Shelby & Jake | Athens, TN

I think one of the things I love most about photographing weddings is the opportunity to give of yourself… to offer your time, experience, creativity, your emotions; it’s an wonderfully exhausting experience. It’s refreshing to serve others… to pray for an anxious bride minutes before she walks down the aisle, to speak words of affirmation to a groom, to hug the bride’s mother as she is overcome with tears of joy, to shake the hand of a father who just gave away his daughter… it’s simply a beautiful thing. Then, while reviewing the images from the day, they bring to mind wonderful memories so you smile & breathe with great pleasure knowing your bride & groom will enjoy those images for a lifetime. You’ve played an important role in their lives they will never forget; it’s priceless.

I knew the first time I met with Shelby’s mom, Janette, that I was going to enjoy this couple. Shelby Mason was raised on a dairy farm in the hills between Athens & Niota, TN, so she’s familiar with hard work & life on the farm. She’s a country girl. And on Saturday, she married a laid-back country boy. Jake Roberts grew up in Phenix City, AL before playing football in college while attending the College of the South, Sewanee. He later began coaching football at Cumberland University where he met Shelby. They couldn’t be any more perfect for one another.

Shelby & Jake, I wish you two the absolute best. Thank you for the opportunity to be your photographer! And, here’s a peak from your wedding day:

We’ll start with a few images from the rehearsal. I don’t usually shoot rehearsals but we were unable to do a pre-wedding shoot so I was more than happy to attend their rehearsal. It was so much fun & allowed me an opportunity to get to know the wedding party ahead of time. Plus, I was able to capture some of the personal touches that go into the rehearsal dinner.

Following the rehearsal at Keith Church, the dinner took place at the Mason Farm; what a fun place!

Shelby was overcome with emotion as her guests formed a circle around she & Jake while her dad offered a blessing over their marriage.
A good friend & musician, JT Tallent, offered his incredible song, “With You.” You can listen to it via YouTube by clicking here.
Guests watched a moving slideshow of Shelby & Jake’s story.
And here’s my favorite part… the wedding day! Shelby’s dress is in a league of its own.

Black’s Florist did an incredible job with the floral arrangements.
I noticed an incredible field just behind the reception site; it served as a perfect portrait location. What a gorgeous bride!
At one point Shelby said, “Am I supposed to be smiling?” I responded, “Shelby, it’s your wedding day! Of course.” She smiled the entire day!!
I am so thrilled by this picture… wow! There are several from this location that are my favorites!
The reception was held at the historic Keith Mansion. There’s hardly a better reception site in town. It’s owned by chef Paul Carideo & wife, Melanie, who are both a pleasure to work alongside. The bridesmaids spent the night prior to the wedding in the bed & breakfast & it’s interior is perfectly fit for portraits.
Love these moments!
These two absolutely light up when around one another… I can’t help but smile watching them interact.
This picture brought tears to my eyes & conjured up such emotion. The Roberts family had a special memorial candle in honor of Jake’s grandfather who recently passed. Alongside the candle was a picture of Jake & his grandfather. Here, Jake’s father pauses to remember his father; in the background, Jake’s mother is consoled by her sister.
What can I say, Shelby’s got a good arm. She overthrew the “single ladies”; it landed on top of the tent.
Decorations Creations provided the centerpieces for the reception. I loved how they floated pics from Shelby & Jake’s engagement session inside the centerpiece.MP Entertainment provided the music… they are always a pleasure to work alongside. Also, John David Boreing & his video team were awesome!
And yes… we danced to the music!
And yes… we photoboothed like crazy! Here are just some of the crazy shots. If you’d like to see all the pics from Shelby & Jake’s photobooth, check out my Facebook page by clicking here. If you “like” BF Photo, you will be notified via FB when we post pics of our recent shoots. As always, a special thanks to the ladies who helped me capture this day, Lillian Prince & Alison Nation, you’re awesome! You must check out Lillian’s awesome coverage here.

If you’d like to pre-register to see all the pictures from Shelby & Jake’s wedding, click here & you’ll be notified when they are available. Hope you enjoyed… there’s so much more!