Luster Studios » Raleigh wedding photographers for engagement bridal portraits at your NC wedding venues

Masthead header

Westglow Resort & Spa Weddings – Boone, NC (Darla + David)

I traveled about 3 hours to Boone North Carolina, and more specifically to Blowing Rock, NC to photograph a wonderfully intimate wedding at The Westglow Resort and Spa. This gorgeous wedding venue has been voted as one of the top ten destination spas in the world and is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Westglow provides a truly unique experience for any wedding ceremony and reception. It’s quite exclusive and I was honored to be asked to document such a wonderfully beautiful wedding.

For anyone that may have an upcoming wedding and may be worrying a bit about the weather for your wedding day… take heart. Although beautiful blue skies and sunshine make for amazing photographs as well… nothing could compare to the moody romance that the rolling fog provided for Darla and David’s wedding. It did get a bit thick at times which made it a bit tricky to achive high contrast photography in certain situations but we worked around it quite well.

As it rained off an on we were concerned that we would probably need to have the wedding inside. As we all contemplated this… honestly… my heart began to sink a bit because I knew that if we were able to have the wedding in front of the manor, that the photographs would be amazing. After talking with Darla I thought it might be nice to use the small size of the wedding to our advantage.

Together we devised a plan to request that the wedding be staged on the front porch. I offered up that it might be the best of both worlds. We would have the cover of the overhang and the beautiful backdrop of the fog. I would also have a chance to photograph from a variety of vantage points without being disruptive in any way. You’ll see in the photographs that this worked out for everyone. Even though an indoor ceremony would have been just as meaningful, I truly feel that I was able to capture a few unique and meaningful photographs that they will treasure for a lifetime due to the location flexibility.

After getting to know Darla and Davids friends and family I found myself with a smile on my face the entire day. I cherish being able to travel to locations that I probably would never get to experience on my own if I were not a wedding photographer. Granted that I AM working as opposed to kicking back and relaxing, but it often makes it more enjoyable for me… As I explore these wedding and reception sites from behind the lens, I often uncover details I may have never found before if I wasn’t actively looking.

Right before the ceremony I took a portrait of David’s mom and thanked her for having me out. She turned to me and said. “I can tell that you really love your job don’t you?” As I replied “I do… I really do!” I saw it as one of the biggest compliments I could get…

Ceremony & Reception: The Westglow Resort – Jennifer Williams
Hair and Makeup: The Westglow Spa
Wedding Musicians: Nancy Bargerstock & Greg Simmons
Wedding Cake: Stick Boy Bread Company – Brandon
Bouquet & Flowers: Park Place Flowers – Blowing Rock, NC
Officiant: Ernie Keck – Mebane, NC

westglow resort spa blowing rock
westglow resort spa wedding
makeup mirror reflection

I captured this photograph off of the reflection of a makeup mirror.

wedding hair makeup spa

There were so many large mirrors that I found myself capturing moments in the mirrors almost more than a straight on approach.

getting ready wedding

day spa women

On my way over to see the guys, I was scouting for locations for the couples portraits for later in the day and stumbled onto a patio in the back of the spa. Patrons can sit out here and unwind, but at this moment in time there were a rowdy bunch of girls celebrating their friends bridal shower. Doesn’t this just look like a perfect setting to relax at ladies?

westglow spa retreat blowing rock

They were all wearing matching wrap around sunglasses and sporting some serious faux bling rings! They also had about a million colored 80′s bracelets on too. I grabbed two really quick shots since I have a soft spot for brides-to-be of course…

groom getting ready wedding

I thought this was kind of a funny unplanned juxtaposition.

groom suit boutonniere necktie
groom groomsmen fun poses
generations wedding men

I snagged a fun moment between the groom, his father and grandfather.

wedding dress hanging door

The front lawn of the manor made for some gorgeous wedding gown photographs. The pillar and the fog on the grass just made these shots amazing.

wedding dress hanging french doors

I love the wedding dress details and beading too.

mother putting veil daughter

The brides mother adjusts the veil in her hair.

mother daughter wedding hugging
wedding shoes creative heels

I snuck out for a second with her wedding shoes to photograph them on the stairs rail.

blue bridesmaids dresses

bouquet ribbons gift bows

One of her bridemaids had made some little bouquets from the ribbons and gift bows from her rehearsal dinner. Very creative!

wedding rain umbrella bridemaids

Just enough time to spend with the bride and her bridesmaids before the ceremony.

bride bridesmaids fun unique poses

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this photograph! It’s probably my favorite of the day.

bridal portrait double veil
green white wedding bouquet

The bridal bouquet made out of green and white flowers.

creative bridal portrait
mountain wedding band boone nc

These violin and guitar duo gets warmed up for the ceremony. This wedding music duet is made up of Nancy Bargerstock & Greg Simmons.

mother of groom wedding

David’s mom is really excited to see her son get married.

bridal portrait stairs chandelier

Darla descends the staircase as everyone awaits on the front porch of the manor.

blowing rock boone wedding
wedding north carolina mountains
wedding panorama westglow mansion

A panoramic shot that I stitched together from 6 photographs. I think it really shows of the beauty and intimacy of the entire wedding.

ring exchange above

I knew the ceremony would be pretty short so I quickly went upstairs to capture some unique ring exchange photographs.

ring exchange unique camera angle

I’ve never seen the ring exchange moment documented from above and thought it would add a very unique touch to their wedding album.

intimate wedding ceremony spa

I was so glad I could photograph this wedding from the balcony above. This photograph really says a lot about the overall size and intimacy of the wedding too..

wedding prayer laying on hands

I ran back downstairs just in time to catch the officiant lays his hands on the couple during a ceremony prayer.

intimate mountain wedding westglow
blue ridge parkway wedding
first kiss husband wife

The couples first kiss as husband and wife.

just married couple

Ready for takeoff! Congratulations!

intimate wedding family portrait

A fun family portrait taken on the front steps of the Westglow Resort and Spa.

wedding bridal party walking

father of the bride umbrella

I REALLY love this photograph as well. The father of the bride is just beaming. There is also a lot of interaction, energy and momentum.

bridal party unique poses

A beautiful black and white photograph taken of the bridal party before the wedding reception. The fog kept getting thicker as the night progressed

westglow resort dining room

This was the gorgeous dining room where the wedding reception was held.

westglow resort spa boone

And this was the den just off the entrance. Everyone was able to check in on the sports scores from time to time during the cocktail hour and throughout the day.

unc logo wedding cookies

So of course… UNC cookies were provided as custom made wedding favors.

blowing rock wedding westglow spa

The restaurant in the back was called Rowlands Restaurant and had very warm feel to it even on an overcast day.

wedding foggy mountains boone nc

I had just the right amount of time to spend with the couple during the cocktail hour to take some amazing portraits featuring just the two of them.

blue ridge parkway weddings

Usually you can see the blue ridge parkway mountains in the background but I think these photographs with the fog are a better choice even if I would have been able to control the weather.

young married couple blowing rock
wedding westglow spa boone

My favorite photograph from the front lawn of the manor.

singing in the rain gene kelly

We had a bit of fun with the umbrella for a few of the shots. Is that Gene Kelly “Singing in the Rain?”

bride groom umbrella fog
bridal portrait fog

With the fog, these scenes are like something right out of Harry Potter… Am I right? This bridal portrait could have totally been taken on Number 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey…

bridal portrait formal stairs

And this one on the other hand is just perfect for framing. Darla’s dad had mentioned that he would love to have an amazing portrait to frame and pass down through the generations. I hope a few of these portraits will stand the test of time. On this one I liked the little borders in the carpet (part of the Westglow’s signature brand) and I thought it would be perfect to tie in.

mother groom chatting

David shares a wonderful moment with his mother. She has such a beautiful smile and her husband was a kind sole and very helpful to me throughout the day. Thank you to both of you!

wedding grandparents bride groom

I turned the camera on grandpa at one time during the night and said… “Hey grandpa… give the camera some love and work it for me.” I got a huge laugh out of him and his wife. They are some of the cutest grandparents I’ve ever photographed.

beef tenderloin dinner

I would be remissed if I didn’t mention the AMAZING meal I had at The Westglow. The beef tenderloin AND super flavorful potatoes were to die for… and seriously if I was on my death bed, I wouldn’t mind having this as my last meal. :) I’ve always requested my beef to be “medium well” but after this dinner I’m rethinking my strategy. It was ALL so good. I’m pretty sure they didn’t plan this either but my slice ended up being in the shape of a heart… *cue Twilight Zone music*

rowlands restaurant westglow
wedding cake berries

Here’s the wedding cake filled with berries. It was provided by Brandon at Stick Boy Bread Company in Boone, NC

north carolina wedding photography

Just hanging out as everyone left for the night. It was crazy trying to drive back in the fog. I’m glad the couple were able to just stay their for the night. Thank you to everyone for letting me be a part of this special day!

11 comments

[...] Luster Studios #PDRTJS_2226915_post25524_msg_1 {line-height: 22px; margin-left: 45px;} #PDRTJS_2226915_post25524_nero_2 {display: none;} #PDRTJS_2226915_post25524_msg_2 {display: none;} #PDRTJS_2226915_post25524_msg {line-height: 22px; margin-left: -19px;} /* above line was margin-left: -3px; and line below didn't exist before 09.14.2010 */ #rating_info_2226915_post25524 {visibility: hidden; width: 0px;} PDRTJS_settings_2226915_post25524 = { "id" : "2226915", "unique_id" : "post25524", "title" : "Rain Rain Go Away", "permalink" : "http://itsabrideslife.com/uncategorized/rain-rain-go-away-2/", "item_id" : "_post25524" }; Comment   //   Categories: Uncategorized [...]

Rita roman

The most beautiful wedding photos I’ve ever seen.

Wonderful job. Every photo is superb.

thordora

Lovely!

Terry and Dana Ward

These are absolutely gorgeous! Thanks so much for sharing!

Haley Childers

These pics are amazing – what a beautiful day it so clearly was!

Cathy Andersen

Wow, what a princess wedding! The scenery is picturesque and the fog added a bit of mystic romance. You and David made the perfect bride and groom. Thank you for sharing your wedding pictures with me. You two did it right! Congratulations and much happiness and love.
Cathy

MEDELIA STAMBACH

Beautiful wedding! Gorgeous couple! Great pictures!
Good job David Elkins! Your wife is so beatiful! So happy for you my friend! Thanks for sharing your wedding pictures. They’re so lovely!
Congratulations!!!

Absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for showing the property in such a beautiful way!!

Great job working with some very challenging conditions Craig. The shots are gorgeous!

Bridget K.

That venue is truly stunning, and I agree – the fog adds a romantic quality to these pictures. Beautiful, as always.

Your email is never published or shared.

There was an error submitting your comment. Please try again.

Back To Top|Share On Facebook|Follow Me On Twitter|Pinterest|Contact Me