Asheville, North Carolina, wedding photographer Michael Freas describes this wedding at Sunset Groves as “Old World Miami”, bringing to mind the bright colors, festive vibe, and Cuban influences of the area.

As Freas explains, the bride grew up in Miami and the ceremony tucked away into the middle of an orange grove lent a bit of nostalgia to the event. “The whole old-world vibe resonated throughout the details and florals, and overall, it felt tropical. The palm thatch shelters were very South Florida, too. I was really impressed with Sunset Groves, which had some great tropical plants throughout the space.” That helped him document the day by drawing in on the emotions as well as the details—lush palm leaves and trees, flashes of sunset orange, and a mouth-watering cake complete with tropical plant decorations.

Freas especially loved the moments during the ceremony and the toasts during the reception. “After getting to know couple Joelle and Leo via Zoom for a year, it was great to hear their friends say the things I had learned about them,” he recalls. “Family was a centerpiece for this Sunset Groves wedding, which significantly helped the storyline in my eyes.”

When we asked Freas about the challenges of the day he said this wedding had an unusual one. “I recall peacocks pecking at their reflections in the Maid of Honor’s car which left it dented and scratched up massively”. Who knew peacocks could be so pretty and hard to deal with? But no worries, he assures. After all, Freas’ motto is, “Let things happen and document the chaos as it unfolds.”  He tries his best not to interject or set things up. “I encourage dance floor pandemonium but also intimate sneak-aways for my couples. For me, it’s all about being a ‘friend with a camera’ and just being in their shadow, helping them remember the best day of their lives.

Note from Freas: "Thanks to Tyler Wirken, Ken Pak, and Lanny and Erika Mann for “helping me get there! I couldn’t ask for better mentors!”

What a nice way to share the love!

For more from Michael Freas, visit his profile at World’s Best Wedding Photos.

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