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
Spring Wedding at The Standard Knoxville - Emily + James
Sometimes you meet people that you just instantly connect with, and sometimes you realize that they are just way cooler than you are too. Sometimes, we get adventurous couples who are willing to try anything and venture out with us, and Emily and James were all of these things. From their Smoky Mountain adventure engagement to this gorgeous wedding with neutral tones at one of downtown Knoxville's most well-known industrial venues, The Standard, we were so blessed to be able to photograph some of the most memorable moments with this sweet couple.
One thing that helped Emily and James' day ran so smoothly was an amazing coordinator, Angie, with Absolute Wedding Perfection. We certainly recommend that all of our couples have at least day of coordination to help with the flow of the events, and hiring experienced professionals always helps things run more smoothly. Following a wedding day timeline can be difficult, but with an excellent hair and make up team from Whitney Evans Beauty, these lovely ladies we’re ready to roll when we arrived, and they were looking fabulous.
The best way that we could describe the decor from Emily and James’s wedding is to say that it was simple elegance. It's really easy to get caught up in making everything over-the-top, but their wedding proved that couples can keep things very subtle and still have an amazing impact. They chose to let the accent colors with the gentlemen's classic grey suits (and those amazing gray place settings) and the girls' beautiful blush gowns speak for themselves against white florals, tons of greenery (including our favorite, eucalyptus), and baby's breath. The ceremony backdrop with white flowing fabric and hints of greenery really stood out as a soft contrast to the industrial vibe inherent to the venue.
This day was characterized by beautiful emotional moments, not only with Emily and James themselves but also their families, friends, and all of their guests. One of our favorite parts of the wedding day is seeing how the couples interact knowing that they will soon become husband and wife and getting to also see those initial moments after they are wed. There is no denying that these two share a very deep connection and intense love that can be felt when you are in the room with them, and all the happy tears during their first look, ceremony, and sweet toasts from best friends and sis made this day even more special. We've been looking forward to sharing this day, and we hope you are inspired by this classically elegant downtown affair.
Venue: The Standard | Ceremony Music: Encore Strings | Floral: Lisa Foster Floral Design | Catering: Brown Bag | Cake: Publix | Dress Shop: White Lace and Promises | Suit: Jos A Bank | Bartenders: The Pour Guys | Videography: Morgan Media | Photo Booth: Oh Snap Photo Booth | Rentals: Campbell Party Rentals and All Occasions Party Rentals | Hair and Makeup: Whitney Evans Beauty | Wedding Coordination: Absolute Wedding Perfection
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
Howe Farms Wedding in Georgetown, TN - Hayley + Chris
An absolutely stunning wedding venue on a perfect day in July, Howe Farms located in Georgetown, TN, was the perfect setting for Hayley & Chris’s big day. Enjoy a peek into their Howe Farms Wedding.
Venue: @howe_farms Florist: @chickamaugaflorist Dress: @everafterbridaltn DJ: Merchant Productions @thedjscubasteve Hair: @bziegler23 with @rockbottomsalon Makeup: @hair_by_shelbyweller Caterer: Double Portion Catering Bartender: Black Tie Affair Cake: @atierabovecakeco
Videography: @jamisonvid Coordinator: @sweetpeachweddings Film Lab: The Find Lab
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
