Gabrielle and Cameron’s (or, Gabs and Cam) Appalachian, autumnal, DIY wedding was absolutely perfect and 100% them. I was overjoyed to be a part of it – both as a guest and as their photographer. They are some of my favorite people ever, so I was thrilled when they asked me to photograph their day at Blackwater Falls Lodge in Davis, WV. Even as a West Virginian, I had never ventured to this area before, so I was super stoked to see what the mountains had to offer!!!
Nature and Appalachia itself are super important to Gabs + Cam – they’re constantly hiking, camping, and exploring. Gabs actually works at Phipps (where they had their engagement session!). It only made sense that their wedding took place by one of the most beautiful overlooks in the country! They wanted to incorporate lots of ferns, moss, thrifted vases, and autumnal colors.
I arrived to Davis the day before with Logan – the iconic Afternoon Media boyfriend/travel companion/carrier of heavy stuff. After a kerfuffle with Logan’s suit (he left it at our house and we didn’t realize until an hour into our journey…so we accidentally added two hours to our trip LOL), we finally arrived to the quaint roadside Billy Motel. We scarfed down a butter chicken sandwich, papas bravas, and tostadas and made our way over to have some welcome s’mores with Gabs and Cam! It was super cozy, I definitely recommend s’mores for any rehearsal dinner.
On the morning of, Logan and I took a short drive to TipTop, a coffee shop in the super small + sweet Thomas area, for some breakfast. It was a foggy morning, and the entire wedding was checking the weather report for potential rain. There were some drizzles early in the day, which honestly made me a little worried for the outdoor ceremony.
Logan and I finally arrived at Gabs’ cabin, where she and her party were getting ready together. Even though the rain wasn’t ideal, it made for a cozy + calm atmosphere. I took some detail flat lay shots on the porch with their invitations, rings, and lots of moss and baby’s breath. If you’re not sure what to include in detail photos to give your photographer, always save or ask for some clippings from your florist!
We kicked the wedding party out of the cabin so Gabs could have a moment alone while her mom zipped up her dress. Not a DRY EYE in the entire room :’). Gabs also gifted her mom an embroidered handkerchief, which did not help in stopping the waterworks from everyone.
The rain finally slowed down, so we went outside the cabin for bridal portraits and a few wedding party photos! Gabs looked AMAZING – her jewelry was perfect, her dress fit like a glove, and her cowboy boots were the best thing I’ve ever seen. Not to mention the greens of the Appalachian forest are soooo lush and beautiful.
Logan and I headed over to Blackwater Lodge for the ceremony, which was taking place on Blackwater Canyon’s southern ridge overlooking a densely forested gorge. I’m glad a rented a fancy 35mm lens for this day, because the views were absolutely UNREAL. They DIY’ed a gorgeous painting welcome sign and decorated the space with Persian rugs, ferns, and vases. I met up with Cam and his side of the party, and we snapped a few quick portraits of him + his side of the wedding party! We were all still pretty nervous about the weather, but it had been rain-free for about 30 minutes at this point.
Finally, the guests took their seats, armed with clear umbrellas, and the processional began to an instrumental of “Harvest Moon”. The wedding party and Cam (and me TBH) could not hold back their happy tears as Gabs made her way down the aisle. They both exchanged personal, heartfelt vows as the sun literally parted the clouds over their ceremony! It was a perfect moment. Later, Gabs told me that they also went to a coffee shop that morning. When the woman working there learned they were getting married that day, she said she would pray for the rain to stop during their ceremony. I guess it worked!
After the ceremony, we ventured to a nearby overlook for family portraits + full wedding party photos. I absolutely LOVE how all of the dress colors look together, especially against the lush green backdrop of the mountains!!!
While the guests were enjoying cocktail hour, we drove to a specifically-requested overlook for Gabs and Cam’s couple portraits. We had a great time frolicking around and enjoying the breathtaking views. I love when I can tell that a couple is genuinely overjoyed to be married and that it’s not just another box to tick or obligation – G + C are truly, honestly made for each other.
Soon enough, it was time to party inside the Lodge! G + C did an incredible job creating a vintage, eclectic, West Virginian vibe with their decor. The seating chart was a gorgeous gold-framed mirror with wax-sealed cards. Each table was named after a native WV flower! The tables themselves were decked out with lanterns, thrifted bud vases, moss, and eyelet tablecloths. There were also plenty of activities – a photo wall with props featuring their cats, a build-your-own simmer pot station as their favors, and of course, a Pittsburgh cookie table!
The wedding party made their grand entrance, followed by a thank you speech from the couple and special recognition for Gabs’ mom. After dinner and a few toasts, G + C had their first dance to “Blue Skies Again” and parent dances under the flowered disco ball. Then, the dance floor was officially open! G + C took a break for a few photos in the hallway phone booth (which is SO COOL) and Gabs changed into her reception dress – a lucky vintage Gunne Sax find! They cut the cake, which was decorated with Polaroids taken throughout the day (shoutout to Logan for being in charge of those!). After busting some moves, it was finally time for the moment everyone was waiting for – KARAOKE. G + C opened the night with a duet of “Islands in the Stream”, and guests took their turns serenading the couple with their performances. I was contractually obligated to take part, so I busted out my award-winning performance of “Intergalactic” by the Beastie Boys.
I loved this wedding – not just because Gabs and Cam are my friends and I’m biased, but because it was planned with so much intentionality. Every detail was 100% personal to them as a couple. They created a day filled with so much love, care, and consideration. Hopefully soon the country roads will take me back home to West Virginia for another wedding – but until then, see you next time Blackwater Falls!
Vendor Team
Venue | Blackwater Falls Lodge
Photography | Afternoon Media
Florals | Mt. Lebanon Floral (with help from friend Ally)
Dress | David’s Bridal
Suit | Stitch & Tie
Cakes/Treats | Mountain Flour Baking Company
My heart! This took me back to our special day. You captured the day exactly as it was- magical. Thank you to you and Logan! <3