A Dreamy Wiseman’s View Wedding Day: Amy & Zach
A sunset ceremony and a simple celebration for Amy & Zach, surrounded by fall colors and their closest loved ones.
If you’ve ever dreamed of saying your vows high above the clouds, surrounded by wild ridgelines and that quiet kind of mountain magic, a Wiseman’s View wedding might be exactly what you’re looking for. On a crisp October afternoon, these two set out for a slow, heartfelt day that started at a cozy private cabin and ended with the sun melting over Linville Gorge. The colors, the hugs, the quiet moments; it all came together in that way it only does when you let the day unfold naturally.
There’s something about Wiseman’s View that gets me every time. The drive out there feels like a little adventure all on its own—down a rutted gravel road that winds deeper into the forest until you start to wonder if you’ve gone too far. You park, walk down a path and then suddenly, it opens up to one of the most breathtaking views in the Blue Ridge. It feels tucked away and wild, but still has enough space for a few guests to stand nearby. It’s perfect for a quiet celebration with your favorite people—or a solo elopement where it’s just the two of you and the mountains.
Elopement Overview:
Their Package: Half (6 Hours)
Time of Year : Mid October
Time of Day: Afternoon to Evening
Location: Private Rental, National Forest land and Linville Gorge
Getting Ready at the Rental
The afternoon started slow at their rental home—one of those beautiful mountain houses that feels equal parts cozy and elevated, with big windows, warm wood tones, and just enough forest peeking in to remind you you’re tucked deep in the mountains. They got ready separately, each in their own part of the house, saving the real reveal for later.
Amy had put so much heart into every part of the day. She hand-drew all the place cards for dinner, created a personalized watercolor timeline, and even put together thoughtful gifts for everyone who’d made the trip to celebrate with them. Before heading out, she shared a first look with her dad and brother in the backyard—one of those moments that was both emotional and full of laughter. You could feel how much love surrounded them in each part of the day.
First Look in the Forest
Once they were both ready, family members drove them separately down the winding gravel road toward the trail where they’d meet. The leaves were in that in-between stage—some still green, others turning yellow and gold—and the light filtering through the trees made everything feel soft and calm.
They met for their first look tucked into the woods, surrounded by tall trees and the sound of leaves crunching under their boots. It was simple and real—no big setup, just the two of them seeing each other for the first time that day. The second their eyes met, you could see the nerves disappear. It was all laughter and happy tears after that, just soaking it all in before heading toward a waterfall further down trail.
A Walk Through the Woods
After their first look, they took a little walk through the woods before reaching the final waterfall viewpoint. The trail was covered in fallen leaves, and they kept stopping to point out all the little things—big pieces of mica sparkling in the dirt, clusters of mushrooms on old logs, and wooden bridges crossing trickling creeks. I love these moments on celebration days with family because it’s usually the only time the couple has just the two of them to be fully present with what’s going on around them in nature.
“As shy people, we worried about feeling uncomfortable. Kathryn, as a one-woman team, took stunning photos and videos while keeping the intimacy. Her calming presence made us at ease, and the results were breathtaking.”
— Amy & Zach
Waterfall Exploring & Vows
When they reached the big waterfall view, they spent some time just taking it all in, wandering around at the bottom and soaking up the scale and sound of the falls. After a bit, they found a quiet little nook between two trees, tucked away from the roar of the water, to exchange their private vows. They wanted this moment to be just for them—even though they’d be having a Wiseman’s View wedding ceremony with family later—so they could share their words in a way that felt intimate and comforting. It was just the two of them, and you could feel how much it meant to have that space.
A Wiseman’s View Wedding Ceremony
After their private vows, they drove together down the long gravel road to Wiseman’s View and met up with their loved ones at the end of the path. Everyone cheered when they arrived, and we got set up for a more traditional ceremony with Amy’s brother officiating. The view of the gorge was incredible, and their family and friends stood nearby on a flat rock, taking it all in. You could feel the excitement and love in the air—every laugh, every glance, every little squeeze of hands was full of meaning. It was the perfect mix of awe-inspiring scenery and quiet, heartfelt moments with the people who mean the most.
Formal Portraits with Family
After their Wiseman’s View wedding ceremony, we took a few formal portraits with their group. These might be brief, but they’re always so worth it—people really love having these for printing or sending to loved ones. It’s one of the rare times everyone is all dressed up together, plus they get the beautiful view of the gorge in the background!
“Hiring Kathryn gave us relief and confidence. She guided us patiently with valuable insights and decisions aligned with our vision. This support made the process enjoyable, not stressful.”
— Amy & Zach
First Dances Surrounded by Fall
After the group portraits, we got to one of my favorite parts of the day—first dances with parents. Amy shared a dance with her dad, and Zach with his mom, and both were such sweet, emotional moments. There were happy tears, lots of laughter, and pure joy all around. Everyone else watched from a little distance, with the fall leaves as the perfect backdrop and soft music playing, letting these moments feel completely theirs while still sharing them with the people they love.
Private Portraits & Dinner Details
Once everyone had left, Amy and Zach got a little time alone at the view. They weren’t rushed through the emotions or the scenery—they even shared a first dance on the rock just the two of them while the sun slowly set. After that, they headed back to the rental house where the table was set, food was catered, and all of Amy’s thoughtful details were ready for their loved ones. Everyone settled in, shared stories, and enjoyed a meal together—laughing, talking, and soaking in the final moments of the day.
★★★★★
A Love Note from the Couple
“My husband and I worked with Kathryn from Evergreen Era for my Blue Ridge Mountains elopement, and she exceeded all expectations. She was supportive and proactive from the start, understanding our desire for a small outdoor ceremony with just immediate family present. Planning was overwhelming—unsure where to start or which vendors to trust—but Kathryn was organized and expert. She created a map of potential locations, making choosing easier and exciting. Her recommendations for hair, makeup, florists, and catering were spot on, helping us craft a beautiful day.
I especially appreciated her skill in capturing our day without intrusion. As shy people, we worried about feeling uncomfortable or too many people around. Kathryn, as a one-woman team, took stunning photos and videos while keeping the intimacy. Her calming presence made us at ease, and the results were breathtaking.
Hiring Kathryn gave us relief and confidence. She guided us patiently with valuable insights and decisions aligned with our vision. This support made the process enjoyable, not stressful.
The final photos and video are gorgeous—authentic and beautifully composed. Looking back, we’re grateful we chose her to document our day—they truly capture our love and intimacy.
I highly recommend Kathryn. If you want a personal, memorable experience with professional photos and videos, she’s the perfect choice. Her knowledge of scenic locations and dedication to capturing moments will ensure your day is beautifully preserved. I couldn’t be happier and encourage future clients to trust her with their special day.”
