Mary Katherine and Lawton’s 2022 Destination Wedding in the Western NC Mountains on Lake Nantahala

While the mountain tops may get significant amounts of snow, snow is only occasional and short-lived in Nantahala in December, generally not enough to stick to the ground. Average highs in the 50s – but it could be in the 60s – average lows in the 30s. There’s nothing that says sensual and refined quite like a gorgeous off-the-shoulder wedding dress, and this bride got to wear her irresistible off-the-shoulder gown without a cover up – even in December!

Mary Katherine and Lawton’s love story, in their own words…

Our love story starts with two people that were headed in completely different directions. Mary Katherine had returned to her hometown to work and settle down near her family. Lawton traveled for work, and he wanted to move out of “small town USA”. All of that changed when the couple was set up on a date by a mutual friend. Golf followed by dinner, and they both knew this one was different. Both have a love for traveling, sports, and animals. The couple formed a bond like no other through their adventures.

Lawton had always said that if he ever committed to getting married, he wanted to be married on the side of a mountain. After their engagement, accompanied by their two dogs, they took a trip to see various mountain venues. On the way to Nantahala Weddings & Events, it began to snow. The couple had never experienced snow together, as it is a rarity in southern Georgia. They laughed, played with the dogs, and enjoyed their adventure up the mountain.

After soaking up the long, stunning views at Nantahala Weddings, they knew it was the perfect place to promise FOREVER. In planning the wedding, Mary Katherine and Lawton visited the venue multiple times, staying in the Mateos each time to feel the full effect of what the venue would hold for their wedding. Each and every time they visited, they discovered more treasures within Nantahala.

The weekend of the wedding, the couple experienced mid-teen temperatures upon arrival to rain on the morning of the big day. Just in time for the ceremony, the weather gave way to perfect overcast skies with temps in the 50s. The couple and their guests danced the night away, and they enjoyed a true destination wedding.

Nantahala will always hold a special place in Mary Katherine and Lawton’s hearts. The forest, the mountains, the lake, and the people there are simply magical.

Photography Derek DiLuzio Weddings