Anna & Nick’s DIY Barn Wedding at Payne Meadows Murphy NC Wedding Photographer
When a wedding day feels more like a joyful family reunion than a formal event—you know you're in the right place. Anna and Nick’s wedding at Payne Meadows, a beloved barn wedding venue in Murphy, NC, was a hands-on, heart-full, beautifully chaotic day made possible by the sheer love and effort of everyone they call family.
And we do mean everyone.
A Venue with History—and Heart
Nestled in the Appalachian foothills just outside Blue Ridge, GA, Payne Meadows is a sixth-generation family farm turned wedding venue. With its roots stretching back to 1853, this Western North Carolina wedding venue has grown from a working cattle farm into a lovingly restored space for celebrations and connection.
The centerpiece of the venue is a 1950s barn, renovated to host wedding receptions with character and charm. It stands solid—ready to last another 100 years—and carries with it the feeling that generations have gathered here long before you. There’s a sense of care in every corner: from the mended pasture fences to the flower fields Robert Payne tends after long days teaching and coaching at the local school.
While Payne Meadows offers wildflower-picking, mountain views, and plenty of space for joyful noise, it’s the spirit of legacy and hospitality that truly sets it apart.
This Was a Wedding Made by a Village
Anna didn’t just have support on her wedding day—she had a full-fledged team. Her siblings, their partners, longtime friends, and extended family stepped in to make sure every diaper got changed, every guest felt cared for, and every moment ran just right.
Her brother Josh officiated the ceremony. Her other brother Aaron walked her down the aisle. Their wives, Ari and Nikki, helped manage the behind-the-scenes chaos and took care of Liam during the ceremony. Andrea, a dear friend, gave Anna a meaningful pendant. Gracie and Michael handled bottles and baby care during the reception so the couple could spend time with their guests. And Sarah—wedding MVP—coordinated it all like a total boss.
And let’s not forget: everyone traveled to be here. With the exception of a few local family members, most of the guests flew in from across the country to help Anna and Nick celebrate this long-awaited moment.
Handmade Love in Every Detail
Anna’s family is made up of artists and doers. The meal? Crafted entirely by family, though it looked like it came from a five-star caterer. The kids’ bowties? Sewn by Anna herself. Her youngest child’s outfit? Custom made—because Etsy didn’t carry a size small enough. That’s just who this family is: thoughtful, resourceful, and full of love that shows up in action.
This wedding wasn’t just about two people getting married. It was about a family of seven coming together. Anna and Nick juggle a blended family with five incredible kids—two from each of them and one sweet surprise baby they lovingly call “Potato,” whose arrival last year pushed the wedding date back with poetic timing and perfect joy.
One Big Pile of Smiles
That’s the best way to describe this group: joyful, connected, and all-in. From early morning prep to the final farewell, it was clear this wasn’t just a celebration of marriage—it was a celebration of family showing up and showing out.
Planning a DIY Wedding in the Mountains?
Anna and Nick’s day is a beautiful reminder that you don’t need perfection—you just need your people. If you’re dreaming of a barn wedding in Murphy, NC, a DIY celebration filled with handmade touches, or a family-led gathering where the love is as strong as the coffee, you’re in the right place.
If you're planning a barn wedding in Murphy, NC, a DIY wedding near Blue Ridge, GA, or simply want your wedding day to feel like one big family hug, I’d love to help you document it all. I specialize in photographing weddings that are relaxed, real, and deeply rooted in the Appalachian mountains.
Reach out to start planning your Murphy NC wedding photography or Blue Ridge GA elopement experience.
