Gavin + Cierra, Wedding

Cierra was a bridesmaid in my own wedding a few years ago, and we had a friendship built on Higher Ground coffee, Pinterest crafts and cooking attempts, and late night talks about nothing in particular. When she moved away to Nashville to get her teaching degree, I missed her but was so proud of her for pursuing her dream! Who knew that while she was moving forward in her education, she would also meet the guy who is now her husband-- Gavin. :) 

I didn't meet Gavin until we did their engagement session last Fall, so I had told Cierra I was happy for her, but couldn't really approve until I got to know him a little. When I took their pictures though, I knew that this guy was perfect for her. They are both full of laughter and smiles, share a love for Harry Potter, and of course, have a thing for each other. At the end of the session as we hugged goodbye, I told Cierra I officially approved (as if that was going to make a difference, but still. :) ) 

Gavin and Cierra had a beautiful wedding day filled with family and friends from near and far, bright sunshine and drenching rain, sweet-smelling flowers and the most amazing rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody I have ever experienced. It was the perfect blend of the planned-for moments and the bits that no one had expected. But through it all these two had smiles on their faces, and I expect that is how it will be for the next 50+ years of their marriage. :) 

Congratulations, you two! Thank you for giving me the pleasure of being your photographer!
Special thanks to Michelle Bulla for being my wonderful, talented second shooter. 

Venue- Discovery Park of America, Union City TN 

Videographer- Sublett Road Media

Hair/Makeup- Stillwater Salon (Stephani Quinn & Kayla High)

Florist- Calla Lilly

Baker-  Katelin Hayes Desserts

Catering- Sassafras 

DJ- David Venus

Lauren + Austin, Wedding

Sunshine and blue skies, happy tears and big smiles, young love and best friends-- Lauren and Austin's wedding consisted of all of these things, and more. These high school sweethearts may have had one of the hottest wedding days of 2018, but they smiled through the heat and danced as though they didn't even notice. :) From their precious first look, where both of them may have shed a tear (or two), to the ceremony surrounded by friends and family who cheered them on, and finally to the reception with more than one fun dance routine, this day was full of sweet memories for these two to hold onto forever. 

One thing that stood out to me at Lauren and Austin's wedding was the sense that everyone present was a part of their family. The bridesmaids were more like a sisterhood around Lauren, and the groomsmen, when not making us laugh, were always there to help, as a good brother should be-- even carrying Lauren's veil so it wouldn't drag the ground in between pictures. :) Even the guests seemed right at home, taking it all in with happy faces at the ceremony, and filling the dance floor at the reception. You can tell there are many people who love and support this sweet couple! 

Thanks so much, Lauren and Austin, for letting us be a part of your special day! 

Venue: The Venue at Waddell Place
Planner: Haley Zell
Caterer: Mallard's Restaurant
Florist: Jack Jones Flowers
Videographer: Durant Studios
DJ: Phillip Garrett
Cake: Sandy Clayton
Bride’s hair and makeup: Gina Marie Hampton
Valets: Ivan Hernandez and Andy Wilson
Rentals: Vows Wedding & Events and M&M Rentals

Will + Tori, Wedding

Tori and Will had an unusually warm day for their May wedding, but we were all just grateful that the sun was shining and there was no rain in sight. I think more than a few prayers were prayed for clear skies that day, and those prayers were answered. :) 
They had chosen to do a first look prior to the ceremony, so we walked each of them outside under a canopy of trees where they stood back-to-back and read the letters they had written for each other. A few glistening tears were shed as they turned the pages, and then they tucked the notes away and took a deep breath. She turned towards him, and after a tap on the shoulder, Will turned around to see Tori. More tears rolled down their smiling faces as they took in this sweet moment. They spent the rest of their day close to one another, hand-in-hand and ready to say those two words-- I Do. 
The next few hours were spent with their wedding party and family, visiting with each other between pictures and trying to stay as cool as possibly in this Tennessee heat. When the time for the ceremony came, the wedding party walked down the isle and the crowd stood as Tori and her dad walked down to meet Will. More happy tears were shed, and the special words were spoken. Blue skies shone above as the bride and groom kissed, and everyone clapped and cheered as they made their way back down the isle as Mr. & Mrs. I have a feeling a few people were clapping and cheering in Heaven at that moment as well. 

Theirs was such a special day, and we were incredibly honored to be a part of it! Congratulations, Will & Tori! Thank you so much for asking us to be your photographers. 

Planner: Southern Sparkle Weddings & Events 

Venue: K & M Barn at Lewis Farm in Atwood, Tennessee 

Florals: Bennie Boals & Southern Sparkle Florals

Videographer: Durant Studios by Melissa Lancaster

Bride’s Dress: Brandi Michelle's Bridal Boutique

Catering: Simply Southern Catering 

Rentals: M&M Rentals & Vows Wedding & Events

Baker: Sabrina Simmons & Kaitlin Hayes Desserts

Bridal Hair & Makeup: Katherine Hart Tosh Professional Hair and Makeup

DJ: Xtreme Entertainment Mobile DJ Services

Tuxedos and Seamstress: Paula Worrell in Martin

Officiant: Scott Waycaster

Bartenders: Herman Grimes and Son