When Markee and Aaron planned this fun-filled fall wedding at Canaan Valley Resort, they had no idea that we would all wake up to snowflakes on their wedding day! The cabins and lodge kept everyone warm and cozy to celebrate the big day.
“You make me complete where I have missing pieces.”
Aaron and Markee and their families planned this wedding to perfectly match their personalities, and that came through every detail of their day. They both love the mountains and the outdoors, so Canaan Valley was a natural location for their wedding day. Though they had planned to have their ceremony on the top of the mountain, the comfort of their family and friends took priority. As the day turned frigid, Aaron and the groomsmen set to work transitioning Bear Paw Lodge to host their ceremony. They did an amazing job arranging the carefully planned details and creating the perfect cozy environment for a wedding ceremony.
They spent the morning in neighboring cabins, preparing for their wedding ceremony. Both Aaron and Markee exchanged gifts with their parents before briefly meeting for an emotional letter & gift exchange.
One of my favorite parts about Canaan Valley Resort are the deer that roam freely around They are so used to people that they aren’t the least bit scared of us. You don’t grow up in WV without being aware of the damage a deer can do. Though they look sweet and calm, they have horns and hooves, and can be really powerful animals. I’m usually not bothered by them, but this weekend, I swear, one big boy had it out for me. We usually take a few minutes at each of our weddings to grab a few details shots of items that are important to our couples. On this day, we decided to go outside because the light was so pretty. I got to work setting up the wedding rings on Markee’s boots, and Chris stepped back inside to grab a piece of camera gear. I was so focused on what I was doing that I failed to notice a HUGE buck wandering my way until Chris came back out and started hissing at me “Do not move.” He was so close I could have reached out and petted him….but since I value my life, I kept still until he decided to move on.
We met again later in the day, as I was walking between cabins to set everything up for the first look. I came fast walking around a corner and ended up face to face with him. I slowly backed away and lived to film another wedding!
Heartfelt Personal Vows
Of course, our favorite part of any wedding day will always be those heartfelt vows! (Though the antics of the ringbearer were definitely a close second for me). In addition to exchanging their handwritten vows, Markee and Aaron also participated in a braiding ceremony and presented flowers to their mothers.
After the ceremony, we took just a few minutes run around the resort and capture Markee and Aaron in some of the most scenic parts of the valley. Though it was chilly, seeing the mist coming down off the mountain and all the deer roaming around make it totally worth it.
The party continued long into the night with DJ Sean Nice. Every inch of the reception space had little pieces of decor to share parts of their story, from their engagement photos and photos of family, to notes and good wishes from their guests, and super cute custom mugs they had made for family members.
Vendors:
Video: WV MotionWorks
Photo: Jessica Marie Photography
Cake: My Little Cupcake, LLC
Venue: Canaan Valley Resort
Entertainment: DJ Sean Nice
Officiant: Gary Layfield
Photo Booth: Selfie Studios
If you’re dreaming of a wedding at Canaan Valley, or anywhere else in WV, we’d love to film it. Contact us today to take the first steps in booking your wedding video with MotionWorks Wedding Films.