Not too far from Charlotte, NC, down the interstate and rounding through curvy, country roads, you’ll find the small town of Gold Hill. Tucked away from the city, surrounded by fields, cabins and friendly faces. It’s one of those places you never knew existed, but all this time wish you had.
Among the historic buildings and homes, along the main street of Gold Hill stands E. H. Montgomery General Store. The thick window paned glass is adorned with signs for Hershey’s Ice Cream, Coke and Moon Pies. Inside is a feeling of home, one that has been known to the General Store for quite some time. As soon as I saw it, I knew this is why Daniel + Nikki chose it for their intimate wedding ceremony.
A short walking distance away, Nikki got ready in an old green and white cabin. I first saw her making plates of cheese for everyone (she’s a Cheesemonger at Orrman’s Cheese Shop and brought along some of the most delicious cheeses). Laughter and stories filled the air as they began to get ready, but cheese and wine was definitely first!
Shortly before the ceremony began, dark clouds made their way across the sky. Daniel paced between the front and back of the General Store watching the clouds move across then turning into a sudden summer thunderstorm.
“The anticipation is literally killing me.” he said as he looked again towards the door to see if the rain had let up.
It was approaching 20 minutes past wedding time when the blue sky began peeking through. I ran back over to the cabin where Nikki was waiting for the rain to end. Inside Daniel’s brothers were passing the time with everyone by singing the most beautiful songs…..a cappella! Just as perfect timing would have it, at the end of their last song the rain had ended enough that it was GO time.
Among very close family and friends, they exchanged words filled with love and laughter. The room filled with tears and smiles throughout the wedding ceremony (there may have been a few behind my camera as well). They spoke of the future, but the most important words were why they chose each other and will continue to choose each other.
Back at one of the cabins, everyone changed into their jeans and shorts for a BBQ dinner and headed back over to the General Store for bluegrass music. The next day, Daniel + Nikki had their Wedding Reception at Olde Mecklenburg with family, friends, cold beer and good eats.
How wonderful it was to be a part of something so very, very beautiful.
Wedding Ceremony: E. H.Montgomery General Store
Wedding Reception: Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Ceremony Caterer: Midwood Smokehouse
Cake: Gateau Baking
This is one of the friendly faces that helps run the General Store, such a kind man:
A little make-up on the dress to bring out all of the Tide Sticks!
Then the rain came:
Sometimes the priority is saying “hi” to the gold fish 🙂
Nikki makes amazing granola and gave it out as favors for guests:
Dozens and dozens of homemade cookies for guests (yes and yes):
