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
Tsali Notch Vineyard Wedding Styled Shoot - Kathryn + Hunter
Styled shoots are always a great chance to try out interesting poses and direct the models to achieve beautiful images representative of our style; however, Kathryn and Hunter, the gorgeous couple featured today, didn't need any direction from us at all, and we were so excited to capture their natural interactions with one another.
Kathyrn's dress was her own, and we love it when our brides or ladies that we shoot choose a flowy dress. We can catch amazing moments of movement, and the desire to sway or spin comes naturally with such lightweight fabrics. A simple dress with a special touch, like Kathryn's gown with lace sleeves and scoop back, can sometimes be underestimated, but being comfortable and easily achieving graceful movement is invaluable on a long wedding day and results in super elegant images.
Our favorite styling element of this shoot was the basket used to house Kathryn's flowers. This unique spin was a perfect alternative to a traditional bouquet, and it meshed flawlessly as a whimsical touch amidst the vineyard setting.
Kathryn and Hunter impressed all the photogs who came together to network for this styled shoot, and we are thrilled to share this bridal inspiration with you today.
The Dress Theory | Sarah Seven | Beauty by Blair | Hair by Christi | A Blooming Collective | Vintage Inspiration Rentals | Tsali Notch Vineyard
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 |
Tsali Notch Vineyard Wedding Styled Shoot - Katie + Bill
One of the things we really enjoy about being photographers is having the opportunity to be part of styled shoots to network with other professionals. This shoot at Tsali Notch Vineyard took place on a warm spring evening where we met up with other local photographers to learn from each other and work on fine-tuning our art. We had the pleasure of shooting with two different (but equally awesome) couples, one for an engagement-inspired styled shoot and the other a bridal inspiration (look out for a feature of Kathryn and Hunter on an upcoming blog), and we are excited to share these images of Katie and Bill today in honor of their one year anniversary.
We enjoyed seeing some new faces and shooting alongside these talented folks, and we have to give a huge shoutout to our friend, Erin Morrison with Erin Morrison Photography for organizing this entire get-together.
Tsali Notch | Vintage Inspiration Rentals | A Blooming Collective | Hair by Christi | Beauty by Blair | Whimsy Eclectic from Alexandra Quinn Barlow and Jesse James Barlow
Ijams Nature Center Wedding - Angela + Jarryd
Angela and Jarryd's beautiful spring wedding took us all over downtown Knoxville, beginning at the always iconic and charming Oliver Hotel. We love the windows covered with white shutters in the historic hotel just around the corner from Knoxville's main square, and we decided to do an indoor first look along the stairwells lit by natural light from the large windows. Angela chose a non-traditional Grecian inspired silver gown, and we adored the pops of bright pink in her invitations, flowers, and even her lipstick.
The intimate outdoor ceremony took place at Ijams Nature Center under the floral covered arbor in a self-described "low-key" ceremony surrounded by family. Ijams always feels like a forest getaway with lush greenery and secret nooks for romantic couple's photos. The two walked down the aisle together, which we thought was super unique and the perfect way to show their commitment to each other. These two were all smiles throughout the ceremony, despite the unseasonably warm day, and we loved how playful they were with one another as we asked them chat about their relationship during some sweet couple's shots.
The final leg of the wedding day took us to Ruth's Chris Steak House where the couple had their reception. With delicious food and a downtown vibe, Ruth's Chris also has an amazing terrace available for such events that overlooks the remainder of Volunteer Landing and the Tennessee River. Adorable popcorn favors with Tennessee shaped chocolates were gifts for guests, a perfect combo of a sweet and salty treat for favors.
These two were all about having a casual wedding that was family oriented, but their big day was uniquely Angela and Jarryd with non-traditional details and endearing interactions with one another. We are so glad that they chose us to capture these moments for them, and we wish them all the best as Mr. and Mrs.
The Oliver Hotel | Ijams Nature Center | Ruth's Chris Steak House | Ruche | Tommy Hilfiger | Echelon Florist | Brandalyn Howard with Southern Belle | Minted | Fred Patterson | Robyn James Ensembles | All Occasions Party Rentals | Elite Limos
Spence Cabin Wedding in The Great Smoky Mountains - Chelsea & Nick
The Smoky Mountains are the perfect place to escape for couples who love nature and a gorgeous mountain view. We think that is why so many choose to be married in the National Park and particularly at this quaint little pink piece of history, Spence Cabin in the Elkmont Historic District. The inside of the cabin features wooded walls for a very traditional feel, while just behind the cabin, located on the Little River, is the perfect riverside patio for a special event along the rolling waters. It's no wonder that our lovebirds, Chelsea and Nick, chose this charming cabin as the location for their intimate ceremony and the Appalachian Clubhouse just around the corner for their dinner reception, with amazing food from First Fruits Catering and an abundance of moonshine toasts.
Chelsea and Nick's first vacation together took place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and they wanted to come full circle for their wedding day with close friends and family. Chelsea said about her love for Nick that "It's hard to describe...other than it's just the thing that has made the most sense to me ever. We are each others even keel, and it doesn't make sense that there was ever one without the other." We loved how these two looked at each other as we frolicked through the woods with them and even did a little climbing on the rocks waterside. With tons of smiles and a little bit of laughter, its undeniable seeing these two together that they are just meant to be.
This day was truly special not only because of the meaningful choice of location and because of the palpable joy you could feel throughout the day but also because Chelsea and Nick chose to keep it simple and to make their union and families the true focus. All of their loved ones contributed to the day with sentimental touches and noteworthy details. For example, Chelsea's mother made her belt for her gown and her veil and even arranged the flowers for the bouquet with the help of a few friends. The bride's earrings were her grandmother's, and the garter belonged to her mother when she was married (and her grandmother added the significant prayer knots for Chelsea). The officiant for the ceremony was Chelsea's brother, and one of the neatest touches was the wine for the reception made and bottled by the groom's mother, sister, and aunt. We loved that everyone seemed to play such an integral role in the union of these two, and this is what made the day such a memorable one.
Travel to our beautiful Smokies today for this woodsy wedding with Chelsea and Nick!
Spence Cabin | Appalachian Clubhouse | Madison James | Brooks Brothers | Organic Infusion
