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
The Magic of Wedding Details
When you think back on your wedding day, what comes to mind? The vows, the laughter, the music, and maybe the way your bouquet felt in your hands. While the big moments create the heart of your day, it’s the details—the tiny, thoughtful touches—that tell the full story.
Wedding details reflect your style and personality as a couple, from the handwritten vows to the lace on your dress, the heirloom ring box, or the floral arrangements tying everything together. They add layers of meaning and beauty to your celebration, ensuring it feels uniquely you.
As photographers, we love capturing those meaningful details. Whether it’s the shimmer of your shoes, the delicate pattern on your invitations, or the table settings you spent hours perfecting, we see these elements as part of your love story.
So when planning your wedding, take time to embrace the little things. The details might feel small now, but when you look back through your wedding album, they’ll remind you just how magical your day truly was.
Norris Lake Wedding - Amber + Nathan
You may remember Amber and Nathan from their amazing Cincinnati engagement featured previously on our blog, but today, we have the honor of sharing the highlights of their wedding day with you.
This elegant and intimate affair took place alongside Norris Lake in private homes rented not only for the ceremony and reception but also for their guests to stay comfortably pre and post wedding. We loved the spacious rooms in the three level homes as they provided the perfect setting for some getting ready photos with the bride, groom, and their friends, but the gorgeous stairways amongst the wooded shoreline down to the lake were truly the standout. In fact, Amber and Nathan's guests were seated on various levels as they watched the ceremony that took place atop one of the docks.
The day was all about family and friends, and this relaxed couple made it a priority to spend time with their loved ones despite the hustle and bustle of the day. From the perfect place settings, to the always delicious Big Fatty's catering, and the gorgeous florals from Echelon, every detail was perfectly planned and executed. We loved the incorporation of shades of pink combined with navy to tie in a nautical element.
The most memorable moment of the day, however, occurred at the end of the evening when the bride and bridesmaids decided to trash their dresses. This only reinforced the carefree vibe thought the day, and we gazed on as Amber playful pushed Nathan into the lake as well.
We cannot say enough about this sweet, fun loving couple, and we are so thrilled to share these memories with you today. Congratulations, again, Amber and Nathan.
Dress - Donna Salyers Fabulous Bridal; Essense of Australia | Bridesmaids Dresses - Azazie | Venue - Private residence on Norris Lake | Catering - Big Fattys Catering | Dessert - Dale's Fried Pies | Flowers - Echelon Florist | Rentals - All Occasions Knoxville
