Smaller wedding gatherings have taken center stage in 2020. This stylish intimate Hotel Domestique wedding is proof that smaller is still fabulous. The Hotel Domestique is a European-inspired venue nestled in the Blue Ridge, perfect for this upscale intimate wedding.
In the initial conversation with the couple, I learned that they were drawn to this mountain setting, its vineyard, and the view. They looked forward to their ceremony just prior to sunset, allowing family and friends to celebrate under the stars. With about 30 family and friends in attendance, their intimate Hotel Domestique wedding was just perfect!
Hotel Domestique Wedding
Wedding Prep
Fred + Christy Piard
Nov 1st, 2020
How did you two meet?
On an uneventful night, Christy was casually home watching Netflix while eating dinner. Her roommate at the time came home intending to head out to a gathering and invited her to come along. While at the gathering, from the corner of his eye Fred saw the most beautiful girl over there and couldn’t resist introducing himself. Quite nervously, Fred approached the group of people that Christy was talking to and tried to casually slip in a couple of words. Backed by the support of everyone there they started to get to know each other deeper and have not stopped since.
Tell us about your proposal:
On a beautiful sunny day, Christy was led to believe she was out with her friend as a farewell to her leaving town and moving out of state. All along it was a plan coerced by Fred to ensure she was dressed and ready for him to propose. Her friend persuaded her to walk down Harbor Terrace Walk in Boston, MA where Fred was waiting for her. As she walked up the staircase of the harbor walk, his eyes glazed back at her and she knew then what was going to occur. Once she reached him up the stairs everything became a blur and the world stopped. Before she knew it she screamed, “YES” to his proposal to be his wife.
Hotel Domestique Wedding Photographer
How did you find your wedding photographer?
I started my photography search via Instagram in order to see previous weddings they have done as well for reassurance on the quality of their work. As soon as I saw ‘In His Image Photography’ I knew he had to be my photographer. I pondered other photographers but always came back to Dajuan. My fiance also saw his work and his enthusiasm validated my thoughts. I am big on checking for the quality of the work when it comes to editing styles and lighting. I wanted to ensure that the weddings that he had previously done captured the bride and groom beautifully.
Did you have any concerns as you searched for a wedding photographer?
My biggest nightmare was that I wouldn’t love my wedding photos. You cannot recreate this important occasion. During our first consultation, I expressed this concern to Dajuan. I found his personality was very personable and professional. From there I knew I would thoroughly enjoy working with him. The follow-up conversations made me, even more, enthused to have him as my photographer, and more eager for our wedding day.
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Hotel Domestique Wedding Photos
What was your wedding day experience with In His Image Photography?
On the day of the wedding, Dajuan went above and beyond to ensure I had the best day in every manner he could. He was amazing with providing directions for poses, evaluating different locations, and which ones were best to prioritize based on lighting. He was extremely patient with us. My family and friends also enjoyed his company and how professional he is. Post the wedding I had zero doubt that I would not love my pictures. Even still I was completely blown away. I would tell anyone who is looking to book Dajuan/In His Image Photography to not waste any more time and book him Now, you won’t regret it. Not only is he amazing at what he does but he is literally one of the kindest people ever, you NEED someone like that in your team during this process.
1st Look
In His Image Photography is one of the best Charlotte wedding photographers.
Hotel Domestique Wedding Ceremony
Tell us about your ceremony venue and what attracted you to it:
The Hotel Domestique located in Travelers Rest, SC. The venue was actually a plan B to our previously canceled wedding. Once we visited we were instantly in awe of the architecture and landscaping of the property. The owners had originally designed the property to portray a European aesthetic. We were immediately reminded of Tuscany, Italy. It felt like we were outside of the country while only being less than two hours away from our home. We knew the venue would’ve been the perfect backdrop to our day. Hotel Domestique serviced as both our ceremony and reception venue.
What song did you choose for your wedding ceremony, and why?
Ceremony song: Here as in Heaven, by Elevation Worship
Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day? If yes, tell us more.
Being of Haitian descent we wanted to incorporate our culture throughout our wedding. We did that by hiring a Haitian DJ who did an amazing job incorporating Haitian and American playlists throughout the day. As part of our wedding favor, we provided the guests with a traditional Haitian beverage called Kremas which is very somewhat similar to Bailey’s. Lastly, as part of our late-night snacks, we offered the guests Haitian patties which is similar to American turnovers.
Hotel Domestique Wedding Reception
What songs did you choose for your wedding reception, and why?
Reception (First Dance) Song: So Beautiful, by Musiq Soulchild
Do you have a honeymoon planned? Tell us about it.
We had an amazing honeymoon planned at Cocobay Resort in Antigua which was also our plan B option due to Covid, but it turned out beautifully. The resort caters more towards couples and most of their clientele celebrates their honeymoon there. All in all, we couldn’t have picked a better destination for our honeymoon.
Venue: Hotel Domestique
Planner: Maready & Co Events
Photographer: In His Image Photography
Cake: Amélie’s French Bakery & Café
Videographer: Chaz Reid Films
Wig Install: Mykaela Johnson
Hair Stylist: Darryel Hunter
Make Up Artist: JDMXCV
