Walnut Hill Farm Wedding - Jessica & Andrew
We started our journey from Knoxville to Dalton, Georgia, on rainy highways, and the drizzle continued to follow us until right before we reached Chattanooga. It was overcast and dreary, but we came prepared for Jessica and Andrew's wedding with our raincoats and clear umbrellas. As we arrived at the venue, we were greeted with a little sun peeking through the clouds despite the sprinkles still falling to the ground. When we walked into the Hilltop Barn at Walnut Hill Farms, we were blown away by the gorgeous fabric draped ceilings, elegant wooden chairs, and crisp white decor. With 20 foot high ceilings and giant wooden barn doors that can be opened to a view of the rolling pastures, this site provided an elegant space for Jessica and Andrew's reception.
Another truly amazing feature the barn has to offer is the breathtaking bridal suite made up of two rooms, one with a dining table perfect for Jessica and her girls to enjoy brunch together and the other a spacious room with navy walls, white trim, and tons of natural light for those amazing getting ready and "last minute touches" photos. True to our style, we asked Jessica and her bridesmaids to gather on the plush sofa for some "slumber party" photos before capturing Jessica getting into her gorgeous Martina Liana gown with touches of lace and that striking train. We loved that the barn loft opened so that we could grab some shots of Jessica from the ground looking out over her venue before strolling through the pavilion for some breathtaking bridal portraits. Andrew, our seriously dapper groom, was dressed in a navy suit, and shared stories on the lawn with his groomsmen as we snagged some candid moments of the group chatting and laughing. As we were finishing up with the guys, the rain made a brief reappearance before subsiding, and the skies parted to reveal the perfect amount of sunshine for the couple's early evening ceremony on the sodded lawn behind the barn with the most phenomenal mountain views (which you may remember from Jessica and Andrew's sunrise engagement).
Although it did starting pouring (as the promised storm arrived during the reception), all of the wet weather held off until we were finished up with the couple's photos taken at one of our favorite spots at this venue. A quaint pond nestled among lush, towering green trees provided the backdrop for many of the photos of the new Mr. and Mrs. What was so unforgettable to us in these moments was that Jessica and Andrew really didn't need much direction. Their happiness and love for one another radiates in these photos, and we couldn't have asked for better memories to share than these two laughing with one another.
Jessica and Andrew are seriously the most genuinely sweet people, and they were celebrated all evening by friends and family who joined them on the dance floor, showing off some impressive moves and toasting them throughout the evening. We are so honored to have been part of this spectacular day, and we wish Jessica and Andrew nothing but happiness as they begin their lives together as husband and wife.
Walnut Hill Farm | Martina Liana Bridal | White Lace & Promises | Stylebar Chattanooga - Ashlyn Moore | Monica's Bridal | Melissa Cubberley - MUA | Axel Marshall Productions | Mayflowers Chattanooga | The Find Lab | Michael Kors | Sweet Angel Cakes | Nice Entertainment | Oakwood Cafe | The Dessy Group |
Grecian Goddess Bridal - Asheville Wedding Photographer
This Grecian themed inspiration shoot took place just outside of Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the Craggy Mountains along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The classic white draped Ralph Lauren gown from Gossamer established the tone for the remainder of the styling, which included the bold golden accents. We wanted everything to appear timeless, like we could have been transported to a different era or be working with a modern day bride who wanted a vintage concept. The beautiful bouquet, created by Lisa Foster Floral Design based in Knoxville, Tennessee, added the perfect hues for an understated impact and combined flawlessly with the always quintessential greenery that evoked a Grecian vibe. We loved that the hairstylist, Amber of Willow’s Dream in Asheville, was able to incorporate the ruscus throughout the up-do to create a cohesive look. The stunning makeup, comprised of neutral tones and hints of gold in the lipstick and eye shadow, provided the glowing look and sun-kissed radiance we wanted to achieve.
The golden apple was incorporated to evoke an ancient Greek myth involving three goddesses—Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena—who rivaled to be named the most beautiful. This fiasco was said to have caused the Trojan War, as Paris, the judge appointed by Zeus, awarded Aphrodite the golden apple in return for the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. In addition, we wanted the bride to be immersed in the natural setting, and we chose a field for many of the images and also incorporated grapes, reminiscent of a vineyard. Additional golden accessories in the bracelet (which also reminded us of the arrow included later in the shoot in honor of the warrior goddess, Athena) and the leaf earrings added regal touches, and the smoky topaz oval ring was a true vintage item and our own family heirloom from Hungary.
This shoot was a success because we worked with amazing vendors including:
Model: Joanna Wroten | Photographers: Juicebeats Photography | Location: Craggy Mountains Asheville, NC | Dress: Shop Gossamer, White Draped Grecian Style Ralph Lauren | Hair: Amber Boyd of Willow’s Dream | Makeup: Liz Black | Floral: Lisa Foster
Relix Variety Theatre Wedding - Kari & Ben
We love it when our couples choose a significant or sentimental location for their wedding, a place that has meaning to their story together. Kari and Ben did just that with their Relix Variety Theatre wedding. When the two first started dating, they both lived minutes from the venue, so this area holds a special place in their hearts and journey together, and we were so thrilled to be part of it.
Ben and Kari chose to do a first look, and we captured the moments as the two had an emotional exchange of wedding gifts. We took advantage of a super cool alley and all of its character for some perfect couple's shots. You may remember the sweet images of these two on their bikes from their engagement, and we decided to incorporate the classic bicycle again in some of our favorite shots from their big day.
Relix features a nice loft where Kari and her bridesmaids spent their time prepping together and another apartment just on the back of the building for Ben and his fellas. Our favorite detail in this venue is the super unique wall decor made up of purses and handbags of various colors woven together, and the addition of a backdrop of twinkling lights during the ceremony made this couple shine as they shared their vows from the stage.
One really cool part of the couple's details was that the programs and invitations were from Ben's personal Etsy shop, ThPrntShp. Personalized items like this (and their adorable bicycle cake topper) made their wedding a true standout. The color pallette, including pops of yellow and lavender in the dried florals, evoked a fall vibe, as did the incorporation of cotton in the centerpieces and bouquets. The gorgeous neutral dresses that the bridesmaids and Kari wore really stood out. We loved that Kari allowed each of her bridesmaids to choose her own dress in white to ensure that each was comfortable, and they looked amazing combined with her phenomenal lace gown (seriously, that dress was made for her) and the guys' gray suits and Ben's snazzy bowtie.
The day was filled with love, laughter, and personalized details that made this couple's day truly unique, and we are excited to share their wedding today. Congratulations, again, Kari and Ben.
Relix Variety Theatre | Jos. A Bank | Prestige Tuxedo | Publix | ThPrntShp | Kenneth Winston | Wedding Wonderland | The Blaithin Blair Shop | Smoky Mountain Lavender | Nick Stewart
Olivia + Austin - Elkmont & Spence Cabin Area Smoky Mountain Engagement
This adorable Memphis couple made a trip to the Smoky Mountains and asked us to capture some engagement photos with the National Park as the backdrop. Olivia and Austin are a sweet, fun loving couple, and these images bring a smile to our faces.
Their burgundy outfits and shades of blue popped perfectly against the changing fall leaves. The most memorable aspect of this shoot, however, was the incorporation of Austin's guitar on the rock amidst the flowing creek. Olivia is one lucky girl as Austin regularly serenades her, and we were so excited to bring this aspect of their relationship to life through these images.
We are swooning over these moments with Olivia and Austin, and we want to wish the cuties a big congratulations again!
Ijams Nature Center & Crown and Goose Knoxville Wedding - Kelly + Ben
Kelly and Ben's big day took place at some of our favorite places in downtown Knoxville. From the Oliver Hotel to Ijams Nature Center and the reception at Crown and Goose, this day was so special for this sweet Colorado-based couple.
We met Kelly at the Oliver Hotel, which is always a classic choice for a spacious space to prepare for the wedding. We loved utilizing the shutters on the window as she got into her dress, and the shot of her peering through the hotel lobby glass door was one of our favorites. We escorted the bride to Ijams where the guests were greeted with favors in the form of fans and a drink station to help them cool off during the outdoor ceremony. We always love such considerate touches to keep the guests more comfortable at a summer wedding outdoors. The ceremony took place at Ijams under a wooden archway adorned with the same shades of gorgeous florals that made up Kelly's bouquet. We loved these flowers accented with flowing ribbons, one of the easiest and most elegant ways to dress up the flowers even more. Kelly and Ben incorporated a violinist pre- and post- ceremony, and it was the perfect addition to this intimate affair.
Crown and Goose has a quaint beer garden where the two shared their first dance under a pergola. A dove sat perched above them during this moment, the perfect sign that the union of these two is blessed and meant to be. The cake, too, featured birds and the motto of the day, "Love is all you need." We were happy to sneak Kelly and Ben away to an area near the railroad tracks so that we could capture some couple's photos along a wall overgrown with ivy and in the middle of the Old City's cobblestone streets.
This couple's big day was one shared with close friends and family, and we feel honored to have been part of it. Enjoy these memories made at these lovebirds' wedding!
Event Coordinator: Team Wedding | Floral: Megan Connors Floral | Ceremony Venue: Ijams Nature Center | Reception Venue: Crown & Goose | Hotel: The Oliver Hotel | Hair: Salon Zeal | Makeup: Jessica Armstrong | Suits: Jos A Bank | Wedding Dress: Danelle's Bridal Boutique | Cake: Cheryl McMillian Cake Design | Officiant: Sandra Tracy - Radiant Gatherings | Violinist: Staci Carriere
Elizabeth & Nick's Laurel Falls Engagement
Elizabeth and Nick are a Louisiana couple who contacted us when they were making a family trip to the Smoky Mountains. They wanted a unique engagement shoot different from those in the bayou, and we were so happy to oblige.
We decided to go on a hike to capture some sweet moments not only between the two but also some great memories with their son, Nathan. We loved that this cute little blonde was such an integral part of these memories for the couple, and he was so playful and helpful despite being quite cold by the end of journey back from Laurel Falls.
This was a fairly easy hike, but the breathtaking overlooks, quaint bridge at the top, and gorgeous waterfall provided the perfect canvas for these shots.
We hope you enjoy these mountain engagement and family photos!
