Preparations began at the private cottage on the Biltmore Estate. Katie had help from her mom, bridesmaids and her flower girl, her adorable dog, Lady, the Cavapoo. It was said more than once during the wedding day that Lady knew that John was the one before Katie knew.
John’s watch was a gift from Katie. “Forever 5.11.24” was custom engraved on the back.
John’s cufflinks, displaying the family crest, were a gift from his mom. The groomsmen’s cufflinks were gifts from John.
The Biltmore is an amazing place full of history. George Vanderbilt first visited Asheville, North Carolina, in 1888. Captivated by the area’s natural beauty, he ending up purchasing land for his country estate, which became the Biltmore.
There are over thirty acres of gardens surrounding the Biltmore House, all designed by America’s foremost landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted. He is also known for designing New York City’s Central Park in 1857 and Washington DC’s United States Capitol Grounds in 1874. The landscape design of the Vanderbilt estate in 1895 was Olmsted’s crowning achievement.
The Biltmore is full of many gorgeous photo opportunities. We made the most of the Lower High Lawn, the Rampe Douce, the Front of the House, the Library Terrace and South Terrace, the Gardens and the Conservatory.
This wedding was so incredibly special for two reasons: Katie is like a part of our family and shooting at the Biltmore is a photographer’s dream.
Katie was my son’s babysitter in NYC and we became very close. She has come to visit us in Denver and continually quotes some of Ollie’s crazy toddler sayings! Seeing her find her person and have a perfect wedding day was really exciting!
I have been lucky to photograph some destination weddings, but none at quite such a dramatic and gorgeous location. Photographing a wedding at the Biltmore is a highlight of my career. Katie and John, thank you for trusting me with your memories!
Choosing the Biltmore as their wedding venue was an easy decision. The bride shares, “We love Asheville and the Biltmore! John proposed in Asheville and getting married at the Biltmore was a fairytale dream for both of us that became a reality!”
Katie adds, “We had the most perfect day! We were surrounded by so many people who love us, we had the most beautiful venue, the weather was gorgeous, it could not have gone more perfectly. It was truly magical! We want to give a huge thank you to Jessica and Eric. They made everything run so seamlessly and comfortably. And we had so much fun with them! We love you guys!”
Thank you, Katie and John! We love you back!
Sam did a great job as the ring bearer! Sam’s dad, Ezer, is in residency with John at UNC and he and his wife were Katie and John’s first friends when they moved to North Carolina.
The ceremony and reception took place at the Biltmore’s Deerpark Restaurant.
Katie shares, “Our favorite moment was after we said “I do” and walked down the aisle as husband and wife. We had a moment just the two of us in the bridal suite. We were able to take a breath, take it all in and enjoy those first few moments as a married couple!”
Congratulations Katie and John!
Check out their engagement session at Duke Gardens in North Carolina.
Special thanks to the team:
Venue and Catering: The Biltmore
Coordinator: Tamara Heston, Belle Soiree
DJ: Mitch Fortune, Remix Weddings
Music, String Trio: Allegro Music
Florist: Flora Botanical Living
Invitations: Dominique Alba
Seating Chart: Sierra Hollar, Freckles + Ink
Makeup: Blush Asheville
Hair: Katie Manselle
Rings: Raleigh Diamond
Bride’s Dress: Ines Di Santo, Alexia’s Bridal Boutique
Bride’s Shoes: Bella Belle
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaids
Groom’s Suit: Jos A Banks
Videographer: Timm Young Films
Photographer: Jessica Schmitt Photography with Eric Swartz
To Asheville couples: All of the vendors were wonderful, but I had the pleasure of working alongside Tamara of Belle Soiree and Timm Young of Timm Young Films. They were fantastic and I highly, highly recommend them!
