Sweet & Casual RT Lodge Winter Engagement - Ally + Tyler
Ally & Tyler’s Sweet and Casual RT Lodge Winter Engagement Session
Winter engagements have a certain magic, and Ally & Tyler’s session at the charming RT Lodge captured all of it. Nestled in the heart of Maryville, Tennessee, RT Lodge is a hidden gem for couples looking to celebrate their love in an intimate and picturesque setting. Ally and Tyler’s sweet, casual winter engagement embodied the rustic beauty and warmth that the lodge is known for.
A Cozy Winter Wonderland
Despite the cooler weather, RT Lodge provided a backdrop that felt both inviting and serene. With towering trees and a woodsy atmosphere, this location radiates a timeless charm perfect for winter sessions. Ally and Tyler embraced the natural beauty around them, creating moments that felt effortless yet striking. The golden hues of fallen leaves and the soft winter light combined perfectly, giving each photo a luminous glow.
Sweet and Simple Styling
Ally and Tyler’s style for their engagement shoot was the perfect reflection of their laid-back personalities. Ally looked stunning in a cozy sweater paired with jeans & boots, while Tyler opted for a classic casual look with a sweater and jeans. Their simple, yet thoughtful styling fit seamlessly into the natural environment of RT Lodge. Nothing about this session felt overdone, and that’s what made it so special. The couple’s genuine connection and love took center stage, and every smile and laugh felt authentic.
A Natural Connection
One of the highlights of this engagement session was the genuine connection between Ally and Tyler. From walking hand-in-hand along the lodge’s trails to sharing quiet, intimate moments by the fireplace, their love was palpable. The relaxed atmosphere of RT Lodge seemed to bring out their playful side as well. At one point, they couldn’t help but laugh as Ally jumped onto Tyler’s back, creating some truly candid and heartwarming shots.
Why RT Lodge is Perfect for Winter Engagements
RT Lodge is an ideal location for couples looking to blend elegance with rustic charm. The wood-paneled interiors, cozy fireplaces, and stunning outdoor scenery create endless opportunities for beautiful photos, regardless of the season. In winter, the lodge transforms into a tranquil retreat, perfect for capturing those romantic moments.
With its cozy ambiance and scenic beauty, it was the perfect backdrop for Ally and Tyler’s winter engagement. Their session captured everything that makes winter engagements so special: warmth, simplicity, and undeniable romance.
If you’re considering a winter engagement session, RT Lodge offers a stunning, intimate setting that allows love to shine through every frame. Just like Ally and Tyler, you can create memories that will last a lifetime in this magical location.
---
Visit RT Lodge for more information about this beautiful venue!
Creating Your Dream Day: A Guide to Choosing Wedding Vendors
Congratulations, lovebirds! As you embark on the exciting journey of planning your special day, one of the key decisions you'll make is selecting the vendors who will bring your wedding vision to life. Rather than tiptoeing around budget concerns, let's dive into the art of expressing your expectations and defining your style.
Know Your Numbers
Start by embracing transparency. Rather than shying away from the budget conversation, consider stating your approximate budget upfront. This not only streamlines the vendor selection process but also ensures that you find professionals who align with your financial comfort zone. Let the experts know your ballpark figure, and watch as they work their magic within those parameters.
Set Expectations
Communicate your expectations clearly. Share your vision for the day, outlining what matters most to you. Whether it's capturing candid moments, creating a floral wonderland, or curating a culinary experience, express your desires openly. Vendors appreciate a couple who knows what they want, allowing them to tailor their services to your needs.
Define Your Style
Every couple has a unique love story, and your wedding should reflect that. Take the time to define your wedding style. Are you envisioning a classic and timeless affair, a modern and sleek celebration, or perhaps a bohemian-inspired gathering? Clearly articulating your style preferences helps vendors tailor their offerings to complement your aesthetic.
Do Your Research
Explore vendor portfolios and reviews to find professionals whose work resonates with you. Look beyond the price tag and focus on the value they bring to your wedding. Don't be afraid to ask for references or schedule consultations to get a feel for their personalities, workflow, and style.
Build Connections
Building a rapport with your vendors is crucial. Seek professionals who understand your vision, communicate effectively, and genuinely care about making your day extraordinary. A strong connection fosters a collaborative atmosphere, ensuring a smoother planning process and a more enjoyable wedding day.
Stay True to Your Vision
Throughout the planning process, stay true to your vision and values. Remember that your wedding is a celebration of your love story, and the right vendors will enhance that narrative. Choose professionals who align with your style, meet your expectations, and, most importantly, make you feel confident in entrusting them with the most special day of your lives.
In summary, be open about your budget, communicate your expectations clearly, define your wedding style, do thorough research, build connections, and stay true to your vision. By approaching vendor selection with style and savvy, you'll create a wedding day that reflects the essence of your love, without ever needing to utter the phrases "I'm on a budget" or "cost an arm and a leg." Cheers to a wedding journey filled with joy, authenticity, and the perfect team to bring your dreams to life!
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens Engagement - Britni + Andrew | Charleston Wedding Photographer
First opened to visitors in the 1870s, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens in Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a gorgeous natural setting with an array of plants and flowers, beautiful animals freely roaming the property, and, of course, the well-known picturesque Spanish moss covered oaks so distinctive to this southern city. We were thrilled when Britni and Andrew decided to do their engagement photos here while they were in town for a wedding and asked us to capture these special memories for them.
This couple was initially reluctant to admit their feelings for one another despite constantly being together and finding excuses to be alone (like needing help with Christmas shopping). That all changed, however, the day Britni was scheduled to leave for basic duty. The two finally confessed that they knew this could be something truly special, and although they had to spend time apart, just like a classic love story, the two wrote letters to one another with updates and sweet sentiments, stressing how much they missed each other during her time away. When Britni returned home, the two were inseparable. Andrew calls Britni his best friend, and the two are ready to begin this new adventure together as husband and wife.
A breathtaking garden setting at Magnolia Plantation meshed flawlessly with Britni's flowing white dress and her feminine pink floral printed skirt, and we loved Andrew's choice to wear suspenders. So classic. These two were all smiles throughout the session, and the genuine reactions and laughter they shared are our favorite parts of this shoot. Join us as we whisk you away to romantic Charleston for this lovely engagement.
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 |
Charming Alabama Wedding - Nikki & Brian
This wedding took us to a small town in Alabama to meet up with a couple, Nikki and Brian, who asked us to capture their engagement photos while on vacation in the Smoky Mountains (check them out at Mountainside Bride). When we pulled up, we were taken aback by the phenomenal cotton fields spanning the property and the picturesque home set back from the road. We fell in love with this couple the first time we met and were honored to photograph their wedding and reception.
Nikki booked us, unbeknownst to Brian, as a wedding day surprise for the groom. We all just meshed from our first meeting, and that level of comfort is something they really wanted replicated on their big day. Family and friends gathered pond side to see to the two share vows along the dock, and a painter sat at the back of the ceremony, painting the scene as it unfolded. We loved the incorporation of the two planting a tree together during the ceremony, a symbolic reminder of their wedding day on their gorgeous property.
Nikki shared some traditions with her sorority sisters at the reception, and the couple danced under the open sky as guests looked on from the tent full of rustic touches, personalized details, and photos of the couple. Although we're not Alabama fans (Go Vols!), we were super impressed by the groom's cake as well as the classically elegant white wedding cake adorned with gorgeous florals and the assortment of delicious cupcakes.
Nikki and Brian's day was truly special because it was held at home, and they kept everything from the decor to the bridal party to the ceremony simple but special. This couple means so much to us, and we are excited to share these memories from their intimate Alabama wedding.
Dillard's | Hook’s BBQ | Crowe’s Chicken | Julia’s Restaurant | Bayne Taylor of Beez & Blossoms | Teresa Pittman-Wall | Sunshine Tent Rentals | Platinum Tents & Events | Clinton Allen | Olde Enzor Lane/Connie Floyd
Walnut Hill Farm Engagement - Jessica & Andrew
We traveled to this gorgeous venue, Walnut Hill Farm in Dalton, Georgia, on a cool fall morning to meet Jessica and Andrew for their engagement session. Despite the chill in the air, these two warmed it up with their beautiful smiles and clearly evident love for each other. The couple was game for anything, and we were excited to meet them early to capture this spectacular sunrise behind the mountains.
When we first spoke to the couple, they shared their engagement story, which we loved. They are super outdoorsy, and Andrew decided to propose on a fishing trip. When Jessica wasn't catching anything, he offered to change her lure. Little did she know, he was replacing her lure with an engraved one that stated, "This fish is a keeper. Will you marry me?" We loved their sweet and intimate proposal story, and we were thrilled that they chose us to capture not only these perfectly romantic photos but also their wedding in the spring at Walnut Hill Farm.
Join us in wishing a congratulations, again, to Jessica and Andrew.
