weddings

A Gentle Love | Nashville Wedding Photographer

Dwan+Laura are the most kind, gentle souls I know.  And, my goodness, are they ever loved well.  Their wedding was overflowing with friends+family who desired to be apart of this union of two special people.  I am known to cry behind my camera at times.  Those tears came flowing when they opened the door to insanely beautiful music and then I see Laura at the end of the aisle with her gentle smile towards her groom.  It was such a powerful moment that I will never forget.  They had two receptions because they wanted to include as many people from their church as possible.  Their church is filled with so much community and love for one another.  I actually met Dwan as a groomsmen in Trey+Shannon's beautiful wedding.  Their large group of friends all go to church together and it has been so fun getting to know them all after these two weddings.  So, here a few of my favorite images from their day.  Enjoy!

 


Laura+Dwan decided not to see each other before the wedding but wanted to exchange letters and talk.  They met in the beautiful, small chapel on the Christ Church campus.  I was truly overwhelmed with the beauty of that small room.  And then was even more overwhelmed at the sweet moment that took place between the two of them.  Here is a glimpse of what took place...

And here is Laura walking down the aisle to the most amazing music.  This is when I wish photos had sound attached to them.  Such a beautiful moment.

They took communion together and then had their entire family and bridal party join them for prayer.  Such a perfect example of the community and love they have for one another.  

We were able to sneak away to Dwan's picture perfect neighborhood for a few photos of just the two of them.  And the leaves could not have been more colorful which is exactly what Laura wanted.  

Their reception was a perfect end to their day.  Dwan+Laura, thanks so much for allowing me to apart of your sweet day! 

Change of Seasons | Nashville Wedding Photographer

Colorful leaves. Cool, fall air.  A perfect day for a fall wedding.  Mallory+Ross celebrated their love with family & friends at the beautiful Eastwood Christian Church in East Nashville.   I loved the idea of the change of seasons and the color surrounding us all, both in the physical and nonphysical sense of the words.  There could not have been a better group of people, and a more gorgeous couple to represent this beautiful change.  Here are a few of my favorite moments from this day....

 

The gorgeous exterior of the church with her vintage inspired wedding dress hanging on the door...

The boutonnieres were made with cotton and foliage.  So southern+perfect.  

  

 

 

Nothing like a Mom helping her daughter with the final touches with the best of friends looking on...

The following photos are the moment that Ross+Mallory saw each other for the first time.  It was such a sweet moment just between the two of them.  

The interior of the church was so amazingly beautiful.  It is always so refreshing to experience this sort of thoughtfulness in the creating of a place of worship.  And the church itself was a perfect compliment to the ceremony proclaiming their commitment to one another.  

Marathon Village was the reception venue.  Perfectly decorated with hanging lights and an incredible view of the city.  

Thanks Mallory+Ross for allowing me to be apart of your day!  It was such an honor to be with you and document your love for one another.  

Rain Can't Keep the Joy Away | Nashville Wedding Photographer

The little bit of rain could not keep Jami+Cameron's spirits down.  If I could describe their day in one word it would be: JOY.  As I was going through the photos, their smiles jumped out of my computer screen every time.  I could feel the moments just by looking at their photographs.  I seriously did not hear one discouraging word from either Jami or Cameron about the rain.   They were just happy to be with each other and their family/friends.  And it made a rainy, dreary day the most beautiful, joyous occasion.  So, brides+grooms- lesson learned: DO NOT WORRY about rain on your wedding day!!  It is all what you make of it.  And it's suppose to be good luck, right? 

Here are a few of my favorite images from the day.  Thanks Jami+Cameron for allowing me to be with you on such a sweet day.  I truly enjoyed every moment.  


The wedding took place at the home of President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage.  The girls got ready in the building that he used as his law office in the late 1700's.  

We were able to take photographs on the porch at The Hermitage.  So amazing to think of the old stories surrounding us as they began a new story.

  

 

 

The band at the reception was truly amazing!  And there was no shortage of dancing, including a few moves of my own.  I mean, can't you just feel the joy radiating from Jami+Cameron?! 

Chances | Nashville Wedding Photography

When I made the scary, yet exciting decision to jump into wedding photography,  I only had a portfolio full of children and families to show potential clients.  I walked into the Green Hills Starbucks one night to meet with a couple who was interested in talking to me about shooting their wedding.  I literally had no idea what I was doing. I had never met with clients before in order to book them.  I showed up with hands shaking and my mind reciting over and over what I was going to say.  Then she turned around and smiled and I knew it was going to be ok.  Taylor's warm smile and easy way about her made me feel right at home.  And it also did not hurt that we both had been counselors at Camp Vesper Point.   Maybe a "few" years separating us but that never matters when you have a love for the same place.  Then Ryan walks in and I instantly knew that I would love this couple, no matter if they chose me or not.  He gets right to business and the hard questions but with such a charm that you have no idea you are under his spell until you leave.  I sat there with our coffee sharing my heart for what I do and my dreams for what I want to do.  Then we wrapped our meeting and parted ways with a promise of a phone call after they met with a few other photographers.  I walked away feeling so grateful for meeting them and the realization that this would now be my job.  My phone rang a few days later and got the message that THEY WANTED ME TO BE THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER!  I was shocked.  I was elated.  I booked my FIRST wedding!!!  

I truly feel like I owe so much to Taylor+Ryan for their belief in me and giving me a chance.  I hope that these photos will be my way to say thank you for many, many years to come.  Now...on to their wedding!  What a day!  What a night!   Here are some of my favorites from the day....

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Taylor+Ryan did not see each other before the ceremony but wanted to hold hands and talk before she walked down the aisle.  These are always some of my favorite moments with the bride and groom.  It was hard for Ryan to not turn around even though it was his decision to not see her prior!  

Taylor decided to have a "first look" with her Dad.  Oh.My.Word.  Tears were streaming behind my camera.  The sweetest moment between this Dad and his beautiful daughter.  

The wedding took place at West End United Methodist Church.  The sanctuary was so beautiful filled with stained glass windows and gorgeous lights hanging from the ceiling.  You are not able to take photos in the sanctuary so we were perched high above in the balcony to get our ceremony shots.  I loved when they took communion and then went to serve it to all their guests.  Such a perfect picture of Taylor+Ryan and their love for God and others.  

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The reception was held at The Cannery Ballroom in the Gulch.  And let me tell you- it was a fun party!  It took every ounce of constraint for me to not break it down on the dance floor.  That might be one of the hardest parts of photographing a wedding with good dancing - not being able to get on the dance floor.  I am usually the first one on and the last one off.  And there was dancing at this one!  Taylor even had a dance mob to "Push It' as a surprise to the guests.  All of her bridesmaids, her Mom's and even her Grandmothers were in on the fun surprise!  It was definitely a fun moment!  

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It may have been POURING rain when they were leaving but you would have never known it by the look of joy on their faces! Thanks Taylor+Ryan for such a fun time!  

A Wedding at the Farm | Nashville Wedding Photographer

As I drove up the long winding road to the "farm" I had no idea what my eyes were about to behold.  In my mind, I just thought I would see a pretty white barn with gorgeous fields surrounding.  Just the typical (though never old) Tennessee farms.  Boy was I ever wrong.  As I peaked the giant hill, there sat the most glorious "farm house" brilliantly adorned with white washed brick and gigantic rustic, wooden doors that slid open to invite in the most incredible light.  But this was not all.  I climbed the stairs to the bridal room only to find a room full of beauty.  I seriously could not believe that I had the chance to photograph at a place this beautiful.  But I must say, it would not have been worth it if I did not have the best couple along with their friends+family to fill those spaces.  Billy+Stephanie were so kind and truly wanted to share their love with everyone there.  You could tell they were so loved by those that surrounded them.  And that made Trinity View Farms even more beautiful. 

So here is to love and the beautiful places it takes us!  Congratulations Billy+Stephanie!  Thank you for allowing me to be apart of your gorgeous day.  

A Good Night | Nashville Wedding Photographer

Caroline+Josh were married on a beautiful, summer day at Front Porch Farms.  They were surrounded by so many who loved them well.  And this group knows how to have fun!  When a groom ends up in the pool before the exit, you know it was a good night.  Especially when Caroline was standing on the edge of the pool with her phone ready to take photos.  

So grateful to have been able to spend the day with these two.  Enjoy a few of my favorites!

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Beautiful Children Everywhere | Nashville Country Wedding Part II

I seriously could not believe how many beautiful children were at this wedding last Saturday.  Everywhere I turned there was a child that looked like jumped straight out of a CrewCuts ad.  So obviously my camera followed them relentlessly.  I had to devote one entire blog just to show the world the beauty of these children.  And such a reminder that children truly know how to celebrate!  


Contagious Love | Nashville Wedding Photographer

I really can't believe I just typed those words at the top: Nashville Wedding Photographer.  I am living my dream and LOVING it!  I am beyond grateful that I was able to be apart of Shannon and Trey's beautiful wedding at The Cordelle this past weekend.  It was truly magical on every level.  Watching their love for one another and for their Maker was not only moving but I know rubbed off on every single person there, including myself.  I am pretty sure that not a single person walked out of The Cordelle last Friday without a desire for more love in their life.  Here are a few of my favorite photographs from their wedding.  I hope you enjoy!

 

New Love | Nashville Engagement Photographer

I am loving, LOVING!, my time with the couples who chose me as their wedding photographer.  Sometimes I just can't believe that this is my job!  It is such a gift to watch two people so in love at the edge of starting such a beautiful journey.  James & I are 13 years into the journey and life sometimes hardens you to the beauty of new love.  Not only do I get the chance to remember what it was like then but I can also find gratefulness in the love we have found in time.  There is a quote by CS Lewis that I think about all the time:

"Being in love’ first moved them to promise fidelity: this quieter love enables them to keep the promise. it is on this love that the engine of marriage is run: being in love was the explosion that started it.” CS Lewis

I love the loud, explosive love that I see through my lens with these couples.  But I pray that in 10, 20, 50 years that their love would become a love that will move quietly along the journey.  

Here's to a gorgeous couple - Mallory+Ross!  I can't wait to be apart of their big day.  



 

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Chattanooga Wedding | Nashville Photographer

For anyone that keeps up with this blog, (anyone?) then you know that I photograph children and families.  Well I stepped out of my bubble a few weeks ago and helped my sister shoot a wedding in the beautiful city of Chattanooga on top of Lookout Mountain.  I really am not sure if the location and the evening could have been more perfect.  The mountains of Chattanooga are just magical to me and hold so many wonderful memories.  So to shoot a wedding there was really a dream come true.  And to do it with my sister was even better!   I do not consider myself a wedding photographer but I'm hoping to shoot a little more in the future.  Until then, enjoy a few of my favorite images.

Weddings | Nashville Wedding Photographer

I am really excited to announce that I will begin taking a handful of weddings this coming year!  If you or someone you know is interested, I would be happy to send you my pricing and further information.  The first wedding booked for 2011 will receive $150 in free print credit! Here are a few bridal photos from a session a few months ago.   It makes me miss fall....