When Jed Smith, a 30 -year-old social worker, and Ellen Elkins, a 29-year-old teacher signed up for a job training session, they planned to spend the weekend improving their counseling skills. Instead, both were pleasantly distracted by their mutual attraction. As training gave way to lunches and dinners, a courtship developed - one that would lead to a marriage proposal. Before the pair married, Ellen and Jed had each moved from Washington to North Carolina. Inspired by a joint trip out west to their home state, Jed hatched an elaborate proposal, but due to time contraints and an innocent interference from Ellen, Jed had to shelve Plan A. Undaunted, he popped the question over dinner with friends in a favorite Seattle restaurant.

Ellen and Jed's autumn wedding in the Appalachians made the most of the season and its surroundings. Ellen worked with Wedding Inspirations in nearby Asheville to put together a sunset ceremony and reception that were simple, elegant, laid-back, and most of all, fun for their 85 guests. "My planner was a godsend. I knew I didn't want to throw my boquet or do any sort of garter toss, and my planner suggested an anniversary dance instead," remembers Ellen. "Those kind of little touches are important to make the day your own." Gwenn Ford of Wedding Inspirations.

Photography by Laura Speake Photography, Wedding Coordinator Gwenn Ford, Wedding Inspirations, Asheville, NC.