Laura and Field’s black tie affair at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina was full of beauty and elegance. The Biltmore Estate is an incredible venue with intricate architecture and stunning landscaping. Laura was married in the most gorgeous Lazaro gown, with layers of pleated organza beneath delicate lace and a champagne sash. The bridal portraits captured by Blue Bend Photography are magnificent, as photographer Nick Gillespie worked the angles of the venue and the charm of the gown. Laura and her team of loved ones and professionals put together the perfect balance of personal details with timeless elements. The unique terrarium, created by Laura’s mother, sitting at the reception entrance is one of my favorite pieces.

The Couple: Laura and Field

The Wedding: Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

The Inspiration: “The Walled Garden and Conservatory at the Biltmore Estate are so naturally beautiful and grand in their own right. Therefore, I wanted my wedding guests to be immersed in the luxurious feel of the manicured gardens and the 7,000 square foot glass-roofed conservatory without drawing attention away from their natural splendor. To me, it was the perfect place for a small, intimate, black tie wedding and reception with our 68 VIPs. I dreamed of classic, timeless, and elegant ceremony and reception displays that would simply complement and not overshadow the uniquely stunning setting. Therefore, I chose to utilize my favorite “colors” – gold, silver, white and cream. I wove the metallic items into the surrounding by only having lush green foliage and cream flowers as decoration. The fairy tale already existed so my goal was to pull this all in and hug my guests with it while adding a few touches of glamour (and fun too)! We paid homage to the Biltmore Estate as a National Historical Landmark which includes the U.S.’s largest privately owned home by incorporating our “love is the key” wedding them and corresponding skeleton keys throughout. Field also created the board that the keys and tags with our guests’ messages hang on in our house. We love to debate over each of their past lives and it’s even more special to read the tags like a guest book from our wedding. You will find the key logo I created on the cocktail napkins, tambourine party favors, and throughout the wedding pictures.

For my dress/look selection – It’s easy to see the European influences around the Estate from the house to the Conservatory to the Italian Garden. I wanted my look that day to include a little bit of European flare and some delicate feminine lace too. I picked a high fashion gown designed by Lazaro which interestingly is described as a “Flamenco inspired ivory organza and alencon lace bridal gown, sheer elongated lace bodice, sweetheart neckline, layered organza and lace skirt, chapel train” on JLM’s website. “Flamenco inspired” is hardly what I thought would win the day, but when combined with the cathedral veil and drop earrings, it fit my classic, elegant, black tie garden Biltmore Estate wedding perfectly. I actually was able to meet Lazaro when I purchased my dress and he did a sketch which was framed and placed by the cake table. I love that dress! ”

The Moments: “Entering into the reception into the Butterfly Garden from up above. As we came to the top of the stairs and looked down, it was more beautiful than I had ever imagined. In addition, all of our closest family and friends were looking up at us with smiles. It was extremely special to know each and every face and have such sincere love showering down (or should I say up) on us.”

The Couple Recommends: “Nick and his team at Blue Bend Photography were and are amazing! I am so impressed with the photos and they have been a dream to work with. In addition, Isabelle Schreier did a phenomenal job with my hair and make-up. She came to my home for trials twice to make sure I was satisfied and always had the best attitude. Lastly, Candace Hightower of Mingle Events was a breath of fresh air as a wedding day coordinator. She was always available to answer my questions, went above and beyond to take care of last minute details, and helped turn my vision into a reality.”

Laura also sent over the loveliest film created by Thomas Blake Films documenting their sweet day.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Blue Bend Photography
Event Coordination – Mingle Events
Venue – Biltmore Estate
Floral Design – Blossoms at Biltmore Park
Officiant – Rv. Dr. Sinclair Lewis
Ceremony Music – Brandon Crocker
Live Band – Martin Davis Band
Videography – Thomas Blake Films
Invitations – RSVP Shoppe
Hair and Makeup Artist – Isabelle Schreier
Wedding Dress – Lazaro
Groom’s Apparel – Brooks Brothers

Thanks to Blue Bend Photography for the beautiful images, and to Laura and Field for sharing their lovely day. For more black tie affair inspiration, don’t miss Dianna and Mark’s black and gold ballroom wedding.