Being the third wedding we did for this family and having had met P+C all those years before, getting to plan, design and execute their wedding had an extra layer of special for all of us. Let us tell you about all that transpired!

Every destination wedding weekend needs a beginning — a moment when everyone arrives, reconnects, and settles into the celebration ahead. For P + C, that first chapter unfolded at Deerpark inside the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, where friends and family gathered for a autumn inspired welcome party surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Deerpark is one of the most inviting venues on the estate, with warm wood interiors, high ceilings, and an inner courtyard. As guests arrived that evening, the space gradually filled with candlelight, conversation, and the familiar rhythm of friends and family reuniting after traveling from different places to celebrate together.

The design embraced the natural character of the venue while adding thoughtful layers of detail. Knowing that we were going to execute a neutral palette for the wedding day (the day after), the Welcome Party became the perfect setting to create a Fall explosion, going very intentionally after the palette that Asheville is known for at that time of year.

At the center of the outdoor patio, a striking circular bar installation immediately became the focal point of the evening. The structure was built by White Door Event, creating an architectural moment that felt both modern and timeless and became a gathering point where guests naturally gravitated throughout the first part of the evening.

Around it, the floral design by Wither and Bloom Designs brought warmth and richness to the space and those hints of orange, yellow, brown and deep red we were longing for. The florals felt organic and layered, from lush arrangements framing the bar to smaller compositions on the tables and lounge areas that added depth quite complementarily. A bourbon tasting experience, considering both the bride and groom love Old Fashioneds (hint hint check out the bride’s purse for that evening), was another very personal and fun element of this evening.

Inside Deerpark, we took over the left wing for dinner time, where thoughtful details continued to tell pieces of the couple’s story. Escort cards were displayed among vintage books, creating a quiet moment of discovery for guests as they found their seats, and as a nod to one of the bride’s favorite hobbies (reading!). At each place setting, equestrian-inspired menus showcasing the bride’s childhood horse, Vegas, beautifully designed by Emily Baird, added personality while subtly also referencing the heritage and traditions often associated with the Biltmore Estate.

As the evening unfolded, the atmosphere settled into exactly what a welcome party / dinner should be: relaxed, joyful, and full of anticipation. Guests moved easily between the indoor space and the patio, conversations stretched across tables, and a jazz trio (from Charleston Virtuosi) provided the perfect soundtrack for the night.

Later in the evening, welcome toasts by the mother of the groom, matron of honor, and brothers of the groom, brought everyone together for a brief pause, which ended with appreciation comments from the bride and groom themselves to all their guests for having come from all over the world to celebrate with them (Find me also tearing up in a corner when they thanked us! Always mean the world when our couples publicly acknowledge us).

We believe the welcome event sets the tone for everything that follows. P + C’s evening at Deerpark did exactly that: warm, intentional, and the perfect beginning to their Biltmore Estate wedding weekend. Stay tuned for the next part of this story…

Credits:

Planning and Design @claireduranweddingsandevents
Photo @mashaida.co
Video @harrisonfilms
Stationery @emilybairddesign
Flowers @witherandbloomdesigns
Linens @nuagedesignsinc
Venue Deerpark at @biltmoreweddingsnc
Jazz Quartet @charlestonvirtuosi
Rentals @whitedoorevent and @curatedeventscharleston
Hair & MU @powdermepretty