Supreme

Venue- Laurel Falls

Flowers- Flora

Hair and Makeup- Lola Salon and Gallery

Design and Art Direction- Dana Irwin

Rebecca + Connor - St. John in the Wilderness & Black Tie Afterparty

I would have to say that no two wedding videos are ever the same. There’s no cookie cutter recipe that I use, and from beginning to end it totally depends on the couple and the events that unfold. Nothing could be more true than this one! It was a perfect duo of sentiment and classic beauty mixed with uninhibited joy and fun. So how to tackle the video and make ONE highlight? I decided it simply had to be….both!

They had a beautiful ceremony planned at St. John in the Wilderness, with an impressive bridal party: 10 on the bride side and 13 on the grooms. Each bridesmaid held a gorgeous bouquet of flowers. These flowers were everywhere, bathing the ceremony and reception in beauty and color. Every pew was packed full of elegant wedding guests, laughing and crying along with the ceremony.

Then followed by the reception at Rebecca’s parent’s home in Flat Rock, NC. She had given me a tour of the reception site (her ) many months before her wedding date. She pointed where the white tents were gonna be set up, and described a “ladder dance” of which I had never heard before. How can there be so many people on the dance floor you would need a ladder? Post reception….it became clear. This was a rockin’ party with everyone busting a groove on the dance floor and not stopping until late into the night. Rebecca and her Dad started it off with “Who’s That Lady?”, with Connor and Mom jiving to “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)”. Not to be outdone, Rebecca and Connor’s first dance was to “Give It To Me Baby” by Rick James. The AMAZING live band, The Black and Blue Effect, was one of the most talented and spectacular bands I’ve seen at a wedding in my career. The singers, the musicians, the amount of songs they knew, their energy! and an OUTFIT CHANGE halfway through the performance! Never seen that before! Rebecca had requested NO slow songs for the reception, and they kept up the pace keeping everyone partying along with them.

So here is my highlight video for this amazing couple. Thank you for choosing me to be your wedding videographer! Rebecca wrote me after her full wedding video and said, “We quite literally laughed and cried our way through it.” That’s the greatest compliment I could ever receive. May you laugh and cry (tears of joy of course) for many more years to come. And I hope you eel the love, joy and happiness of these moments every time you watch your videos. Many happy wishes to you both!

Amazing Vendors

Ceremony Site- St. John in the Wilderness

Flowers- Bloom Room

Caterer- Colorful Palate

Cake- 50/fifty

Hair/Makeup- Lola salon

Band- Black and Blue Experience with East Coast Entertainment

Classic Event Rentals

Photographer- Jeremy Russell Photography

Event Coordinator/Planner- Katy Nevel

Sarah + Joey in a Misty Mountaintop Wedding at The Cabin Ridge in Hendersonville, NC

Sarah and Joseph got married at an amazing hilltop wedding venue, The Cabin Ridge, on a foggy and chilly day in October. This is my second time at this venue and it’s amazing every time. It was beautifully, magical how the mist covered the landscape and hung around like a giddy wedding guest.

The ceremony took place inside, in front of a warm and cozy fireplace decorated with flowers and lights. The bride and groom were the warmest in the room for sure, from standing right in front of the fire, and I think by their undying love for each other. Exchanging of letters and personalize wedding vows made the ceremony feel special and touched the hearts of everyone attending. After family photos, where everyone DID brave the cold and wind for one large group photo outside, it was dinner and speeches. The bride and groom greeted each table, which I always think is so wonderful, and then first dances began.

Sarah and Joey started at opposite sides of the venue, and met in the middle for a super sweet choreographed dance. Not to be outdone, the love that beamed during the Father/Daughter dance brought a tear to my eye for sure. It always gets me. I think of my dance at my wedding more than 11 years ago now. Gosh I JUST LOVE WEDDINGS!

The sparkler exit was particularly magical with all the mist and fog accumulating in the night air. This amazing couple took their first steps towards a new life of love, commitment and devotion to each other.

Thank you to Sarah and Joey for choosing me to be your wedding videographer! And for choosing me and Myriah to do both photo and video for your special day! May you smile and laugh for many years to come watching your memories unfold again and again.

Vendor Love

Wedding Venue - The Cabin Ridge
Hair and Make-up- Marie Churilla
Flowers- Choy’s Flowers & Ikebana
Bridal Dress or details- The Lily Rose Bridal Shop, dress is Heather by Watters
Groom’s Attire and/or Groomsmen-  Men’s Warehouse
Catering- Hubba Hubba Smokehouse
DJ- Pol VanRhee
Day of Coordinator- Andy Owensby
Photographer- Myriah Wood

Cake- Sweets of Lake Lure - Ennis Julian