One of the things I love about Elope NC and that I love about working with them, is that they want to show couples all of the myriad ways you can build an elopement. Elopements {and weddings in general} don’t have to look like anything specific. They can be as long or short, as elaborate or as simple, with as many or as few vendors as you want! The sky is the limit. Working with this list of vendors was such a dream come true, especially after feeling separate for so long from the wedding world and my fellow wedding vendors. Being able to get out and create with such talents was completely magical. I’m absolutely excited to be sharing this Asheville elopement sponsored by Elope NC and planned by Plain with Sprinkles with you today!
Something that really excited me about this styled shoot was the concept of a walking tour of Asheville, which is already a city I love. But this method of planning your day can be applied anywhere! Spending time just doing what you love somewhere you enjoy being while you also tie the knot… I mean, what could be better than that? For our shoot, we had two incredible grooms join us. The guys – real-life married couple Brandon & Davie were a blast to work with.
We started off with some fresh haircuts from Streetcar 6 Salon. Jen spent time with each groom in her chair, giving each one some attention and pampering, which is such a nice way to start off your day. After they dressed in their suits from Bernard’s Tux, we headed to The Reverie to finish putting on their details. They had some beautiful cufflinks from Spies Jewelry Design and bolero ties to complete their looks. Afterwards, we checked out the adorable postcard created by Two Peas Postcards to bring a little personality to the day.
Portraits at the Reverie and Ceremonies
The Reverie folks created some breathtakingly beautiful – and super delicious – signature cocktails dedicated to the couple! Once the grooms were ready and sporting their floral arrangements from the incredibly talented Bask Floral Studio, we headed out into our ceremonies. These were led by the utter delight that is Happily Ever After Asheville. I loved having the chance to watch her do her thing and bring so much joy to all of us.
Asheville Portraits
From there, we walked to The Kress Emporium, stopping as we went whenever we saw something that inspired us. Honestly, that’s my my absolute favorite way to travel anywhere. Then we enjoyed both some fantastic local art and some couple portraits upon arriving. Our walk continued to Battery Park Book Exchange for cake from the genius Karen Donatelli Bakery & champagne!! Finally, we ended the day’s shoot at Swasheville {such a cool spot!} with some Bun Intended Asheville eats. It was truly a fun day exploring the city!! Thank you to these odors for allowing me to help document the (styled) elopement for Brandon and Davie!
Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.
I felt like our day was unique and special and perfect for us. Never once did I feel like this was just another wedding for you.
Caroline & Conor
As people (and queer folks) who aren't immediately comfortable with posing/having our picture taken, getting to work with Raven was such a gift.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a wonderful person with an energy that made us feel relaxed and okay to be ourselves; catching all of the action without making you feel that a camera is following you around.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a great photographer, capturing my husband and I so effortlessly and catching epic candid moments of us and our guests.
Molly & Adam
These are SO FANTASTIC and exactly what we envisioned!!! Thank you for capturing us and our family and friends so well, we are eternally grateful!!!
I’m Raven Shutley — Atlanta wedding and elopement photographer obsessed with catching the “holy shit!” magic you’ll brag about for decades. 17+ years. 250+ love-soaked, champagne-soaked, sometimes-rain-soaked weddings. Zero boring ones.
The best days are full of “did that really happen?” moments and quiet ones alike: yelling vows over a waterfall, grandma losing her mind over your shoes, strangers cheering you on in the street. A dad-turned-unofficial paparazzi, a sibling choking up mid-speech, that deep breath the moment you realize you’re married.
The goal? A full story that’s wild, real, beautiful — so anyone looking at your photos feels like they were there.
