Bridal, Editorials Jason Messing Bridal, Editorials Jason Messing

Bohemian Inspiration Bridal in the Smoky Mountains

Coordinator: HoneyBee Events | Floral: The Fleurella | Makeup/Hair: Tony Williams II |

Dresses: BHLDN | Model: Ashton Parks | Film Lab: The Find Lab

Read More
Wedding Photography Jason Messing Wedding Photography Jason Messing

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

Read More
Wedding Photography Jason Messing Wedding Photography Jason Messing

Malmö, Sweden Destination Wedding - Elizabeth + Sten

We were given a truly amazing and unique opportunity when Elizabeth, a former schoolmate of Jason's, contacted us about traveling to Sweden to capture her wedding. When we first talked about traveling overseas, it just seemed too good to be true, but as we boarded the plane destined for Copenhagen, we realized that we were on our way to capture our first international wedding outside of the Carribean.

Elizabeth greeted us at the airport where we also met up with one of her sisters, Leslie, and boarded the train that would take us to neighboring Malmö. This initial interaction set the tone for the remainder of the trip, which focused on family. Our favorite thing was, in fact, getting to know and building relationships with Elizabeth and Sten's families, as we are not usually afforded this on multiple occasions prior to a wedding; however, we think it made everyone feel more comfortable, which always makes for better photos. We shared dinners with the family, and they were even so kind as to take us around town to see such sites as Slottsmollan, a beautiful windmill; the Turning Torso, so named for its shape; some of the gorgeous parks around Malmö; and even Malmohaus Castle, built in the Middle Ages and home to some of Malmö's well-known museums. 

The site that we were most blown away by during our visit, however, just happened to be the ceremony site at Sankt Petri Church, or St. Peter's Church. This is the oldest building in Malmö and is adorned with beautiful paintings and religious artwork added over the course of centuries. We were impressed with the amazing stone floors and the phenomenal altar that the two wed in front of. This venue was truly breathtaking!

After the ceremony, we took family photos by the ornate doors of the church and walked to the main square to capture the bridal party in front of Stortorget, a large statue surrounded by stairs. Then, we escorted the couple to a nearby park where we snapped some photos along the water and amidst the insanely tall hedges on the outskirts of the park. These turned out to be some of our favorites!

We were all staying at the Mayfair Hotel, where both the bride and groom prepared for their nuptials, and this was also the  location for the reception (which was held in the cellar present since the 1300s although the classically elegant hotel has only been in use for about 100 years). We loved the perfectly placed table settings, and the arches provided an appealing architectural detail that we absolutely loved in the photos. Speeches and toasts were a huge part of the reception and a tradition for the Swedes at such special occasions. Everyone attending the wedding was there celebrating love and the union of these two, and it truly showed!

We cannot express how amazing this trip was and how excited we were to be part of Elizabeth and Sten's special day. Take a peek at our adventure in Sweden to capture this couple's wedding!

Ceremony- Sankt Petri's Church/ St. Peter's Church | Lodging and Reception- Mayfair Hotel Tunneln | Cake- Playbake Sweden | Suit- Dressman | Groom and Groomsmen accessories- The Tie Bar | Wedding Dress- Lilly | Bridesmaids' Dresses- David's Bridal | Catering- Malmo Rokeri | DJ- Robert Persson

 

 

 

Read More
Wedding Photography Jason Messing Wedding Photography Jason Messing

The Barn at Living Water Wedding - Sarah & Daniel

We want to share with you today a very special wedding between one of my former students, Daniel, and his beautiful bride, Sarah, the epitome of high school sweethearts. Although they are still a young couple, one still in nursing school and the other pursuing a degree in medicine, they are wise beyond their years and so in love with one another.

Sarah and Daniel wanted a meaningful location for their nuptials, so they chose to have their wedding at the church they attended while students at Lee University, the Barn at Living Water. Featuring gorgeous fields, lush greenery, and a quaint barn, this venue was perfect for a beautifully sunny summer wedding. The two wed overlooking rolling hills and under an iron canopy adorned with purple, blue, and white flowers. This sentimental ceremony was performed by their pastor, and the two shared communion together as soon to be husband and wife. We loved the incorporation of string quartet for a touch of elegance and the family Bible that held the wedding bands for a sense of nostalgia.

Sarah's dress is aligned with one of the biggest wedding gown trends right now as it was two separate pieces. We loved the choice of a lace beaded bodice with a full skirt and long veil. The flawless "something blue" came into play with her shoes, but her gorgeous sapphire engagement ring and necklace were unique plays on that tradition as well. One of our favorite color pairings incorporated the girls' lavender dresses with the groomsmen's gray suits, and all of these shades blended perfectly within the rounded bouquets accented with greenery.

The couple's reception was held in the barn, and some of the most endearing moments of the day came as Sarah danced with her father and Daniel did the same with his mother; however, it was the speeches delivered by the bridesmaids and groomsmen that touched our hearts and showed us how much the love shared between these two has impacted others. The best man performed an emotional rendition of "Make You Feel My Love" that we think brought the entire room to tears. What a perfect gift for these two!

We feel blessed to have been able to celebrate the union of these two at their wedding, and we hope you see all of Sarah and Daniel's joy reflected in these images as we do.

Event Venue: The Barn at Living Water | Floral: Grafe Studio | Cake: Kimmie's Cakes | Dress: Monica's Bridal | Shoes: Steve Madden | Catering: The Barn at Living Water | Bradley Rentals | Chattanooga Tents | Hair: Bliss | Makeup: Ryan Andrews | Videography: Martha Douhne & Ruthie Martin

 

Read More
Wedding Photography, Film Jason Messing Wedding Photography, Film Jason Messing

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Destination Wedding

We are so thrilled to share Megan and Louis's beautiful destination wedding today. This couple means so much to us, and we felt honored to be such an important part of their day not only as photographers but also as friends.

Their ceremony took place along the beach at the Royalton Hotel and Casino in Punta Cana. This resort boasts several delicious restaurants, access to a water park, and beautiful beachside scenery. We loved the incorporation of florals from Charleston, where the two met, and beautiful blue tones that evoked the feel of not only the ocean but the beautiful Carribean sky. 

Megan and Louis's reception took place on an intimate and luxurious boat where guests were served island inspired food (and French fries) as we lounged on the top deck and danced as we floated in the ocean.

Enjoy this lovely Dominican Republic destination wedding, and join us in wishing this sweet, amazing couple a congratulations with us again.  

Venue: Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino

Monica's Bridal: Dress by WToo by Watters

Veil: Blanca Veils

Reception: La Barcaza

Bridesmaids: Bill Levkoff

Bouquet: Royalton Punta Cana Resort & Casino

 

Read More
Wedding Photography Jason Messing Wedding Photography Jason Messing

Molly & JT - Backyard Wedding

Molly and JT's intimate wedding took place on the outskirts of the gorgeous Riverview Golf Course in Loudon. Although the rain held off most of the day, the couple shared the moments after their first look cuddling under an umbrella to avoid the sprinkles, and these sweet shots turned out to be some of our favorites.

The wedding featured many DIY elements that were truly original. For example, the bride crafted paper flowers from the pages of a book to decorate the tables, and her one of a kind dress was handmade. The unique bouquets for the wedding party, featuring lavender, combined perfectly with the bridesmaids' sage dresses and touches of baby's breath in their braided hair.

We loved the simplistic charm of this backyard wedding, and we hope you do too.

Read More