When Holly and Lucas first reached out to me about photographing their wedding at The Shiloh, I could immediately tell this was going to be something special. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this modern mountain wedding venue in Lowgap, NC offered everything they were looking for: breathtaking views, an intimate atmosphere, and that perfect blend of natural beauty and contemporary elegance.


Planning a Blue Ridge Foothills Wedding


From our very first consultation, Holly and Lucas knew exactly what they wanted. Their vision was clear: a celebration filled with pampas grass, warm champagne and terra-cotta tones, and an authentic, relaxed atmosphere for their 115 guests traveling from Dublin, Virginia. The Shiloh wedding venue provided the perfect canvas for their love story. With 83 acres of rolling hills and a stunning 4,800 square foot modern reception barn, it gave us endless opportunities to capture both the intimate moments and the sweeping mountain views that make this area so magical.

What drew them to The Shiloh wasn't just the scenery. The venue's thoughtful design meant their guests could experience the beauty of a Blue Ridge foothills wedding without sacrificing comfort—something that became especially important when weather called for a pivot to their backup plan.


Getting Ready at The Shiloh


One of the things I love most about The Shiloh is the on-site farmhouse where wedding parties can get ready. Holly and her bridesmaids—maids of honor Becca and Emily, along with Sadie and Jamie—woke up in the house right beside the reception space, creating such a relaxed morning atmosphere. Starting at 9:30 AM, Ashley from Symmetry Bridal began working her magic on hair and makeup for the bride, bridesmaids, and both mothers.


The morning unfolded beautifully as the women laughed, shared breakfast between styling sessions, and soaked in those precious pre-ceremony moments. Holly's BHLDN dress was absolutely stunning, and at 2:00 PM, her mom Trish helped her into it—one of those tender mother-daughter moments that always makes me grab my camera.


At 2:10 PM, Holly's first look with her dad Chester was pure emotion. Then at 2:20 PM, she shared that moment with her bridesmaids, and the joy on everyone's faces was everything. Meanwhile, Lucas and his groomsmen—best man and brother Nic, along with Andrew, Jacob, Preston, and Taylor—got ready at the venue, looking sharp in their JC Penney suits. Lucas had his own special first look with his mom Mary Beth at 3:20 PM, a quiet moment of connection before the celebration began.


The Ceremony: 4:00 PM Inside The Barn


Here's what I love about The Shiloh: even when Mother Nature throws you a curveball, this venue has you covered. Rain rolled in that afternoon, but Holly and Lucas didn't miss a beat. Instead of the ceremony under the weeping willow tree with mountain views, we moved everything inside the beautiful climate-controlled reception barn—and honestly, it was absolutely perfect.

The modern space with its floor-to-ceiling windows still brought in that natural light and connection to the outdoors, while keeping all 115 guests comfortable and dry. The venue's drapes, pampas grass in glass vases along the aisle, and those thoughtful "happy tears" tissues on the front row chairs created an intimate, romantic atmosphere.

As guests arrived at 3:30 PM to the sound of ceremony music, you could feel the anticipation building. At 4:00 PM, the processional began with Canon in D Major as grandparents, parents, and the wedding party made their way down the aisle. Then Holly, escorted by her dad Chester, walked to "I Get to Love You (Instrumental)" by Brian Catuccio. Lucas's face when he saw her—that's the moment every wedding photographer lives for.

Officiant Preacher Craig Strain led a beautiful ceremony with traditional vows, blessed both the marriage and the meal to come, and then the newlyweds recessed to "You Make My Dreams (Come True)" by Daryl Hall and John Oates as Mr. and Mrs. Boitnott. The energy was electric, and everyone headed straight to cocktail hour on the patio.


The Reception: Boho Elegance Inside The Barn


At 5:50 PM, guests were ushered inside as DJ J.C. Castillo introduced the wedding party to a custom song mix. The reception space was absolutely stunning. Black linens covered the long tables, each adorned with cheesecloth runners, four vases of pampas grass, brass candlesticks from the venue, and place cards marking each seat. The Aztec Rentals china and terracotta knotted napkins tied the whole boho aesthetic together perfectly.

Holly and Lucas kicked off the dancing at 6:00 PM with their first dance to "I Get to Love You" by Ruelle. The father-daughter and mother-son dances that followed had every single person reaching for those tissues. At 6:20 PM, the buffet line opened (wedding party first) with a receiving line, giving Holly and Lucas the chance to greet every guest personally.

The toasts at 7:00 PM were incredible—Becca and Emily (the maids of honor) and Nic (best man and brother) had everyone laughing and crying in equal measure. Jason from Waterstone Films captured it all on video. Cake cutting came at 7:15 PM to "You're My Best Friend," with cupcakes from Buzzy Bakes Bakeshop for guests while Holly and Lucas cut their own cake displayed on the venue's tallest bronze stand.


But the highlight? At 8:00 PM, the bouquet toss to "Single Ladies" was followed by the most hilarious "surprise" garter toss. While Becca blindfolded Lucas and they took extra time "tying" it, Nic changed clothes with help from bridesmaid Maddy and took Holly's place. When Lucas spun around and reached for the garter to "Hot in Here" by Nelly, the realization that it was his brother had the entire room in tears from laughing.


The dance floor stayed packed until 9:30 PM last call, with one more guest song before Holly and Lucas shared their private last dance at 9:50 PM to "When I Say I Do" by Matthew West. At 9:55 PM, guests lined up outside the barn with glowsticks for the sendoff to "Forever" by Chris Brown, and the newlyweds drove off into their new life together at 10:00 PM.

Modern barn-style venue with large windows and glass doors nestled among trees on a grassy lawn.
Rolling green meadows stretch across a peaceful valley surrounded by forested mountains under an overcast sky.
Elegant black and white wedding invitation suite with coral ribbon and silver rings on neutral background.
Large bright event venue with wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking scenic landscape.
A large white barn-style building with a wraparound porch sits on a lush green lawn with a weeping willow tree.
Scenic view of a white farmhouse with dormer windows set on a green hillside lawn.
Wedding welcome sign displayed on black metal stands against a misty mountain backdrop.
Panoramic view of rolling green hills and mountains with willow trees in the foreground.
Wedding reception signs with rustic pink text on wooden boards display romantic messages and seating directions.
A long rustic reception hall with exposed wooden beams, string lights, and windows overlooking greenery outside.
An elegant wedding reception table with gold candelabras and place settings in a room with panoramic mountain views.
White wedding cake displayed on an ornate crystal-trimmed black cake stand.
Photo wall display with polaroid-style pictures arranged on a white grid background.
Black and white photographs arranged in a grid pattern on a mesh board create an artistic display.
Close-up shots of a pink hexagonal ring box displaying an engagement ring on white fabric.
Small white ceramic dish photographed against a light background.
Wedding seating chart with guest names printed on white paper cards arranged on a wall.
A tender moment shared between two people in formal attire next to an elegant gold-framed mirror.
Series of shots showing sparkly wedding shoes being put on against a light wooden floor.
Wedding party members in white and khaki attire pose against emerald green walls in an elegant room.
Wedding party in white attire poses against an emerald green wall with a chandelier.
A couple shares a romantic moment on a hilltop overlooking mountains and valleys on their wedding day.
Wedding party walking through a scenic mountain meadow on a summer day.
A couple shares a joyful moment together in a green field with mountains in the background.
Panoramic view of rolling green hills and mountains under cloudy skies.
Two figures walking across an open field with mountain views in black and white photography.
A romantic couple walks together across a scenic hilltop meadow with mountain views in the background.
Panoramic view of a couple walking in a lush green field on their wedding day.
Scenic mountain landscape with couple walking through a vast green meadow.
Couple celebrating their wedding in an expansive green field with mountains in the background.
Series of intimate close-up shots of a couple in wedding attire sharing tender moments outdoors.
A couple in wedding attire sits together in a scenic mountain meadow with green grass and rolling hills in the background.
A couple in light-colored attire strolls hand in hand through a sunlit meadow with rolling hills beyond.
A couple in wedding attire walks through a scenic meadow in black and white photography.
A black and white photograph captures a couple walking through a serene hillside meadow.
Sweeping panoramic view of a grassy hillside with mountains in the distance.
A wedding party lineup of groomsmen in light suits and dark suits stands along a covered outdoor walkway.
A row of blush pink bridesmaid dresses hanging on display in a bridal boutique window.
A wedding ceremony takes place in a bright venue with large windows as guests watch the couple exchange vows.
A minimalist white chapel interior with guests seated in rows for a wedding ceremony.
People dance together in a bright studio space with large windows and white walls during a dance class.
A group of dancers perform traditional Greek folk dances in a circle at a wedding reception.
A spacious event venue with exposed ceiling beams, string lights, and people gathered in a modern industrial space.
A couple shares an intimate dance moment at their wedding reception in a light-filled venue.
Wedding couple shares a tender dance moment together in an elegantly decorated reception venue.
A couple poses in a kitchen with faucets and plumbing fixtures displayed in a showroom setting.
Wedding couple dancing in a bright reception space with white decor and natural lighting.
Wedding guests dance on a dark reception floor illuminated by warm overhead string lights.
Wedding guests dance and celebrate together during a lively reception in a bright indoor space.
Wedding party seated in a row of vintage peacock chairs at an outdoor celebration.
Wedding couple walks along a dimly lit beach path at night with guests following behind them.
A group in light-colored dresses stands near a vintage red car at dusk during what appears to be a summer gathering.
Wedding guests dance in a line during a reception under twinkling string lights in a dark venue.
Wedding party members dance in a row at a reception with string lights overhead.

Vendor Team

This incredible team brought Holy and Lucas's vision to life:

Venue: The Shiloh

Photography: Brennan Rieder Photography

Videography: Waterstone Films

Planning/Coordination: Beauty & the Budget Events

Hair & Makeup: Symmetry Bridal

DJ: J.C. Castillo

Catering: Debra's Catering

Bartending: High Country Hops

Cake: Buzzy Bakes Bakeshop

Rentals: Aztec Rentals

Dress: BHLDN

Groomwear: JC Penny

Dried Flowers: Fernandsunpalm