Andy was right when describing Meghan’s “energetic” & “spunky” personality. Before you know it you feel like you’ve known her forever as she has a way of connecting with others. And the same is the case for Andy. He’s a genuine guy… caring & interested in others. There’s no question why these two make such a great pair.

On a trip to Charleston, Andy took Meghan to visit a lighthouse… “it actually turned out to be a metal skinny building,” she joked. Admittedly, Andy was a bit disappointed as his expectations were thwarted. Yet, sitting on the beach, enjoying one another as they watched the sun set, all seemed right in the world. Andy asked Meghan’s hand in marriage… “yes!”

… which leads us to their beautiful wedding. Andy & Meghan were wed at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville (which is also our church… hooray!). Outside it was a bit wet, windy & cold, yet we were able to work around it & I can’t imagine having a better time. I think you’ll love their day.
Meghan’s personality is so radiant & easily communicates in her photographs.
Beautiful.
And her ladies were such sports as they fought through the cold & wet weather.
(R) When her father saw her for the first time in her dress.
The fellas getting ready.
You never know what you’re going to get into with a groom & his guys. This was no exception… good times!
Andy preparing a gift for his bride.
The details… just prior to the beginning of the ceremony.
The incredible designer, Natalie Clayman, provided the design details. Her work was featured at the reception as well.
It’s time.
Love this reaction!
The reception was held at The Hilton, downtown Knoxville. Due to the early sunset, we faced a dark sky yet braved the cold & had a great time using the city lights as our backdrop before heading to the reception.
Love these!
We headed to the reception & spent a few moments in their beautiful lobby.

The reception was beautiful.
This crew knew how to party!
Congrats friends! You’re wedding day was wonderful; thank you for the opportunity & privilege to share this occasion with you.

These two are such fun. Meet Levi & Caroline. Levi is literally from across the country, raised in the beautiful state of Washington. Caroline, on the other hand, raised in the small town of Sweetwater, TN. Who would’ve thought they’d find one another. But they have… & it’s wonderful.

As the story goes… on a trip to Washington to visit his family for Christmas, Levi planned a two-day trip to Victoria, Canada. They shared an incredible dinner together followed by a walk through the park lit by Christmas lights. As she turned to speak to him, she realized he was several feet behind her, kneeling on the sidewalk. Admittedly, neither of them remember what he said… but she cried & said “YES!”

Levi & Caroline came by the studio last week for their engagement shoot. Since it was rainy & cold when we started, we opted to capture some shots in the studio. Here are a few of my favorites:
It was so much fun to hang with these two… always serious laughing when I’m behind the lens!
The rain clouds passed so was ventured outside for a bit.
Love this! Can’t wait to see you guys again!

However, as their big day got closer, Jenn and I were becoming more nervous about our return trip from Hawaii.  Would it even be possible to stay awake after 20 hours in a plane?  What if there were delays or a missed connection?  Close studies of US maps showed that driving a car from Hawaii to Tennessee is not the best option.  Therefore, my wife decided that I should return home from Hawaii a day early while she would stay (I’m sure that was a difficult decision for her to make…haha) just to make sure everything would be fine.

As it turned out, we both returned on time, but I must admit that extra day on Tennessee time really helped!  This was a wedding that I had been looking forward to for some time.  Over the past few months, we had been able to spend quite a bit of time with Russ and Savannah on various photo shoots (here, here, and here) and got to know them quite well.  Savannah is always so laid back no matter what the situation (actually, the same could be said of Russ).  I knew they were both going to be able to relax and enjoy their wedding day.  Also adding to my excitement was the fact that the Passmores REALLY know how to decorate!  I couldn’t wait to see the church and reception sites.  As you’ll see below, they did not disappoint.  Thank you all for allowing us to be a part of your wedding day!  It really means a lot that you had faith in us even with the close travel schedule; we hope you enjoy!

As I was saying, this family knows how to decorate.  Check out the tree.  Can you imagine how long it took to decorate that?!

As I arrived at the Passmore house, the girls were busy getting ready.  I was dodging hairspray and snapping pictures!

After everyone was ready, we ventured to a nearby field to get some images of the bridal party.

Next, we drove to Woodward Avenue Church of God.  The theme was a Winter Wonderland Wedding.  I think they definitely captured that!

After grabbing some details, it was time for the guys.

UT orange in the wedding band…love it!

It was then time to exchange gifts, and I learned a valuable lesson.  When buying for your wife, Tiffany & Co. is a good place to start!

Is there a better gift than the gift of photography? 

Although Savannah and Russ decided not to see each other before the ceremony, that didn’t stop us from getting some pictures together.

How Savannah’s dad David made it through singing “Butterfly Kisses” just before the ceremony, I’ll never know.

After the sparkler send off from the church, it was time to head to the Open Door Cafe in downtown Athens for the reception.

The wedding party really knew how to make an entrance.  There were top hats involved…need I say more?

We slipped away from the reception for a bit to get some more pictures.  Free photography tip:  work quickly because it gets cold at night in winter!

As it was completely dark, we had to make creative use of our off camera lights.

After de-thawing from our late-night outdoor photo session, the band Smokey Jam got the party going.

Finally, as midnight rolled around, we all counted down with Dick Clark.  Balloons were released, everyone wished everyone else a Happy New Year, and a few lucky ones received a kiss from a loved one.  Perfect ending to an incredible wedding!

It’s hard to beat seeing your weddings in print & to see the satisfaction of that comes when others have the opportunity to enjoy as well. Congrats Michael & Jamie!

Well, it most certainly did. The main reason for the trip was to photograph the wedding of Grant & Fernanda. Following their vintage inspired engagement shoot, I knew their wedding was going to be incredible. What’s not to love about these two?! Grant is as nice of a guy as you’ll find & his leadership qualities seem effortless. And Fernanda, what a beautiful & pleasant bride, inside & out! They have such a wonderful marriage to look forward to!

The day of the New Year’s Eve wedding was unreal. Who would’ve believed that it would be a calm 70 degrees throughout the day. And the wedding party, as well as Grant & Fernanda’s families, were so gracious & hospitable. It felt like I’d known them for a lifetime. To top it off, I had my best mate, Ismael, helping me throughout the day; we were also privileged to work alongside Thomas & Sarah of TLC Wedding Videography.

Our coverage for the day began at the Historic L&N Station, site of the reception. Since the sun sets so early for Winter weddings, I was eager to shoot some of the reception details beforehand. I love how Grant & Fernanda continued the vintage theme from their engagement session into the wedding details.

Vintage postcards were available for guests to write the couple messages… love this idea!
In lieu of favors, Grant & Fernanda made a donation to Rebuild Tuscaloosa.
Wedding photos of parents & grandparents lined the short hall of the station.
We then met up with Fernanda & her mother, Suzana, at Divine Appointments for their hair & makeup.
The ceremony was held at the church where Grant & Fernanda attend, Calvary Baptist Church, Tuscaloosa, AL. Here, I captured some of the details.
On Fernanda’s bouquet was a Brazilian pendant, passed down from her grandmother.
The final preparations.
The couple chose to see one another before the ceremony, allowing some outdoor portraits before the sun was to set. Here’s their first look & exchange of gifts.
 We then ventured outside for some portraits of the couple, followed by wedding party & family photos. I love seeing these two together. Fernanda, you are such a lovely bride!
Such a dapper groom!
Fernanda & her beautiful ladies.

The wedding party.
And the fellas.
Every time I see this shot & the series (sorry, didn’t post them all), I can’t help but hear the song “Sabotage” run through my head.
Fernanda & her mother.
With her father.
Grant & his parents.
As the ceremony begins.
Hooray!!!

And the party started!

The first dance.
Fernanda & her father… love this picture!
And Grant & his mother… it never fails that I have to hold back tears during these dances.
Once the dancing kicked in, the party let loose.
The band for the evening were all University Fellows from the University of Alabama… they were a blast!
And the guests saw the couple off with sparklers… such a beautiful day!
Congrats friends! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed being a part of your day. Enjoy this highlight post, there are many more to come!

On what seemed like a simple celebration for Katharine’s mother’s birthday, Hunter clearly had something more in mind. After returning from dinner with her family, Katharine was picked up at her parents’ house & taken to Hunter’s home. Upon arrival, Katharine was greeted by candle light as Hunter began to explain how much she meant to him & that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. She said yes!

And that simple, “Yes!”, led to their wedding day, Saturday, December 10, 2011. The day began with a bridal brunch at the beautiful home of Laurie & Hunter Hallenburg. When I walked in the door I was met with such a warm greeting from Laurie & the other hosts. And the Christmas decoration was perfect & set a nostalgic mood that would last throughout the day.

The ceremony was held at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens, TN. They have such a wonderful parlor for brides, families & the wedding party. When I arrived, Katharine’s dress was ready.
And some of the details:
Some of the most meaningful moments of the day occurred when Katharine’s closest ladies were there to help her with the final preparations.
Katharine presented her dad, Carter, with a gift… the whole room was moved to tears. It’s so beautiful to see the unparalleled relationship between a father & a daughter.
And we snapped a few of Hunter as he was finishing up.
Hunter & Katharine chose to see one another before the ceremony (which, btw, was a great idea since the late Winter ceremony would’ve left us in the dark afterward for portraits!). We orchestrated an uninterrupted & private moment for the couple to see one another & help alleviate some the of stress of the day. I love first looks!
These are beautiful!
We then ventured over to the Keith Mansion for some outdoor portraits followed by portraits with the Wedding Party & families. The following are my favorite images of the day!
It was beautiful to see these two together.
Katharine looked stunning!
And her handsome groom, Hunter.
The Wedding Party.
As the ceremony was about to begin:
Katharine’s brother, John, read a portion of Scripture during the ceremony.
I loved the nostalgic feel that the Christmas decorations added to the sanctuary.
The grand exit before the couple was ushered away to the reception site, Old Woolen Mill, in Cleveland, TN.
Once we arrived at the reception I took a moment with the couple… although it was pitch black outside, we still had fun making use of available light coupled with off-camera flash. I love this image!
And the reception began!
The first dance… look at the joy on Katharine’s face!
And the dance with her father.
And Hunter with his mother.
And this is when the reception became a party!!! The band, Ascension, took things to a whole new level… they were fantastic!
Ha! At one point late in the reception, a friend grabbed my camera & pushed me out of the dance floor (L)… let’s just say that I didn’t mind at all!
And one last dance beneath the light of the moon! Congrats Hunter & Katharine… your wedding was incredible; thank you for allowing me the opportunity to spend this occasion with you!

Just a few days ago I was able to again visit the beautiful Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN for Ed & Debra’s wedding. And to our fortune, we couldn’t have asked for a better day. This 11.11.11 wedding was simple & elegant. The affection & love shared by Ed & Debra was apparent as friends & family gathered to celebrate the occasion. I was surprised & humbled, as often happens, as I recognized how much I enjoyed photographing such special moments.  Ed & Debra, thank you for the opportunity to photograph your wedding… it was an honor!

How’s a guy supposed to be able to focus on work when there is a warm fireplace w/ leather chairs nearby?!
Debra was walked down the aisle by her son… she looked gorgeous!
Each of their children placed flowers on a table & as a sign of bringing two families together, Debra added her bouquet & then tied them all together to form a new bouquet.

Ed’s face glowed with pride toward his new bride!
They were so great together!
Congratulations Ed & Debra!

Ross & Nataria’s wedding took place at the beautiful Barnsley Gardens Resort in Adairsville, GA. I think you’ll clearly see why this romantic luxury resort is worth a short drive to visit. Enjoy!
The whole day went smoothly thanks to Veronica & her team at Veo Wedding & Events… such a fun group of ladies. And Stacy Price & her team at Barnsley Gardens were more than helpful & beyond professional.
Nataria’s dress was simply beautiful.

I love these of Nataria adding the final touches. She looked incredible. Her hair & makeup were done by the extremely talented Jane Kim, owner of the Glamourist.
The bride’s bouquet & all the other floral arrangements were so well done… gorgeous… by Grafe Studio.
And the man of the hour, Mr. Ross Cohn.
The view of the grand manor, where a portion of the reception was held, as seen from the front gardens.
As the ceremony begins.
You can see the pride in Nataria’s father’s face.
Does it get any better than this?
I enjoyed a few moments alone with the couple.
The 150+ year old brick, open roof & archways were a perfect backdrop.
The wedding party.
Family.
Following the ceremony, guest were informed of their table settings by Maple leaf name cards inserted into pine cones… perfect idea for a Fall wedding.
One of the manor’s fireplaces (L) & a table set up for wedding favors for the guests (R).
The floral arrangements were perfect.
Some nice touches for the reception.
The bride & groom’s cakes speak for themselves… by Cup a Dee Cakes.
The groom’s cake was perfect for Ross.
Dinner details.
C. Scott Moody & his crew kept the party going for hours!
The first dance.
This was such a great moment as Nataria & Ross & their wedding guests watched a photo slideshow prepared by Nataria’s brother.
Toasts.
Once the dancing started, the dance floor was hopping until closing time!
Love it!
Reeling it in… ha!
And guests sent the couple away… congratulations Ross & Nataria! It was such a pleasure serving you & your family. I can’t wait to see you guys again soon!

About a year ago October, Ismael ‘officially’ snagged the girl of his dreams, Amber. I wasn’t able to photograph the wedding because I had a most important responsibility as the Best Man. It was an honor I’ll always remember.

In celebration of their 1-year Anniversary, Ish & Amber drove up to the Motherland (aka “East TN” for those who didn’t know!) to visit & enjoy a vacation. They stayed a few nights with us before heading to Chattanooga in order for Ish to run a 10K & so he could ‘wine & dine’ his bride on the town. We had the best time with our dear friends & per their request, I was happy to photograph their 1-year Anniversary. What an incredible time! And we’re eager with anticipation as we get to spend New Year’s Eve in Tuscaloosa, AL with these two. Until then!!!

That door rocks!
I couldn’t love these more!
We left the city & ventured to one of my favorite secret spots in the countryside.
I couldn’t care less that this image is out of focus… I love it big-time!!!
My cheeks are hurting from smiling so much.
Such a neat perspective… love how the corn gradually increases in height; I could’ve spent all day here.
Because they’re super-rad, Ish & Amber love vintage cameras too!
Okay, okay, okay… you can take a picture of me too
Would it be weird if I put this picture above our living room couch?! Ha… love you guys, hope you enjoy!