A Rustic, Casual Wedding at Lutheridge Camp and Conference Center in Asheville, North Carolina

When it came to planning their wedding, Sarah Embry (24 and works in academic services at SCAD) and Benjamin Witcher (27 and a youth minister) decided to head back to where it all began — Lutheridge Camp and Conference Center in Asheville, NC. Not only had Benjamin and his family attended the camp for years, it was also where the two met. Tucked away in the mountains, the venue’s rustic open-air chapel and lodge fit perfectly with the outdoors-loving couple’s natural, spring-inspired theme. “We were inspired by Lutheridge itself, filled with sunlight, blossoming flowers and simple beauty,” says Sarah. “Because the location was so beautiful on its own, our décor was very simple. We lit candles in the reception space and filled it with white flowers, letting the natural surroundings give it that magical touch.” Details like the guest book, an anniversary edition of The Giving Tree, the save-the-dates, which featured a “new leaf” motif, and the Evergreen sapling favors were also key in bringing the couple’s vision to life. Since most of their guests traveled from all over to attend the wedding, it was important to Sarah and Benjamin that they were comfortable and have great time. Hosting the wedding at Lutheridge Camp allowed everyone to stay on site, making all of the wedding’s activities easily accessible. The couple welcomed their friends and families with welcome bags in each of their rooms and a fun, laid-back rehearsal dinner. Pasta, slider and carving stations not only provided guests with plenty of mouth-watering options during the reception, but also encouraged everyone to mix, mingle and nosh at their leisure. Dessert was just as fun, with Sarah and Benjamin skipping the traditional wedding cake for a campfire where guests could make S’mores and a station dishing out banana flambé. Other details that made the day feel truly special were Sarah’s custom wedding dress, which was handmade by a close friend, and the tailor-made ceremony, which Sarah and Benjamin wrote themselves.