Hawkesdene wedding photographer

Weekend weddings at the private mountain estate in Andrews, NC, from a photographer twenty minutes down the road.

Hawkesdene is a private estate in the mountains outside Andrews, NC, built for weddings that last a weekend. Your people stay in the main house and the cottages, meals come out of the estate's own kitchen, and nobody else is on the property. It has the feel of a place where everyone is invited to come and stay a while.

If you've just come from the Hawkesdene site, you've seen the pavilion, the covered bridge, and the alpacas. From behind a camera, what sets Hawkesdene apart is how close together everything is. The walk from a cottage to the ceremony is a string of pictures.

What it's like to photograph here

The covered bridge and the creek. The most photographed spot on the estate, and it earns it. The creek runs under it with smaller bridges along the way.

The bamboo forest. Green, quiet, and nothing like anywhere else in these mountains. It's a short walk and worth it.

The barn and its balcony. The ivy-covered barn has a balcony that works for portraits and for a quiet minute away from the crowd.

Hawkes Nest. The overlook above the property is where we go for sunset. If the sky cooperates, it's the picture people frame.

The cottages. Getting-ready photos here have texture and window light. Nobody is crowded into a hotel suite.

Working with me at Hawkesdene

I focus on the moments while you live them.

Hawkesdene weekends are long and full, so I build the timeline around the light and the walking distances. I know the team, I know the property, and Andrews is twenty minutes from my house in Murphy. I'm not finding my way around on your wedding day.

Planning notes for a Hawkesdene wedding

  • Put Hawkes Nest in the timeline early. Getting up there takes some planning, and sunset doesn't wait. We'll set the time together.
  • Watch the season. In November the sun is down around 5:30, so ceremonies move earlier and the evening runs indoors. In summer you have light until nearly nine.
  • Rain has a plan. The pavilion and the barn keep things going. Wet days here can look soft and moody in a good way.
  • Ask about the animals. The alpacas and llamas are part of the place. If you want them in a picture, tell me ahead of time and we'll ask the staff.

Weddings at Hawkesdene

Amelia and Jim got married at Hawkesdene in November. Holly Strawn of Harpp Flower Farm made Amelia's bouquet: deep reds and burgundy with soft pink.

Deep red and burgundy wedding bouquet by Harpp Flower Farm at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis

Overlook gazebo above fall color at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisBride and groom under her veil at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis
Ceremony under a wooden arch at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisVeil blowing over the mountain view at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis
Couple in the woods by the creek at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisCouple walking back up the aisle at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisEngagement ring on fall flowers at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis

Cherie and Robert said their vows under white drapes, then took champagne up to the overlook. The night ended with a sparkler send-off.

Couple on the overlook deck with mountains behind at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisChampagne kiss above the mountains at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis
Ceremony under white drapes at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisRing exchange at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis
Champagne pour at the overlook at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan BaerreisSparkler send-off after dark at Hawkesdene in Andrews, NC, by Nathan Baerreis

Let's talk

Getting married at Hawkesdene, or still deciding on the estate? Send me a note. I'm usually back within a day. If you'd like to see packages first, they're over here.

Also nearby: Murphy, NC wedding photography, Nantahala Weddings & Events, and McGuire's Millrace Farm.