Historic Southern Railway Knoxville Wedding - Emily + Hayden
We have had so many amazing weddings over the past year, but this one was even more significant because of my relationship with Emily and Hayden. They met in high school at Hardin Valley Academy in Knoxville, and these two—the true representation of high school sweethearts—have been together ever since. Emily and Hayden are extra special to me because I actually taught them both at that very school where they first started dating, and I got to witness their relationship blossom first as their teacher and subsequently through social media once they graduated. To say that we were thrilled to be chosen to capture their day is an understatement, as we were absolutely elated about the opportunity to witness this relationship come full circle.
Emily and Hayden’s day was in the most perfect way a true celebration. From the second we arrived to the bride and bridesmaids chowing down on some chips and sandwiches to the groom and groomsmen singing and dancing, we knew this was going to be a super fun and relaxing day (cue the surprise Lord of the Rings groom’s cake for Hayden and the adorable “He’s her Lobster” cake topper inspired by their love for the show Friends).
Emily and Hayden chose to do a first look along the line of locomotives at the Historic Southern Railway, but having both grown up in Knoxville and attending the University of Tennessee, it was also important for them to have photos taken downtown with the classic Tennessee Theatre sign (and these turned out to be our favorites despite us having to block traffic). The love these two share is unmistakable; you could see it in the joy on their faces as they strolled down the street together; you could feel it at the ceremony when the most genuine tears ran down both Hayden’s and Emily’s cheeks; you could hear it in the laughter and memories shared throughout the day by not only this amazing couple but also their closest, lifelong friends and family. One of the most endearing moments, however, came during the ceremony as the couple combined soil from their family homes to a tree that they watered together and could plant at their own home. It was truly a moment of unity not only for the two but a symbolic representation of the two families coming together as well.
We can’t say enough positive things about these two or their insanely beautiful day. Emily and Hayden danced the night away with their guests, who showed us some of the best dance moves we’ve yet to see at a reception. We can’t help but smile as we scroll through these moments from this downtown wedding, and we hope you feel the same way.
Venue: Historic Southern Railway Station | Day of Coordination: All About Weddings | Videographer: Sweet Tea Productions | DJ and Lighting: Ogle Entertainment and Light Design | Catering and Bartender: Rosa’s Catering | Officiant: Chuck O’Connor with Sensational Ceremonies | Cake: Catie Cakes | Photo Booth: Oh Snap Knoxville | Hair and Makeup: Bangs and Blush | Bridal Bouquet: Wade Floral Company | Dress Shop: White Lace and Promises | Rentals: Anderson Party Rental
Great Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographers
Getting Married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just forty-five minutes away from our home, a treasure exists. The place is so special and so unique that people travel from all over the world to East Tennessee just to see the sites. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only a perfect getaway for nature lovers, but it is also an amazing place to tie the knot. What do you need to know before planning a wedding here? Permits, permits, permits. You need a Special Use Permit in order to hold your ceremony and/or reception here, and there are specific park guidelines to keep in mind. Also, there are approved wedding locations to choose from, and the permit process applies to vendors as well. Photographers must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization in order to capture your day, and we are permitted National Park photographers who know all the ins and outs of making the most of your mountain wedding. Do you want to know more? How about working with an experienced husband and wife team who can offer all the insights on locations, planning, and executing your vision? Feel free to reach out for more info.
Cades Cove Wedding at the Primitive Baptist Church - Jordan + Nick
One amazing aspect of being locally permitted National Park photographers is that we get to meet couples from all over who come to our gorgeous Smoky Mountains for their weddings and elopements. We’ve photographed couples from Texas, Florida, Michigan, and Alabama, just to name a few places, and although Jordan and Nick didn’t have to travel that far from Nashville, they knew they wanted to get married in a beautiful setting surrounded by their closest loved ones. We knew that Cades Cove would provide the ideal setting and were so glad to learn that they had chosen to get married here.
Sometimes keeping it simple is just the way to go, and Jordan and Nick decided that an elopement style wedding was practical for them considering the life changes (new jobs and a move) they wanted to make shortly after being wed. Having spent a lengthy amount of time away from each other shortly after they started dating, as Nick was deployed to Afghanistan, each stressed that waiting for the other was so easy. It was the initial contact when they indicated that “photography is the most important aspect” of their day that we knew these two would just be a dream to work with, and guess what? They absolutely lived up to that expectation. With a quaint ceremony inside one of the churches throughout the one-way loop, the Primitive Baptist Church, it didn’t really matter that a thunderstorm rolled in during the intimate ceremony (despite our promises to do our “no rain” dance). The skies cleared miraculously right after family photos in order for us to take Jordan and Nick on an adventure through the Cove, utilizing the mountain views, expansive fields, and pictereqsue pathways as the backdrops for their wedding photos.
We know that we will reconnect with these two in the future and hope we have the honor of continuing to capture their monumental life events as husband and wife. Enjoy this glimpse of Jordan and Nick’s day within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in breathtaking Cades Cove.
Location: Cades Cove | Floral: Lisa Foster Floral Design | Officiant: Radiant Gatherings
The Cardinal's Nest Wedding Venue and Inspiration
We were so honored to have the opportunity to photograph this beautiful new wedding venue, The Cardinal's Nest, alongside some of the area's most talented vendors and fellow photographers. If you haven't checked out this venue nestled in the Smoky Mountains, we are bringing you a sneak today. Enjoy!
Venue: The Cardinal's Nest | Stationery: Custom Love Gifts | Floral Design: Melissa Timm Designs | Gowns and Accessories: Lillian Ruth Bride | Men's Attire: Regal Tuxedo | Hair and Makeup: Southern Sirens | Cake: The Bees Knees Bakery | Lighting: Sequoyah Entertainment | China Rentals: Event Rentals by Rothchild | Linen Rentals: Campbell Party Rentals | Coordination: The Bride Link | Models: Talisa Cantrell and Steven McNelly
Noah's Event Venue Kingston Wedding - Jenee + Wes
A beautiful spring wedding at a brand new wedding venue? Yes, please! Jenee and Wes decided on this gorgeous new location, Noah's Event Venue in Kingston, for their big day. Located amidst the woods and a quaint greenway, Noah's features large event spaces with lots of natural light (which is obviously our jam) and elegant architectural and design details that make it the perfect space for a classic wedding. Although the venue offered a beautifully traditional setting, we loved that this couple embraced their personal style to add unique touches to their day. From a breakfast for dinner theme, to the rose gold accents, and even the bride's phenomenal blush gown with pearl sleeves, we are so excited to share Mr. and Mrs. Tate's wedding with you.
This couple met online, and when they are not watching their favorite shows (like Game of Thrones), they enjoy spending time in the kitchen together. In fact, it was over a homemade meal of Cajun pasta that the two first said, “I love you.” One of the most interesting aspects of their wedding, however, was learning that Jenee didn’t meet one of her bridesmaids, Lily, until the night of the rehearsal—the day before the wedding. Although the two talked for years online, living across the country from one another made it difficult to meet in person, but when it came to planning her day, Jenee couldn’t imagine it without her friend. You can read more of this amazing story on their Bustle.com Jenee feature and from Lily's perspective at this link on Bustle.com Lily.
We are still so obsessed with the perfect wine colored bridesmaids’ dresses with a touch of rose gold behind the lace and even throughout the party’s shoes. Lush florals from LB Floral defined the day, adding bright pink hues that were also carried throughout the soft pink up lighting from Music in Motion. Pairing perfectly with a mimosa bar, Bradford Catered Events created a decadent cinnamon roll cake, an original dessert for the breakfast theme that characterized the reception. Everything about this day felt so timeless, and we are so thrilled with how these images highlighted various aspects of the day. Join us in wishing Jenee and Wes the biggest congratulations as they begin this journey as husband and wife.
Venue: Noah's Event Venue | Coordinator: Team Wedding | Catering and Cake: Bradford Catered Events | Floral: LB Floral | Makeup: Beauty by Blair | Rentals: All Occasions Party Rentals | Dress Shop: David's Bridal | Dress Designer: Vera Wang | DJ and Lighting: Music in Motion | Videography: Southern Cinematics
Meads Quarry Park at Ijams Knoxville - Melissa + Sox
Romantic morning engagement session in Knoxville. We ended the session at one of Knoxville’s best brewery’s Alliance Brewing Company.
@alliancebrewing | Film Lab: The Find Lab
