Gay Street & Downtown Knoxville Engagement - Kayla + Derick
"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. And that's what you've given me. That's what I'd hoped to give you forever." - Nicholas Sparks
Sometimes, there are people that you meet that make you have an immediate emotional reaction. You can actually feel the spark between the two, and it is just so blatantly obvious that they are madly in love. This is how we felt about our first encounter with Kayla and Derick in downtown Knoxville. These two beautiful people didn't need much directing as they just naturally gravitate towards each other, and we were so thrilled to be able to capture their energy as a couple in these images.
Kayla and Derick met at Lee University when Derick decided to make some life changes and move to a new school. The two were instantly attracted to one another, but they initially only interacted on social media. Eventually, Derick asked for Kayla's number, and they spent their first date chatting over coffee. Each says they fell for one another that night through their smiles and laughs. Derick's insanely romantic proposal was a scavenger hunt set up for Kayla including her sister as a driver, a playlist of all of their songs, clues that led her to all the places that are part of their love story, and a go pro to record it all. So thoughtful and endearing!
This engagement session took place along Gay street in downtown Knoxville--beginning at the Gay street bridge, moving to the iconic Tennessee sign, and wrapping up in Krutch Park and the surrounding streets. We are beyond ecstatic to share this couple's photos with you today, and we can't wait for their summer wedding next year at Black Fox Farms. Join us in giving Kayla and Derick your best wishes!
The Carriage House Bridal - Kendall
Rain, rain, go away. Come again another day.
That's what we were singing the week of Kendall's bridal session, as we had to re-schedule due to rainy conditions on our original date and an additional day we chose. The forecast called for rain for days in a row following that, and Kendall's wedding was fast approaching; we decided to take our chances on a day that turned out (very luckily) to be perfectly sunny until the end of our time with Kendall when we still managed to grab some dramatic shots of our bride under the covered patio with the rain falling behind her. We were even greeted by a huge rainbow as we snapped the last few shots at The Carriage House, the venue also serving as the site for Kendall and Nathan's wedding (look out for an upcoming feature of their big day as well).
Although the weather was not originally on our side, we believe things happen for a reason, and in this case, we were so grateful that Mother Nature held off long enough for us to capture these magazine worthy images of Kendall. Enjoy this bridal at The Carriage House!
Ijams Nature Center Wedding - Angela + Jarryd
Angela and Jarryd's beautiful spring wedding took us all over downtown Knoxville, beginning at the always iconic and charming Oliver Hotel. We love the windows covered with white shutters in the historic hotel just around the corner from Knoxville's main square, and we decided to do an indoor first look along the stairwells lit by natural light from the large windows. Angela chose a non-traditional Grecian inspired silver gown, and we adored the pops of bright pink in her invitations, flowers, and even her lipstick.
The intimate outdoor ceremony took place at Ijams Nature Center under the floral covered arbor in a self-described "low-key" ceremony surrounded by family. Ijams always feels like a forest getaway with lush greenery and secret nooks for romantic couple's photos. The two walked down the aisle together, which we thought was super unique and the perfect way to show their commitment to each other. These two were all smiles throughout the ceremony, despite the unseasonably warm day, and we loved how playful they were with one another as we asked them chat about their relationship during some sweet couple's shots.
The final leg of the wedding day took us to Ruth's Chris Steak House where the couple had their reception. With delicious food and a downtown vibe, Ruth's Chris also has an amazing terrace available for such events that overlooks the remainder of Volunteer Landing and the Tennessee River. Adorable popcorn favors with Tennessee shaped chocolates were gifts for guests, a perfect combo of a sweet and salty treat for favors.
These two were all about having a casual wedding that was family oriented, but their big day was uniquely Angela and Jarryd with non-traditional details and endearing interactions with one another. We are so glad that they chose us to capture these moments for them, and we wish them all the best as Mr. and Mrs.
The Oliver Hotel | Ijams Nature Center | Ruth's Chris Steak House | Ruche | Tommy Hilfiger | Echelon Florist | Brandalyn Howard with Southern Belle | Minted | Fred Patterson | Robyn James Ensembles | All Occasions Party Rentals | Elite Limos
The Magic of Wedding Details
When you think back on your wedding day, what comes to mind? The vows, the laughter, the music, and maybe the way your bouquet felt in your hands. While the big moments create the heart of your day, it’s the details—the tiny, thoughtful touches—that tell the full story.
Wedding details reflect your style and personality as a couple, from the handwritten vows to the lace on your dress, the heirloom ring box, or the floral arrangements tying everything together. They add layers of meaning and beauty to your celebration, ensuring it feels uniquely you.
As photographers, we love capturing those meaningful details. Whether it’s the shimmer of your shoes, the delicate pattern on your invitations, or the table settings you spent hours perfecting, we see these elements as part of your love story.
So when planning your wedding, take time to embrace the little things. The details might feel small now, but when you look back through your wedding album, they’ll remind you just how magical your day truly was.
Knoxville Botanical Gardens Engagement - Kendall + Nathan
These two made the journey from Jefferson City to meet us at the always gorgeous Knoxville Botanical Gardens for this amazingly beautiful engagement. We hit it off with these two instantly, as we made a connection over their profession. Kendall is studying to become a teacher, and Nathan currently teaches history, which we truly respect and admire (as Jason is the son of a teacher and I'm a former teacher of 8 years).
We could not have styled these two any better had we chosen their outfits and accessories ourselves. Nathan's button up and gray pants (funny fact...we're pretty sure Jason had on the exact same pants while photographing this shoot) meshed perfectly with Kendall's phenomenal blush gown. The flattering cut and flowing fabric made this dress a perfect choice for a spring engagement and combined flawlessly with Kendall's touches of gold in her jewelry.
We truly enjoyed spending the evening with these two and getting to know them better, and we cannot wait for their wedding this June. We are so excited to share the memories created with these lovebirds, and we invite you to explore the gardens with us through this elegant engagement.
Olivia + Austin - Elkmont & Spence Cabin Area Smoky Mountain Engagement
This adorable Memphis couple made a trip to the Smoky Mountains and asked us to capture some engagement photos with the National Park as the backdrop. Olivia and Austin are a sweet, fun loving couple, and these images bring a smile to our faces.
Their burgundy outfits and shades of blue popped perfectly against the changing fall leaves. The most memorable aspect of this shoot, however, was the incorporation of Austin's guitar on the rock amidst the flowing creek. Olivia is one lucky girl as Austin regularly serenades her, and we were so excited to bring this aspect of their relationship to life through these images.
We are swooning over these moments with Olivia and Austin, and we want to wish the cuties a big congratulations again!
