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April/June 2013

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Mountain Match

By Sarah Crosland | Photography by Angela Cox Photography

Posted: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013

When Liz Whalen and Josh Tallent began planning their Sylva, NC wedding, they wanted it to be reflective of their childhoods in the North Carolina mountains. Luckily, Liz, who is the head of special events for Asheville’s famed Orange Peel music venue, has an eye for the details.

The couple, who met through mutual friends in Asheville, wanted to incorporate many sentimental items into the event at The Cellars at Betty’s Creek in Sylva. For the ceremony, they used Appalachian quilts to cover hay bales for seating. “Josh’s 90-year-old grandmother is a life-long quilter and had created many of them,” says Liz. “Her eyes lit up when she saw the brown horse-themed quilt she had made almost 34 years ago for Josh’s nursery.” The reception’s dinner was served on china plates in the patterns of many of the women in both of their families.

But the stunning flowers and lush fruits may have ultimately been Liz’s favorite part of the décor. Designed by her friend and florist, Jessica Gregory, the arrangements featured fruits and flowers with a mountain orchard theme. Hanging candles and lanterns, and even a hanging floral window box, completed the rustic-meets-romantic look.

The same vintage details carried over into the ceremony as well. In a James Clifford gown, Liz walked down the aisle to “The Shrine” by the Fleet Foxes. “Hearing the beautiful and haunting Fleet Foxes song, and looking at all our friends and family surrounding us in the beautiful mountain meadow with my new husband waiting just ahead of me at the end of the aisle,” she says, “was just absolutely magical.”

Vendors
Tiffany's Baking Co., cake
Aria Floral, flowers
Victorian Rose Bridals, gown
Wedding Inspirations, bridesmaids' dresses, bridal accessories
Suits, J. Crew
Blush by Wendy, makeup
www.minted.com, invitations
Mandylynn Holt, calligraphy and chalk work
Lauren Davis & Mark Clevenger, ceremony music
DJ Rob Castillo, entertainment
Angela Cox, photography
Laura Collins, officiant
The Cellars at Betty's Creek, location
Professional Party Rentals, rental provider
Asheville Events, coordinator
Caroline Allured, catering
The Darling Bee rentals, vintage rentals