This sunset wedding at the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is breathtaking! We love the woodsy green scape where Gretchen + Matthew held their ceremony. And the mix of mossy greens and silver and milk glass vases brimming with wild flowers are the perfect nod to this couple’s French Renaissance chateau venue nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Don’t miss Gretchen’s gorgeous figure flattering Vera Wang, June wedding dress. The Chantilly lace illusion neckline, gathered tulle bodice and ruffle seam with eyelash organza flange skirt is a work of art. Enjoy!
Gretchen + Matthew | September 20, 2014 | Asheville, NC | Dress Listing: Vera Wang, June
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was held at the Diana location on Biltmore Estate in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina at 6 pm on September 20, 2014. Our ceremony was held outdoors. The weather was perfect; it was sunny and in the 70s. The ceremony location was on a hill that overlooked the Biltmore House, as well as the mountains. The view was truly breathtaking. My father and I arrived to the ceremony by horse and carriage. Family and religion were incorporated into our ceremony…. also, a lot of loved ones. We had eleven bridesmaids and twelve groomsmen; two friends (readers); our niece (flower girl); and nephew (ring bearer). I’m from North Carolina, so it was important for me to have my wedding in my home state. As we came down the aisle after the ceremony, our guests tossed lavender on us.
The Reception
Our reception was held at the Diana location on Biltmore Estate as well. Our guests enjoyed a lovely cocktail hour on the hill overlooking the Biltmore House and mountains as the sun set. The guests then moved inside a large tent to continue the evening’s festivities. It was perfect to have everything in one location and easy for our out-of-town guests. We had about 140 guests join us for our wedding. At our reception, we sat all of the immediate family at a giant feasting table (there were about 20 of us). The table was overwhelmed with flowers. It was truly a sight to behold. We had a DJ for dancing. We also had a photo booth for our guests with a vintage curtain backdrop (from BHLDN). My sister went to antique stores and got very formal props for the photo booth, including fancy jewelry, wine goblets, a cane, hats, a fur shawl, etc. Our guests had a blast! My husband and I had also received dancing lessons before the wedding, so our first dance together was choreographed to our song. We chose “The Offering” by The Avett Brothers. Our wedding favors were full-size tubes of hand-made Moravian cookies. They are made in my hometown and are delicious!
Gretchen’s Dress Search
I spent about one and half days trying on dresses. I probably tried on about 15 dresses total, in different styles. I fell in love with my dress before I ever tried it on. I had seen a picture of this particular dress and just had a feeling that it was “my dress.” When I actually tried it on, I knew it was perfect! I was looking for a mermaid style dress; I also liked lace. This dress was the perfect “marriage” between the two. This dress truly had a uniqueness about it, which matched my personality. It was feminine, dramatic, and classy. I felt stunning in the dress!
How Gretchen Felt in Her Wedding Dress
Glamorous, happy, special.
Why Gretchen Decided to Sell Her Wedding Dress
I like the idea of someone else getting to have her special day in this dress. It deserves more than one day in the spotlight. It’s a truly exquisite dress with incredible construction.
