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
Malmö, Sweden Destination Wedding - Elizabeth + Sten
We were given a truly amazing and unique opportunity when Elizabeth, a former schoolmate of Jason's, contacted us about traveling to Sweden to capture her wedding. When we first talked about traveling overseas, it just seemed too good to be true, but as we boarded the plane destined for Copenhagen, we realized that we were on our way to capture our first international wedding outside of the Carribean.
Elizabeth greeted us at the airport where we also met up with one of her sisters, Leslie, and boarded the train that would take us to neighboring Malmö. This initial interaction set the tone for the remainder of the trip, which focused on family. Our favorite thing was, in fact, getting to know and building relationships with Elizabeth and Sten's families, as we are not usually afforded this on multiple occasions prior to a wedding; however, we think it made everyone feel more comfortable, which always makes for better photos. We shared dinners with the family, and they were even so kind as to take us around town to see such sites as Slottsmollan, a beautiful windmill; the Turning Torso, so named for its shape; some of the gorgeous parks around Malmö; and even Malmohaus Castle, built in the Middle Ages and home to some of Malmö's well-known museums.
The site that we were most blown away by during our visit, however, just happened to be the ceremony site at Sankt Petri Church, or St. Peter's Church. This is the oldest building in Malmö and is adorned with beautiful paintings and religious artwork added over the course of centuries. We were impressed with the amazing stone floors and the phenomenal altar that the two wed in front of. This venue was truly breathtaking!
After the ceremony, we took family photos by the ornate doors of the church and walked to the main square to capture the bridal party in front of Stortorget, a large statue surrounded by stairs. Then, we escorted the couple to a nearby park where we snapped some photos along the water and amidst the insanely tall hedges on the outskirts of the park. These turned out to be some of our favorites!
We were all staying at the Mayfair Hotel, where both the bride and groom prepared for their nuptials, and this was also the location for the reception (which was held in the cellar present since the 1300s although the classically elegant hotel has only been in use for about 100 years). We loved the perfectly placed table settings, and the arches provided an appealing architectural detail that we absolutely loved in the photos. Speeches and toasts were a huge part of the reception and a tradition for the Swedes at such special occasions. Everyone attending the wedding was there celebrating love and the union of these two, and it truly showed!
We cannot express how amazing this trip was and how excited we were to be part of Elizabeth and Sten's special day. Take a peek at our adventure in Sweden to capture this couple's wedding!
Ceremony- Sankt Petri's Church/ St. Peter's Church | Lodging and Reception- Mayfair Hotel Tunneln | Cake- Playbake Sweden | Suit- Dressman | Groom and Groomsmen accessories- The Tie Bar | Wedding Dress- Lilly | Bridesmaids' Dresses- David's Bridal | Catering- Malmo Rokeri | DJ- Robert Persson
Cleveland Tennessee Bridal - Sarah
A bridal session is perhaps the best way for a future Mrs. to become comfortable in front of the camera prior to her big day. Just like an engagement shoot, we treat this as an opportunity to get to know our bride better and for her to learn more about us too. Having a relationship with your photographer upfront is a major advantage in having natural and effortless posing in your photos when the wedding rolls around.
The bride also gains another huge benefit from this session aside from becoming familiar with our posing and growing more comfortable as the subject of so many photos. This provides a perfect chance to put that hair and makeup trial to great use. Brides can see in advance exactly how they will appear in photos in order to make any alterations, but a great photog always keeps these hidden from the groom until after the wedding.
We were so thrilled to capture all of these moments with Sarah before her wedding day with Daniel. We loved the incorporation of the Lee University campus, as the couple attended school there together. The gorgeous chapel and classic buildings provided the ideal backdrop for her timeless gown and perfectly styled veil. The photos taken at the venue, the Barn at Living Water, allowed us to familiarize ourselves with the ceremony and reception site in advance and to snap some shots of Sarah where the two attend church together. These special moments with the bride are some of our favorites!
A bridal session can truly provide a great opportunity for the bride and photographer to develop a rapport with one another, but it also gives the bride a more relaxed occasion to capture some amazing photos to add to the wedding album. We hope you are inspired by this elegant and romantic bridal session with Sarah!
The Quarry at Ijams & Downtown Knoxville Engagement - Kari & Ben
Three words: beauty, beard, and bikes.
Kari and Ben's engagement session at Ijams and around Market Square in Knoxville was all about these three B's. We absolutely love this couple's energy, and their love for each other clearly radiates through these photos.
Kari is a natural beauty with a gorgeous smile that lights up the room, and we adored her choice of a red sundress for the more rustic photos at the Quarry. Ben was looking quite dapper as well with the always classic choice of a bow tie. Their styling was perfect! The first thing we noticed about Ben when we met him was that amazing beard; we were glad to highlight this feature in all its glory in these photos. The incorporation of the two vintage-inspired bikes allowed the two to share some really playful moments with each other and for us to capture some candid images of the two truly being themselves.
Enjoy these memories made with Ben and Kari. We are so excited to share these today, and we are looking forward to their October wedding in downtown Knoxville.
Nikki & Brian's Elkmont Campground Engagement
We were so excited to meet Nikki and Brian at the Elkmont Campground for this gorgeous engagement shoot. This Alabama couple was vacationing in the Smoky mountains and wanted a unique setting for their save the dates.
This sweet couple brought along their adorable dog, Scout, and we were happy to catch some endearing moments between the three along the streams of the campground. Some of our favorite shots, however, were taken at an overlook just past the Laurel Falls hiking trails.
Take a peek at these mountain engagement photos, and look out for Nikki and Brian's Alabama wedding feature on our blog in the fall.
Inara & Cody's Modern Bohemian Wedding - The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm
An absolutely beautiful bride; a handsome, happy groom; and a group of fun loving friends and family celebrating with them made Cody and Inara's big day at The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm a truly memorable one. The Stables feature a gorgeous outdoor ceremony venue underneath a canopy of tall trees, a stone-paved path beneath a large pergola, and rustic fences lining the property. We loved the mix of wooden chairs and classic pews for guests to witness the union of these two as well as the spacious reception area that truly embodies the feel of a stable but with elevated elegance.
Inara's gorgeous lace gown fit her like a glove, and we adored the variety of bridesmaid's dresses. Cute, sparkly flats ensured the girls would be comfortable, so they could dance alongside the couple throughout the night. Shades of pink, purple, and cream in the bouquets and centerpieces by Swank Floral added the perfect pop of color and complemented the neutral tones of the girls' dresses. Cody and his groomsmen kept it simple, forgoing traditional coats and three piece suits in favor of stylish suspenders and gray Converse. These guys were great sports, creating one of our favorite moments (and photos) of the day when they decided to playfully toss leaves into the air together.
Stealing a few moments alone after the ceremony, Inara and Cody took a stroll down a grassy path and were greeted by horses who popped their heads over the fence at the most opportune moments for us to capture a few shots. We hope you enjoy these photos from the couple's special day, and join us in congratulating them again!
Venue: The Stables at Hunter Valley Farm
Food: Rosa's Catering
Dress: Martina Liana
Cake/Dessert: Rosa's Catering
Flowers: Swank Floral
Bridesmaids dresses: Alfred Angelo
Tuxes: Men's Warehouse
DJ: Ogle Entertainment & Light Design
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