A Greenery-Filled Celebration in Highlands, North Carolina

Madison DeMoss wasn’t expecting any guests on her work trip to Italy with her boss. “Right before we left, her son decided to tag along with us—and bring a friend,” says Madison. She thought nothing of it, until she arrived in Italy and meet said friend, Brad Brizendine! And once back in the U.S., Madison and Brad kept in touch and sparks flew.

Because they met in Italy, the couple wanted to bring the feeling of the Italian countryside to their wedding at the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, North Carolina. “We wanted the day to be simplistic, beautifully rustic, and centered around our family and friends,” Madison says. On the chilly afternoon of May 14, 2016, guests gathered to witness the couple’s vows, which took place in a beautiful sailcloth tent, surrounded by the beauty of North Carolina and Italian inspired details. Photographed by Harwell Photography, this Highlands, North Carolina wedding is the definition of your greenery-filled wedding inspiration!

The lush green mountains of North Carolina were the perfect setting for recreating the Italian countryside.

Madison’s Monique Lhuillier gown featured pleated accents, intricate beading, and a full tulle skirt. “I absolutely loved it, which was good because I didn’t have time to keep looking!” says the bride, who wed only five months after getting engaged.

The adorable flower girl wore a light gold dress, topped with a crown of pink roses and sprigs of herbs.

The ceremony took place beneath an open-sided sailcloth tent, with live trees lining the aisle. “I wanted to get married outside, and being in nature was one of my favorite parts about the ceremony,” says Madison. Guests were seated on a mix of benches, chairs, and vintage church pews, while the altar was flanked by candles and lush arrangements of delphinium, peonies, and hydrangeas.

Waiters passed signature cocktails around as guests arrived at cocktail hour, where they nibbled on Italian charcuterie, artisan cheeses, and classic pimento cheese spread before settling in for dinner.

Inside the barn, guests dined on a menu that combined North Carolina flavors and European influence, from a duet of herb-crusted beef tenderloin and bacon-wrapped quail to white asparagus and truffle macaroni and cheese.

Tables were topped with vases full of tall branches in glass vases, adding height to the space and created the illusion of trees. From above, chandeliers were draped with greenery and accented with pink roses, adding an ultra-romantic touch. Each table was named after one of the couple’s favorite places in Europe.

In addition to a traditional wedding cake, the couple had a full dessert spread that included miniature tarts, chocolate-dipped cream puffs, and the bride’s grandfather’s favorite treat: Krispy Kreme doughnuts!

To add an additional personal touch, the bride and groom had a full-service espresso bar at the reception, compete with cups and mugs handmade by the bride herself. “We really wanted our day to be full of things that reflect who we are and the people we love," she says.