Category Archives: Blossoms at Biltmore Park

wedding festivals asheville bridal show – tomorrow!

I can’t believe it is already time for the next Wedding Festivals bridal show!  The show is tomorrow evening from 4:00 – 9:00 at the Asheville Civic Center lower level.  I would love for you to come by my booth so that we can chat!  I am always just across from the concession stand.

I am offering a “For His Eyes Only” special to all those who attend and am happy to extend the offer to all other brides current and past and their friends.  “For His Eyes Only” is an intimate portrait session that celebrates YOU with timeless, elegant imagery.  The session hints at sensuality, without being blatantly sexual.  Email me if you are interested in finding out more information:  info@reginaholder.com

Here are a couple images from the January show:

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nadine and brandon – champagne cellar, biltmore estate

Nadine and Brandon came from Arkansas to get married at Biltmore!  How cool is that!  When she first contacted me, I was worried about what I could possibly do with 7 people for 6 hours.  LOL!  The couple, her son and both sets of parents were the whole wedding party.  Luckily, Donna Germano played throughout the dinner and that made 8.  When I arrived, Nadine was getting her hair done, Brandon was laying on one bed and her son was playing video games on the other one.  Nothing about their wedding was traditional!  Nadine’s dress was wowser!!!  When they came by the day before the wedding to meet me and go over everything, they told me how much they didn’t like having their photos taken.  They did their initial meeting down in the lobby and then we took off around Biltmore for couple shots.  We were almost late for the ceremony, because they were so excited about the different places on the Estate to take photos.  As always, Blossoms at Biltmore Park did a beautiful job on the floral design.  

Click here for Nadine and Brandon’s slideshow.

 

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kristen and paul – copper crest

I was lucky enough to be hired by Kristen when my friend Corey was already booked for her date.  Kristen is one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever met.  We talk on the phone for hours at a time about everything and nothing.  I will be sad when she moves to England soon to finally be with her new hubby, Paul.  They met in Italy and have had a loooong distance relationship with brief moments of absolute happiness.  Paul had to return home after the honeymoon in Alaska alone.  *sigh* I had to send photos to Kristen so she could put them with her VISA paperwork to prove that it is a real marriage.  I dare the British government to look at these photos of Kristen and Paul and not know without a doubt that they are madly in love and blissfully happy!  Paul is in the British Navy and wore his dress uniform.  Kristen was full of pranks and had the DJ play “Yellow Submarine” during the cake cutting, everyone sang along.  For a guy that lives where it is never hot and was wearing WOOL in the incredible heat, he had a great attitude!  The lovely Kristen was very sneaky and had TWO beautiful dresses, but about 8:30, it was so hot that everyone went and changed.  I love the kids on the dancefloor in their swimsuits. 

Jennifer King from Verge Events helped make the day run smoothly, even with a big rain shower right before the outdoor ceremony.  Thank goodness she and Nicole were able to handle everything and not stress the bride out!  The very talented Heather Bryson from The Look came up from Charlotte to do hair and makeup and made the girls look beautiful!!!  My neighbors, Blossoms at Biltmore Park, did an absolutely fabulous job on the floral design.  The bouquets were gorgeous and had cool pearl letters for each girl’s initial.  Chef Jordan at Copper Crest is amazing and a huge part of where they chose to have the wedding.  Rev. Tim Lolley is so incredible and the couples really love him!  Sisters McMullen always does beautiful and delicious cakes.

Special thanks to Danny for tagging along on the first part of this one.  The guys were a lot of fun!

Click here to see the wedding slideshow.

 

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regina holder photographer – grand opening party

I was so excited to finally have my studio ready to have people over to celebrate my grand opening. My studio is at Biltmore Park, One Town Square, just off I-26 at Long Shoals Road. Even though I found this incredible space last fall, I was moving residences and in the busiest month of the year, so I didn’t really utilize it until January when the first clients met with me. For the party, I invited wedding vendors that I have worked with, a few that I really hope to work with and some close photographer friends over for some chocolate martinis and hors d’ oeuvres. I can’t tell you how incredible it was to have so many awesome people come by to celebrate with me!

I have so many people to thank:

My friend and fellow photographer, Corey Cagle, who helped me carry in everything, rearrange furniture and hang the new canvas prints. She is always such a huge support to me and I appreciate her so much!!!!

Nicole from Verge Events talked me through numerous frantic phone calls and helped me figure out everything. There were so many things that I had never thought of. She was a lifesaver at the last minute and I couldn’t have done it without her.

Blossoms at Biltmore Park – Audrey made the GORGEOUS floral arrangements. They were perfect!!! and Alan saved the day when the bags I bought for the cookies were too small.

Nick at 28806 Deli did an amazing job with the food. I LOVE the mini ruebens that they do (and I don’t even really like ruebens that much). Everything was incredible and he even came back the next day to pick everything up.

Dylan from Blazin Sounds Entertainment set up custom lighting for the party. I love that he was able to take a boring flourescent lit hallway and uplight it purple to set the environment. He even projected stars on the black ceiling – how cool!

Penelope at Classic Event Rental, who got stuck at work and didn’t make it to the party, was so fantastic and had even referred a bride to me the day after I talked to her. Here’s the big “green” tip of the day – rent your plates! It is way cheaper and much nicer than paper or plastic.

Lisa McMillan, Exquisite Events, who bless her was sick with the flu, was still worried about helping me. She came by with all the martini shakers early that morning so she wouldn’t get anyone sick.

My friends at LaCour in Atlanta sent flowers since they couldn’t come and the sweetest note that absolutely made my day. My friends and baby clients Emily and Dawn sent a beautiful orchid that I get to enjoy – it’s even purple and brown! A special thanks also to my former brides and friends, Jennifer and Rita, that bartended and were both a HUGE help!


Karen from Brown’s Floral Design laughs as Corey Cagle races to get out of this room shot.


Patti from Shay Brown Events, Maggie Schlubach and Telle from Chez Nous


I LOVE this arrangement from Blossoms at Biltmore Park!


The signature Godiva chocolate martinis.


I yummy mini ruebens and mini bleu cheese burgers from 28806.


Nicole and Corey McNabb, whose wife Jill is the queen of the martini. I hate that she wasn’t able to join us!


Maura from Honey Darling Events


Jill, Maggie, Corey and Nicole


Maura and me!


Stacey from Bloom Room and me!


The “after party” in the hall to show off Dylan’s lights.


Dana shows her brother and the others the cool plaque she made for my birthday.


Dylan and his lovely wife Xochilt chilling on the couch. Corey Cagle took this fun shot (and many of the others!)

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new office – biltmore park

Today was an exciting day! I got the keys to my new office space at Biltmore Park!!!

I have been meeting clients at the different coffee places and at their homes for the past 7 years. It has been very frustrating not having my own dedicated space with photos on the walls. Plus, I have to drag my albums around in a rolling suitcase and make the statement, “I’ll be the one with the luggage.” so that people know how to find me. This summer has been especially difficult with the popularity of the iced coffees. It seems every time I go to say something, they turn on the blender.

I had initially called Biltmore Park back in November about one of their synergy suites, which is a small office with access to a conference room. I have been on their waiting list for months. I just happened to see a sign in downtown Asheville a few weeks ago for an office that I really loved on Pack Square in the historic Jackson Building, but parking was a serious concern. I was very close to signing a lease with them when I decided I wanted to look at other offices. Nate at Beverly Hanks Commercial came to the rescue. Nate went to a commercial property meeting and came back with 2 options at Biltmore Park. I ended up with a much bigger office, 513 sq feet, as a sublease in One Town Square. Nate has been awesome and I really appreciate all that he went through to get me into the best possible space!

During the process, I have gotten to know Nicole at Verge Events, who has her office at Two Town Square. She has been wonderful and will be helping me with my grand opening. I am also excited to be near Blossoms at Biltmore Park, who have done some of the most incredible floral arrangements this summer. I will let everyone know when I am open and ready for you to stop by! I can’t wait to get started. Here are some before images:

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