Ah, I was back at the Magnolia for the second time… it’s my most favorite venue and the couples I meet that get married here, usually end up being life-long friends. I hope that is the case with Kristen & Steven because Kristen is a woman after my own heart. She expresses gratitude so beautifully and is so skilled with her hands making home decor from her etsy shop. All the way from Delaware, Kristen & Steven’s family and friends traveled to Pigeon Forge TN to celebrate the love of each of them, finally joining together after loving each other for 10 years. Together, they have the most adorable son, Joey. You will see a bit of him in these photographs, he’s SO stinking cute, and he just wasn’t having it in this heat and all the newness the day brought. It was amazing to see however, how all of their family helped take care of Joey during the day so that Kristen and Steven could just be.

Kristen and I didn’t get to communicate AS much before the ceremony because of the distance between us so I was very thankful when she told me little stories that mattered throughout the day. For example, she found her earrings at the JC Penney that her late grandmother used to work at. The girl at the counter remembered her grandma, and ended up helping Kristen find a GORGEOUS pair of classic earrings ON SALE (maybe even clearance). She said on her way home, a cardinal flew by their window and she knew instantly it was a gift from her grandmother.

That stinking ADORABLE cake topper, I think actually squealed when I saw it because HOW CUTE! Well, Kristen actually found that about 4 years ago when they were visiting somewhere and held on to it because she knew one day they would be married.

Those favors that you will see, the mugs with the bride and grooms favorite snacks, YEAH, KRISTEN MADE THOSE.

I also love that they got matching mountain tattoos a year ago while visiting Gatlinburg with plans to put their wedding date beside them the next time they visit, on their wedding day. Being a fellow lover of the mountains, I have to say that’s the most romantic idea. My fiancé and I actually plan to do that!

The entire day was so perfect and so beautiful, we did have one little hiccup and you can read all about how my AMAZING future in mother-in-law saved the day here. I am so honored to have been apart of such a special couples day. I hope you love looking through a preview of their day as much as I loved living it.