It’s no exaggeration to say that the Simmons family have become some of my favorite people in the world… the whole bunch of them. I have known Mike & Kay for some time now as they were friends of my parents when I was growing up. Mike was my vice-principal when I was in Junior High (I think he had hair on his head back then, ha!). He serves as principal of Athens Junior High & has become a wonderful friend & source of encouragement/accountability in my life. Kay works for the Athens Chamber of Commerce & is an excellent example of biblical womanhood. Each of their children are incredible & I have gradually grown in relationship with them each over the past year.
When Joy & I moved back to East TN from Memphis after completing grad school, we got back in touch with Mike & Kay & were privileged to hear the testimony of what God had done in their lives over the past few years. We immediately shared common interest. Before long, Mike & I started a men’s group & Joy & Kay were regularly meeting to encourage one another. They introduced us to Cornerstone Church of Knoxville where we now attend.
This past year has been a year the Simmons will never forget. Within 6 months, 3 of their 4 children were married. Mike reminds me that they have quite an investment in Ben Finch Photography this year as I was privileged to shoot 2 of the 3 weddings. Many parents might fall into despair as their full nest is almost emptied but it has been wonderful to see Mike & Kay’s love for one another simply increase as their children ‘leave & cleave.’ I love their example.
They began a tradition last year to spend a few days during Thanksgiving at Telliquah Falls in the foothills of the Cherokee National Forest. This year they invited the Finch family up on Friday for dinner, photography, & to watch the Iron Bowl. We took advantage of this wonderful opportunity. It was a gorgeous day & the colors were amazing but I just loved how these turned out in B&W. Be sure to sign the guestbook to view all the pics.
The whole gang. From L to R: Loren & Jake Simmons, Bethany & Peter Hedger, Kay & Mike Simmons, Meggie & Josh Simmons, & Drew Simmons.
Love this pic. Before the shoot I asked Drew to bring his laptop & Grudem’s Systematic Theology; I thought they would be appropriate as he ‘waits on his woman.’ I had to retake this shot several times due to one couples’ wild behavior (you know who you are!).
We ventured out into a scenic field to capture a few more casual family portraits.
Jake & Loren were married in July at Cornerstone Church of Knoxville. They both serve as interns for VFC (Volunteers for Christ) at CCK & are such a pleasure to be around. They both possess a very graceful presence about them. Their wedding was one of the most wonderful ceremonies I have ever attended & I was very fortunate to be able to photograph. If you would like to view their wedding pics, click here.
The 5 guys!
What beautiful ladies!
Bethany & Peter Hedger begun the ‘year of weddings’ in March. They are such a riot to be around & I love watching them interact. Their engagement shoot I will never forget as we ventured up to Buck Bald for an unforgettable sunset & a slow dance overlooking the Cherokee National Forest. Peter leaves no room for doubt that he is in love with Bethany. We are very excited for the couple as they are soon to be with child. Congratulations guys! If you would like to view their engagement & wedding pics, click here.
Josh & Meggie were married in September in Greenville, SC. They met when Meggie was in college & Josh was serving on staff for Campus Outreach at Furman University. Sometime after Meggie’s graduation, they were able to pursue relationship & reveal the feelings they had for each other all along. I have informed them that they are going to be my models for the Ben Finch Photography shooting workshop to be held in the near future.
Daughter & mother.
Bethany is consoling her single brother. Drew was such a great sport despite all the hugs, kisses, & hand-holding occurring all around him.
Father & son. Am I the only one who is entirely jealous of Drew’s beard? You have a gift my friend!
Some of our favorite people. So thankful for the example their marriage has served to many. Love you guys!
If you would like to see all the images from this session, please sign our guestbook by clicking on this link. If they are not ready for viewing, you will receive an email when they are made available. Enjoy!
by Ben Finch
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