Lindsey and Andrew’s December 2, 2023 wedding at Crest Center in Asheville had a music plan that ran from solo piano at the ceremony to a full evening of dancing. Michael Freas photographed their celebration.
Their ceremony plan used the Overlook Deck at 4, with “Dreams” by The Cranberries for the wedding party, The Beatles’ “Something” for the bride, and Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” for the recessional. Cocktails followed inside, then dinner at 5:45 and formal dances at 6:30.
The Crest Center and its separate Pavilion offer different event spaces. The Center’s deck and west-facing mountain views make the outdoor portion worth discussing with your photographer, but a December plan also needs an indoor alternative that everyone understands.
Your first dance can come after dinner
You do not have to go straight from the entrance into your first dance. Lindsey and Andrew planned theirs after dinner, keeping that group of formal moments together before open dancing. Ask your planner and caterer where the dances fit best, then share the order with the band.
They chose Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” shortened to roughly three minutes. Try dancing to your choice at home and note the parts you want to keep. Ask for a natural ending, and agree on the arrangement before learning choreography. The photographer should know when that ending is coming.
Allow time for portraits and for guests to move indoors. Check that the first dance won’t overlap dinner service or the photos you want.
Venue: Crest Center, Asheville, NC
Photography: Michael Freas
Send us your Crest Center wedding date and the ceremony and reception spaces you’re considering. We’ll help work out the music.