One of my favorite things about China is just how diverse everything can be. One day you can be in an enormous city and the next you can take a quick train to a sprawling desert. I was so happy when I had a chance to visit the Mingsha Sand Dunes in the western Chinese city of Dunhuang. I arrived in Dunhuang by train and immediately took a taxi to Charley Johng’s Guesthouse. Because I was only in the city for the sand dunes, I didn’t mind that the hostel was about ten minutes from downtown. Much to my surprise, as I neared the guesthouse the park appeared in front of me. I couldn’t believe just how close our hotel was to the dunes!

The main reason I was staying at Charley Johng’s Guesthouse was because I had heard great things about their Gobi Desert camel trek. I wanted to ride a camel and pretend for an evening that I was on the infamous Silk Road.

I ended up being the only person on the trip to the dunes and I didn’t mind it one bit. It was just me, the guide and a camel named Ting. One surprising part of the trip was that I did not expect to be riding a camel when she ran down a sand dune! I didn’t expect to see those huge beasts running and I certainly did not expect to be riding one when it did.

In the evening we rode through the desert until we came to a great camping spot right under a huge dune. I spent the evening taking photos, walking as far as I could and watching the sunset. The colors on the dunes changed so fast at sunset. I couldn’t believe just how peaceful it felt out there, where all I could hear was the wind moving the sand. The guide made a fire and we feasted on cup noodles and warm beer.

I laid in my sleeping bag and I saw my first-ever shooting star, followed shortly after by roughly ten more. I’ve never seen a sky more beautiful.  We woke up at sunrise and I repeated what I had done the night before. We rode back to town to finish up what was an incredible adventure.

This story was also shared on one of my favorite travel blogs, Entouriste!

When Lauren & John first got in touch with me last year, I was so excited just at the prospect of photographing their wedding. All of the Tennessee Riverplace wedding photos I’ve seen have been incredible & I wanted to have a chance! I was so ecstatic when Lauren & John decided to have me as their wedding photographer! Not only did I get to photograph a wedding at Tennessee Riverplace, I got to photograph an AMAZING wedding at Tennessee Riverplace!

Can you believe that view? It’s just incredible. Tennessee Riverplace is nestled right on the Tennessee River, with incredible mountain views everywhere you look. It definitely does not look 10 minutes from downtown Chattanooga!

I absolutely love these sweet moments as Lauren puts on her dress. It’s always a special time!

Lauren’s bridesmaids were so relaxed & fun, making my job so easy!

Did I mention this wedding was fun as heck? Because it was. Just LOOK at that photo.

Lauren & John’s excitement shows all over their wedding photos. These two are so sweet together!

Oh boy. Could this photo of the bride & groom leaving their ceremony be more romantic!?

The Malemen Band kept the reception rockin’ all night!

 Are you looking for a photographer for your own Tennessee Riverplace Wedding? I’d love to chat with you!

I hope you enjoyed these sweet Tennessee Riverplace wedding photos! Huge thanks to Soirees of Chattanooga for keeping the day moving along so smoothly & to all the other vendors involved in the day.

Ceremony & Reception: Tennessee Riverplace Catering: Shufords Barbeque Staffing: Black Tie Affair Florist: Gil & Curt  Dress & Hairpiece: Boutique Couture Cake: Publix Bakery Suits: John H. Daniel Band: The Malemen Show BandRentals: Showtime Event Rentals Lighting & Decor: Sound Force Entertainment Makeup: SpaGo Hair: Gabriel Smith Officiant: Brian Davis

Andrea & Tyler are getting married this weekend. It’s going to be AMAZING! Their fall engagement photos at Big Ridge State Park are so fun. I love that they brought their home-made coffee mugs- such a sweet touch! Can’t wait to share their wedding photos soon!

Their engagement photos were also featured on Coastal Bride- check it out!

Oh my, these Houston Station wedding photos are doozies. I’m OBSESSED. You may have even noticed that many of these photos are in my portfolio– I love them so much I just couldn’t wait! The industrial vibe & great winter touches are so incredible. Rachel & Trevor really made their Houston Station wedding one to remember.

We lucked out with beautiful warm weather for this winter wedding. We started the day with portraits at Houston Station, then headed to the historic Owen Chapel for their sweet ceremony.

Of course, back to Houston Station for a rocking reception with a great crowd. Nothing Bundt Cake gave the guests a great alternative to the traditional wedding cake (and an amazing pun, if you ask me!).

This wedding has been featured all over the internet thanks to all of the beautiful details that Rachel & Trevor conjured up! You can see more of those details over at Rustic Wedding Chic, Ashley’s Bride Guide, and Houston Station’s blog. I even got a shot featured on Moment Junkie! I’m heading back for another Nashville Houston Station wedding this summer. Molly & Kirk, I can’t wait!

The industrial vibe KILLS me. I love it so much!

Can’t you tell how much Trevor’s parents adore him? So stinkin’ amazing.

These are the moments I love to photograph. Rachel & Trevor, you guys are too cute together.

The reception details were mind-blowing! They even brought in trees!

Ever so sneaky, I caught a sweet moment when Rachel & Trevor snuck out of the reception for a bit.

Absolutely adore these Houston Station wedding photos!! The sparkler exit was a perfect end.

Stephanie & Brad’s Knoxville Museum of Art Wedding was epic. From the love-filled ceremony to the rockin’ reception, I was so touched by all of their sweet friends & family. This wedding definitely goes down as one of the most energetic receptions that I’ve ever photographed. Both of these families know how to throw a party! The photo above is one of my favorites of 2013.

The day started at Stephanie’s parents house where the girls were getting ready. I fell in love with the bamboo in their backyard & it was the perfect backdrop for Stephanie’s bridal portraits. From there, I headed to Brad’s to photograph the fun group of guys.

When Stephanie & Brad first contacted me, I was so excited about shooting at the Knoxville Museum of Art. As an art lover & fan of art museums, it was basically a dream. I loved all the little artistic details of the day & I am a sucker for the modern reception hall. It is an incredible place for a wedding!

Stephanie & Brad had an incredible team of vendors. Andrea of McKee Occasions kept us all in line & everything running smoothly. Jake at Ogle Entertainment sure knows how to get a celebration going! And I can’t get over those awesome florals by Echelon. Read on to see more of their Knoxville Museum of Art wedding!

If you are a fan of the Office, you’ll understand this reference below. 

Their Catholic ceremony was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in West Knoxville. 

This is a legit picture. Brad picked up Stephanie & spun her around after their ceremony. SERIOUSLY adorable! Gah! I love celebration shots!

The Knoxville Museum of Art wedding reception was a stunner! Such a great space.

Stephanie & Brad, thank you so much for having me! xo