Lacey R Butler 2/26/26 Lacey R Butler 2/26/26

High as Heaven | Mountain Engagement

This image actually won an award of some kind (WPJA)

AN Obvious favorite session.

How could I miss posting this session? I love people who were a/ game for anything b/ said yes to any idea c/ are gorgeous and d/ in love.

We headed to the Linville area for this one. I have to admit that at one point I got a little dizzy, shooting from so high and moving around and watching them run around. It was absolutely breath taking (and thank you for grabbing my hand that one time!!). Absolutely loved working with you, and I hope you are enjoying marital bliss <3

As Slim Shady says, you only get one shot.. do not miss your chance. Ha!

This one was truly fun and I am very happy with having worked with you two! The very best wishes, L.

Lacey R Butler 11/4/25 Lacey R Butler 11/4/25

Biltmore Proposal | Asheville Engagement Photography

This is my favorite picture of this proposal… capturing emotion and movement, with a pinch of beauty at the BILTMORE makes me so happy. It’s so REAL though, how can you not love this moment?

What I can say is that Haylee is a dispatcher and thought she knew all the firemen in her area but low and behold this one… at the very right moment in life, they met. And the rest is history. Romantic and real.

This is a perfect example of an amazing session that never made it to social media. The warmth of summer invites many booking and in the rush to send the final images to the client, I missed out on showing these off. I absolutely love them. I just don’t always find the time to share.

As an experienced Asheville photographer, I know the Biltmores secret spots, like this one, and many other local areas too! I would love to work with creative people- like you- those who love art, nature, and the beauty of documenting life’s real moments. Reach out to see if I’m available to work on your date 8287776186

Lacey R Butler 10/30/25 Lacey R Butler 10/30/25

Hawksbill Proposal Photography

In the height of summer, Nathan contacted me. Surprising his love on their first hike of the day on the top of Hawksbill near Linville Cove on the parkway was worth the journey and the hike! Actually, if I’m hiking it’s like I”m getting paid to do two things I adore. Documenting love is my first love, and hiking well. Have we met?

While some men are just checking they have the ring… Nathan was making sure he packed extra change of clothes for him and Kelly. And also fake nails. We took a few minutes to look at those and then ignored them.

While I struggled to race down the mountain, got lost and met both a very high wizard looking dude and then a stranger gave me a ride to my car and became a friend.. they raced down the right direction and hiked yet another amazing vista.

I’m so absolutely honored by every wedding, elopement, proposal or engagement, and distance is never an issue. RoadTrip is my middle name. From Asheville to Linville to.. wherever you roam.

Lacey R Butler 9/30/25 Lacey R Butler 9/30/25

Autumn in Pisgah Forest

Being a photographer in Asheville, North Carolina is a dream. I remember when I first wanted to be a photographer, and someone said “everyone wants to do that, why would you be able to?” and I dont know that I had a reply or even tried. But I think often about the truth of that and that if you want something, you just do it. You don’t have to worry about it too much.

Or maybe I’m blessed. When I started, I used to immediately pray for every lead- and for every phone call. If it was for me, let them book me. Let me do a good job. Before a wedding, let everything go smoothly, let them love my work, let me not say something really out there.

I can tell you I go to great lengths to get laughs so yes, I say some really out there things. Grateful for the laughs and connections. I think my photography shows the connection I try to make with every single client.

Sometimes I may not speak the language that my clients do, but thankfully, the love still resonate. Capturing emotion between couples is one of my very favorite things in life.

What’s the difference between an engagement session and an anniversary session?

Nothing. You’ll both probably still be nervous about being in front of the camera, and I’ll still help you with clothing ideas, color choices, suggest locations and time. I’ll pose you between trying to get to know you and make you laugh and play. And pose, did I say pose? But I like my posing more loosely resembling of cuddling in a Hallmark movie, not stiff. And both are going to take place outdoors. I can count on one hand the number of indoor sessions I’ve done, though one was in an antique movie theater, and I’d do that again.

I would love to photograph you and your love- engagement photography or married couples portraits, anniversary or just for fun! The beauty of Western North Carolina is the perfect reason, any time of year. I have ideas! Let’s chat.

Lacey, (828) 777-6186

Lacey R Butler 4/28/24 Lacey R Butler 4/28/24

Mount Airy Farm

The venue’s reflecting pond is often still and perfectly glassy, but we had a nice breeze that day, keeping everything the perfect temperature. Frankly, this year has been high on the alt-weather and I am sure I speak for everyone when I say I’m just grateful it was dry! What a stunning day,!

We (Videographer, one of Rachael’s cousins and myself, maybe the groom too?!) gasped when her dress did this amazing swoop, perfect for a twirl. What a charming bride!

The goodboy himself, making sure all is right in their world. <3

The couple met… at a park, for real. Rachael’s dog truly was a ring bearer, paving the way to a conversation that led to romance.. and now he is a family VIP for sure.

The bride brushing tears away at the private first look, pre ceremony. A joy to witness their mutual bliss!

The flowers were done by an amazing team.. I will add the name here when I get it. And the Videographer was pretty easy to work with, something that cannot be said for all (and yes I know they say it about photographers, we do the same thing in a way and want the same space and it’s a challenge sometimes. A relief to work with a videographer that was patient and let me lead and then I let him do what he needed to and politely didn’t use my flash so he could not freak out about the light ruingin his shots.

This wedding absolutely blew me away. For one thing, as it’s at an AirBnb, and small key elopement, I expected… what I’ve seen before which is a very quiet large dinner part type thing where I almost feel like a guest myself, chatting, mingling and taking photos of guests. This was not. This was a full fledged miicro-wedding with friends and loved ones. I think the nearest of the dearest, for sure, those that they know will always be in their corner, supporting them. The idea that so much love and support are available to them within their own families is amazing to me.

VENDORS:

PHOTOGRAPHY: Lacey Renae Photography

Videography: Weddings by LDF (Matthew)

STRING QUARTET: Stephanie Quinn Music

CATERING: Cracker Jack Chef

CAKE: Kristie Van Winkle

FLORISTS: Kristie Van Winkle, Emily Creel and Anna Vermuth

VENUE: Mount Airy Farm

Thank you to the newlyweds, the vendors and their guests for what became one of my most favorite weddings to date. I can’t wait to see and hear about them more.. and now I go back to the editing!

<3 Best wishes!

Lacey R Butler 4/11/24 Lacey R Butler 4/11/24

Proposal at Sunset

This amazing couple! I am so behind in sharing my work but guess who is getting married this weekend and I get to be their photographer?! Yep. These two!

Not only does this image have sincere emotion in the moment, but check out that sky! When you see alternate weather, keep in mind that bright light can be harsh on humans and washes everything out! And also the sky holds TEXTURE with clouds. I’m about it.

Rachael was given a bouquet AND an amazing ring!!

Personally love this. Do you? It’s a dream….

happy dog is going to be at the wedding too! I’m so excited to work with another amazing puppers!

Lacey R Butler 8/29/23 Lacey R Butler 8/29/23

NC Arboretum

The first thing I learned this day is that my weather app is about the least reliable in the history of ever. I parked a couple blocks up to walk over to the hotel for getting ready shots only to find out it was not in fact going to be a clear day for a garden wedding at the Arboretum for Loren and Allan. I for sure was way more upset about walking in the rain to my car then Loren would show the entire day. Not only beautiful but seriously… I think she was marrying Allan because she loves him and could not care less about the weather or where they did it. I never saw her show any feelings about the weather for one second! I was so moved by that.

I know, I don’t post for months and months (feels like a year) and then wham, two in one week. It’s funny how I love actually documenting weddings, working with the people and witnessing all the emotions.. but working the business end has never been my forte. I don’t dig trying to BE hired or finding clients or any aspect of operating my own business other than having no boss. Kinda ironic. But at the end of the day I try very hard to provide creative, timeless images that show authentic relationship dynamics, artistically using the provided lighting when possible and supplimenting when I have to.. like this wedding, mostly indoors.

I love these.. is this Lisianthis? SO perfect.

You know what, maybe absolutely nothing in life can be predicted with any certainty. We just have to roll with what we get and make the best of it, and live life to the fullest. I absolutely LOVED this wedding because of the attitudes of everyone who was present- the staff at the Arboretum also worked so hard to help things flow naturally. And to the lovely officiant.. I still have your brolly’s…

Lacey R Butler 8/23/23 Lacey R Butler 8/23/23

Sky Retreat

The weather corrected itself twice on August 7th at Sky Retreat, up near Boone, NC. Jordan and Abbi were able to move their chairs back down to the helipad area for the ceremony without a raindrop touching down- which I would not have guessed given the blustering sideways rain pummeling the groom during the first look. He didn’t bat an eye, no kidding!

And then again later for the scheduled sunset photos- just when we’d said ok, we won’t get a sunset sky, the clouds again parted and pinks and purples and golds sang across the sky. It was, no kidding.. just dreamy.

Cannot beat this view, the storm clouds tucking in like they are ready to nap and all the while they highlight those mountain tops. Could not be happier with this view!

In writing, they have a saying… “Kill your darlings” and though many have said it I think of it like the opposite of the iceberg method- I’m just putting it all on the table here. I think about should I delete this image but then I’m like, no, little image I have made, go be weird and see if they love you anyway.

Thank you for allowing me the chance to create with you and witness your love! I am grateful for a good vendor team- I will have to add the name of the videographer soon as I find the card he gave me.

Sky Retreat was a gorgeous view! I would recommend it for a destination wedding with modern landscaping, stunning open areas, perfectly maintained hydrangea, and quaint cabins for your guests to stay onsite.

Lacey R Butler 3/13/23 Lacey R Butler 3/13/23

Proposal on the parkway in winter

A very real moment for these two..

I know, it doesn’t match the vibe of the other images but backlighting in early morning is this color. I try to do natural tones and I think it’s pretty beautiful. What do you think?

Not saying you should or I would…. but I did and you could.

Seriously want to be her friend- a chick that wears faux fur teddy bear coat hiking? heck yeah!!

In all the universes, I’d choose you. In any life, I’d choose you. Every day, I choose you.

…I”m lost in a moment here. If you would like to do a natural surprise proposal for the love of your life, PLEASE reach out. I’m happy to help coordinate it, I’m very flexible and I’m clearly in love with celebrating your life. xoxo

Lacey R Butler 2/22/23 Lacey R Butler 2/22/23

Micro-wedding at Stone Ashe Vineyards

I ADORED this couple and this venue. Stone Ashe Vineyards is located in the rolling hills beyond Fletcher, NC and Hendersonville. One of those spots just out of the city but so unusual to get to you wonder if you’re actually going the right way. The grounds were perfect, the staff so helpful.. and best of all the newlyweds brought joie de vivre. My favorite vivre of all.

As per usual I’m showing you a cross hair of the collection- details, happy smiles, moody looks. The wine was overflowing, the bees a-buzzin at work, and the couple generous enough to share a drink with me. Thank you for everything, V and J!