Summer Wedding at Black Fox Farms - Kayla + Derick
When we think about Kayla and Derick’s wedding, a few words come to mind—sweet, endearing, sentimental, and romantic. These two met in college, and although it took them a little while to come together as a couple, once they did, there was no separating them. Kayla and Derrick consistently use the word “blessed” to describe their feelings about finding each other, and they see God as the center of their relationship, which was abundantly evident on their sunny wedding day at Black Fox Farms.
A picturesque wedding venue amidst a working nursery, Black Fox Farms features rustic touches that are also incredibly elegant in a serene setting. A beautiful pondside ceremony site under a wooden arbor is where Kayla and Derick became Mr. and Mrs., and their reception was housed in the venue’s expansive barn that also has an outdoor deck overlooking the farm. One of the most impressive aspects of Black Fox, however, is the fact that it is an actual nursery, which means they provide beautiful lighted trees and shrubs as well as actual plants and flowers that compliment the couple’s wedding colors. We also adored the outdoor space with a canopy of twinkling lights that served as an extension of Kayla and Dericks’s reception space as well as a backdrop for their sparkler exit.
Some of the most endearing moments we have ever seen at a wedding occurred on this sunny, summer day. Both Kayla and Derick gave wedding day gifts (via delivery by family members) to one another to celebrate their union; however, the surprise journal that each shared really touched our hearts. Without knowing that the other had done the same thing, both Kayla and Derick wrote entries over the course of their engagement to give to each other on their wedding day. Talk about a special moment! Both were tearful as they realized that their soon to be spouse had created the same thoughtful gift that each could cherish forever and look back on later in life as a memory of their journey. Supportive friends and family, who showed an outpouring of love to the two, surrounded Kayla and Derick on their day, but it was Derrick’s brother’s speech at the reception that brought all of their guests to tears. It was simply the sweetest moment to witness.
If you can’t tell already, these two really left a lasting impression on us. Kayla and Derick were so gracious, and they truly embrace positivity and humble spirits that are evident from the first meeting. We are so thrilled that they chose us to capture all their memories, and we hope this outpouring of love moves you today, too.
Venue: Black Fox Farms | Dress and Suit Shop: Ever After Bridal & Formal Wear | Dress Designer: Maggie Sottero | Floral: Isbill Floral Gallery | Coordinator: Kendra Collins of Ever After Bridal & Formal Wear | DJ: Sound Force | Rentals: Bradley Rentals | Film Lab: The Find Lab
Oliver Royale Brunch Wedding - Cory + Matthew
We are bringing you an intimate wedding that took place in the heart of Knoxville in Market Square today. Even in the midst of The Dogwood Arts Festival, we found plenty of nooks to grab some sweet shots of Cory and Matthew, including their getting ready spot, The Oliver Hotel. With special surprises for guests (and an awesome surprise for Matthew from Cory at the Tennessee Theatre sign) an amazing brunch menu, and delicious mimosas, this wedding was nothing short of spectacular.
Cory and Matthew invited their friends and family to join them at Oliver Royale for a unique and perfectly planned affair. Even before the wedding, though, we were super impressed by the newsletters this couple sent out periodically to guests regarding their story, wedding event updates, accommodations, and things to do and see in Knoxville during their stay. Talk about an impressive way to build excitement with your loved ones! Each place setting at the venue included a personalized place card utilizing wine corks and an elegant program and menu with gold accents. Even the drink coasters featured images of the happy couple. Guests were treated to a fantastic meal ordered on site with options like eggs benedict and banana bread French toast and various drinks perfect for a brunch wedding.
We’re always emotional when a couple plays “Marry Me” by Train (as this was the song we played when greeting each other at our own wedding), but during Cory and Matthew’s ceremony, all we saw from the guests, family and friends alike, were tears of joy and genuine celebration of this union. To get the party really going, though, the couple planned a surprise drag show featuring three performers brought in specially for this occasion. The performances were truly amazing, and guests even got to have a photo op at the end of the show against the lush greenery wall the two helped design as the backdrop for their day.
Everything about Cory and Matthew’s wedding was so personalized, beautifully styled, and absolutely them in every aspect. We still haven’t gotten over how magical this day was or how much fun we always have with them. Cheers to our friends, Cory and Matthew, who love each other so deeply and inspire us to share the love as well.
Venue: The Oliver Hotel and Oliver Royale | Catering: Oliver Royale | Cake: Art of Cakes Bakery | Floral: Swank Floral | Hair: Grow Knoxville | DJ: Ogle Entertainment | Coordinator: Amy Barnett
The Sinks & Gatlinburg Engagement - Emily + James
Together for 8 years, these two lovebirds, Emily and James, started as high school sweethearts. Although they were long distance in college, they reunited in Knoxville where he just finished his masters and she landed a job as a sports reporter. Emily and James wanted a location similar to the setting of their proposal for their engagement session, so the obvious choice was the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with its mountain backdrop.
Emily and James saved every penny for five years, even rolling their own coins, to travel to Europe together after college. Little did Emily know that James had hidden an engagement ring in his favorite pair of socks within his backpack. One their first day in a picturesque town in Switzerland, the two hiked up a mountain where James popped the question, much to Emily's surprise as she cried a self-proclaimed ugly cry (and we love that she shared that detail with us; so genuine).
This couple climbed, danced, and practiced their ability to balance throughout this session, and we could tell that they were adventurous and down for anything. The location in these images, found along the bypass, was perfect to incorporate the flowing waters, wooded forest, and pretty rock formations characteristic of the park. Seriously, they are the most adorable couple, and we are thrilled to be part of their celebration of love at The Standard next spring. Congratulations to Emily and James!
The Standard Knoxville Wedding - Kimmie + Zac
"Love doesn't make the world go round. Love is what makes the ride worthwhile." Franklin P. Jones
When we capture a couple's wedding day, one of our favorite aspects of the editing process is just looking through the photos initially to see the story of the day. As we made our way through these images the first, second, and subsequent times, we've always had the same reaction; Kimmie and Zac's wedding was one of the most clear representations of love and raw emotion that we have ever seen. As we view the many tearful moments from their wedding, we are immediately brought back to the overwhelming joy of this day not only among the couple but also everyone involved in this celebration of Kimmie and Zac's love.
These lovebirds chose one of downtown Knoxville's coolest venues, The Standard, for their ceremony and reception. With exposed brick, natural light beaming through large skylights, and details original to the building, this event site offers a unique urban vibe . The bridal suite has become somewhat iconic in Knoxville, and some of our favorite photos with Kimmie and her girls were taken here as well as beautiful details of her dress . Although the indoor venue offers a reprieve from the summer heat, we love that there are some amazing places, like the rooftop patio we utilized for golden hour photos with the couple, to grab some shots outdoors. We've come to refer to the friends and family that stood beside them on their day as "the big, beautiful bridal party," and The Standard offers a large event space that could easily accommodate their 11 groomsmen, 11 bridesmaids, 4 flower girls and ring bearer.
We adored the unique choices that this couple made from Zac's blue checkered shirt to Kimmie's flawless two piece ivory gown and even the food (a taco bar and donut bar). Large, breathtaking flowers in Kimmie's bouquet with touches of burgundy mirrored in Zac's tie added pops of color, and we loved the incorporation of feminine floral crowns for the oh, too, adorable flower girls. The emotional first look and walk down the aisle made us melt, and we couldn't have been more honored to be part of this sweet couple's wedding. Enjoy these newly created memories as we share their joy with you today!
The Standard | Catherine Deane | BHLDN | Men's Wearhouse | Always in Bloom Florist, LLC | All Occasions Party Rentals | Scrumps Cupcakes | Simpl Food , Arts, and Catering | Salon Biyoshi | The Pour Guys | Sword Sounds- Mobile DJ Services | Erin Morrison Photography | The Find Lab
Knoxville Botanical Gardens Bridal - Alisha
A lush garden setting, a pink floral headpiece, crystal embellished Badgley Mischka heels, and a stunning Essense of Australia gown with champagne undertones comprised the details of this bridal, but Alisha's natural beauty is what really made this session a standout (only enhanced by gorgeous hair from Whitney Evans Beauty and stunning makeup by Chelsey Hobbs). The Knoxville Botanical Gardens was the setting for this pre-wedding shoot with our gorgeous bride, and we couldn't have been happier with her choice to meet us here. With stone pathways, a new area that feels like an entrance to a secret garden, and rustic balcony walkway, KBG feels like a blooming getaway considering it is just outside of downtown Knoxville, and this background only added to the elegance portrayed in these images.
Alisha's bridal session was actually a gift from her bridesmaids, and we adored them for choosing to provide her with such a meaningful gift. Despite having to re-schedule twice due to rain as well, this this sunny evening around sunset turned out to be absolutely perfect. We are always excited when our brides opt for this extra shoot because it allows us to take a ton of additional bridal photos in a low pressure and much less stressful situation than the wedding day, and we can get a little more creative with posing (which I'm sure Alisha can attest can be a leg and ab workout as well).
Take a trip to this garden retreat with us today through Alisha's bridal, and look out for an upcoming feature of Alisha and Evan's Rivershack Farm wedding.
| Knoxville Botanical Gardens | Essense of Australia | Monica's Bridal | Whitney Evans Beauty | Chelsey Hobbs | Melissa Timm Designs |
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 |
