Luxury Fall Wedding At Yonah Mountain Vineyards in Cleveland, GA
I’ve been looking forward to Bethany & Reid’s luxury fall wedding at Yonah Mountain Vineyard all year! This classy, extravagant, and elegant autumnal wedding celebration is one that guests and myself will remember for a lifetime! The open air ceremony took place late October in the middle of Yonah’s Kensington Vineyard that sits nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains overlooking the ever-so- breathtaking Yonah Mountain. This season’s fall landscape alone was dreamy – with the perfect autumn weather, overcast skies, and warm vibrant foliage covering the rolling hills serving as the backdrop. It was a Northeast Georgia wedding photographer’s dream!
The ladies spent the morning in a beautiful AirBnB in the mountains of Helen, GA, where they got their hair and makeup done before shuttling over to Yonah Mountain Vineyards to spend this perfect wedding day celebrating their amazing friend – the bride, Bethany.
Bethany’s mom – who had a huge roll in helping her plan all of the details of the day, helped her slip into her wedding gown along with her beautiful sister and matron of honor, Lisa. Once her bridal look was complete, Bethany knew she had to have a private reveal her sweet dad, Tom, and then her bridesmaids. Be noted, I met both of Bethany’s parents at the engagement session last year and I knew I loved them and this family, then! The bond between these guys is so special!
Reid and his groomsmen spent the morning in the grooms suite at Yonah Mountain Vineyards eagerly anticipating the moment he sees his beautiful fiancé all dressed up as his bride!
Now, lets talk for a minute about Harry the Bernese Mountain Dog… ah-hem, I mean Bethany’s fur-child 😛 . This pup loves his momma so much – look at his reaction just running to his momma, so excited to see her in all white! … or, just see her 😀 That’s a momma’s boy if I ever did see one!
Finally, my favorite part of the day! It’s no secret around here I love a good first look but this one has officially made the best of the best first look reaction list here at Five Fourteen!!! If you knew Reid, or even were in his presence for just 10 minutes – you would know instantly not to expect anything less than such a happy-joyful reaction! This man has a laugh that is truly contagious and a spirit of joy! He makes such a perfect pairing for Bethany… and hearing the stories mom and dad told me later that evening, of how proud they were of them both – well, all I know is that these two are an impeccable pair; a force to be reckoned with; a power-couple, for sure! I mean, just look at them…
The groomsmen served as proof that a classic black tuxedo will never go out of style. They dazzled in their modern, yet classic black tuxes with black bow ties by Black Tux. The bridesmaids stunned in elegant full-length black chiffon Dessy gowns with a complementary classy halter neckline and shirred skirts. This was the firs time I’ve photographed an all black affair and I hope it’s not the last! So classic, so elegant, so dreamy!
The elegant outdoor ceremony design accentuated the natural landscape in every way. A floral arch covered in lush greenery and delicate pastel flowers with a warm, wooden hexagon base served as the focal piece that added a romantic touch. It stood out against the surrounding rich earth tones and rows of hardy vines holding on to the last warm brown leaves of the season. Translucent chairs flanked by a back row of stunning pastel floral arrangements with pops of fall color that matched the arch added a touch of luxurious southern elegance. Borrowed and Blue along with Flourish Florals and Decor were an obvious powerhouse team pulling this vision together!
A violinist, cellist, and harpist trio ushered guests to their seats and the bride, Bethany down the aisle with classic romantic melodies. It was the perfect setting for an unforgettable day that Bethany and her groom, Reid planned to perfection!
During cocktail hour, guests intermingled outside in the vineyard with an open bar serving Yonah Mountain Vineyard premier, quality wines while a live painter continued to paint the masterpiece of the day!
Finally it was time for the part of the day that everyone looks forward to – the PARTY! Bethany and Reid sure can throw a party where not only the details continued to impress and be evident everywhere you turned but the dance floor was always full and few stayed seated longer than a few minutes!
Inside the Ballroom, tables were covered in champagne linens, with warm golden and modern black accents. Tall, lush green centerpieces featured romantic pastel roses with pops of Fall colors.
Bethany and Reid’s lavish wedding menu catered by Proof of the Pudding embraced seasonal flavors with a fall harvest salad and decadent main entrees like filet mignon and honey-thyme chicken with rosemary-butter and vidalia onion mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables. Dessert included a fondue station with a chocolate tower, gelato and espresso martinis to keep the party going, in addition to a four-tiered cake masterpiece.
The most adorable detail of the day was found at the base of the couple’s stunning wedding cake. The four-tiered dessert featured a tiny replica figurine of Harry that was staged to look like he’d taken a bite out of the cake. How paw-fectly adorable?!
Bethany and Reid had a live band named Power to Party, whose performance fully lived up to their name. The singing and dancing kept guests entertained and on the dance floor all night long!
Does the most perfect day ever really have to end?! Well, at least the ending of this day is the beginning of the rest of their lives together!
Bethany and Reid were cheered on by their guests who lined the grand porch and waved sparklers while a fountain of fireworks erupted for the final kiss! Following their epic send-off, family and friends watched as they drove off in an old Ford to embark on their first adventure as husband and wife – a two-week honeymoon safari in Africa!!!
Bethany & Reid, I want to thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding day! If you couldn’t tell by the way I was jumping up and down cheering during your spark-filled exit, I truly enjoyed every moment of it! It was an honor to get to meet your parents, families, and friends and celebrate all the big moments with you all. I am so blessed by you! Know that I will continue praying for you, your marriage, and everything to come! Xo, Jess
Previous Blog Post
Next Blog Post
© 2022 FIVE FOURTEEN PHOTOGRAPHY TERMS + CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY