North Carolina Adventure Elopement: Cara & Dom
An adventurous elopement in every way— these two shared a sunrise hike, river paddle sesh, and a sunset ceremony with family.
Since capturing Cara and Dominique’s Western North Carolina Adventure Elopement in September of 2021, I have been dying to give it a permanent place on my blog. It was filled with so much love and intimate moments that I hope you will love it as much as I do.
How They Met:
Cara and Dominique matched on OkCupid (we live in the coolest century). They decided that the best way to meet each other would be to get some cold treats at Pelican’s Snowballs. After talking (and laughing) both realized how much they were loving each other’s company. As their spoons started scraping the end of their cups, neither of them was ready to part ways. Instead, they decided to go to a nearby lake to watch the sunset. To this day, they joke about how Dominique voluntarily got into his (A STRANGER’S) car! Needless to say, everything worked out!
How They Describe Their Relationship:
If they could narrow their relationship down to one word, it would be GROWTH. Both believe that they have grown so much as people during their time together. As their relationship lengthens, they look forwards to continuing that development and maturation! They classify their love as being one filled with love, laughter, and continuous support.
The Elopement Need-to-Knows:
Their Package: Full (10 Hours)
Time of Day: Morning and Evening
Location: Pisgah National Forest, French Broad River, & Blue Ridge Parkway
Setting Off from Sam Knob
From the very beginning, Cara and Dominique had a clear vision for their Western North Carolina adventure elopement. They came to me with their dream location already picked out—and even had ideas for their timeline!
They knew they wanted their day to be centered on what mattered most: their love and their relationship. Spending thousands of dollars on a big wedding that would fly by in a blur just didn’t feel right to them. Instead, they wanted something meaningful, relaxed, and true to who they are.
We met before dawn, headlamps on and boots laced, and started the hike under a sky full of stars. It was quiet and peaceful, the kind of morning that feels like the world is holding its breath. Once we made it to the top, they found their own little nooks among the rocks and rhododendrons to get ready. There was something so grounding and beautiful about watching them prepare for the day separately, but within sight of each other—wrapped in the stillness of the mountains and the growing light.
As the sun crested the ridgeline, painting the sky in soft golds and pinks, they shared their first look. It was the perfect beginning to a day built entirely around intention, connection, and the joy of simply being together.
First Looks and Sunrise Vows
As the sun crept above the horizon, Cara and Dominique shared their first look among the golden grasses and gentle morning breeze. The sky had shifted from deep blue to glowing orange, wrapping the mountains in light just as they turned to see each other—fully ready, fully present, and already a little misty-eyed.
They took a few quiet moments to soak it all in. With no pressure and no audience, they held hands, laughed, teared up, and let the day unfold at their own pace. It was one of those rare, soul-deep moments that felt suspended in time.
Then, with the sun rising behind them and only the sounds of birds and wind in the distance, they exchanged private vows. No microphones, no distractions—just two people promising forever on a mountaintop. Their words were tender, full of laughter and emotion, and the kind of honesty that only comes when you know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
“It was absolutely perfect for us; we could involve others to the level we felt comfortable and just enjoy the day celebrating our love more intimately.”
— Cara & Dominique
Savoring the Morning
After their sunrise vows, Cara and Dominique shared a sweet, lighthearted first dance right there on the mountaintop. They laughed as they held each other close, the bright sun warming their faces and backs while they gently swayed and spun together. It was such a joyful, tender moment—pure celebration in the fresh morning air.
Afterward, we all slowed down to savor the magic of the day. Cara and Dominique pulled out a picnic blanket, a thermos of hot coffee, and a couple of Pop-Tarts—their favorite easy treat for cozy mornings on the trail. Wrapped up together, they soaked in the views, sipped slowly, and simply enjoyed being present with one another, without any rush or distractions.
Eventually, it was time to pack up and head down the mountain… but not before a little twist. Cara had been hiking on a small ankle fracture she didn’t even realize was there until it really started to act up. I wrapped it up with the first aid kit I always keep in my pack (a little backup planning goes a long way!), and with some encouragement and a steady pace, she powered through the hike like an absolute champ.
Her grit, sense of humor, and love for Dominique kept her going—and by the time we reached the trailhead, she was still smiling.
Kayaks and Clear Skies
After their peaceful morning, Cara and Dominique changed into comfy adventure clothes, ready to take on the next part of their day. We loaded up the kayaks and headed out onto a beautiful stretch of the French Broad River.
The water was calm, the sky clear, and the whole vibe was relaxed and easygoing—just like them. Paddling side by side, we sipped on some cold drinks, laughed, and kept an eye out for wildlife. Blue herons gracefully waded along the banks, and playful river otters made brief appearances, adding a little magic to the afternoon.
It was the perfect way to add a little adventure and a lot of connection to their special day.
Official Ceremony Atop Buck Spring Gap
As the day moved toward evening, we made our way to Buck Spring Gap, a spot that felt just right for Cara and Dominique’s official ceremony with their closest family. The mountain views stretched wide, and the golden light of the setting sun wrapped everything in a soft, dreamy glow.
Their ceremony was beautifully personal, with an ordained friend officiating and leading a heartfelt hand-fasting ritual—symbolizing their union with intertwined hands and cords. The moment was full of meaning, laughter, and happy tears, capturing the deep connection they share.
Surrounded by loved ones, they exchanged vows once more, this time with the comfort and joy of community nearby. It was a meaningful moment that beautifully honored their commitment and celebrated the people who have been part of their journey.
“I am so happy that she was able to document the day with such beautiful pictures that we can look back on for the rest of our lives and remember such a special day.”
— Cara & Dominique
In the Glow of the Evening
At this point in the day, I always encourage my couples to let me get a little closer to capture those intimate detail shots and videos—when everyone feels relaxed and really themselves. Cara and Dominique welcomed that closeness, making for some truly special final memories of their day.
By the time Cara and Dominique’s Western North Carolina adventure elopement came to a close, our bodies were tired but our hearts were so full. As the evening wrapped up, they shared how happy they were with the way they chose to celebrate their marriage—the quiet solo moments hiking at sunrise, the joy of kayaking side by side in the warm sunshine, and the love that surrounded them during their ceremony with family.
They truly embraced every part of a full-day adventure elopement, making it perfectly their own. I felt so grateful to have been a part of their story and to witness the kind of love that’s both adventurous and deeply genuine.They truly embraced every aspect of a full day adventure elopement. I was so grateful they chose me to be a part of it.
★★★★★
A Love Note from the Couple
“When my husband and I first started to plan out what our wedding day would look like, we quickly realized how expensive everything was going to be going the traditional route. Even something considered on the “small” side of things was still going to cost us way more than we had originally felt comfortable spending on a single day. We began brainstorming alternatives that felt more authentic to who we are and something we felt was worth spending the money doing. We came across Kathryn and instantly fell in love with the idea of an adventure elopement.
It was absolutely perfect for us; we could involve others to the level we felt comfortable and just enjoy the day celebrating our love more intimately. Kathryn was the full package! She made the planning process so smooth and stress free. When our original location fell through, she still gave us so many amazing back up options to choose from. I felt extremely connected to Kathryn through out the process and she became a friend on the big day.
In addition to being an amazing photographer/videographer/supporter on the day, she also went the extra step to take care of my sprained/fractured ankle that happened on the hike up (KEEP THE HEADLAMPS ON). She was absolutely amazing in every aspect and I couldn’t have asked for a better wedding day. The photos and video after captured our adventure so perfectly!
I am so happy that she was able to document the day with such beautiful pictures that we can look back on for the rest of our lives and remember such a special day. We chose to do the full day package and it was so worth it to be able to document the entire day. If you are looking for an experienced, professional, kind, sweet, and talented person to capture your adventure elopement then you can’t go wrong choosing Kathryn!”
