For the past 12 years of our friendship, Katie has been clear that she wanted two things for her wedding, snow and green velvet bridesmaid dresses. What better way to take a chance on the universe to get that than on a leap year?

On February 29th, just days before our world came to a shocking screech, sending everyone into a toilet paper buying panic, we were in the magical landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina for an intimate and emotional wedding.
I have known Katie now for 12 years, meeting our freshman year of college in Georgia and for at least 10 years, since pinterest became a thing (Yes, Katie got an account when you needed to have a referral and join a waitlist!) she has been planning her wedding. She would be sitting on the standard old, green, dorm room couch, you know the kind that you want to keep a blanket on top of, calling us over to look at what she found that day. She would be so ecstatic about a new recipe to try making in our little kitchen, or even more exciting, a potential floral arrangement for a future bouquet.
It wouldn't be until 8 years later, while working for a travel speech language pathology agency that she would move across the country to a small town in Washington State, that she would meet her sweet speaking husband, Derek. With this job being for a short time period, they quickly formed a supportive bond, the very special kind that would allow you to live in a 300 square foot trailer together.
When Katie’s next job opportunity was back east, they packed up their cars, drove cross-country, and moved together to Georgia. It was a few months later, in November, that my college roommates and I got a text message with the exciting news that Katie and Derek were engaged!
Furthermore, in typical Katie fashion, she finalized a date at the beginning of January, and a wedding was in the works for seven weeks out.
That was even better news! As any time my college roommates and I can get together is an absolute blast! That weekend was very much precisely that. We flew and/or drove in from around the world and were so happy to be united for such a special moment in Katie and Derek’s relationship.
I do need to note, together, with her brilliant and talented mother, Katie put together a spectacular weekend. And to their recommendation, we rented a super cute air-BnB just down the street from her childhood home. And as you may know, if four women plus one husband (Cody is a trooper!) can share a three bedroom, one and a half bathroom house, for multiple days and still leave happy, than it really was perfect.
The wedding day took place at the Ashville Arboretum, and even in the winter, the grounds were gorgeous. The building where the reception was held had a modern yet historic feel, with large windows, tall ceilings, and rustic lit fireplace. The setup went so smoothly, and the minimalistic decor highlighted the already lovely venue.

Despite the chilly evening, there was so much love, that we were filled with warmth. We were even thrilled in the morning to wake up and see a light dusting of snow of the ground. This meant, Katie was getting exactly what she wanted, a winter white wedding (even if just for the morning), with her sister/maid-of-honor in a green velvet gown, her perfectly curated bouquet in hand, and the loving husband by her side.
Looking back at her photos has brought up so many emotions. It helps that the photographer was so fantastic! Most significantly, these photos remind me of how it is so special and unique to have friendships that have lasted for so long, despite distance and our individual differences. It has taken a lot of love, care, and effort for us to stay in touch and be so supportive through both challenging and joyous times. I only hope that others have been able to cultivate their own friendships groups in the same way, as having these are priceless.

Thank you Katie and Derek for the honor of being a part of your special day. It will be so wonderful to see the adventure ahead for the two of you.

xoxo,
Shana Bryn
Photography:Fete Photography
Catering: Catering by Corey
My Dress: BA&SH from Bloomingdales
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