Wedfest: Party hard, love harder
WedFest: Kelly & Patrick’s Wild Wedding Weekend
When Kelly & Patrick set out to celebrate their love, they didn’t just throw a wedding—they created an experience. Their adventure-packed elopement with 50 of their closest friends took over the Cherokee Mountain Cabins in Topton, North Carolina (nestled in the breathtaking Nantahala Forest). This wasn’t your average wedding—it was WedFest, a weekend of pure joy, adventure, and unforgettable moments.
A Festival of Love
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear that every detail had been branded—but in the coolest, most natural way possible. Think about walking into a music festival where the colors, themes, and designs all subtly tie together without screaming for attention. From custom bags, maps, and mugs to stickers, agendas, and welcome posters, every single piece was intentional. It all felt effortlessly cohesive, like a well-planned concert experience where everything just fits.
This was one of those weddings where I found myself thinking, I wish I were a guest.
The Ultimate Wedding Adventure
Kelly & Patrick planned their dream weekend to perfection. The entire wedding party embarked on day hikes through the Nantahala wilderness, soaking in the fresh mountain air and the thrill of adventure. The masquerade reception (not the formal kind, but the wild, animal-mask-wearing, dance-your-heart-out kind) was the definition of a party. Limbo, late-night dancing, and howling at the moon—this was a wedding that let love and celebration run free.
The highlight? A group trek to Horns of God Cascades on Wayah Road for some epic wedding portraits. The guys rocked fanny packs that doubled as rain jackets, while the ladies stunned in colorful wraps, each detail designed to make everyone feel special and valued. The level of thought and planning that went into this wedding was out of this world.
Soak in the WedFest Magic
The hikes, the laughter, the intimate creekside hugs, the smiles that don’t fade, the bartending dad, the wild limbo battles, and the endless dancing under the stars—this wedding belongs on the list of legends. If you’re planning your own unforgettable elopement or wedding, take inspiration from Kelly & Patrick’s epic love story.
The Wedding Logo That Inspired Me
One of the coolest aspects? Kelly’s friend Sydney Little designed a wedding logo that perfectly captured the couple’s spirit. I loved it so much that I reached out to Sydney myself. When she asked what I wanted, I told her, Honestly, if it’s anything close to Kelly & Patrick’s logo, I’ll be thrilled. And she delivered. Sidney created my new Appalachian Wedding Photography logo, and it changed everything for me.
Having a logo I’m proud of has felt like walking into a room wearing the perfect pair of heels—a mix of confidence, representation, and being truly seen. It’s just another reason why this wedding will forever hold a special place in my heart.
Your Dream Ceremony Awaits
Kelly & Patrick’s story is a testament to the beauty of a Western North Carolina elopement and wedding—wild, free, intimate, and deeply personal. If you're dreaming of your own adventure-filled “I do,” embrace the magic of the mountains, the comfort of a cozy Airbnb or cabin rental, and the artistry of an affordable wedding photography experience in Appalachia.
Your love story deserves to be captured where your hearts feel most at home—in the mountains, under the open sky, and surrounded by the quiet beauty of nature.
