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!
Rivershack Farm Wedding - Alisha + Evan
We've been part of Alisha and Evan's journey to Mr. and Mrs. for almost a year. From their romantic engagement in Cade's Cove last summer to Alisha's stunning bridal at Knoxville Botanical Gardens just weeks before their wedding, we knew that their ceremony and reception would be nothing less than amazing, and they definitely didn't disappoint.
Despite the intense heat with temps in the lower 90s on their wedding day, these two sizzled in these images captured at Rivershack Farm. A gorgeous home along the Holston River in North Knoxville, this venue features breathtaking views from atop a hill and a fabulous farmhouse with perfectly styled decor and cozy porches. The room used as the bridal suite was full of natural light and the perfect space for some getting ready photos of Alisha and her beautiful bridesmaids.
We've seen more and more brides moving towards the trend of incorporating a similar color pallette through the bridesmaids dresses but letting each lady choose her own dress in a variety of shades, which we love. This couple, however, took this individual touch even further with the groomsmen by giving each a bow tie for the wedding day that represented one of their interests or hobbies. Unique and individual touches like this make the wedding details even more meaningful and special.
Guests danced in the barn and dined on mismatched place settings under strings of globe lights and were treated to a delicious variety of cupcakes and favors of cinnamon candy courtesy of the bride's mother. It was a perfect evening riverside with Alisha and Evan, and we are beyond elated to share our friends' joy with you today.
Rivershack Farm | Melissa Timm Designs | Whitney Evans Beauty | Essense of Australia | Monica's Bridal | Z Studio Weddings & Events | Rellek Films | Chelsey Hobbs | Ogle Entertainment | The Find Lab | Israel Gilliam | Everything Iced Cupcakes and More | Anderson Party Rental | Setting the Wedding
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
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!
Spout Spring Estates Vineyard Wedding - Tabitha & John
A gorgeous mountain view, a beautiful ceremony beneath a tree, and a sweet family (oh, and fire, did we mention fire?) made John and Tabitha's vineyard wedding so special and memorable.
A hidden gem in Blaine, Tennessee, Spout Spring Estates Vineyard was the setting for the couple's ceremony and reception. The venue includes a beautiful stone pathway leading to a huge covered porch surrounding a log cabin and wine shop, but it is the natural scenery- rows of grapes, lush greenery, and a mountain backdrop- that truly took our breath away.
We loved John's reaction to seeing Tabitha during their first look, as the two hugged, kissed, danced, and cried together. Their precious daughter, Rose, was looking on from the balcony where we snapped some shots as well through the cast iron railing. (Speaking of cute kids...did you see their ring bearer?) This cutie was a huge part of their day, being escorted in a wagon during the ceremony and dancing with mom and dad at the reception, but some truly sweet moments occurred prior to the ceremony when Tabitha helped dress Rose just as her mom did for her earlier in the day.
A monogrammed pillow, rustic mailbox, and their favors- beer that they personally brewed and bottled- added special touches to the décor, and we loved the elegant pops of purple in many of the details to tie everything together. John and Tabitha were all about sharing their joy with their guests, and they provided entertainment in the form of a fire dancer and essentially a huge torch for their guests to set afire. They even shared a tequila shot to honor Tabitha's father, which was a profoundly sentimental moment for all involved.
We took John and Tabitha out into the vineyard during sunset to have some time alone, and these couple's photos are some of our favorites. We strolled through the rows of grapes with them and captured some special moments as John escorted Tabitha back to their guests through the green field.
We were happy to shoot this vineyard wedding, and we feel so blessed to have shared in this couple's joy. Congratulations to John and Tabitha, again!
We loved working with these amazing vendors: Venue- Spout Spring Estates Vineyard | Catering and Cake- Rothchild Catering and Event Rentals | Dress- David's Bridal | Hair- Salon Zeal | Makeup- Bangs and Blush | Suits- Men's Wearhouse | Floral- Flowers by Sarah
