Wedding at Balsam Mountain Inn

I love traveling around our beautiful state. And travel I do! Saturday was no exception. I left home around 8:30 am for a noon wedding in Balsam. Even if you're familiar with North Carolina you've probably never heard of the town of Balsam.
 Balsam was a tourist stop on the Murphy Branch of the Western North Carolina Railroad, later the Southern Railway. In the early 20th century, tourists would travel from Asheville to the train depot at Balsam and stay ‘just up the hill’ at the Balsam Mountain Inn.
 
Today, the depot no longer stands at the original site but was moved up the ridge, in the 1960s, to a private location. Balsam Mountain Inn was renovated in 1990 and refurbished in 2004 is still in operation, serves as a nostalgic reminder of a by-gone era with a great restaurant and wine list.

This sign was on display with some other memorabilia. Although there have been changes, one thing remains the same, 'air conditioned by nature'. Sounds crazy with the heat wave but the guests said the temperature had been perfect!  

The inn, just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, provides 50 rooms and suites, each with its own unique decor and vintage furniture just the way it was at the turn of the century and still phone and TV free. (Wouldn't it be nice to get away from TV, phones and internet for a few days?)

The wedding planning started many months ago. Darren and Kelley were traveling along the Blue Ridge Parkway when they decided it was time to eat,. They happened upon the Balsam Mountain Inn and it was love at first sight. They knew this was 'the' place. And I must say, I agree.

To be honest, not everyone would appreciate the rich history contained within the walls of the Balsam Inn. I love the character of old buildings and was so happy to just sit and visit before the wedding began.

Let me ask you, when's the last time you saw something like this?

Now, I certainly don't want you to get the wrong idea. Balsam Inn has style. And the staff... well, they couldn't have been more accommodating. I couldn't help but overhear some conversations and they went out of their way to make this a wonderful wedding experience for Kelley and Darren, even preparing a special desert for Darren's daughter. 

One thing that makes this inn so perfect is there's plenty of room for people to move around. There are several sitting areas in the lobby.

And a huge front porch, lined with rocking chairs.

But... the best is yet to come. There's a lovely site for the ceremony. And I have to say, someone was very thoughtful on Saturday.

Daytime temperatures were very warm and everyone was sitting in the sun. Except... the parents and other honored guests. Someone had planned ahead  and there was a white tent over this section of chairs.

I was talking with Kelley and Darren before the ceremony. Yes, they saw each other before the ceremony. In fact, Kelley was out greeting the guests as they arrived. Some might find this a bit unusual but I think it speaks of their personalities. Kelley and Darren decided to have their 'first look' photos taken privately before the ceremony began.

Anyway, I mentioned that the Balsam Inn was a great choice. Kelley said the terrace was what 'did it'. This room was almost breath taking. 

Simple, but oh so elegant!

I did manage to get a photo of the newlyweds. Hope more are coming.

Balsam Inn will always have a special place in the hearts of Kelley and Darren,.