Asheville/Western North Carolina
General Information for You

AshevilleNC.com - General Asheville Information

General Wedding Planning Links for You

Wedding Planning at mywedding.com (Good Planning Advice and Free Websites) 

 Home of Bridezillas and other great wedding reality shows. Website has videos and advice.

Biltmore Estate (South)-Various sites around the house and gardens from which to choose, from rustic to elegant, plus they provide food, beverage, rentals, and cakes, and there is lodging on site. The premiere Asheville location.

The Farm (West)-A rustic farm setting but with a new, modern, indoor event "barn" as well as outdoor settings for ceremonies (gazebo) and tents. Plenty of parking. 

Smith-McDowell House (Central)-An historic home in the middle of Asheville, perfect for weddings with an historical or vintage feel, great views, large rooms, and space on grounds for tent.

Forge Valley Event Center (South)-Exciting new event venue in Mills River. Acres of land, water, and large, modern event complex with full kitchen, A/V capabilities, and plenty of restrooms.

Fields at Blackberry Cove (North)-Incredible mountain views, rustic barn that really is a barn, and an adjacent modern building that houses kitchen, restrooms and nice dressing area.

On Broadway (Downtown)-Historic downtown meeting space with high ceilings and hardwood floors, owned by one of the best local caterers, so location/food/beverage all taken care of! Close to downtown bars, breweries, and shops for before and after the event.

Laurel Ridge Country Club (West-Haywood County)-Nice resort just west of Waynesville. Several locations for ceremonies and receptions including the rustic lodge (with modern amenities) and a partially open covered pavilion. Nice views of golf course and mountains. Great food and great staff.

Benjamin Porter Photography-A specialist in black and white as well as the only one I know doing unique, panoramic group shots.

Melissa Markis-Wedding photographer with an eye for the informal shot. She also does makeup!

Grafxsounds -Husband and wife team do graphic design, websites, photography, video, you name it, they do it!

Chris Chromey-Chris's photos are affordable and have a casual, natural look.

John Fletcher -Pro photographer whose photos really tell stories - maybe because he is also a full time news photographer.

Kelly Giezentanner-I've worked with Kelly on many different kinds of events. She is a sweet, caring person, and always does a great job.

Evelyn Graham-I have known Evelyn for years and she is the best and most experienced in the area at traditional, classic, photography.

Becki Dickinson-Professional, educated, fine art photography based in NC but will travel anywhere!

Just Ducky Custom Clothing-Clothes for children that are truly unique!  Local Asheville company makes custom silk dresses to match the bridal party as well as cute playclothes for everyday.

Me and Matilda-Local artist makes custom ties for men in your colors. Check out the cute. matching ring bearer bow ties! 

Quick as a Wink- 750 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, 828-253-2331. Cleaning and pressing of dresses and suits, expert alterations. I would trust them with my own wedding dress!  (Call-No website.)

David's Bridal-Surely the best for current wedding fashions, and your local store can coordinate fittings for your whole wedding party through their nationwide registration system.

Sound Extreme-Ben can match you with the right DJ or live music to ensure that your event will be even more memorable. And they can work within any budget. For live music, their band, Crocodile Smile, makes any party rock!

A Social Function- Fun and experienced cover band that's great for weddings and parties.

Sound Explosion-Experienced DJ with a wide variety of music at competitive rates. 

Common Saints-Nothing they can't do, including ceremony music. Also check out the uncommon Scott Raines as a soloist.

The Magills-Traditional, gentle ceremony and reception music with a Classical/Celtic or Bluegrass feel.

Braidstream- Beautiful live music from professional musicians who can be loud or quiet, classical or modern, celtic or jazzy.

James Barr - He's only one man, but he sounds like a whole band. Great for outdoor ceremonies and events where you need a big sound on a small budget.

Ms. Jones and the Velvetones-Smooth, live, black tie band that can play something for every age group - torch songs to the twist.  Lauren Jones rocks!

WestSound-Randy and Oscar and friends are true entertainers and the best for R&B, jazz, soul, and gospel.  Great audience interaction.

Current Invention-Big band that knows all the standards, rock to jazz to pop.

East Coast Entertainment-Agents for the biggest bands on the East Coast and more. Local Asheville office (828) 239-0929

Blossoms at Biltmore Park-Stunning, innovative arrangements and decor to go with theme.

Your Vase or Mine-Pick from the seasonal flowers available and do your own arrangements. Very affordable for the DIY'er. 

Events Made Beautiful-Nice, new rental items for weddings and parties.

The Flower Gallery-Sophisticated, colorful floral arrangements that always look perfect and smell heavenly. Luck is the best!

Rent-All-Large, local company that  rents everything from spoons to linens to tents, in good condition, at an affordable price.

Celebrations- A fun party store loaded with decorations for showers and weddings, and a very helpful, experienced staff. Located near the Asheville Mall at 265 Tunnel Rd (next to Davids Bridal) (828)255-5868. 

Bloomin Art- The best for fresh flowers and wildflowers for your wedding! Call (828) 254-6447 or email for an appt.

Colorful Palate Catering-Delicious, fresh, local food beautifully displayed. Those Girls can cook!

Vincenzo's-Italian restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville. No catering, but a great place for parties and celebrations!

Two Sisters Sweets- Delicious homemade toffees packaged to match your wedding style, with personalized labels. Great for favors or gifts!

Cakes by Jane- Jane was a friend and master baker and her recipes live on at CBJ; these cakes taste great-even after being frozen a year!

Callie's Confections-Versatile baker who can do those party or wedding cakes that you see in the magazines. Miniature cakes, cupcakes, cookie or candy bar, you name it, Callie can do it!

City Bakery-After doing about 100 hundred weddings with this bakery, and its predecessor, Blue Moon, I can certify they are the best.

Laurey's- They have been around the longest, and there are many good reasons why! Visit their cafe on Biltmore Ave in Asheville for just a tiny sample of what they can do.

Celine and Company-Celine is also an experienced caterer who can do large parties, or small, very elegantly, with a variety of foods from Middle Eastern to Modern. She also runs the downtown event place, On Broadway, which is great for parties and receptions.

12 BONES - Absolutely the best barbecue in town, hands down. It's strictly pick up and deliver, but it's perfect for large buffet-style events. (We can help you get the rentals and staff to serve it.)

Little Pigs Barbecue-(828) 254-4253. The original. Affordable, delicious BBQ done the mountain way! Pick up only.

Each year we prepare a list of  local happenings for people to post on their website or forward to guests who want to know what to do during the rest of the event weekend. Some of the local attractions we recommend on those lists:

Biltmore Estate- Everyone makes Biltmore a part of their event weekend here, whether by  holding an event there, spending the  night at the Inn, arranging group excursions, or just making up their own private tour.

Ghost Tour-A fun way to see Asheville at night and learn a little history along the way.

Gray Line Trolley Tours -The "red" trolleys-Asheville's most popular  trolley-bus tour. Charters available for groups.

360 Party Bus-It's more like a limo than a bus, with comfortable seating for a group, bar, tv, and all at reasonable prices.

Diamond Executive Car-Asheville's best cars and most professional drivers. Classy!

Special Occasions-A vehicle for just about every occasion, as well as valet services and group shuttles.

Belk Department Stores-Wedding registry with 300 stores in 19 states; guests can also order online.

Wedding Bell Videos

Asheville Wedding Planning Links

A Spirit's Wings - White Dove Releases

Thumbtack - Asheville Wedding Planner

Webb Insurance-Whatever your location, ensure you are covered in case something bad happens. Webb Insurance can help with short-term liability coverage and wedding insurance for everything from the rings, to the gifts, to the weather.