Tell us a little about yourselves!
I am from New Orleans, working as a surgical resident in Portland, OR. Ben is from Hendersonville, NC and works in tech. We met in Houston, TX actually both brought there by exes, where I was completing medical school. After the first date, we were never apart. Ben called me the next day to see if I was free.. and the days after. It was in the early days of the pandemic, so we had to be so clever about dating safely. Drive-ins, picnics. It was very cute.
We were both raised by strong-willed mothers that filled us with a strong work ethic and a strong sense of empathy. They also taught us how to have a hell of a good time. These qualities are the foundation of our relationship.
Our favorite things to do together are walk our dogs, go on date nights to drink a nice cocktail or go see live music. We still feel like we’re dating. We love dating each other.
Camille: Ben is the kindest and wisest man I know. He’s an artist, a drummer, music lover, trivia genius, dog dad, but mainly he’s a sincerely good person.
Ben: Camille isn't just my partner; she's my anchor, my confidante, and the joy in my every day. She's the brightest mind I know, yet her heart is even larger.
How many guests did you have?
16.
What was your budget?
$9k and that included everything.
Tell us about your outfits.
Camille: I wanted something with a classic silhouette and a unique flare. Ben calls it whimsical. I scoured Pinterest for months but just kept coming back to this same dress from Chelsea Mak.
Ben: I wanted something classic and comfortable, but also something I could match with my cowboy boots and bolo tie. The boots are from my good friend Jon who acted as our officiant and the bolo tie was bartered for with my art from Semplice Designs.
What was the most important aspect for you, in terms of planning your wedding?
That it was about us. We’re at the age where we’re getting invited to so many weddings, some of them quite large. We felt that if we had this big extravaganza, it would lose what made it special. It would shift the focus from our relationship and the commitment we were making to each other.
Any tips for couples getting married?
This is your day. It is not your mother’s day. It is not your godmother’s daughter’s cousin’s day. Do what you like and what is important to you. Do not compare your day to other weddings. This day is for you. And if you do, you won’t have any regrets.
Are there any vendors that you would like to tell us a little more about?
Sonya Le, our photographer. We met up with her a couple days before the ceremony to run around Asheville and get shots of just us two. We had a common love of art, vintage, and authenticity. I think she captured us perfectly and reflected that appreciation.
Photographer: Sonya Le @sonyalephoto | Planning & Styling: Camille | Location: Buncombe County Courthouse, Asheville, NC | Hair & Makeup: Camille | Dress: Chelsea Mak @chelseamak_ | Engagement Ring: Custom made with Camille’s Great Grandmother’s brooch diamonds by Aucoin Hart @aucoinhartjewelrs | Wedding Rings: Aucoin Hart @aucoinhartjewelrs | Shoes: Reformation @thereformation | Bolo Tie: Semplice Designs @semplicedesigns