A summer wedding with dogs, horses, and a very enthusiastic dance floor? I’m in. This day at The Farm, A Gathering Place gave us plenty of reasons to stay outside a little longer—and plenty of reasons to head back in when the band started.

The Farm is in Candler, just outside Asheville. The couple had their first look at the Chicken Chapel and said their vows beneath the trees, and guests gathered along the fence to visit with many of The Farm’s horses.

I’m Nathan Rivers Chesky, an Asheville wedding photographer working with digital, 35mm, and medium format film. I’ve photographed many weddings at The Farm, and I always look forward to coming back. There’s a lot to work with here, especially when a couple is happy to wander a little and enjoy themselves.

Summer Flowers and Time Together

I loved the flowers for this wedding: blue, lavender, blush pink, white, and a little yellow. The groom’s floral tie fit right in, too. It all looked especially good against the summer greens around the property.

The couple had their first look at the Chicken Chapel. I love those pointed doorways, and it was a sweet spot for them to see each other and have a little time together before the ceremony.

You don’t need to know what to do in front of a camera. I’ll help with that. Mostly, I want you to feel comfortable enough to be yourselves.

An Outdoor Ceremony Beneath the Trees

The ceremony took place under The Farm’s wooden gazebo, with pastel flowers overhead and white fabric around the posts. In the middle of summer, the trees make this such a lovely place to gather.

There were big smiles during the vows and plenty of applause on the way back down the aisle. The couple stopped for another kiss, which I’m always happy to make time for.

As an Asheville wedding photographer, I love this part of the day. You’ve just gotten married, your friends are cheering, and you finally get to turn around and take it all in.

Dogs, Drinks, and a Visit to the Pasture

The dogs came dressed for the wedding, and they were very excited to be included. We had a floral bow tie, flowers at a collar, and absolutely no expectation that everyone would stand still. That’s usually when the fun starts.

If you’re bringing your dogs to your wedding, I’m happy to work around their attention spans. A walk together and a few breaks tend to go a long way. They’re part of your family, and I want you to enjoy having them there.

The horses got plenty of attention, too. We stopped by the fence with the couple, and guests spent time visiting throughout the evening. Add the lavender-garnished drinks and the summer flowers, and there was a lot to enjoy before dinner.

Knowing The Farm’s Best Locations and Light

I’ve photographed many weddings at The Farm, A Gathering Place, and knowing the property makes a real difference. I know where I like to go for portraits, how the light changes, and when it’s worth heading out for a mountain view.

We’ll choose our spots based on the light that day. Sometimes that means staying near the trees; other times, it means taking advantage of the open field and a great sky. I’ll have ideas ready so you don’t have to spend your wedding day figuring out where to go.

I also want you to get back to your guests. Familiarity with the venue helps us make good use of portrait time without turning it into a long production.

You can see another wedding here in my earlier post about being a wedding photographer at The Farm, A Gathering Place. Same venue, a different day, and plenty more ideas for your own celebration.

Evening Portraits with Mountain Views

We headed into the field for evening portraits, with the mountains behind us and blue-gray clouds overhead. This is one of my favorite reasons to step away from the reception for a little while.

We walked, talked, and made time for a few closer portraits along the way. I like giving you some direction, then leaving enough room for you to laugh together or pull each other in without waiting for the next instruction.

The mountain views are a big part of why couples choose an Asheville wedding, and I want you to have photographs that show where you were. I also want you to recognize yourselves in them.

Back by the outdoor lanterns, there was time for a twirl and a lift before returning to the party. No need to save all the dancing for the dance floor.

Toasts, Close Embraces, and a Lively Reception

The reception started with toasts, raised glasses, and time around the table with everyone. I like staying attentive during dinner; there’s often a lot happening even when nobody has a microphone.

Then the band got going. The groom lifted the bride, his friends returned the favor by lifting him above the crowd, and the bride joined in on the microphone. This group was ready to celebrate.

I had a great time photographing this reception. Once everyone is out there singing and dancing, my job is to keep up—and to be ready when the couple finds each other for a kiss in the middle of it all.

Your Wedding Photographer at The Farm, A Gathering Place

Planning your own wedding at The Farm? I’d love to hear about it. Whether you’re most excited about the mountain portraits, having your dogs there, or getting everyone onto the dance floor, tell me what you’re looking forward to.

As a wedding photographer at The Farm, A Gathering Place, I bring plenty of experience with the property and its light. I’ll help you plan time for photographs so you can relax and enjoy being with your people.

And if you’re looking for an Asheville film wedding photographer, I offer 35mm and medium format film alongside digital photography. We can talk through how you’d like film to be part of your coverage.

Get in touch about your Asheville wedding photography and tell me your date and what you have in mind. I’d love to join you at The Farm.