Clay & Megan | Kingsport, TN Wedding

As I sat in the hotel room, following Friday night’s wedding rehearsal, I had a deep sense of excitement for Clay & Megan’s wedding the following day. Memories of their incredible engagement session in downtown Knoxville’s Sequoyah Hills Park followed by dinner on Market Square was reason enough for my thoughts to linger about their big day & the images I’d capture. I was stoked… well… that is until I woke up at 3am super-sick… I mean big-time sick!! I was concerned; I was concerned bad! I immediately started rehearsing worst-case scenarios [I've probably watched too many Man vs. Wild episodes] & attempted to figure out what I could do. It’s not like you can call in sick for a wedding, “Excuse me Megan but I’m going to need you to push today’s wedding back a day or two.” “Sure Ben, anything for you!”

But, I managed to get a bit of sleep following midnight madness & the wedding day was incredible! I had my good friend, Alan Brock, assisting me for the day which proved an enormous help; he did a really good job. As well, Megan & Clay, along with their families, were hospitable & went out of their way to make sure I was taken care of. And, likewise, I wanted to make sure they were taken care of & had the best wedding images I could capture.

For Megan, the day began at the reception site, The Banq, which also has a loft style apartment space, The Banq Loft, a perfect place for brides to prep for the ceremony & couples to retire following the long wedding day. Here, I captured some of her details as well as some portraits.

Megan looks absolutely gorgeous… have you ever seen a more perfect smile?!

These two are a tossup as some of my favorite images.

From the reception site, we rode over to Christ Fellowship Church to meet up with Clay for their “First Look.” It was such a special moment for the couple to enjoy one another & spend some relaxed time enjoying one another’s company.

They were both full of emotion as they saw each other for the first time.

This beautiful field located on the church’s grounds was an ideal location for portraits.

We soon retired from the heat outside & found the church lobby a fitting place for most of the formal portraits.

“Something blue!”

A few details as the ceremony drew near.

Megan & her father… love these moments just prior to walking down the aisle.

The music cranked up & Clay & Megan ran down the aisle… it was classic!

The party picked up at the reception site, The Banq; it was the perfect place for a good party. Owner & developer, John Vachon, is top-class & was more than willing to help create the ideal atmosphere.

The first dance… it was so encouraging to see these two together!

This crowd knew how to dance… once it started, there was little down time thanks to the soul-filled music of the Slow Motion Trio.

How could I fail to mention the guest appearance of Farmer Charlie who offered some sound advice.

The party continued on the Banq’s rooftop until all was said & done!

What a great pleasure to photograph for Clay & Megan! I wish you two & your families the absolute best. Thanks again!