Oh gosh, where to begin? What can you say when your assistant gets married, on a mountain, in West Virginia? I have been looking forward to this day for well over a year now. When Grace told me that they wanted to do a destination wedding on top of mountain, I was like, let’s go now! I’m not a skier but you don’t have to be to enjoy this incredible location and take in all the beauty.

Grace and Garrett chose March 11th because it’s their 8 year anniversary together. They chose Snowshoe mountain because it’s become a staple in their relationship; not just with themselves but for their families too. I’ve never been here before but I saw that as an advantage, a chance to be creative in a new setting. Plus anytime I get to travel for work, I’m all in!

When it came to the day itself, Grace and Garrett had the luxury of no time limit. Whenever I travel for a wedding or session, I don’t put a cap on the amount of coverage. This meant Grace and Garrett could have every moment captured, from first waking up, to the late night party! Nothing was off limits! 😉

Their fairytale day started with details. Grace and Garrett’s invitation was beautifully done, capturing the aesthetic of the location and the blues tones of their color pallet.

I used Grace’s dress as the background for the invite and her details. I loved the soft hints of pink that really made the jewelry and perfume stand out.

For Garrett, I used the coffee table in our room which gave a nice shimmer to the details.

Grace went down to the resort spa for her hair. The ladies were super nice and finished early! It was the perfect opportunity for a hairspray shot. With a light placed behind Grace, I can capture each particle of the hairspray, giving the photo interest and texture.

What better place to show off the dress than with the beautiful West Virginia mountains as the backdrop! 👗

As the girls started on makeup, I headed next door to see what shenanigans the boys had gotten into. Garrett first assisted his guys with their finishes touches.

Before Garrett got dressed, he opened his gift from Grace. She got him cufflinks with pictures of his mother and brother on them.

Garrett’s dad and grandfather helped him put on the cufflinks which only added to the emotional moment. Such a thoughtful and one of a kind gift. ❤️

Now it was Garrett’s turn to get dressed. His groomsmen had no problem helping him look his best! 🤣

Garrett didn’t want to do the ordinary toast/shot, so we came up with a donut toast! Best idea ever! And boy did the guys love it! They showed off their donuts and socks in hilarious fashion! 🍩

Sorry ladies, this one’s taken! 😍

As the guys grabbed some lunch, it was time to get the Grace ready. She did her own makeup (I could never do that) and she did it with such elegance. So gorgeous!

A little celebration with Grace’s bridal attendants! 🥳

Grace opened her gift from Garrett. The card may have been sweet, but the gift was not. He gave her his ‘balls’! 🤣🤣🤣 (Inside joke.) He later surprised her once they got back from their honeymoon with a walk-in closest and a beautiful personalized wooden sign.

Grace’s mom, Sandi, and her stepmom, Sandy, helped her into her dress. 😊

Grace’s grandma (Jan) helped her with the alternations on her dress. She added hand sewn appliqués on the sleeves.

Grace’s bridal attendants helped her with her finishing touches.

Big squeeze!

Grace is stunning! Seriously, she can not take a bad photo! 😍

First look with dad and her brothers!

Ceremony Time!

That moment when you see each other! ❤️

Grace’s aunt performed the ceremony. Instead of sand or candle ceremony, Grace and Garrett ‘tide a knot’ around their hands to signify becoming one. 

Vows

Exchanging of rings

You may now kiss the bride! 💋

I’d like to introduce Mr and Mrs Sellers!!! 🥳

We did a quick photo with all their guests before starting family formals.

Smiths and the Sellers

Grace and her attendants! 😊

Garrett and his groomsmen. The best part was when Garrett dropped to his knees to avoid getting tackled. No one saw it coming and we all just died laughing. But eventually the boys got him. 🤣

This wedding party was made for the jump shot! 😉

We said goodbye to the wedding party and headed off to Silver Creek where their horse-drawn carriage ride was waiting. We were told that Micky and I could walk beside the carriage. Oh no, try sprinting beside it. One horse power is still way faster than 1 person power lol. 🤣🐴 But Grace and Garrett loved it so it was worth it!

We said goodbye to Flash, our horse, and I untangled my cameras so we could start creatives. We started right next to the creek as the sun was falling behind the trees. Beyond gorgeous! 😍😍😍

After soaking up all that gorgeous light, we hopped back in our rental and drove up the mountain even higher to ‘the top of the world’. Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Mr Sellers!

Mrs Sellers!

Under the veil! 😍

Before we left, I had Grace and Garrett dance on top of the world. WOW, just WOW! 🥰🤩😱🤯

A real dream come true! ❤️

As Grace and Garrett relaxed, I photographed the reception details. Grace had made most of the decor and they personalized the tables with their engagement photos.

Time to get this party started!!! 🥳

Preston said a blessing over the meal.

After dinner, it was time for speeches. Becca, Grace’s older sister and maid of honor, gave a heart warming speech about how they are always there for each other and even finish each other’s sentences.

Andy, Garrett’s older brother and best man, told us how proud he is of Garrett and that it’s been a pleasure to watch Grace and Garrett’s relationship blossom.

Let them eat cake! 🎂

Grace and Garrett also ‘cut’ the donut. They made a wish and pulled it apart like a wishbone. Grace is celebrating her victory over Garrett! 🤣

Shoe game fun with questions made by their guests! 👠

Their first dance as husband and wife to Lifetime by Justin Bieber.

Next was Grace’s dance with her dad. Not a dry eye to be found. ❤️

Time to party!!! This dance floor was hopping the whole night! 🥳

Grace and Garrett planned to have a private last dance and then a sparkler exit. Well their guests got a little excited and started to light to sparklers too soon so outside we went!

Their last dance of the night to The Reason by Calum Scott.

To Grace and Garrett – There are no words to describe how blessed I feel that I got to be apart of your journey. From the engagement, helping with planning, to your incredible wedding! I may have been a little tired by the end but I enjoyed every moment of it. I got to be apart of every aspect, every smile, every giggle and every tear. I can’t thank you enough for allowing me the honor of capturing your story. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness and furry babies! All my love – S

To see their full day, click here.

Vendors:

Photography: Sarah Sage Photography LLC

Venue and catering: Snowshoe Mountain Ski Resort

Hair: The Spa at Snowshoe

Makeup: Bride

Floral: Ling’s Moment

Cake: Mountain State Cakes

Donuts: Byrd’s House of Donuts

Linens: Elite Bridal & Events

Dress & Shoes: Davids Bridal

Suit: The Black Tux

DJ: EA Pro Music