As engagement season is upon us and as more couples start to research and book vendors, and start the wedding planning process, I thought it would be the perfect time to share just exactly what us photographers do when you book us for your special day! Wedding photography can often seem like a photographer will just show up on the wedding day and click a button- but I’m here to tell you that as a professional, we do SO much more than that! I know that wedding photography is a huge investment and takes a big percentage of a couple’s budget when it comes to their wedding day. I want to walk you through the process and share a little behind-the-scenes information of what goes into being a wedding photographer!

Zack and Kinzie finally became husband and wife on a balmy July day at one of my favorite venues here in Johnson City— The Side Porch! When my second shooter, Sam, and I arrived, it was certainly hot and humid but the forecast had appeared clear. After everyone was ready, we captured a super sweet first look in the forest where Zack and Kinzie said private vows. Immediately after, as we were gearing up for the ceremony, a huge rain cloud loomed over the venue. Everyone hopped into gear and brought the ceremony inside in minutes where Zack and Kinzie would finally become husband and wife! Talk about an adventure, but what a story to tell!

They may have had a change of plans, but Ryan and Rachel didn’t let Covid-19 stop them from getting married. In the safety of their family’s home, these two said their vows in the backyard surrounded by just their parents and their two best friends. Other family members attended virtually through Zoom to congratulate them after officially becoming husband and wife! Rachel and Ryan both could NOT contain their smiles and just radiated happiness all day!

We met up back in January for Kelsey and Eric’s engagement session while they were in town visiting their venue. At the time, they had planned on getting married in May, but thanks to Covid, they had to reschedule their big day for September. Because Kelsey and Eric were in town for a brief weekend, we had to squeeze in their engagement session on one of the coldest days of the year, but these two were troopers and dressed for the occasion.! We explored one of our local lakes here and were even lucky enough to get some snowflakes. They even brought their two dogs Kona and Bailey (who I absolutely love)!

I’m a little late on blogging my behind-the-scenes photos from 2019, but I’m hoping that this blog brings some smiles, laughs, and uplifts your day just a little. Huge thanks to call of my couples, second shooters, fellow wedding vendors, and my amazing friends and family who made 2019 one hell of a year.

Lakyn and Neal became husband and wife at the always magical Waterstone Venue in Johnson City, Tennessee! Mother Nature had us on rain alert the entire week leading up to the date, but eventually decided to just rain the night before and gave us the moodiest overcast skies! These two said personal vows at their first look but officially tied the knot waterside. We all danced the night away under the tent as it drizzled and ended the celebration with a private last dance and sparkler exit! It was a truly magical and absolutely beautiful Fall wedding day in Northeast Tennessee!

This day and this couple. I have been dreaming about Ashley and Logan’s wedding day since I met Ashley for coffee and it was truly magical! Logan and Ashley became husband and wife at one of the newest venues in our area— the Waterstone Venue! Even though it was mid-September, their day was partly sunny and almost 90 degrees! The day was humid and hazy, but that didn’t keep Ashley and Logan from having the most amazing wedding day!

I first met Ashley through our local Tuesday’s Together group (a networking group for creative entrepreneurs that meets once a month), and I’m SO glad that I did. I had met her shortly after I had moved back to the Tri-Cities and was trying to grow my business in Tennessee. I owe a lot of my business growth to not only the Tuesday’s Together group but also to all of my closest friends who constantly cheer me on- especially Ashley!

When Ashley came to me to talk about a branding photoshoot for her new brand, I was both ecstatic and honored! We met up for coffee at our favorite coffeehouse (Open Doors) and planned out our shoot. Ashley told me she wanted her new brand to feel mature, genuine, and of course, to show a connection with nature. She also wanted to show parts of her real life, so we planned a lifestyle/at home office shoot to share her cute little blue office and her family- including her husband, Mike, and pup, Myla.

Today on the blog, we’re moving away from recent sessions and weddings and chatting about a super important wedding topic- DAY OF TIMELINES!

One thing that I love to include in all of my wedding packages — no matter if it’s a shorter elopement or a full-day celebration— is offering to assist in creating a day-of timeline for each couple. I know that usually this is the first time a couple has planned a wedding and understand that it can be tricky to put together a schedule for everyone to know where to be and when, coordinate where the photographer should be, and just how the day is going to go in general! When I help my couples create a timeline, I try to make things easy for everyone and try to keep their ideas and wishes in mind.

It all can be overwhelming, but it’s a super important part of the day, and here’s why!

Northeast Tennessee is not only home to beautiful mountains and breathtaking lakes, but also some of the most gorgeous and unique wedding venues that are perfect for adventurous couples and outdoors lovers!

I’ve compiled a list of my top favorite wedding venues (in no particular order) here in northeast Tennessee that are great for adventurous brides and grooms who are looking for a place to say their vows.