Over the years, couple Kelly and Brian have had a special place in their hearts for Asheville, North Carolina. Kelly not only grew up there, but she was proposed to at the beautiful Biltmore Estate. Having their destination wedding in Asheville felt like going home to this couple, and it gave them all the more reason to love the location. 

“Many of our friends and family are from the Southeast, and those folks were excited for a destination wedding that was within driving distance from their homes,” the couple says. 

However, Brian’s family is from Connecticut so it presented some logistical challenges for some guests. They had to put extra effort into attending the couple’s wedding, so the pair felt a bit of extra love and excitement at having the far-travelers attend.

The pair couldn’t wait to show their honored guests the reception site, The Biltmore Forest Country Club. Having been Kelly’s family home club ever since she was a little girl, the country club had historic and magical ambiance that couldn’t be beat anywhere else. 

“I’ve spent many of my most significant holidays, birthdays, summer days, and even debutante parties on the porch overlooking the 18th green. In my adult life, no matter where my family has lived, BFCC always has been a place we’ve called home,” the bride says. 

All the magic of the location couldn’t drown out the stress of planning, but the couple were able to navigate the process with the help of a team of specialists.

The couple says, “It really does take a village to plan the wedding of your dreams, so that’s why it’s incredibly important to surround yourself with people that you trust who can fill in for you when you can’t be there yourself.”

A fun custom project the bride worked on with Amanda from The Impressionist was a family crest. The antlers symbolized Brian and Kelly’s love for Asheville and the ivy symbolized where they met, The Ivy, in Atlanta. It’s become the couple’s own family crest and it will serve as “an heirloom that we will pass down to our children and hopefully many generations to come.”

When the wedding approached, the two made sure to begin framing the weekend around the idea of coming to Asheville to enjoy the majesty around the city in the Fall along with the ceremony. 

“We listed possible itineraries on our website- which we hoped would enhance the vacation vibe around the weekend. Folks went to the breweries, the Biltmore Estate or walked around downtown during the day and celebrated Brian and I’s wedding weekend at night.”

In the wonderful, adventurous mess of planning a destination wedding, Kelly and Brian stayed true to their theology of listening to their hearts. Weddings can quickly become a large production and run the risk of losing authenticity, so, as Kelly advises, “if something doesn’t feel right, say it!”

Brian & Kelly | Biltmore Forest Country Club, Asheville NC from Citrus Ceremonies on Vimeo.

Vendors: Photographer: Rachael McIntosh Photography, Wedding Planner: Becca Knuth from Asheville Event Co., Ceremony Site: Basilica of Saint Lawrence, Reception Site: Biltmore Forest Country Club, Florist: Floressence Flowers, Stationery: The Impressionist, Cake: Biltmore Forest Country Club, Hair: Ravin’ Salon, Makeup: Pop of Color, Gown Designer: Winnie Couture, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Trussini purchased at H. Stockton, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Adrianna Papell, Eliza J, Dessy Collection, Ceremony Bagpiper: Steve Agan, Rentals & Lighting: Classic Event Rental, Videography: Citrus Ceremonies, Cocktail & Reception Music: Atlanta Showstoppers