Eli & Caitlyn’s Rainy Mountain Wedding at Hawkesdene

When Eli & Caitlyn’s mountain wedding rolled in, so did the rain. The light was tricky, the ground was slick—but you know what? That storm made their day unforgettable. Instead of letting it stop them, they leaned into it. The rain pushed me to get creative, and some of my very favorite shots from their day came from those moody, storm-soaked skies.

That’s what I love most about weddings like this: the messy, unplanned moments often turn out to be the most magical. There’s something real and raw about two people choosing joy in the middle of it all—wet coats, damp dresses, hair a little out of place, and laughter. Real people doing real life. That sort of attitude offers so many opportunities to capture.

The Guests in the Rain

And the guests? Guess what—not all of them had umbrellas. Some pulled their coats over their heads, others just let the raindrops fall. That was the best part for me—seeing all the smiles on their faces, the quiet joy, the way no one cared about being a little wet.

I’ll never forget the way people leaned in closer, arms linked, coats huddled tight, just to be part of that moment. It was as if the rain softened everything else in the world, leaving only what mattered: love, family, friendship, and two people promising forever. You could feel the joy in the air—it wasn’t dampened by the storm, it was amplified by it. Those are the memories that Eli & Caitlyn will cherish forever—the kind that no weather can wash away.

Toby the Ring Bearer

Of course, their sweet pup Toby had to be part of the story too. If you read their engagement blog, you already know how much this little guy means to them. He’s been there from the beginning, and it only made sense that he’d play a role in the wedding day.

He carried the rings down the aisle at Hawkesdene, tail wagging, ears bouncing, and completely stole the show. The entire crowd lit up as he trotted proudly forward, like he knew how important this job was. That moment tied everything together so beautifully—it was like watching their engagement and wedding stories come full circle.

There’s something so special about including your dog in your wedding day. It makes the whole experience feel even more personal, and for Eli & Caitlyn, Toby wasn’t just a guest—he was family.

The Beauty of Hawkesdene

Hawkesdene, with its tucked-away charm in the North Carolina mountains, gave them the perfect backdrop. Even in the rain, the venue’s lush greenery and intimate gathering spaces made it feel like their own private retreat. That’s the beauty of Hawkesdene—you feel like you’ve discovered a hidden corner of the mountains, a place where time slows down just enough for you to savor every second. The venue and the grounds remind me of Dirty Dancing, the movie. Remember all those tucked away spaces? Those feelings are all over the property at Hawkesdene, from a chase lounge in a nook on the third floor to the bamboo forest. Hawkesdene has about 1,000 places to sneak away to.

As a photographer, I couldn’t have asked for a more romantic atmosphere. Rain has a way of creating this gorgeous, soft glow that adds depth and mood to every frame. It’s unpredictable, yes—but it’s also unforgettable.

The Florals

And then there were the flowers. Harpp Flower Farm created arrangements that were nothing short of stunning. The bouquets were bursting with color, and against the cool tones of the rainy mountain backdrop, they absolutely popped. Every little floral touch added warmth and elegance, tying the ceremony together with such care.

I loved capturing the way the florals looked in the rain. They stood out more than I could have imagined. Flowers love to be wet, there is no doubt. Maybe because the couple had so many flowers… maybe they called the rain in. The flowers wanted a good watering and they got it. I can’t complain, it was perfect.

Lessons From the Storm

Eli & Caitlyn’s wedding reminded me that “perfect” doesn’t mean polished—it means real. Their day was full of laughter, wet coats and dresses, muddy paws, and love that no storm could dampen. The moments that stood out weren’t the ones that went exactly as planned, but the ones that unfolded naturally—the hugs under dripping umbrellas, the vows spoken with raindrops running down cheeks, and the roar of applause when Toby made his way down the aisle.

As a photographer, I live for those moments. They’re the ones that tell the truest story. Because when you look back at your wedding photos years from now, you don’t want to just see posed perfection—you want to feel the joy, the chaos, the realness of it all. And that’s exactly what Eli & Caitlyn’s Hawkesdene wedding gave us.

May I Present to You, Mr. and Mrs…….?

At the end of the day, the rain wasn’t the obstacle—it was part of the story. It made their celebration richer and those are the details that can’t be staged. Give me real. Every day.

Eli & Caitlyn’s wedding will always be one of my favorites because it reminded me why I love what I do. It’s not about perfect weather or picture-perfect timelines. It’s about capturing the love, the joy, the small moments that turn into lifelong memories.

And if you haven’t already, go take a peek at their engagement session with Toby.

You’ll see just how far this story has come—and how beautifully it all led up to this rainy, magical mountain wedding.

✨ If you’re planning your own Hawkesdene wedding, or dreaming of a mountain celebration in North Georgia or Western North Carolina, I’d love to be the one to capture it for you. Let’s connect and start planning your story together.