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To me, nothing is a great compliment than a referral from a past bride. It says that she trusts me so completely that she knows that a friend would want to have a similar experience with her wedding photographer.  So thank you Kristen! The lovely lady featured below is Heather and she married her best friend, Josh, last Saturday at Second Presbyterian Church. This wedding day was amazingly relaxed and so was Heather! Her friends kept her laughing until it was time for her to see Josh. It was extremely important to Heather that they have plenty of time for lots of pictures of she and Josh with all of their friends. With this in mind they decided on a first look prior to the ceremony. One of my favorite moments is Heather’s face when Josh turns around to see her (see the image below!). The rest of the day was so much fun, their bridal party and families just hung out and had plenty of ideas for fun pictures, thanks guys!

Amanda from Divine Designs created her gorgeous and delicious smelling flowers and her gown was handpicked at Boutique Couture. Philip at Soundforce kept their guests dancing until midnight at the Read House, what a fun party it was! Let’s not forget about her awesome wedding planner, Sarah Ryan with Luxe and Charm Events. Sarah was a bride of mine last year and quickly became a friend and now fellow wedding vendor. She was an excellent support on their wedding day and she’s highly recommended from us!

There’s more pictures I’ll share with you later…..Eric and I went with Josh and Heather for a few days on their honeymoon to Disney World!!

Thank you to both Josh and Heather’s family, we enjoyed getting to know you all!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Amy at Hairbenders and Olivia Clark with MAC Cosmetics for Heather’s fabulous look!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Megan is the sister of Nicole, who happens to be close friends with a sweet mutual friend, Andi. So technically, in a roundabout way, I have Andi to thank for this wedding right girls?!

How do I describe Megan and Josh…..hmmmmm…..first Megan is equally as through in organization skills as I am so that makes me happy because we speak the same language! Second I think she’s a super funny and full of life in a way that makes Josh and those around her smile. She’s a firecracker in a small package while Josh seems to be her calming presence in the world. They adore each other and it was neat to see the love overflowing from their friends and family in celebration of their marriage.

I was so thrilled that Megan chose us to photograph her and Josh’s wedding last Saturday. They were married at Patten Chapel followed by a quick car ride in a pristine black Chevelle to The Mill.

Thank you Josh and Megan for being so amazing to work with and thanks to both your sweet families!

Vendors:

Dress: Boutique Couture

Hair: Jesse James Salon

Ceremony: Patten Chapel

Reception: The Mill Event Hall

Flowers: Divine Designs by Amanda

Cake: Cakemakers

Wedding planner: Foxy Events

 

 

Pink Christian Louboutin…..of course!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think this kind of family portrait should replace all the other typical ones, I love this family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My view…..

 

 

Eric’s view…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What do you say when your own Daddy asks you to photograph his wedding? “Ummmmm, yes Daddy?” Emphasis on Question Mark! I was torn….on one hand I wanted to play the part in a wedding I would normally (the photographer of course) and missing out on experiencing the day. On the other hand, I wanted to experience the day too…..enter my amazing husband on his photography skills! We planned out many shots we would capture at the beautiful Crescent Hotel ahead of time, we made sure my sister, Melissa could get our daughter Madyson ready because after all she HAD to be the flower girl with her cousin Olivia!

Everything seemed to be going perfect, but as you know with weddings, you can only plan so much and the rest will play out as it may…..Sunday morning at 3am when both flower girls ended up with a terrible stomach flu! I get my laid back qualities from my father and Lucy isn’t lacking in a ‘take it as it comes’ attitude, so the evident absence of their two precious flower girls wasn’t a huge deal. Our plan quickly changed to me being the main photographer and Eric caring for one sick little girl. Although I ended up enjoying it very much because it was what I do best, after all, and in the end I just wanted them to be happy with the photos of their wedding day (Dad and Lucy that is).

My brother Josh helped with lights as I planned out their first look in the lobby of the Crescent. There’s nothing that can get me emotional more than when my Daddy cries….he started choking up right when he saw Lucy’s back facing him. My favorite image of the day is Dad’s reaction to Lucy when she turns around (See below).

We headed over to Seventh Day Adventist Church for a lovely ceremony and then off to the classy, Maximo’s, for a delicious sit down dinner with both families.

It kills me that I wasn’t able to get photos of the girls together in their white dresses, but Dad and Lucy made it down the aisle and that’s all that counts. I have to give Eric the father of the year award for nursing Madyson back to health somewhat, well enough to get her down the aisle and then back in his arms to sleep (you’ll see a couple of photos of her in this post but not many!).

Thank you Dad and Lucy for honoring us by choosing us to photograph your wedding. It was a pleasure to be a part of it. Thank you also to Lucy’s family, you were so warm and welcoming and I enjoyed you very much! Muchas gracias mi familia!!

xoxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I loved the character of this church.

 

He’s my sweet girl all dressed and ready to go! I can’t believe she’s even standing up after being sick for so many hours, but she’s was all about walking down that aisle!

 

Aunt Missy helped her sprinkle the flowers in place of Olivia (:

Oh Holly and Travis I’ve waited so long for this day! I met Holly in May of 2010 when her cousin, Alex was married to Hunter, and she already had it in her mind I would be her photographer. That’s a good thing because I sure enjoyed that family! Travis and Holly’s engagement session was tons of fun and I expected nothing less for their wedding.

They were married at Red Bank United Methodist, the same church that Holly’s sweet mom and dad were married at, isn’t that cute?! After the wedding we only had a few short steps to take over to The Gallery for their reception with lots of friends and family. They ended the night covered in silly string with lots of hugs from everyone who loved them.

Thank you to both Travis and Holly’s family for being so sweet and fun to work with!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ode to Bridesmaids the movie…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I first met Ashlea at This Ain’t Your Mama’s Party and Expo this past spring and I was so excited that she and Chris chose us to photograph their wedding! Chris and Ashlea were married last Saturday at the Pot Point cabin near the Tennessee River Gorge. It was a beautiful, intimate ceremony filled with happy details and happy people. The fabulous ladies at Homespun Parties + Events helped Ashlea with the decorating and Jill Allen kept the guests full with some delicious food throughout the evening. Ashlea’s dress was chosen from Monica’s bridal.

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Roark! We enjoyed getting We are so happy for you both! Have an amazing time in Mexico!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at all the lovely wedding details….

 

 

Ryan contacted me last year and after several great conversations he decided to book us for Amanda and his wedding! They had such fun ideas for their engagement session I knew that everything they planned for their wedding would be equally as amazing. I haven’t got the words for our level of admiration of Ryan, Amanda and their families. From the beginning they were amazing to work with, not to mention excited about photography, over-the-moon in love with each other and, as a bonus, trusted us completely.

Ryan and Amanda were married last Saturday at Patten Chapel then transported by the Double Decker to the Chattanooga Golf and Country Club for a reception kept alive by the band, Big Blast and the Party Masters. The floral decor and bouquets were designed by theClay Pot and their amazing cakes (including one of Ryan’s family crest!) by Cup a dee cakes. Cheryl and Whitney with Blissful Momentskept the day in perfect order, thank you both you are amazing.

Thank you Amanda and Ryan for your kindness, we congratulate you as you begin your life together as a married couple….and thank you to the Wallaces and the Hetzels, I can’t even express my gratitude for your generosity, kindheartedness and respect, we will remember you always!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at all these lovely reception details….

 

 

These two have a special place in my heart! I don’t know how we get so lucky with such amazing clients turned friends and Brandon and Jennifer are no exception. Jennifer was introduced to me by another wonderful couple, Zanna and Bobby, thanks guys! Eric and I had the pleasure of photographing this lovely couple 3 times, once for engagement, once for bridal (which shall be shown soon now that she’s a Mrs!) and then of course their wedding. They were married last Saturday at 2nd Presbyterian Church downtown followed by their reception at Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain. Jennifer’s dress was chosen from Monica’s Bridal and Brandon’s sweet Mom made all of their flowers, she’s amazing! Soundforce entertained her guests until they headed off to their honeymoon in Alaska.

Thank you both for your dedication to making all of our sessions with you the best that they could possibly be. I love that you love photography as much as me and that you get so excited when you see us excited about a picture, we love you both!

Enjoy this sneak peek…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love it when a bride trusts me enough to send a friend my way. It’s the biggest compliment because I would never steer a friend in the wrong direction! Chrissy was a bridesmaid in Laura and Russ‘ wedding in 2009 and this past Saturday was her turn! Drew and Chrissy, in my opinion, were sort of destined to be together with both of their grandparents being best friends for over 50 years….how sweet is that?! They were married at Our Lady of the Mount on Lookout Mountain followed by a grand reception near her parents home on Brown Lake.

Chrissy and her bridesmaids chatted and got dressed in Chrissy’s childhood home. I love the feeling of security and stability when hearing someone has grown up in the same home from birth until marriage. It seemed so sentimental that they get ready there since all the girls hung out there growing up. While the girls were primping, Drew and his groomsman played cornhole on the cornhole boards that he personally made, amazing Drew!

After a sweet ceremony we headed back to Brow Lake where the reception was held. Chrissy’s family pulled out all the stops by elaborately arranging tents from their own company, Chattanooga Tent Company. The Total Package kept people dancing until the end of the evening and saw this awesome couple off to their honeymoon.

Chrissy and her mom Suzanne have pretty much single handedly created this wedding themselves. Of course they had LOTS of help executing their fabulous ideas, here’s a few vendors that made this day possible:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This image is from a few weeks ago at Chrissy bridal session but I had to throw it in here,,,it’s one of my favorite bridal portraits.

 

Emmie did an amazing job on the florals, here’s more examples of her handy work!

I was so excited for Eric and Emily on Saturday, July 16th, not only that it was their wedding day but that it wasn’t going to be too hot for them! It turned out to be a lovely day and we are so fortunate to have had the privilidge to witness and document their wedding. The girls started the day off at the French Quarters where they giggled and sipped on bottled Coke while getting their hair done (thanks Megan for being so sweet!). Afterwards we headed to the church for the pictures to begin. Eric and Emily were married last Saturday at First Centenary United Methodist Church with her sweet mother, Linda, officiating the ceremony. Her flowers were designed by Gil & Curt and her delicious cakes by Cake Gallery. Leasha and the Soundforce team were in charge of the music….excellent job as always guys!

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Crawford! Enjoy your sneak peek!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Ann (seen behind the cokes) is the first person that called me about photographing her best friend’s wedding. I believe she was referred by Rich Smith, thanks Rich!

 

 

Emily’s sister is the one in the front, I love this shot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This little flower girl is Emily’s niece, Claire, isn’t she precious!? I love how Emily knew the face Claire was about to make it did it at the same time she did!

 

Emily was the most calm, cool and collected bride on her wedding day. So many different things can happen at a wedding and Emily handled everything with style and grace…..just beautiful!

 

 

 

Looking nice Eric!

 

During the warmer summer months (my) Eric hands out handkerchiefs to groomsman to wipe their face off…..of the over 100 weddings we’ve photographed I haven’t had guys put them on their heads, awesome!

Furthermore, I haven’t seen a groom be tied up either!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oh. My. Goodness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eric is really great at getting Emily to laugh (:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love this sweet image of Eric’s parents.

 

This is a Wright family tradition to fire off a cannon during the reception….yes it was a real cannon and it was really loud!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I don’t know how they held this pose for more than a second, do you know how bad rice hurts when thrown at you? These guys are professionals!

 

 

Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Smith! While they are soaking up the sun in Jamaica right now, I thought it would be nice to revisit their wedding day with a little sneak peek….trust me she will see this post, I think she brought her computer just for this reason!

First, thank you so much Sarah and Dave for introducing me to Kristen! Coincidentally she was a teacher at Madyson’s school, so we had the opportunity to run into each other several times. When she and Stewart got engaged she said that it was me and only me that she wanted for her wedding photographer…..makes me happy! If you missed seeing their engagement session you can view that by clicking on this link HERE.

They were married this past Saturday at Grace Episcopal Church followed by their reception at the Chattanooga Golf  and Country Club. The Claypot designed all the flowers and even had to make a special trip out of town for the orchids for her bridal bouquet and other flowers, totally worth it. Jeremy from Entertainment Solutions kept the evening reception completely in order, you’re amazing Jeremy! The Cake Boutique provided beautiful and delicious cakes for Kristen, Stewart and their guests. Kristen’s amazing gown came from Boutique Couture.

Have an amazing time on your honeymoon, see you both soon!

 

 

 

 

 

A full bridal bouquet of orchids? Yes please!

 

 

Lovely ladies in clover (:

 

 

 

Stewart surprised Kristen by cutting his hair, I’m pretty sure she liked it!

These groomsman were some of my favorite guys to work with. They were respectful, polite and willing to brave the heat for a couple of great shots. Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who says you have to do certain things in a particular order! Kristen and Stewart didn’t want to keep their guests waiting on their arrival, so they went into the reception to mingle a bit and do the bouquet toss.

After visiting, they came outside for a few minutes for us to take their pictures alone together. Although we only had a few minutes I like what we came up with!

 

 

 

 

 

This was the highlight of the evening. Kristen is announcing to Stewart his surprise….

A personal performance from his favorite singer, Channing Wilson (and his reaction of course!).

 

 

 

 

 

After a couple of sweet words from the maid of honor and best man, the bridal party opted for a non-traditional way to express their love for Stewart and Kristen. They started off with Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline and ended with Sir Mix-a-lot’s Baby Got Back….pure awesomeness!