Change of Seasons | Nashville Wedding Photographer

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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

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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?! 

No Ocean too Big | Nashville Engagement Photographer

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Meg is special to our family.  She lived next door for the last 2 years.  Our kids light up every time they see her (and her roommates) face.  But then something slowly happened to those three single, gorgeous girls.  One by one all three of them were swept off their feet and in ended (or really began) with a ring put on their finger.  I knew the moment I met Paul that this would be the final result.  He was a dashing young man who romantically lived in Scotland while pursuing his Masters degree.  And I could just see it in their eyes that an ocean could not keep them apart.  And, I was right- it didn't!  But what is even better is that they grew up together and even went to prom together!  They went on their separate ways after school.  So, time and an ocean could not separate these two.  And I am pretty sure you can feel that closeness through these photos.  They are so sweet with each other.  We are so excited for you two and can't wait to watch you grow in the years to come.  


Chances | Nashville Wedding Photography

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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

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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.  

Timeless Wedding

Katie+Matthew were married on a beautiful Nashville summer day.  The wedding took place at Grace Community Church with the reception following at Travelers Rest.  I love how the photos incorporated such a look of history in the middle of a wedding in the year of 2014.  There is something timeless about Katie's beauty and it translated so well through her choice of dress and location.  So grateful to have had the opportunity to spend with this sweet couple and their family/friends.  Cheers to many years to come together!

A Good Night | Nashville Wedding Photographer

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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

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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!  


A Country Nashville Wedding | Nashville Wedding Photographer

I am pretty sure this wedding could not have nailed the chic country vibe any better.  The lace, the flowers, the barns.  I could not get enough of the details of this wedding.  The flowers and tables were designed by the set designer of the local show, "Nashville."  I seriously could not stop photographing them because they were so beautiful.  Katico + Brody were so laid back which could not have been more perfect for the country setting.  They made everyone feel right at home.  Enjoy some of my favorites from their wedding this past weekend.  

 

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Contagious Love | Nashville Wedding Photographer

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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

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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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New Adventures | Nashville Engagement Photography

The year of 2014 will be marked in my life as one to remember.  When I started off in photography it was never a dream of mine.  It just sort of fell into my lap.  I was taking photos of Bella Grace as a baby on my film camera and then decided to try digital.  After several months of friends asking me to take photos for them, I began charging a small (and I mean small) fee for my time.  As that year went on, my little hobby grew into a business.   It reminds me of a quote from the movie "The Wedding Planner":

"The appreciation grew to respect. Respect grew to like.  Then like grew to love.  A deeper love than I could ever hope for." 

The Dad was speaking to his daughter (j-lo) about his arranged marriage with her mother.  And how he grew to love her.  This is exactly how my passion for photography grew as well.  I almost feel as if it were an arranged marriage with everything just falling in my lap.  Now I truly love what I do more than I could have even imagined.  But something has always been lurking in the back of my mind, not letting me let go of the dream.  I was at a crossroads a few months ago trying to decide what I truly wanted to do with my life.  One was an easier road without much risk but without much passion either.  The second was scary for me because it was a true dream of mine.  Even as I write this my heart is beating fast and my hands are shaking.  I decided to go for the dream.  So here I am going for the dream of being a wedding photographer.  I am doing it.  And I feel more alive than ever before.  

And this beautiful couple will be one of the first weddings I will photograph as I embark full time on this journey.  I am pretty sure God could not have given me a more beautiful couple - inside and out.  They are truly a joy to be around and had me laughing the entire time we were together.  So... Here is to new beginnings and following our dreams!  

 

I Love Nashville | Nashville Senior Photographer

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This was one of the most fun shoots I have had in a long time!  Exploring my city with my camera and one of my favorite girls in the world.  Mallory is about to head off to NYU in the fall and there was not a better place to capture her Senior photos than downtown Nashville.  It made me remember again why I LOVE my city!  

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