Great Smoky Mountain Wedding Photographers
Getting Married in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Just forty-five minutes away from our home, a treasure exists. The place is so special and so unique that people travel from all over the world to East Tennessee just to see the sites. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is not only a perfect getaway for nature lovers, but it is also an amazing place to tie the knot. What do you need to know before planning a wedding here? Permits, permits, permits. You need a Special Use Permit in order to hold your ceremony and/or reception here, and there are specific park guidelines to keep in mind. Also, there are approved wedding locations to choose from, and the permit process applies to vendors as well. Photographers must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization in order to capture your day, and we are permitted National Park photographers who know all the ins and outs of making the most of your mountain wedding. Do you want to know more? How about working with an experienced husband and wife team who can offer all the insights on locations, planning, and executing your vision? Feel free to reach out for more info.
Parkside Resort Wedding Pigeon Forge - Kara + Ajay
The first time that I spoke to Kara on the phone, she stressed to me how important it was for her and Ajay to have amazing photos throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and we were more than happy to accommodate that request. You’ll see glimpses of the Elkmont area as well as the beautiful Magnolia Venue and Parkside Resort’s Sky View Lodge and Pavilion through this snapshot of Kara and Ajay’s big day.
This sweet couple found us and traveled all the way from Milwaukee, where they met and dated for 8 years, to get married in the midst of this beautiful mountain backdrop. The two insisted on an intimate wedding with only their closest friends and family, and they wanted a very comfortable and laid back atmosphere. They chose the mountains because of their love for the national park and because of all of their fond memories hiking and exploring the area. Since Kara and Ajay didn’t have a bridal party, we knew it was super important for them to have an abundance of couple’s photos together in a variety of settings but to also let the gorgeous setting speak for itself while creating new memories together, only this time, in a custom-made classic suit, and gorgeous flowing gown.
Despite Ajay’s proposal not going according to plan (as he was supposed pop the question on a romantic trip but instead proposed after the ring delivery was delayed on a random Tuesday night), everything on their wedding day from the weather, to the decor, to the guests was simply perfect. We couldn’t be happier to have been part of this special occasion for such a kind couple, and we hope you enjoy this mountain wedding as much as we did!
Venue: Sky View Pavilion at Parkside Resort | Coordination: Simple Bliss Events | Cake: Cakes by Bakin’ Bishop | Dress: Premiere Couture | Dress Designer: Lis Simon | Custom Suit: New Royal Fashions by Sam Surin
Meads Quarry Knoxville Engagement - Alice + Dan
With all this cold, dreary weather this time of year, we want to bring you a little fun in the sun to brighten up your day at Knoxville’s beautiful Mead’s Quarry. Plus, we are so excited that Alice and Dan’s wedding, which has seemed like such a long time away, will now be here before we all know it.
Like many of our couples, these two have been long distance for all but about 6 months of their relationship. We felt like these two were kindred spirits from the beginning of their session as we chatted about their love for playing trivia, building Legos, and eating at Nama (a local sushi spot), where the two dined before Dan proposed at Alice’s parents home as the two were building Lego sets together. Check out the adorable Lego Mr. and Mrs. holding the ring and helped with Dan’s proposal. Too cute!
If you’re wondering about the Star Wars tie in, aside from just being fans, these two are going to celebrate their wedding at Hunter Valley Farm on May 4th—as in May the 4th be with you. We really just loved how sweet and open these two were and how fun they were to be around, but most of all, we enjoyed seeing how much they love each other through this playful engagement.
Hair and Makeup: Southern Sirens
Oliver Royale Brunch Wedding - Cory + Matthew
We are bringing you an intimate wedding that took place in the heart of Knoxville in Market Square today. Even in the midst of The Dogwood Arts Festival, we found plenty of nooks to grab some sweet shots of Cory and Matthew, including their getting ready spot, The Oliver Hotel. With special surprises for guests (and an awesome surprise for Matthew from Cory at the Tennessee Theatre sign) an amazing brunch menu, and delicious mimosas, this wedding was nothing short of spectacular.
Cory and Matthew invited their friends and family to join them at Oliver Royale for a unique and perfectly planned affair. Even before the wedding, though, we were super impressed by the newsletters this couple sent out periodically to guests regarding their story, wedding event updates, accommodations, and things to do and see in Knoxville during their stay. Talk about an impressive way to build excitement with your loved ones! Each place setting at the venue included a personalized place card utilizing wine corks and an elegant program and menu with gold accents. Even the drink coasters featured images of the happy couple. Guests were treated to a fantastic meal ordered on site with options like eggs benedict and banana bread French toast and various drinks perfect for a brunch wedding.
We’re always emotional when a couple plays “Marry Me” by Train (as this was the song we played when greeting each other at our own wedding), but during Cory and Matthew’s ceremony, all we saw from the guests, family and friends alike, were tears of joy and genuine celebration of this union. To get the party really going, though, the couple planned a surprise drag show featuring three performers brought in specially for this occasion. The performances were truly amazing, and guests even got to have a photo op at the end of the show against the lush greenery wall the two helped design as the backdrop for their day.
Everything about Cory and Matthew’s wedding was so personalized, beautifully styled, and absolutely them in every aspect. We still haven’t gotten over how magical this day was or how much fun we always have with them. Cheers to our friends, Cory and Matthew, who love each other so deeply and inspire us to share the love as well.
Venue: The Oliver Hotel and Oliver Royale | Catering: Oliver Royale | Cake: Art of Cakes Bakery | Floral: Swank Floral | Hair: Grow Knoxville | DJ: Ogle Entertainment | Coordinator: Amy Barnett
Botanical Gardens of Knoxville Engagement - Priyanka + Manish
There’s nothing we enjoy more than a sunny session with gorgeous blooms surrounding a couple, and Priyanka and Manish’s Knoxville Botanical garden engagement was just that. This pair was in town for her cousin’s wedding, so it was the perfect opportunity for the couple to also set up a session for their own photos. Although the two are currently long distance, their relationship is one based on sharing similar core beliefs and valuing family.
These two will be celebrating soon in a traditional engagement ceremony, and we want to wish them the very best as they plan for their wedding and lives together.
Location: Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
Wild Love Bakehouse & Victor Ashe Park Engagement Knoxville - Jen + Max
Love this yummy engagement session in Knoxville.
@wildlovebakehouse in North Knoxville | Film Lab: The Find Lab
