Sophie & Ryan’s Biltmore Estate Wedding in Asheville, NC

As a Carolina wedding photographer, one of my favorite places to capture love stories is the iconic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Sophie and Ryan’s wedding there was everything couples dream of—vibrant, heartfelt, and filled with thoughtful details that reflected who they are together.

From Late-Night Study Sessions to a Love Story

Sophie Minnick and Ryan Zirkle’s story began during their freshman year of college. Both engineering majors, they first met while studying for a class, but it was their sophomore year when things really clicked. Living next door to each other in their sorority and fraternity houses, their friend groups overlapped until the two of them found themselves staying up until 6 a.m. one night—listening to music, dancing, and realizing they never wanted the night to end. From then on, their connection grew stronger, and the rest was history.

A Proposal Full of Spontaneous Chaos

When it came time to propose, Ryan pulled off something unforgettable—though not exactly how he originally planned. The couple headed to Topsail Beach, where Sophie had gone to high school, for a weekend getaway. Ryan had just picked up the ring the day before and hadn’t planned to propose yet. Over dinner, he nervously admitted to Sophie that he had asked her family for permission and started spilling his plans.

Realizing the surprise was ruined, he made a bold move: he stayed up all night, drove eight hours round trip back to Charlotte to pick up the ring and gather flowers, candles, and champagne—while Sophie slept. The next evening, he proposed at their cozy Airbnb right after sunset. It was the perfect mix of spontaneity, chaos, and love - exactly them.

A Wedding That Felt Like Them

Sophie and Ryan describe themselves as night owls who love simple nights in—games, music, a bottle of wine, and maybe some fast food over extravagant outings. Their wedding reflected that same balance of fun and authenticity.

They envisioned a colorful and joyful celebration with modern touches mixed with a few vintage details. Sophie also included heartfelt tributes to her late father, Butch, throughout the day—encouraging guests to wear blue (his favorite color), reserving his seat at the ceremony with a framed photo, and honoring “the love that came before us” with a memory table. Even their cats, Beans and Peanut, made a subtle appearance as mini cake toppers!

The Bride, The Groom, and The Party

Sophie looked radiant in her Milla Nova Amika gown - a dress very different from what she originally pictured herself in but one that made her feel elegant and sophisticated. She accessorized with deeply sentimental pieces: a pearl bracelet her mom wore on her wedding day and a pearl necklace gifted by her grandmother. Bridesmaids glowed in blush Birdy Grey gowns, and Sophie surprised both her mom and Ryan’s mom with mini recreations of their own wedding bouquets instead of corsages.

Ryan looked sharp in his classic tux from Men’s Warehouse, supported by lifelong friends, his brother-in-law, and his dad Kevin as best man.

Favorite Moments

Sophie was most excited for their first look - not only because she couldn’t keep the secret of her dress any longer, but because she wanted those quiet moments with Ryan before the day unfolded. And let me tell you - it did not disappoint. Many of our photo plans went out the window due to rain, but Sophie and Ryan were so in the moment and happy to celebrate their love that nothing else mattered. The moment their eyes met on the first look was so magical and meaningful. Standing there, in the pouring rain, overlooking the Biltmore, they were both overcome with emotions and pure love for each other. That moment melted every ounce of nerves away, and shortly after, the sun came out and shone for their beautiful day!

Their ceremony, officiated by Sophie’s uncle, Mickey, was heartfelt and intimate. Her brother Alex walked her down the aisle, while family proudly watched, wearing shades of blue in honor of her dad.

The reception was colorful and fun from start to finish. Guests were greeted with champagne on arrival, the dance floor stayed full thanks to DJ Troy from Carolina DJ Professionals, and a lively crew - not to mention big head cutouts of, Beans and Peanut, their adorable cats!

Vendor Team That Brought It All Together

• Photography: Aubrey Elizabeth Photography

• Venue: Biltmore Estate

• Planner: Carolina Love Events (Nikki Sciurba)

• Florals: Stigma & Style

• Dress: Milla Nova (Amika)

• Bridesmaids Dresses: Birdy Grey

• Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

• Hair & Makeup: Powder Me Pretty

• Shoes: Dolce Vita

• DJ: Carolina DJ Professionals (Troy)

• Catering & Cake: Biltmore

• Invitations: Minted

• Transportation: Gray Line Asheville

• Officiant: Mickey Minnick

Planning Your Own Biltmore Estate Wedding?

The Biltmore is one of North Carolina’s most breathtaking venues and always a favorite of mine to photograph. Whether you’re planning something colorful and modern like Sophie and Ryan, or an intimate celebration full of personal details, your story deserves to be captured beautifully.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at the Biltmore—or anywhere in Asheville or Charlotte—reach out to Aubrey Elizabeth Photography. I’d love to tell your story.

✨ This version puts the spotlight on their proposal, personality as a couple, and colorful, meaningful wedding details while keeping the rain just a small part of the story.