Meet Ashley Black: South Wind's Lead Wedding Coordinator

Ashley Black, Lead Wedding Coordinator, and her family, pictured from left to right: Claiborne (husband), Clay (son), Ashley, Lauren (youngest daughter), Piper (oldest daughter).

Ashley Black has been a Wedding Coordinator at South Wind Ranch since December 2018. She has planned and coordinated numerous rehearsal dinners, ceremonies, and receptions in her two years at SWR. We love having Ashley on the SWR Team because she brings so much creativity and passion to the table, and goes above and beyond for our brides and grooms.

---

What made you want to become a wedding planner?

I have always loved creating a theme, decorating, and throwing a good party, so when I came across  South Wind Ranch on Instagram and noticed that they were hiring I squealed with delight and applied immediately! 

How long have you been at South Wind Ranch and what do you love about planning weddings at South Wind Ranch?

I have been with the ranch since December of 2018, so pretty much since the beginning. What’s not to love about the ranch?!  I love planning weddings at the ranch because:  

1. The beauty of the property reminds me of God's presence and handy work on a daily basis.

2.  Our team is unique and fun to work with. 

3. The team of vendors that we have built business relationships with are invaluable.

4. Our couples, each one brings their own story and vision to the ranch and it’s fun for me to work with them to make that vision come to life. 

What does your schedule look like on the day of a wedding? 

Organized chaos! I’m sort of a perfectionist so I like for things to be perfect. I often work right down to the wire fluffing things and making sure all the details that the couple wanted are in place. That’s normal though right?! 

In your opinion, is the planning process or the day of process more stressful? 

The day of process is definitely more stressful for me. I love it, but my OCD kicks in and kicks up the stress level a notch or two. 

What would your advice be for someone that is looking to get into the wedding planning industry?

Do it! It’s fun to be a small part of someone’s happily ever after. I have gained some really great connections in the business, made several new friends, cried with the mamas, cheered with the dads, danced with the brides, and witnessed so much love over the last two years! I wouldn’t take a minute of it back for the world even though I can't walk for at least two days after each wedding! 

A Look into Rachel & Jamison's Special Day

Rachel and Jamison got married last summer at Grace & Peace Presbyterian Church and held the reception here at South Wind Ranch. It was a beautiful night of celebration and we are glad that we were able to be a part of their big day.

---

When was your wedding?

July 27, 2019

What made you pick South Wind Ranch?

South Wind Ranch was the perfect balance between quaint and elegant. The spacious, open barn provided enough coverage that we didn’t have to worry about guests if it were to rain. The beautiful property gave us the assurance that our guests would get a feel for the Appalachian foothills which Jamison and I came to know as home. 

What was your favorite moment or memory from your wedding day?

Jamison and I had the most amazing, private dinner on top of the hill overlooking the venue. We could wave to our guests as they arrived from the ceremony while having alone time to process the significance of the day.

What was your wedding day like? How did you feel?

The day itself was filled with a feeling of palpable joy and delight! To be surrounded by loved ones all together celebrating such a momentous life milestone is a surreal feeling I find difficult to explain in words.

What inspired your wedding decor?

I would be lying if I didn’t say that years of Pinterest board pinning weren’t involved! However, the feeling I was going for was naturalistic meets rustic meets elegant.

Who did the catering, flowers, bridesmaid dresses, and bridal gown? 

Catering: Chef 360

Flowers: Carmen Gonzalez (the mom of one of my bridesmaids)

Bridal Gown: Cici’s Boutique in Tampa

What was the biggest challenge you faced during the wedding planning process?

We were lucky in the planning process to not face anything too dramatically difficult. My mom deserves a lot of props for this! She planned the tough logistics to a tee and let me in for all of the fun decisions. 

What was it like to have the Oscar Myer weinermobile drive you to your reception?

Truly, truly I have never experienced anything quite like driving up Poinsett highway in the weinermobile! First people would double take because it is the weinermobile and then they would triple take because they saw a bride and a groom in the window! It made the day even more special and celebratory.

Elopement Packages Now Available!

Micro-weddings are all the rage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and we here at South Wind Ranch want to provide you with every opportunity for you to have your special day without compromise. Do consider our new, inclusive, and affordable Elopement Packages. We look forward to starting your “forever” here at The Ranch.

Please contact us ASAP for availability- we are selling out fast!

Fall for South Wind Ranch

A recap on our Fall 2020 Styled Shoot.

Fall is simply the dreamiest time of year, or at least we here at South Wind Ranch think so. Crisp air, mountain sunsets, and allll the fall colors have gotten us excited for our fall weddings this season. Recently, we did a styled shoot to show all of you just how beautiful SWR is. It’s not too hard to imagine South Wind Ranch as the perfect location for your dream wedding.

---

The Vendors.

We showcased some of our premier partnered vendors in this season’s shoot. We believe good relationships are the key to good business.

The Florals.

Florist | Judith Witthoeft of Special Events by Design

Whether you want a small elopement bouquet or large floral installations, Judith has you covered. She knows exactly how to execute your vision. Meticulously detail-oriented, Judith will have every little petal in place. Plus, she is simply a joy to work with.

The Photos.

Emma League | Emma League Photo

Emma has natural-born talent of making everyone she was photographing feel comfortable. Her easy-going nature makes her the perfect photographer to capture your special day. And her work— I mean, look at it! It’s phenomenal.

The Cake.

Bakery | Carter Confectionaries

Simplistically designed and tasty, you can’t go wrong with Carter Confectionaries.

The Luxury Picnic.

Designer | Julieta Events

In times of social distancing, intimate gatherings have never been more sought after, and Julieta Events is the perfect vendor to optimize. Her luxuriously designed picnics are the perfect backdrop for bridal portraits, engagement parties, anniversary dinners, etc.

The Venue.

Venue | South Wind Ranch

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the beautiful backdrop of iconic South Wind Ranch. We’ve got 33 acres of natural beauty: a stunning view of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a glistening lake included. We’ve kept it natural for a reason: we believe our brides should choose how to design the wedding of their dreams, and utilizing the natural beauty The Ranch provides is the perfect Step 1.

Special Thanks

Wedding Coordinator | Ashley Black

Wedding Coordinator | Abby Leauge

Designer | Eleanore Ham

Assistant Wedding Coordinator | Jackie Faustin

Assistant Wedding Coordinator | Melisa Nordmeyer

Wedding Structure | Green the Grain

Young Love

Carly and Danyon are the sweet couple that tied the knot on Sunday, June 28th, 2020. They’re one of the youngest couples to have been married here at South Wind Ranch. When they were 16 Danyon joined Carly’s high school cross country team and I guess you could say the rest is history! From a young age, the couple had already been through a lot together, especially with the passing of Carly’s mother due to cancer. Their growth together insured their future and proved their love was a forever thing. About a year after Danyon took Carly to look at rings for fun, he decided it was time to pop the question. After a full day of doing Carly’s favorite things, Danyon said he wanted to show her a beautiful spot that overlooks the mountains before they went to dinner. It was there that he asked her to be his wife and she of course accepted!

When asked why they chose South Wind Ranch Carly said what most brides say, “I chose SWR because of the beautiful scenery. The ranch was so peaceful and quiet. It seemed to just fit my style”. She also loved how convenient it was to have everything at the same location.

Carly couldn’t thank Ashley and Ron enough for all of their help. She was so happy with how the day flowed so effortlessly and came together so beautifully. We asked her if there was anything she would like to add about her experience with South Wind Ranch and her response was, “This place is such a beautiful experience. The best part of it is that once you are married here you become a part of the ranch. You can come back anytime to take photos or visit! This easily was the most fun I have had. The best day ever!”

Carly and Danyon, we’re so happy that we could be a part of making your special day exactly what you wanted. We wish you the best and once again congratulate you both!

Neci Harris
Furman University
SWR Summer 2020 Intern

Photography by https://kapturesko.com/

COVID-19 Update as of March 18, 2020

This is a very difficult time. Emotions are high and decisions are tough. How can we be responsible, ethical, and in compliance with our country’s guidelines? Some people have real concerns, while others feel this situation is blown way out of proportion. How do we protect everyone and make good decisions? What to do? Our upcoming Brides & Grooms with weddings are in turmoil as we look to act responsibly. Greenville just closed all restaurants. TR has been deemed ground zero for treatment of the Corona Virus.

To respond to each event’s situation, SWR is revising our previous position of advanced cancellations to a week by week review. Therefore, decisions can be made with more current information. In addition, we will offer a “wavered” option. If someone wants to agree to a waiver of liability regarding the Corona Virus, then the SWR venue is available for your use on your designated day. This is in effect during this current climate.

Overall, SWR plans to error on the side of caution. The risk is great! Who knows who is carrying the virus? To inflict someone unknowingly would be a terrible situation. Each week we will be reevaluating the entire situation. Below are some of our current decisions. They are subject to change.

The health and safety of our South Wind Ranch staff, vendors and guests is our top priority.  With the ever-changing situation we wanted to discuss our approach to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 situation and notify every one of our CURRENT status.

SWR is reacting with the federal, state, and local guidelines, recommendations, and mandates.  Current trending recommendations have become mandatory within a few days. SWR reserves the right to change positions on all matters at any time and for any reason.

Furthermore, as good stewards of health and safety, we are monitoring the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control, and other government health and political agencies to ensure we have the latest information regarding the Corona-virus.  Any guidance we may receive from the government and professional health community that may ensure the health of our and staff, vendors and guests will be promptly addressed.

SWR will be as accommodating, sympathetic, and understanding as we can possibly be as we navigate through uncharted territories. We understand this is a precious moment in your life and that anxiety levels are elevated. We want to work as a team and do everything we can to assist in putting this puzzle back together.

There are several options we will consider:

Keep your current event date. Limit attendance to South Carolina mandatory requirements. Possibly add a live stream of the ceremony. If just the ceremony is held, SWR will reserve a later date for you to host a larger celebration party. Available rescheduling dates are now being determined and will be sent to each impacted bride soon.  Ceremonies would be limited to a 90-minute time period. Cake and beverage are suggested after ceremony.

Reschedule event to an open date. SWR is compiling an open date schedule to distribute in the next few days. SWR does not have many Saturday dates available for 2020 and many Saturdays are already reserved in 2021. You may have to consider a Sunday or weekday for a reschedule date. Selection of dates will not begin until we have a better vision of the future. We ask that all Brides review the dates once distributed and pick a few dates that could work and be prepared to select an open date once rescheduling begins. Brides will select dates in the order their wedding was canceled.

Reschedule Ceremony. 2-hour time slots available on specified dates. Suggest cake and beverages after ceremony. Multiple Ceremonies could take place in a day. Live stream is another option. A future date would be reserved for SWR to host a larger party.

If you have any questions regarding our South Wind Ranch operations during this time, please contact me at (864) 385-4101 email me at ron@southwindranchtr.com

Sincerely,

Ron Hakala, Owner

South Wind Ranch

Introducing the Larsons

Ashley and Joe tied the knot on a beautiful Fall day at South Wind Ranch. The two are both ER nurses and met a work. One evening they had planned to go out with coworkers, but little did they know, their coworkers would cancel and they’d go on their accidental first date. Ashley told us their relationship sparked over dinner and that they have been inseparable ever since.

Their engagement story makes us melt! Joe proposed to Ashley in their kitchen among their three dogs. Joe told Ashley the reason he chose to propose there was because she had made their house feel like a home, and he wanted her to feel at home forever with him. Their relationship started with their ER work family, and they continue to be a big part of their story. Ashley said that the doctors they work with were fighting over who would get to go to their wedding.

 We asked Ashley to describe a special moment she experienced at The Ranch and we loved her response! Ashley told us that as a self-proclaimed procrastinator, she waited until the week of the wedding to write her vows. She was hoping that the emotions of the wedding week would make the words come easier. As she sat on the front porch of the Bridal Suite, watching the hustle and bustle down at the Barn, every word she wanted to say came to her. South Wind Ranch has been special to Ashley from the beginning. She toured the property on a rainy and cold February day. Despite the dreary day, she said “I looked at Ron and said, ‘This is it – this is where I need to marry Joe.”

 Ashley told us that the Bridal Suite was an important deciding factor for choosing South Wind Ranch as a venue. She said, “having all the girls together the night before, and being able to wake up the day of without being rushed was a dream.” Ashley’s mom, grandmothers and aunts all came to the Bridal Suite to get ready with the bridesmaids on the big day. Ashley’s hair and makeup artists breezed through the getting ready process which made the day stress free. Ashley said, “you don’t realize how much it makes a difference until you have the suite for the whole day.”

 When asked if she had any special thoughts on the venue, vendors or guests, Ashley said, “Where to even begin? I could rave and rave and RAVE about Ron and his team at South Wind. Not only were they extremely helpful in the planning process, the day of, Ron was the BEST. He drove me around on his golf cart the whole night, anywhere I needed to go, hauling my makeup bag and my curling iron around should I need it in an emergency, and holding my glass of wine while I hopped on and off the golf cart for pictures.” We loved making you feel as special as you are, Ashley!

 While talking with Ashley, one specific thing she said really stood out. She told us, “We are just very lucky with the amount of love and support we received from everyone, and that’s what makes you know your relationship is the real deal when you see how many people support you and get excited for your special day. And boy was it a special day!” Ashley and Joe, your sweet friends and family surrounding you on your wedding day were a testament to the great couple that you are. We are so glad that we could host your wedding day here at South Wind Ranch and hope that married life is treating you fabulously!

Vendors:

Kaitlyn Blake Photography / photographer / https://kaitlynblakephotography.com
Carina Studios / videographer / https://www.carinastudios.com
Reeves Catering / caterer / http://www.reevescatering.com / Greenville, SC
Clay Christy / entertainment / clay.christy@academymortage.com           
Eliene Barrett / coordination / eilenebarrett@gmail.com
Buttercream Bakehouse / cake / https://www.buttercreambakehouse.com
South Wind Ranch / Venue / www.southwindranchtr.com

A Photographer’s Dream

Every photographer has a bucket list filled with dreamy locations for their shoots.

For photographer Leslie Kerrigan, South Wind Ranch was one of those dream locations.

Our Story

Nestled in the heart of beautiful Travelers Rest, South Wind Ranch brings a photographer’s lens to life. From every angle, you will capture nature’s beauty. You will capture it through its 33 sprawling acres of rolling hills, a 3-acre lake filled with reflecting sunsets, and stunning views of the North Carolina mountains. All you have to do is smile.

Behind the Lens with Leslie

Every photographer is inspired by someone or something. For Leslie Kerrigan, she was first inspired by her kids, bringing their joy and laughter to life through her photos. She decided to make her photography into a business, and soon high schoolers were running to her for their senior pictures. They were drawn to her fun, bright, and cheery style.

From the photographer: I loved connecting with young women during their senior year in high school and telling their story through my photos.  I love to get to know each client, figure out what makes them unique, and showcase their personality through the photos.

The Aesthetic Vision of the Venue

On April 30th, Leslie took her fun, bright, and cheery style to South Wind Ranch to film a photoshoot and promo video with a group of high school girls. As a photographer, she was immediately drawn to the aesthetic vision of the venue. The natural farm feel helped Leslie capture her vision perfectly and felt like everything was pairing in the color palette. The girls’ soft, boho looks, the vibrant backdrop of South Wind Ranch, and the energy that radiated between the camera and the girls truly made for a successful photoshoot.

From the photographer: The entire feel from the minute you turn down the driveway was perfect for the photoshoot.  The pond, the fields, the building and everything else was designed with a modern farmhouse feel and it really made the photoshoot a success.

A Photographers Dream Location

Many photographers create images that paint a picture, tell a story, or evoke a certain emotional connection between the image and the audience. Leslie Kerrigan took a leap of faith and beautifully painted her picture, told her story, at South Wind Ranch. There were many locations for her to choose as backdrops and the venue provided plenty of space to create lots of images. Leslie’s favorite locations included outside with the beautiful trees and tall grasses, near the reflecting pond, and inside the stunning barn.

From the photographer: I think it’s unique and different in our area to have such a beautiful spot not far from downtown. I think it would be a wonderful spot for lots of different types of events and photoshoots. From weddings to after prom parties to graduation parties to photoshoots, there is so much to choose from with the different areas at South Wind Ranch. It gives the feeling of Magnolia Plantation in Texas right here in Greenville. And who doesn’t love Chip and Joanna and that modern farmhouse feel!

Senior Shoot Collection by LKP Photography

Thank you Leslie Kerrigan for sharing your story at South Wind Ranch!
Check out her website: http://lesliekerriganphotography.com/

South Wind Ranch