knoxville – Travel, Weddings, & More.

It’s been about a month since Abby and Jeremy’s wedding. But the sweet moments and thoughts for a blog have been thought about several times since the big day.

In between all the weddings, editing, meetings, other shoots, and regular family/life things, sometimes the extra time for blogs fall in the back behind all these other things.
But I didn’t want to finish and send off their galley with out a small blog first.

It was too sweet and special of a wedding to not to. So here’s a little walk through with highlights from Abigail and Jeremy’s big day.

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Abby and Jeremy got ready at two different spots. The bride at her parents house, the groom at his and Abby’s new apartment. This is one reason why hiring a photographer team duo is best. Jordan went with the groom and groomsmen, me with Abby and the girls. We were able to capture a few more authentic moments this way.

The girls helped each other get ready, which was super sweet to see. Lot’s of music and giggles in the room. They played worship music, starting and ending the day in prayer and worship.

The bride’s mother helped her into her gown. I love these lace sleeves.
I was also able to sneak a sweet moment between Abby and her step dad. He walked into the room and saw her and got emotional. It was so sweet.

After everyone was ready, we headed to the venue where the bride and groom did a first look. We love these first look moments. So much anticipation and it gives the bride and groom time to be together and sink in some lovey, genuine moments before the events of the day with their loved ones begin.

After the first look, we took some bride and groom photos. It wasn’t hard with this couple, they are already so cute and in love, it made our job easy!

So regal and romantic.

We then joined the wedding party for some fun group photos! This group was so fun, we all had a blast. I love big wedding parties!

After group photos, we took family photos and a few detail shots before heading to the ceremony. I love how first looks let us do all the photos beforehand! Time saver for sure!

These wildflowers were home grown. A perfect way to save some money and add a special twist! These were in the bouquets and also lined the isle as the bride walked towards her groom…

Abby and Jeremy’s wedding was so special. Not just because I’ve know and loved this couple and their family for several years now, and have seen them grow towards this moment, but because they made it clear of their love for God.

Several moments had me crying. Here are a few of them:

This is probably one of my favorite photos below. (Okay, so I love them all. It’s hard to choose!) That guy in the back, Jeremy’s brother and best man, Caleb, he is a strong man of God. He and his brother both are such an example to all, including to me. Ive seen them both first hand in serving others, being a good friend to all, and representing Christ. Y’all, having a strong support system, someone fighting in your corner and cheering for you is huge. Not everyone gets that in their family. Marriage is serious and special. We need people to encourage us along the way.

This is a model photo of an example of just that. Caleb praying and worshiping right before Abby joins Jeremy. So powerful.

I found myself crying tears of joy most of the ceremony. I almost couldn’t see through my lens! It was perfect. They love each other so much.

After the vows they washed each other’s feet. Representing humility and service to one another.

Followed by their families praying over them….

They are married!

Time to dance, celebrate, and eat cake!

Congrats Abby and Jeremy!

http://www.joywildflowerphotography.com/

Venue:https://www.facebook.com/TheManorAtStowersHill/
Dress, sash and robes:https://www.amazon.com/
Alterations:https://www.facebook.com/theperfectfitalterations/
Rings:https://www.kay.com/en/kaystore
Menswear:https://www.facebook.com/MensWearhouse/
https://www.facebook.com/SwevenVintageandRusticRentals/

This past weekend I photographed Emily and Ben’s wedding at White Stone Inn in Paint Rock, TN. I grew up in Loudon not far from this venue. I had been to this venue before, but it was just for a small elopement. I had not seen the chapel in all it’s beautifully natural lite beauty, nor worked closely with the venue’s coordinator. But let me tell you, I was thrilled to have full access to the venue and photograph it’s many beautiful spots.

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Now, I am new to blogging. It’s both exciting and daunting to me. But I can not help but share the details behind so many couple’s love stories. From the business side, it’s just smart to blog nowadays. From the artist side, it only helps others see the passion behind my work. I was having a conversation with another photographer friend, and she made a very good point. Not only is it hard to blog each and every wedding, but it’s important to blog about what we are passionate about and things that stand out to us. If you know any thing about blogging, you know the material is crucial and audience building is key. So, here is my blog about Emily and Ben’s fairy tale wedding and things that stood out to me.

Emily and ben chose to have their ceremony in the chapel, which, was exciting to me both because it was 80 something degrees, (ha) but also because it really is stunning. There is such a traditional element to it with an unique twist. Which describes Ben and Emily perfectly. Their love story is simple and somewhat traditional. They waited for love and that speaks to my heart in a familiar way. Their families, both sides, all full of love for both the bride and groom. Emily’s brother, in charge of the rings, helped me towards the early part of the day. Handmade by a family member, passed down from another generation. While photographing the rings, he shared with me a little bit about the couple. He wanted his sister’s day to be perfect. It was so sweet. He shared with me the meaning behind the flowers they chose. The thistle and the rose. Right then and there I knew I had so many reasons to blog this wedding.
The thistle is the flower of Scotland, of which is Ben’s ancestry. The rose, is special to Emily and her family because her brother shared that they had a rose bush at their house growing up, and they called it “Emily’s rose bush”. I love how they incorporated it into their special day.

After photographing the pretty details of the wedding, I went to set up a “first look” for the bride and groom. I love first looks. It sets a time apart for the couple to share a special time alone, together. There were many “gasps” and “awes” and tears.

Emily chose a gown inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Narnia. Her head piece gave the perfect touch for her unique, whimsical look. Her bouquet was exquisite. She was such a beautiful bride. It felt like we had all walked into a fairy tale.

After the first look, we ventured around the venue for bride and groom photos. Not to forget including a photo with the sword of Aslan for their story book look.

We took some family photos, which included some very sweet moments with Emily’s mom and dad.

We then went to the chapel for the ceremony. Ben was just as excited to see his bride as he was for the first look. They exchanged vows, prayed together, and took communion. It was so beautiful to see their friends and family worship with them as they took their first communion together, symbolizing the grace and freedom and love we have in Christ. The two becoming one under God.

Following the ceremony, Ben and Emily got to go in a special carriage ride. Side by side, taking a few moments to soak in everything. This is a services provided by White Stone Weddings for their clients. As if we couldn’t get fairy tale enough, this was just the cherry on top. *Happy sigh*

While Emily and Ben enjoyed a few moments alone, their guests got to enjoy yummy Hors d’oeuvres at the reception.

Once the bride and groom arrived, they took their first dance, followed by toasts, speeches, then dinner was served. The food was fabulous and catered by White Stone. dancing.1

Emily took a moment to change into another beautiful gown for her reception.

She then danced with her dad. This was such a tender moment. Not only because they are close, but because it was fathers day. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Emily’s dad then surprised her and her grandparents with the honor of a special dance to celebrate their 60th anniversary. They danced to the Italian song, Nessun Dorma, along with Ben and Emily dancing beside them. Her grandparents are still so in love and it is some serious goals. The room was so full of emotion.