Blog shame. It’s when you love a wedding but get so behind that it takes you 3.5 years to blog it. Go ahead, make fun of me! I did it to myself. This one is a beauty. Sarah & Clint had a heartfelt Knoxville wedding at Riverdale School. Their morning ceremony preceded a brunch reception & the couple headed to their honeymoon that evening. This is the type of wedding that reminds everyone that the whole GETTING MARRIED part is more important than anything else. My favorite moments, hands down, were the ridiculously sweet vows & the romantic kiss. I highly approve of Clint’s choice for a groom’s cake- BANANA PUDDING! l I loved  that Sarah chose Tennessee’s state flower, the iris, for her bouquet. In all my time photographing weddings, I can’t recall another iris bouquet!  From personal details to joyous moments, I was so happy to be a part of my dear friends’ wedding.

Knoxville Wedding at Riverdale School

This summer Knoxville wedding at Riverdale School felt perfectly Tennessee. The Riverdale School is a sweet historic schoolhouse situated in the Knoxville countryside. Sweeping mountain views & an adorable green vintage gym are perfect spots for a wedding. The blooming sunflower field at Seven Islands State Birding Park bloomed at the right time to give us a breathtaking setting for photos after we left the reception. Sarah & Clint were troopers during the humid August heat! Thank you to my second photographer, John Shim, who photographed some of the photos featured in this post. Check out Sarah & Clint’s feature on Southern Weddings!

Venue: Riverdale School
Florals: Powell Florist
Dress: J. Crew
Groom’s Attire: L.L. Bean

2016, you were a beast.

In 2016, I photographed Brooklyn, Asheville, the Bahamas, the Smokies, Destin, Tampa, South Carolina, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Atlanta.

In 2016, I found more of my people. The ones who want me to document their weddings wholly- to show off the quirk & the joy & the emotion & the dance moves.

In 2016, I had a photo in the New York Times.

In 2016, I photographed weddings outdoors, indoors, in barns, in churches, in warehouses, on mountains, on a beach, and in the rain. I froze my ass off. I sweated my ass off. I photographed traditional weddings; I photographed couples who bucked tradition. A few of my couples peer pressured me into 10am whiskey shots.  I ate pie. I ate cake. I ate cookies. I cried a bit. I laughed a whole lot.

This entire post is dedicated to my incredible couples. Each & every one of you! You give me the opportunity to make art. You inspire me. You trust my crazy ideas & suggestions. We come together for one day & we make magic. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Buckle up. This one is a doozy.

Molly & Dan are makers. Molly is an incredible calligrapher & Dan is a really talented woodworker. Together they form a creative power couple that crafted a spunky, personality-filled wedding. From dancing down the aisle to cramming their faces with Local Taco, Molly & Dan made the most of their wedding day. Molly, a woman after my own heart, even had her own personal container of Daisy sour cream for her tacos. I love that the photos from this Wren’s Nest wedding move from silly to heartfelt to energetic!

I’m super pumped to share their Wren’s Nest wedding photos. Located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the Wren’s Nest is a secluded rustic barn venue just outside of Nashville. I adore the back-lit barn slats & the wooded property. It rained off & on all day, so the couple opted for the upstairs barn space instead of the outdoor ceremony spot. I think they made a great choice! Here are some of the other vendors who made this Wren’s Nest wedding so special: Officiant Shawn Thomas Smith, the Loving Pie Company, florals by Lauren Marie Atkinson,  hair & makeup by Leslie Ellis, Holes to Go, and the Shutter Bus. I hope you enjoy! Molly & Dan, thank you for having me document your joyful, charming wedding.

Shannon & Pedro came all the way from Huntsville, Alabama for their Bluff View Art District wedding. Their incredible Chattanooga elopement took place behind the Maclellan House & was officiated by Reverend James Ramsey. Flowers by Tami provided the beautiful florals. After their intimate ceremony, we wandered around the stunning art district for portraits. Shannon & Pedro had the perfect spring weather for their elopement. It was sunny & warm, with pops of cheerful, blooming trees.

Every time I receive an email about elopement photography, I get so excited. Elopements are one of my absolute favorite things to photograph.  The joy, the laid-back nature, the ample portrait time! It’s perfect for my style. I hope you enjoy Shannon & Pedro’s Bluff View Art District wedding photos. And if you are eloping in Chattanooga (or anywhere!), please get in touch. 

Big shout out to Shannon & Pedro for having me along for their joyful elopement!

Beth & Parker are getting married next  Saturday, so I thought this would be the perfect time to share their Knoxville engagement photos! I had so much fun getting to know this couple & playing with the fantastic colored sun flares. Most of my engagement sessions are in the evening, but this early morning shoot is proof that good light happens in the AM too. It just might be harder to wake up for!

I can’t wait to see them next week at Meadhaven! Thanks for taking a look :)

Looking for your own Knoxville engagement photos? I’d love to chat!