April 2024: A Path to the Peaks, Mountain Elopement

Kelsie and Todd’s love story is a testament to the beauty of imperfect paths leading to perfect moments. High school sweethearts from Charlotte, their journey began with a shared snack and a spontaneous hug in a bustling cafeteria. Over the years, their relationship endured twists and turns—including a brief hiccup in New York—but it was always rooted in their unique connection. For them, love wasn’t about perfection; it was about what worked, and that’s what made it extraordinary.

Initially, Kelsie and Todd envisioned a big wedding in Wilmington, but the mountains kept calling. After a grueling 70-hour workweek at the post office, the idea of escaping to the serenity of the peaks became irresistible. Their decision to elope was a natural one, trading a crowded venue for the best backdrop they could imagine—the Smoky Mountains. The day they climbed the towering peaks was the day they knew: this was the place to begin their forever.

Their ceremony was as intimate as their love story. Under an arch adorned with ferns and holly flowers, they exchanged vows and promises of a life that included dreams of a mountain home with grandchildren running through the woods. Guests were welcomed with a simple yet thoughtful charcuterie table and a signing book to commemorate the moment. Kelsie’s father walked her down the aisle, and Todd escorted his mom to her seat. Before the ceremony, they invited guests to snap one photo and then stow their phones, ensuring everyone stayed present to soak in the magic. Their photographer, a trusted artist, captured every detail, from Kelsie’s radiant smile to the serene mountain backdrop.

The simplicity of their celebration mirrored their vision of a life together: full of love, surrounded by beauty, and rooted in connection. For Kelsie and Todd, their mountain elopement was more than a wedding—it was a reflection of their journey, a promise for the future, and the start of their greatest adventure yet.

​📸 Photography: Molly Harris | mollyharris.pixieset.com
💐 Florals: Harpp Flower Farm | harppflowerfarm.com
✝️ Officiant: Jess Kawamura