A Mountain Wedding at Serenity Ridge | Mill Spring, North Carolina

Weddings
Written By Kelsey Sheehan

Nestled in the picturesque mountains of Mill Spring, North Carolina, Serenity Ridge was the perfect setting for Tim and Nicolette's wedding day in August. This dog-friendly venue, offering incredible mountain views, cozy on-property getting-ready spaces, and rental options for overnight guests, created an intimate yet breathtaking backdrop for their celebration.

The Love Story

Tim and Nicolette's journey began with a swipe on a dating app, followed by their first date at Dashi—a restaurant they still adore. From that night on, they became inseparable, with Tim instantly charmed by Nicolette’s effortless humor, and Nicolette enchanted by his big heart and lively personality. That love, laughter, and genuine connection shaped every moment of their wedding day.

The Ceremony and Heartfelt Vows

One of the most emotional highlights was their personal vows. Though Nicolette realized she had left her written vows inside, she seized the moment, speaking directly from her heart—a memory that left barely a dry eye in sight. Before the ceremony, they shared a quiet first touch, allowing them to feel close without breaking tradition. Nicolette also shared a beautiful first look with her bridesmaids and dad, making for some deeply emotional moments that set the tone for the day. And lets not forget the best ring bearer ever, Bear, their fur baby!

The Reception: Laughter, Surprises, and a Firefighter’s Celebration

The reception at Serenity Ridge was a blend of heartfelt toasts and lively moments. The DJ delighted everyone with a birthday song for the flower girl, bringing joy to the youngest member of the party. With many of Tim’s firefighter friends in attendance, the party soon escalated when a few took to the dance floor with chairs, setting the tone with Ginuwine’s “Pony”—a moment that brought laughs and applause.

Minimalistic Decor, Maximum Impact

Tim and Nicolette chose soft blues accented with bright orange, adding a splash of color that complemented the mountain landscape. Their minimalist approach to decor, with pieces from An English Flower Cottage, preserved the natural beauty of Serenity Ridge, creating a rustic yet refined aesthetic that highlighted the venue's stunning views rather than overshadowing them.

Capturing Every Moment

Capturing Tim and Nicolette’s wedding was not just a professional assignment but an absolute joy. From the moment my team and I arrived at the rehearsal, they welcomed us with open arms, treating us more like friends than photographers. Working with such a warm and lively couple made documenting their love story a pleasure, and I’m honored to call them lifelong friends. This wedding is one I’ll always remember for its laughter, love, and the sense of community that surrounded Tim and Nicolette.

A Dream Team of Vendors

The day was beautifully brought together by a team of incredible vendors, each playing a part in making Tim and Nicolette’s dream wedding come to life. From the exquisite floral arrangements by An English Flower Cottage to the delectable cake crafted by Kimberly Washington, every detail was carefully chosen. Guests enjoyed seamless catering by Serenity Ridge, and the bride and her party looked radiant thanks to hair and makeup team.

Vendor Team:
Photography: Kelsey Sheehan Photography
Venue: Serenity Ridge
Floral Arrangements: An English Flower Cottage
DJ: Phoenix Sounds
Photo Booth: Gracious Glimpse
Rentals/Decor: An English Flower Cottage
Hair: Love On Your Locs
Makeup: Amplified by Kay
Bridal Shop: Fancy Frocks
Grooms Attire: Generation Tux
Catering: Serenity Ridge
Bakery: Kimberly Washington

Groom's details for his mountain top wedding in North Carolina.
Up close photo of bride's details for her mountain top wedding in North Carolina.
Bride's dress hanging in front of the front door at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina.
Close up photo of the detail in the bride's wedding dress. Intricate floral details on the strapeless dress.
Groom getting ready at Serenity Ridge in NC. Groom is standing in the bathroom combing his hair.
Couple standing around the corner of each other for their first touch at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina.
Close up image of the groom's boutonniere. It features an orange rose with smaller blue and white florals around it. Compliments the surrounding landscape at Serenity Ridge in NC.
Maid of honor button up the bride's dress before her first touch at Serenity Ridge in NC.
NC mountain top wedding. Bride is putting her earrings while guests start to arrive for the ceremony.
Room setup and place settings at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina for a mountain top wedding. Family style seating with touches of orange and blue in their details and florals.
Two tier wedding cake. Cake is adorned with bright orange oranges and greenery. Complimenting the sunset at Serenity Ridge North Carolina.
Bride and groom's seats at the head table at Serenity Ridge NC. Lots of candles, orange florals, and blue accents.
Bride and her father walking down the aisle to her mountaintop ceremony in North Carolina.
The ring bearer (dog) laying in the grass. Goldendoodle is laying in the grass while the bride and groom say I do in NC.
Groom wiping a tear away while the bride walks down the aisle. The NC Mountain range as the backdrop of their ceremony.
North Carolina wedding ceremony at Serenity Ridge. The ceremony is at the top of a mountain overlooking another mountain range in the distance.
Bride and groom doing rock, paper, scissors to decide who says their vows first. North Carolina wedding ceremony in the mountain at Serenity Ridge.
Bride saying her vows while her bridesmaids stand behind her at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss after being pronounced husband and wife with the North Carolina mountain range as their backdrop.
Bride and groom walking with the wedding party and their dog after the ceremony at Serenity Ridge NC.
Wedding party standing and sitting on the front porch at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina. Bridesmaids are wearing light blue dresses. Groomsmen are wearing tan suits with light blue ties. Groom is wearing a blue suit and a two tone tie.
Bride and groom standing on the front porch of Serenity Ridge. They are staring at each other with their arms around each other.
Newly married bride and groom walking hand in hand and smiling at each other. Groom is carrying the bride's bouquet.
Groom picking the bride up and spinning her around in front of the Serenity Ridge house in North Carolina.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss while the sunsets behind the mountains in North Carolina.
Bride and groom having their first dance under the pavilion at Serenity Ridge. The NC mountain range as the backdrop to their wedding day.
Groom dancing with his mom under the pavilion at Serenity Ridge NC.
Emotional father daughter dance at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina. Bride is crying on her dad's shoulder as he sings to her.
Newly married couple bowing their heads in prayer before they sit down for dinner at Serenity Ridge NC.
Sunset at Serenity Ridge in North Carolina. The sun is setting behind the mountain range that the venue overlooks.
Kelsey Sheehan https://kelseysheehanphotography.com
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