Wormsloe Historic Site Bridal Wedding Inspiration - Savannah Wedding Photographer
We recently visited Savannah, Georgia to attend the Southeast Photo Convention, a conference for photographers to learn, network, even shoot alongside other professionals. We wanted to make the most of this trip by organizing our own styled shoot, and that is just what we did. Not being super familiar with the area and knowing that we were going to end up in Savannah’s Historic District, we did a little (and I mean very little) research to find Wormsloe Historic Site, which immediately impressed us with its road lined with towering oak trees covered in Spanish moss. We were also lucky enough to have the only 70 degree, sunny day during our visit to photograph our beautiful bridal in this picturesque location.
We wanted this shoot to feel classic and timeless with an old Hollywood vibe as well. Despite originally planning on a more form fitting dress, we ended up utilizing this stunning champagne Vera Wang gown with a dramatic back more reminiscent of our ideal style—a super flowy dress with tons of movement. We wanted to keep this styled bridal simple, but the entire inspiration came from the raw rose quartz ring with a copper band that we incorporated as the engagement ring. Quicksand roses surrounded by lush greenery comprised most of the bouquet and carried into the lovely invitation suite which featured a two piece primary invitation with a vellum overlay atop a rose background.
With modern and vintage inspired elements combined in the stylistic details, we utilized the tree covered avenue to naturally frame our gorgeous model, but we also wanted to get a little creative with the palms we immediately noticed along the outskirts of the path. Gorgeous golden hour lighting peaking through the massive trees only added to the ambiance of this shoot. We’re taking you to the Wormsloe Historic Site today with this bridal inspiration in one of our new favorite cities, Savannah, and we hope you love this as much as we do.
Location: Wormsloe Historic Site | Model: Lola Gonzalez | Hair and Makeup: Inga Krasileviciute - Cessna | Floral: Melissa Timm Designs | Dress Shop: David’s Bridal | Dress Designer: Vera Wang | Invitation Suite: Custom Love Gifts, Events, & Prints | Ring: Iskra Creations | Film Lab: The Find Lab
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
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
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
