I LOVE these two crazy kids. I get attached to my brides, and I felt particularly close to Hillary after her engagement session where we bonded over a love of felines and DIY vintage flair. I think I was almost as excited as she was to watch the day draw closer because I got to see some of her projects via Facebook as she completed them. You may remember this fabulous military couple from these images… Doesn’t she have amazing style?
Now, for the new photos… Their wedding was gorgeous. It rained up until the moment I arrived at the venue, and then it stopped–no rain the rest of the day. It was one of the hottest, muggiest days I have spent photographing this year, but Hillary managed to remain unwilted throughout the day.
I chose the venue because I have always wanted an outdoor wedding. I love the Smokey Mountains, it is home. Jason and I both love the old country/outdoor feeling so that is why I chose the theme I did. We both grew up in Christian homes, but I believe that the earth is God’s chapel. It doesn’t matter where you get married, as long as God is in your heart and your marriage.
Jason and I do everything together. We play videogames, shoot guns, ride motorcycles, watch movies, go hiking, etc. He is my best friend.
It is hard for me to chose one thing that I love the most about him. I love how, after over eight years, we still find something new to talk about everyday. I love how we fall in love more and more everyday. I love how he is my best friend, and he would give up the world for me.
I love the image below on the right that my second photographer, Nelya, was able to capture as I was focused on a different angle.
My favorite thing about our wedding day is when I got to walk down the isle and see him standing there waiting for me. It felt like time stood still, and it felt like we were the only two people there.
Jason’s father (also the officiant of the ceremony) got all of the boys together to pray one last time before Jason was no longer just Jason.
Did I do any DIY?! From my garters and toss bouquet to the flower girl dresses and the hearts on the napkins I DIYed my whole wedding! Most of my ideas came from Pinterest and eBay, but I came up with a few by myself ;).
I would do it all again in a heartbeat if it meant I got to spend time with my husband.
I adored these amazing jewel bouquets that Hillary made.
The cake from Sugarbuzz Bakers was delicious and gluten free!
Here’s another image Nelya captured that I fell in love with… While I was photographing them through the trees on the other side of the river, she snuck around behind them to get a beautifully intimate image.
We are taking our honeymoon in October, on my next break, and we are going to Universal and Disney World. Jason and I both absolutely love Universal, and Halloween Horror Nights is in October. We would much rather be there than sitting on a beach.
Dress: Wedding Wonderland and Sandra G did the alterations.
Makeup: Hair ‘N Makeup by Rachel Dee
Shoes: Old Gringo boots purchased at Elliott’s in Turkey Creek
Groom’s outfit: c/o the US Army
Decorations: My mother and I made the majority of the decorations. We bought some at antique stores, and The Lily Barn helped put it all together on the big day.
Flowers: The Lily Barn
Cake: Sugarbuzz Bakers
Food: Mrs. Lily’s Cafe
Rings: Both of our rings came from Kays. Mine were Leo diamonds, and his was Tungsten Carbide.
Jewelry: Salt water pearls from Belk
Pastor: Carl Nelson, Jason’s father
DJ: My BOSE mini player and tablet lol
Photography: Knoxville Wedding Photographer – Star Noir Studio
Associate Photographer: Nelya Grace
