Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Wedding at Chestoa View - Blue Ridge Parkway

When planning an outdoor wedding, you just never know what the weather will do. So many brides keep their fingers crossed, hoping for a beautiful sunny day. (truth is, cloudy days are best for photos!)

I remember when my daughters were planning their weddings, both outdoors. Luckily, the weather cooperated and their weddings happened as planned. We did have a inside backup plan, in the event of rain.

When Cee Cee and Ed contacted me about officiating their wedding along the Blue Ridge Parkway I asked about their backup plan. Umbrellas was the plan. They found the perfect location for their wedding and it would take more than rain to keep it from happening. Ok by me.

I started checking the 10 day forecast. Hum... things weren't looking too good. 80% chance of rain. As the day got closer the chance of rain decreased. Finally, I could check the hourly forecast. Rain was predicted at the exact time of their ceremony. I grabbed my umbrella and headed out the door.

 
When I arrived, the sun kept peaking from behind the clouds. I wandered around to take a few photos of the area.
Even though it was overcast, the view of the Linville Gorge was beautiful.
 
And a very short walk to the overlook.
And a little graffiti on the trail sign.
'RM loves TT
with all my heart and soul, 
to the moon and back quadrillions of times and into the next life.'
Now, that is love!
Here's a view of Table Rock from the overlook.

 Just a little about Chestoa View. (Chestoa is derived from the Cherokee word for rabbit.) The overlook is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway, near Linville Falls. Elevation 4090 feet. The trail to the rocked overlook is short but there are quite a few steps. Not so good for high heels.
After just a few photos, guests started arriving and I didn't get a chance to take a photo of the overlook. Hopefully, I will have one to post soon! (posted below, thanks to Travis Pulling, the photographer.)

You never know what to expect when traveling. On Saturday there was a detour and road construction, which caused the bride a slight delay. But you can't have a wedding without the Bride! So Ed paced a little and joked with friends. And we were all watching the sky. The clouds were moving quickly.

Before long Cee Cee arrived, wearing a beautiful wedding gown (and flats, smart woman). Her father helped her down the steps. 
 Once everyone was in place, with cameras ready we began their wedding ceremony. And the weather cooperated. There were just a few drops of rain but I'm not sure Cee Cee and Ed even noticed. 
 

All I want is to grow old with you...
To watch our life unfold,
Our dreams, one by one, come true.
All I want is to love you forever.