There's something truly delightful about a venue that sits atop a mountain, surrounded by misty blue hills. Madison and Zach's Silver Hearth Lodge wedding on Bent Mountain, VA, was fun and relaxed. As a wedding photographer, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do. Come with me as I show you their amazing day at Silver Hearth Lodge.
Imagine exchanging vows with the love of your life, surrounded by dramatic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sounds like a dream, right? For Madison and Zach, that dream became a reality on a warn autumn day—October 11, 2024—at Silver Hearth Lodge on Bent Mountain, VA.
From the moment the guests stepped into the lodge, a sense of tranquility enveloped them. All thanks to the surrounding natural beauty. The rustic charm of the lodge paired beautifully with the stunning vistas, creating an ideal setting for the wedding. Madison and Zach approached their big day with a refreshing sense of ease, prioritizing enjoyment over the stress of details. Silver Hearth Lodge provided an intimate yet spacious environment that was ideal for celebrating their love with their family and friends around them.
Madison and Zach met six years ago while working in Christiansburg and their relationship grew through adventures outside and brewery visits along with dog hikes. Zach asked Madison to marry him at the summit of their hike which served as a beautiful way to honor their passion for nature. It’s no surprise that their wedding day would also be filled with stunning views, laughter, and a connection to the great outdoors.
Madison joined her bridal party to prepare for the wedding in Vista View Hall's comfortable bridal suite during a peaceful morning. Her mother put the finishing touches on her veil while the air stayed filled with soft conversations and laughter.
The guys spent their morning leisurely at the Sugar Camp outdoor cabin situated on the property. The girls tried to sneak a look through the windows to discover what they were doing. This is where having a second photographer was invaluable—I wouldn’t have been able to be in two places at once!
Guests assembled at the domed wrought-iron wedding gazebo to start the ceremony while enjoying a breathtaking 180-degree view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One of the funniest moments of the day occurred when Zach’s brother, the best man, realized he forgot the rings in the middle of the ceremony and had to sprint off to get them. The crowd burst into laughter, and Madison and Zach couldn’t help but join in. Their easygoing personalities together with their special day's joy came together perfectly during that moment.
Following the ceremony guests moved to Vista View Hall within the grand red barn which had chandeliers and wood-burning fireplaces along with a high-tech dance floor. The hall radiated warmth, both literally and figuratively, as guests savored a delicious meal and shared heartfelt toasts. One of the most touching moments of the evening was when Madison gifted her bouquet to her mother—a beautiful gesture that highlighted the family-centered atmosphere of the day. Zach also presented a watch to his father, a special keepsake to commemorate the occasion.
One of the challenges we faced during the day was the diminishing light as the wedding stretched into the evening. To tackle this, we made sure to capture some portraits earlier when the mountains were bathed in sunlight, ensuring we got the best possible shots despite the ceremony's timing.
As night fell, the mountain air turned cooler, but the atmosphere remained warm. Most of the guests hit the dance floor. Others gathered outside around the fire pits, flames casting a gentle glow on their faces. They roasted marshmallows and made s’mores—a delightful way to wrap up a perfect day. The relaxed and playful spirit of the evening was evident in these moments, with everyone relishing the simple joys of the fire, dances and the company of loved ones.
Among the many beautiful moments I captured, my favorite images were of Madison and Zach strolling through the expansive property with the mountains in the background. The way they held hands, laughed, and interacted felt so genuine, truly reflecting their relationship—filled with love, adventure, and lighthearted fun.
During our conversations, Madison said, "We just want to be surrounded by the people we love and have fun together." This simple yet meaningful statement perfectly captures the essence of their relationship—rooted in love, laughter, and the joy of sharing life’s adventures with those who matter most.
As their photographer, it was an honor to encapsulate the essence of Madison and Zach’s love—rich in adventure, humor, and tenderness. The mountaintop setting at Silver Hearth Lodge served as the ideal backdrop for telling their story, with every moment reflecting the beauty and authenticity of their bond. Their wedding was a celebration of love, family, and the simple pleasures of life, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it!
Ceremony & Reception | Silver Hearth Lodge
Second Photographer | Grace Saville Photography
Transportation | Beats Per Mile Entertainment
Bridal Gown | Anthropologie Weddings
Hair & Make-up | The Refinery Studio
Catering | Bella Events Catering
Planner | The Planning Bee
Cake | Kupkakery Bakery
Florist | Blossom & Bliss
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