Shantel and Cameron wanted to wow their guests on their big day, which is why they decided on a North Carolina destination wedding surrounded by scenic mountains. “We knew we were going to move to North Carolina after we got married, so we figured why not have our wedding there? We also wanted beautiful scenery,” the newlyweds say.

Despite the couple’s intentions, their loved ones were initially not receptive to the idea of a wedding out of town. “They questioned everything,” the pair says. “We understood that not everyone would be able to make it. At the end of the day, it was what we wanted and that’s all that mattered.”

The bride and groom say travel logistics for those who were able to make the journey were easy, as most of them stayed in Airbnb or nearby hotels.

Deciding on a venue was easy for Shantel and Cameron because they ended up falling in love with the first place they toured. “We knew instantly it was where we were supposed to get married,” they say. “We only were able to communicate through email for the most part and there was miscommunication about pricing, but it got resolved afterwards.”

When it came to florals, the bride got creative and made most of the flower arrangements herself. “I shopped at Michaels and Hobby Lobby for all of the flowers,” Shantel says. “I made the flower girl baskets and the boutonnières for the dads, my husband and our officiant.”

From their experience, the couple says that planning a destination wedding was “awesome” and finding vendors was enjoyable. “As long as you communicate with them effectively and are clear with what you want, I am sure they will be faithful to deliver,” the newlyweds say. “However, I would say to taste the food before your wedding day! That’s probably the most important.”

While the bride trusted her vendors based on her communication with them and the reviews they previously received, she did run into one issue with the food. “The day of my wedding, the food was not what I was looking for,” she says. “I had to just enjoy my special day and not let it get to me!”

Shantel admits she would likely not have faced any issues with food if her wedding had been at home, though she would have missed out on the beautiful scenery. The prime location also made the venue slightly more expensive than if their wedding was held back home, though they believe it would have been less exciting for them and their guests.

“Your day will flu by,” the bride says. “Eight hours will feel like eight minutes. Be present and enjoy every second! You planned for so long and spent so much money to have the best day so don’t stress on it. Get yourself an awesome wedding coordinator so they can do everything for you the day of. Trust me, it makes a world of a difference! And lastly, let your vendors know how much you appreciate them and how vital they were to making your wedding the best time if your life.”

Vendors: Photographer: Jordan Weiland, Ceremony/Reception Site: Sawyer Family Farmstead, Florist: The Blossom Jar, Stationery: Minted.com, Cake: Whole Foods, Hair: Ashleigh Greenway, Makeup: AnaRie, Gown Designer: CC’s Boutique, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Hugo Boss & DJ: Sound Extreme