Breathtaking Black Balsam Knob Elopement: Kirsty & Nick
A quiet and simple November elopement on one of the busiest and most beautiful trails in Western North Carolina.
On a chilly, windswept morning at Black Balsam Knob, Kirsty and Nick stood side by side peacefully, the kind of calm that comes from knowing you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. They’re both more introverted, happiest when it’s just the two of them, and from the start they knew their wedding day would be about simplicity, ease, and intention. In their own words: “We want our day to be stress free! No strict plans and no expectations.”
When I asked how they first met, they told me it happened at a little local bodega their shared group of friends used to hang out at. They also said what drew them to each other was that “each of us have a quiet happy energy that we both found comfort in.” I love that so much—because it’s exactly what you feel when you’re with them. You can see it in the way they look at each other, in the way their film and photos just… breathe
And when I asked them to describe their relationship, they didn’t overcomplicate it. They just said, “We like to go with the flow and help each other grow.” Sweet. Simple. True.
Some of my favorite moments from their Black Balsam Knob elopement:
They brought along four of their closest loved ones for a small mountaintop celebration.
The wind that morning was wild—like, hold-onto-your-hat kind of wild—but everyone took it in stride. The couple even took a celebratory shot before the ceremony to warm up.
The sunrise was absolutely unreal: moon still hanging in the sky, stars fading, clouds rolling like waves below us.
Their pups were part of the celebration (because of course they were—you can’t leave the goodest dogs behind).
Their family members wore kilts to honor their heritage, which was extra impressive given the freezing wind.
It was one of those mornings where nature shows off and love feels unshakable—exactly the kind of day Kirsty and Nick had dreamed up.
The Elopement Need-to-Knows:
Their Package: Mini (4 Hours)
Time of Day: Morning / Sunrise
Location: Black Balsam Knob
Getting Ready by Starlight
We’d already hiked up the mountain in the dark, our headlamps bobbing along the trail, the whole world still quiet and asleep. Kirsty and Nick had chosen a sunrise ceremony to avoid the crowds—and it worked. When we reached the top of Black Balsam Knob, it felt like we had the whole mountaintop to ourselves.
The wind was already moving strong across the ridge, tugging at jackets and hair, but instead of hiding from it, everyone leaned in and laughed. Family members helped with final touches—holding jackets between shots, making sure hair stayed in place, keeping hands warm. Overhead, the moon was huge and bright, and the sky was still dotted with stars. Below us, a cloud inversion stretched for miles, the valleys completely hidden under soft white waves. It felt otherworldly—like the kind of backdrop you couldn’t dream up if you tried.
Before the ceremony began, Kirsty and Nick pulled out two tiny airplane bottles of Fireball whiskey—just enough to warm their hands and their spirits. They clinked plastic caps, took a quick sip, and laughed as the wind whipped around them. It was one of those unscripted little moments that says as much about a wedding day as the vows themselves.
A Ceremony at Sunrise
Kirsty and Nick stood on the mountaintop with their two pups and four of their closest loved ones, the wind blowing around them. Their non-traditional officiant guided them through a lead-and-follow ceremony, repeating each line slowly so they could really be present. Calm, grounded, and reverent, the officiant paused for quiet moments of reflection, giving the whole circle space to soak in what was happening.
As the sun came up, it doused everyone in a soft pink-orange glow—just the right light for a quiet mountaintop ceremony. To finish, they did a handfasting, wrapping the ribbon around their joined hands, a small but meaningful way to mark the moment.
It wasn’t perfect—the wind tugged at jackets, the dogs sniffed around—but it was theirs, exactly as they wanted it.
“Getting married on top of a mountain at sunrise with just my partner and a few close family members is the most beautiful experience I have ever had, and I will always remember every detail thanks to the gorgeous video captured by Kathryn.”
— Kirsty & Nick
Family Love
After the ceremony, it was time to just hang out, laugh, and soak in the view. Kirsty and Nick’s family stayed close, sharing hugs, teasing the pups, and soaking up the quiet joy of the morning. We took some relaxed photos together—shots that will hang on walls, fill albums, and be looked back on for generations.
Everyone was bundled up against the wind, but that didn’t stop the smiles, the laughter, or the little spontaneous moments that make photos feel alive. There was no rush, no schedule—just a few people, a couple of pups, and a mountaintop that felt like it belonged to them for those hours.
It was exactly the kind of time that makes an elopement feel full, not just in the big moments, but in the small, genuine ones that stick with you forever.
Taking in the Morning Together
After celebrating with their family, Kirsty and Nick set off to explore Black Balsam Knob together, just the two of them. The trail was surprisingly quiet for a usually busy hike, giving them space to move at their own pace and soak in the view.
Even though November hadn’t brought the bright blooms or lush greenery of other seasons, the landscape had its own unique beauty. The grasses and hills carried a brassy warmth, glowing in the soft light, and the cool, crisp air made every breath feel refreshing. It was quiet, intimate, and perfectly suited to their kind of adventure—just wandering, talking, laughing, and taking it all in together.
“Once we decided on a date, we had no idea where to go from there. I am so grateful I found Kathryn. Not only did she take the most beautiful pictures and our wedding video, she also guided us through the planning process.”
— Kirsty & Nick
Finale in the Forest
The morning wrapped up in a quiet forest, with the sun streaming through the trees and hitting every sequin on Kirsty’s dress so it sparkled like a little disco ball. Kirsty and Nick took it slow, just enjoying the light, the quiet, and being with each other.
Away from the wind and the mountaintop, they settled into the moment. No rush, no one else around—just them and the morning. It was the perfect way to finish out their mountaintop adventure.
★★★★★
A Love Note from the Couple
“When it came to getting married, my husband and I knew we wanted to elope. We didn’t know how or where, but we were set on an intimate ceremony in an unforgettable place. Once we decided on a date, we had no idea where to go from there. I am so grateful I found Kathryn via Instagram. Not only did she take the most beautiful pictures and our wedding video, she also guided us through the planning process. Kathryn took the time to get to know us as a couple and gave us location options based on how we desired our day to look and feel. She also had referrals for any service we would need to prepare for our special day. Kathryn is so thoughtful and easy to collaborate with. For anyone who is considering eloping, I say go for it. Getting married on top of a mountain at sunrise with just my partner and a few close family members is the most beautiful experience I have ever had, and I will always remember every detail thanks to the gorgeous video captured by Kathryn. 10/10 recommend eloping and working with Evergreen Era Film & Photo to capture your day.”
