Maple Grove Inn Wedding | Chelsea & Aaron

There are so many words that come to mind when I think about this couple and their wedding day. Magical, perfect, ironic. The last might be confusing, but how Chelsea, Aaron and I met and how their special day unfolded is really rather ironic. So as not to bore you with details, we met at a Christmas Eve party, hit it off wonderfully and as I was helping Chelsea with some wedding planning questions, she asked if I still came back home for weddings. 8 months later and I was shooting her wedding at Maple Grove Inn (the same venue that Rob and I were married at) and the wedding day forecast was calling for rain. Hmmmm.

However, the rain stayed away for most of the day, giving a nice cleanse right before the ceremony and then coming back out to give us an INCREDIBLE after ceremony session! I adore C&A for SO many reasons! Photography was one of the top items on their wedding list and they wanted to take extra time for photos…LOVE! Not only did they want to do a First Look, but they also asked for some more time after the ceremony to “just spend some more time together”. When the rain began to pick up, I asked Chelsea if she just wanted to go ahead and head to the ceremony, her words “can we go out in the rain?” I died. I’ll just let the photos do the rest of the talking.

Chelsea and Aaron, not only did I absolutely ADORE spending your wedding day with you, but I am truly honored that you asked me to be a part of your day and trusted me to capture it for you! So much love to the both of you!!

Smiles,

Kayla F

Vendors:

DJ: Ogle Entertainment (Robby Mathis)

String trio: Ogle Entertainment (Elizabeth Farr)

Venue & Catering: Maple Grove Inn

Florist: Mulberries (from Chelsea “She is amazing”)

Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal

Suits: Jos A Banks

Bride dress: Boutique Couture, Chattanooga, TN

Dress Designer: Essense of Australia

Invitations: Be My Guest, Roanoke, Va

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rentals

Large program: Silver Linings (etsy)

Favors (koozie): Splendid Sip

Makeup: Angela R Jordan

Cake: Kim Robison Dandridge, TN

Elizabeth & John | Married

“They are your perfect couple.” I couldn’t agree more with this statement made by my amazing second shooter Brandi for Elizabeth & John’s wedding. There was such an effortless to E&J’s big day and I am just beyond excited that they asked me to document and be a part of their day! It just so happens that Elizabeth and I went to high school together (and she so happened to get married on the day of our 10 year reunion…eek!) so when she reached out to me and told me about John, I was SO excited to meet him! 

Their engagement session was amazing and I knew that their wedding day would be even more spectacular! From Elizabeth’s Etsy made dress to the small hand-sewn handkerchief that John carried, they had the most adorable and meaningful little tokens. One of my favorite moments of the day was when John handed me a letter that he wrote to Elizabeth and asked me to deliver it about 5 minutes before the ceremony. Hands down, seeing Elizabeth’s reaction and knowing how these two are with each other, I could only imagine the funny, silly, romantic and true words he wrote to her before they became husband and wife.

Extra time for photos around sunset was like being in a candy store! Elizabeth & John really wanted to spend time with each other and having these few extra moments was SO worth it! 

Thank you SO so much Elizabeth & John for running around a mountain with me and asking me to be a part of your big day! Your love and kindness towards each other and your family and friends is absolutely infectious!! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

Vendors:

Videographer- Jason Russell

Wedding Dress – Katie Jean on Etsy

Hair – Lashes and Lace by Haley

Bridal accessories – Charming Charlie’s & Target

Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes – Savvi Formalwear

Groomsmen accessories – My Personal Memories (pocketwatch) & Peachwik (wood cuff links)

Bridesmaid Dresses – David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Necklaces – Lana0Crystal 

Guest Favors – American Meadows seeds

Invitations – Wedding Paper Divas

Programs – Designed & assembled by bride’s family 🙂

Wedding rings – Markman’s Jewelers & Lamon’s Jewelers

Officiant – Matt Drane (campus pastor at Chi Alpha- University of Memphis)

Guestbook – Peachwik 

Venue – Bluff Mountain Inn

dana & michael {the day}

Their emotions were captivating. I knew I was going to FALL in love with Dana and Michael’s big day from the get-go. Dana has probably the biggest heart of anyone I know and Michael is right there with her to match her every step! They are perfect for each other! And their day went by so smoothly; there wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the weather was incredible, the flowers were so colorful and every single one of their guests was there to have the best time! This was my first wedding out at the beautiful Dara’s Garden in Maryville and I loved every second of it! Its a lovely venue and it was definitely Dana’s ideal choice for her big day!

Dana is a book lover like none other and used books as inspiration for their big day and helped showcase the natural beauty of Dara’s Garden! Dana’s beautiful bouquet was dreamed up by Echelon Florist as Dana said she wanted a “happy and colorful” bouquet. I think they nailed it! There are many things I love about this wedding, but by far my favorite part was watching Dana and Michael together. You can tell these two are just absolutely smitten with each other! I could have taken pictures of them all day…and I’m sure they would have loved to canoodled the whole time! Enjoy!

 

 

 

 Thank you, thank you Dana & Michael for asking me to be a part of your incredible day! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

katie & robert | married

There’s nothing quite like a World’s Fair Park wedding, let alone one that falls on the date of the Orange and White game. This seemed like the perfect coincidence for Katie and Robert’s wedding, as they are both BIG Volunteer fans and would probably have been at the game if they weren’t getting hitched! They were surrounded by not only their friends and family on their big day, but a bunch of Volunteer fans rooting them on too! It was one for the books!

Katie and Robert are pretty picture perfect. I cannot begin to express how excited and humbled I was that they asked me to be their photographer. I’ve known Katie for many years and when I met Robert, I saw how perfect they were for each other; they balance each other perfectly. I loved every tiny detail and every tear shed at this wedding (most by the big guy himself), and am beyond grateful that I was there to witness this family being created. Robert’s daughter Hadley was a big part of the festivities. We originally wanted to have a “First Look” with Hadley and Robert so they could have a lovely moment together, but decided that surprising Robert with Katie and Hadley all dressed up would be the perfect start to their day! I couldn’t have asked for a better reaction than what you will see. This little family has absolutely stolen my heart and I hope you enjoy their beautiful day as much as I did!

I also want to give one of the biggest thank you’s to my amazing second shooter Anna of Anna Hedges Photography.

Venue: World’s Fair Park | Florals: LB Floral | Caterer: Jon Gatlin, Culinary Concepts| Rentals: Rothchild’s | Coordinator: Erin Holbrook | Ceremony Music: Eric Aguilar | DJ: Music in Motion | Cake: Teresa Lutner | Desserts: Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop | Arbor: Carlos Horne 

shayna & cody {the day} part 2

This.wedding.rocks! In case you haven’t taken a seen Part 1, you can check that out here!
I loved this wedding for so many reasons! Not only are Shayna and Cody the sweetest and just plain fun, but their wedding was SO laid back! Shayna wanted to only concentrate on her and Cody pre-ceremony! Having the bridal party and pictures right after the ceremony let us have PLENTY of time for the first look and bride and groom portraits. I almost want to suggest this to all of my couples! 🙂

And all the kiddos at the wedding were so cute!!! And Mr. Turtle…was totally the additional guest that didn’t RSVP but just showed up! 

They’re married!!!!! 

These next two images are two of my FAVORITE!!! There’s something magical about black and white…it makes me crazy happy! 

These may be the most emotional parent dance photos I’ve taken in a while! I just sat there crying behind my camera with everyone else!

Loved my second shooter Liz with Elizabeth Nord Photography!!! She was so amazing and a few of these images are her eye! 😀

They’re awesome impromptu sunflower seed exit!! Seriously, how cute are they!?

Shayna and Cody!!! You know how much I just love you two and your wedding day!!! It was the perfect brunch wedding and everything you wanted!!! So happy you asked me to share it with you and your amazing friends and family! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

shayna & cody {the day} part 1

Yes, you read that correctly! This is PART 1 of Shayna & Cody’s amazing wedding day! I was getting hand cramps from choosing all of the photos for their post that I decided why not break this loveliness up into two parts?!? And since I’m my own boss…I said sure! 😀

I am beyond excited to bring you this uber detailed wedding. Not only were Shayna & Cody so amazing on their wedding day…but they are the darn tootinest cutest couple!!! Shayna may be half as tall as Cody, but seriously, they were so meant for each other! Shayna might have squeeled as much on her wedding day as I did on mine…and that ladies and gentlemen is a lot!

Shayna is a photographer as well and we met while she was interning for Jennie Andrews Photography. We hit it off fantastically, but when she asked me to be her wedding day photographer I was shocked!!! Me?? Ahhhh! Ok! I remember when she said to me during our first consult, “As long as you continue to do what you are doing, we will be happy!” and I think I might have shed a tear.

So, enough talky talk…I want to share some super adorableness with you!

Shayna and her girls got ready at Cody’s mom’s salon EmaLisa’s Salon.

 I adored Shayna’s tea length, polka dot dress!!! It was PERFECT for her!

Love me some Ijams Nature Center!!

LOVED the bridesmaid dresses from American Eagle! Are those not adorable!?!?!

Yes, this happened. I full on piggy back carried Shayna to the first look. 🙂 All in a days work ladies and gentlemen!

 Shayna and Cody’s first look was perfect! Remember how I said Shayna squeeled??? Well, she squeeled and jumped up and down when she saw Cody! Absolutely priceless!!!

 I love the picture my second shooter, Liz with Elizabeth Nord Photography got of Shayna!!! Adorable to boot!!!

 Loved having Liz with me at this wedding! While I was grabbing this B&W image above, she grabbed this beautiful image below!!! 

 The flowers by The Katelier were just so precious!!! They fit Shayna and Cody’s personalities with how bright they were! 

 And get ready for a detail overload!!! I have to admit, when I met with Shayna and Cody about 2 weeks before the wedding, I was a little bit nervous. Shayna may have had that prewedding fog that all brides get (I know I did). But man oh man, was that totally unfounded! Shayna and Cody and their families put SO much detail into the day that I honestly don’t think they missed a thing!!

 LOVE their fans and I know their guests did too!! And those little apothecary bottles are the perfect little favors!

 These sunflower seed went from being a favor to being the couples exit at the end!!! Love impromptu exits!! 😀

 Shayna and Cody had a morning wedding followed by brunch! Loved that they went outside of the norm!!! Abner’s Attic and Cruze Dairy Farm provided the yummiest food and drinks for the brunch wedding!

 Be sure to be back later this week for Part 2 of Shayna and Cody’s beautiful brunch wedding!!! I can’t wait to show you the beautiful ceremony, fun bridal party pictures and the incredibly sweet dances!!! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

planning the big day | the paper goods

Wow! I can’t believe that May 4^th is right around the corner!!! Planning a wedding, having a full time job and growing my photography business has just eaten up my time, but I wanted to continue with the planning the big day series! I’ve had many people ask me when my next post will be, so I’ll be making a solid effort to blog once a week on our big day!

In my last planning the big day post, we showcased our amazing venue! Rob and I just absolutely fell in love with Maple Grove Inn and knew that we had to have our wedding here. It had everything we wanted and SO much more!!!

Since we got engaged {almost} two years ago, we wanted to send out Save-the-Dates to our friends and family that we 100% knew we wanted to invite to the wedding so they could mark their calendars. Having a wedding in early May means little kiddos are still in school and families are starting to begin {or already have begun} planning their vacations. So we knew we wanted to get a jump on them!

In looking at Save-the-Dates, there is an abundant amount of inspiration and incredibly talented designers out and about!!! {See a list at the bottom of this post for some vendors}. Would we go with a photo for the save-the-date? A magnet? A viewfinder {trust me, they make them}? Or stay simple and showcase the amazing venue that we are getting married at?? Well, you guessed it! I actually had my mind set on a photo save-the-date. I mean, I am a photographer and all. But after meeting with one of my brides Katie, and seeing her save-the-date, I instantly knew that I wanted to have a drawn representation of our venue! 

The Save-the-Date that started it all. {the link to this vendor is at the bottom of this post}

Now, you all have probably seen me gush about Kate with Kate Moore Creative! She designed my photography logo and I’ve had a love fest with her work for a few years now {she’s genius, let me just say}! So off I went to send an email to Kate. Here is a verbatum excerpt of what I sent her, “We absolutely LOVE our venue (Maple Grove Inn) and would love to have a sketch done of it for the save-the-dates.“  When she replied back with “Ummmm YESSSS! yay! i would adore doing something for you guys. Your style is so awesome and I am in love with the idea of a sketch of the maple grove inn. so different and adorable.“ I knew we were a match made in Heaven {as if I didn’t already know this…psh}.  So a few emails back and forth and I sent her this image! 😀

Let me just say, when I got the proof back for our save-the-date, I literally sat there and stared at it for probably a good 5-7 minutes. I was in aww! It was EXACTLY what I wanted! She nailed it. Literally. I couldn’t have even thought that it would be this awesome! She even did a handdrawn  picture of Maple Grove Inn! I loved every single little big of it! Now the only conundrum I had was what color did we want it in???

We chose lavender {did you expect me to choose something else} and then decided that we wanted to STAMP them! Oh yea! We bought this amazing super thick cotton paper from Holyoke Papers,  our envelopes from Paper Source, and our stamps from Clancy Stamping Co. {local}. And off we starting stamping!!! 

{so I’m a loser and only documented our envelope process, sad day}

You’ll see the FINAL product in our wedding day pictures!! I hope you loved seeing the process that we went through and how you can make a save-the-date unique and tie in with your wedding theme!!! 😀

Smiles,

Kayla F

 View Finder Save-the-Dates

Adorable Picture Save-the-Dates

Katie Save-the-Date

Calligraphy Postcard Save-the-Date

Custom Handkerchief Save-the-Date

the day | Katie and Henry

I have been working on this blog post for a week! A.WEEK!!! It started out as having about 35 images, then grew to about 67, and ended with a grand total of 88 images (and that doesn’t include collages). Whoa! Talk about not being able to control which photos are my favorite!!!

I met Katie and Henry through my favorite photographer in the whole wide world! She referred Katie to me and Katie and I had coffee for 2 whole hours!!!! I was giddy after I met Katie. I thought to myself, if she chooses me, I will be the happiest photographer in the world! Lol! And, oh geez, she did! 

Katie is amazing, she has style (to the nines), she is incredibly sweet, she is absolutely beautiful and her heart is probably one of the most genuine I’ve ever had the honor of meeting! I instantly just fell in love with her. I met Henry a few months later when he and Katie were in town. And let me just say, when I met Henry, I totally understood why they were marrying each other. They were perfect together. The way they held hands, and leaned on each other, the way they looked at each other and finished each other’s sentences. Ok, I’m getting way too sappy, so I’ll leave it at they had me excited for September 29th for months! 

So on with Katie and Henry’s perfect day! 

The Bleak House absolutely NEVER disappoints.

Katie wore Henry’s grandmother, Gigi’s, pearl earrings. 😀

Stunning

Katie, you kill me! You’re so beautiful!

I have to give the biggest shout out to my amazing second shooter Kristin! She blew me away during Katie’s bridal portraits!

Having a second shooter is something that I highly, highly recommend to brides! While I was getting images of Henry getting ready and setting up the first look, Kristin grabbed this beauty on the right! 

The.Reason why I love first looks is right here. Takes my breath away!

 Love the difference in these two shots. The left was captured by me, the right by Kristin. LOVE them both!

So now off to the ceremony! I always try to give the Bride and Groom a little bit of time to chill out and relax right before the ceremony! This is the perfect time for me to run around and get those yummy detail shots! And Katie and Henry had some great ones! 

Isn’t Henry so handsome?!?

 I absolutely adore these center pieces from Sassafras Flowers! I had two weddings with Allie in a row and she just absolutely blew my socks off! 

 Mr. and Mrs. Tucker!!!! Yay!

Love this one with Katie and Richard! 

 Love!!!! Henry and Nancy had one of the best mother/son dances!

 The below picture just doesn’t do justice for the speech that Katie’s father, Richard, gave. Richard is the kind of man that when he talks, people stop and listen. He said such beautiful and true words about both Katie and Henry that I truly felt honored to have listened to them and to have been apart of these two greatly loved people and their wedding day! 

Best cake cutting pictures EVER!!! Henry thought it would be hilarious to cut the top layer of the cake. The entire room erupted with a resounding “No!!!” Lol! 

 I went on an absolute B&W kick with this couple! I don’t know what it was, but I just felt like they were SO classy, and to me, classy calls for black and white! Any of these would be a canvas on my wall! Eeek!

 Love Katie and Henry’s guests!!! They were SO.MUCH.FUN!!! And I just absolutely love the bottom two pictures! Katie’s brother laughing and then the picture of them both laughing! Perfect!

Katie and Henry! I cannot even begin to tell you how absolutely amazing you two are! You two are PERFECT for each other and I am absolutely tickled pink that you asked me to be your photographer! I am so happy I got to share your beautiful day with you! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

Wedding Day Magic:

Catering: David Rule of Aubrey’s

Florist: Sassafras Flowers

String Quartet: UT School of Music

DJ: DJ Drew of WUTK

Cake: Rita’s Bakery

Bride’s Dress: BHLDN

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse

Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom

Stationary: Gages Stationary in Greenville, SC

Rentals: Rentals Rentals

Beer: Legit Brewery

Veil: Borrowed from Maid of Honor (maid by White Orchid Bridal)

Kaitlyn and Brett: the big day

Lets just say, this wedding makes me giddy! Not only are Kaitlyn and Brett the sweetest couple, they have the BEST families too! I was so happy when Kaitlyn and Brett contacted me! They were my first Skype meeting (you heard that…I’m going virtual) and I knew as soon as I logged off that I wanted them! Lol! Kaitlyn and Brett currently live in St. Louis so their families were HUGE in helping with the planning, meeting with vendors and DIYing. I love a family affair! Well, enough with the jibber jabber! 

I absolutely fell in love with the bouquet and boutioneers that Sassafras Flowers created! They are absolutely stunning!

Kaitlyn…you’re stunning! 

I loved hanging out with Brett and his guys! Their silly socks were hilarious and I loved how Brett’s brother was a pro at helping him get ready!

THIS…is why I adore first looks! 

Brett and Kaitlyn were SO adorable! I asked Kaitlyn if she would rather me get her expression or Brett’s for their first look. She immediately said Brett’s and then added a side-note of “because I’ll start to cry.” I think she chose the winner! 🙂

One of my all time favs! 

Most adorable sister pose! Whitney was about to pop with the first grandchild of the family! You can just tell by this photo how super close this family is! Love them!

Most beautiful bridal party?? I think so! 

Having a little bit of fun! 🙂

And of course, the dapper gentlemen!

This was a 100% DIY wedding! I love when family and friends chip in to make the wedding even more unique to the bride and groom! Morgan, Kaitlyn’s younger sister) did all of the signs and writing. 

I just love how Kaitlyn’s mom is just radiating happiness in this picture! Her entire trip down the aisle was one big smile fest! 

I always have loved loved loved the prayer after the exchanging of the rings! Just look how happy they both are!

I absolutely fell in love with Kaitlyn’s bouquet from Sassafras! I love all the pink,the softness and whimsical little touches! And the light at the reception area was to die for! 🙂

Kaitlyn and the family also did the centerpieces for the reception!

The best toasts…and the best reactions!

I don’t know why, but I absolutely love this image. I think it feels so timeless. Kinda like old Hollywood.

A little sparkler fun!

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart, thank you SO much for asking me to be a part of your big day! I seriously can not say how much fun I had with you all! You two are adorable and perfect for each other! 

Smiles,

Kayla F

Wedding Day Magic:
Caterer: Luxe Catering
Cupcakes: Gigi’s
Florist: Sassafras
Videographer: Taylor Lane Media
Stationary & Programs: Zazzle & Laura Firestone
Brides Dress: White Lace & promises
Bridesmaids: Watters
Grooms/Groomsmen Tux: Vera Wang at Mens Warehouse
Band: WestWend
Rentals: All Occasions
DIY helpers: Morgan and Whitney, signs, shepherd hooks, etc.

The Day: Tiffany and Fran

I have been waiting and waiting to share this awesome couple’s beautiful wedding from the Bleak House! Tiffany and Fran are Awesome (yes, with a capital A)! I seriously couldn’t ask for a better bride and groom to start off my 2012 season! Tiffany was referred to be by another amazing photographer and Tiffany and I have come to the conclusion that it was meant to be! We seriously have SO much in common that I’m pretty sad that I’ve handed over her images…no more emails, phone calls or fun lunches! 😦 

So on to their amazing wedding! Tiffany was going for an easy going, vintage/20’s vibe. She nailed it. Everything fit with her vision and she even had some people dress the part! 😉

Here is Fran and Tiffany’s big day! 

I was in love with Tiffany’s jewelry! Her chandelier ear rings were a thrift store find and her beautiful blue ring was from her mother. 

Major love for my second shooter Anjelica for capturing this gem!! 

Tiffany, seriously?? You are absolutely stunning!

Tiffany and Fran opted for a first look and I couldn’t have been happier! Their main focus for their wedding was to have a good time with their friends and family, so they didn’t want to have to take pictures after the ceremony…first looks are my favorite part of the day! Both the bride and groom are so excited, nervous, happy to see their soon-to-be and you just can’t match that intimacy. Love that Anjelica was able to capture the shot of Fran seeing Tiffany. Love!!!

 LOVE how Fran looks at her!

Fran was such a trooper…and even gave me the best smile EVER!!! 

 Yes…we did a mafia picture with the gents. 😉

Once guests started to arrive, Tiffany and Fran went inside to cool down and get ready for the ceremony. I got to go have fun and get all the yummy details!

I love the Bleak House and the backdrop for the ceremony!!! 

Tiffany’s brother, Jason, is in a band…oh yea! And that band just so happens to be the Humanaires! Lets just say, they gave me their CD and I have been listening to it non-stop for a month…seriously. I love them!!! 

Ava and Camden= the coolest and CUTEST flower girl and ring bearer ever! Seriously, they were attached at the hip all night and were soooo sweet with each other!

I can’t take how cute they are!!!

My FAVorite first dance pictures EVER! Seriously??? 

Tiffany and Fran, I cannot thank you both enough! I hope DC treats you amazingly and when you come back in town…you know my number! ❤

Smiles,

Kayla F