Wedding at The Magnolia Venue Photographer / Tennessee Wedding Photographer / Mandy + Kol

Mandy & Kol’s wedding day was nothing short of a dream. Every little detail was so classic and timeless. We began the day with Mandy + her maids. Mandy’s mom was her Matron of Honor. Their bond was inseperable. Mandy’s mom gave her a clutch made out her own wedding dress. It was delicate, dainty and beautiful. While she and her maids finished up hair + make up by Bangs and Blush, we headed over to hang out with the guys.

Kol and his groomsmen celebrated the start of the day with a toast, they all gathered and helped Kol perfect his attire. He opened the gift from Mandy and was totally obsessed with his new watch. His brother, the best man placed his bow tie and I think it’s safe to say Kol then was very eager to go see the love of his life.

Their first look took place at the top of the hill in the trees. Kol turned around, and as tears ran down his face, he brought Mandy in for a hug. After some beautiful posed portraits, Taylor asked Kol to practice his first dance with Mandy. Mandy told us about how no matter where they are, if Kol hears music, he will grab Mandy and dance with her. I mean aww, you can not get any sweeter than that!

As the sun began to set, Mandy walked down the aisle looking more beautiful than The Magnolia Venue tucked away in the Great Smoky Mountains. After hearing their sweet sweet vows, about Mandy’s positivity and Kol’s love for games, they sealed their marriage with a kiss and we headed over to the reception.

Little did they know what was in store for them next, a special guest, a Flavor Flav look a like, AKA father of the bride, made a rap for them. Can you say Hilarious? Everyone was cracking up, he did such a good job! It was so sweet. They then danced the night away, ate Dead End BBQ and then everyone particarpated in a group shot to celebrate the new union of Mandy & Kol. WHAT A DREAM. Wish we could do it all over again!

Congratulations you two!

-Taylor & Sami

VENDORS:

Venue: The Magnolia Venue

Photographer: Studio 606 / Linkes Photography

Planning: Custom Love Events

Hair and Makeup: Bangs and Blush

Florals: Echelon Florist

Caterer: Dead End BBQ

Engagement Session at Maxpatch North Carolina / Jessica + James / Kentucky Wedding Photographers

I have had the pleasure of photographing Jessica + James since 2017. They came to me as a couple, wanting photos at the spot that is special to them, Conley Bottom in their hometown. Unfortunately, just the other day Conley Bottom Marina and Restaurant was destroyed in a fire. Their community is now coming together to help put the place back together that they all love so much. You can purchase Conley Bottom T-shirts from a local artist to help with relief here - TSHIRT LINK!

So now, JESSICA & JAMES are ENGAGED! Since we already photographed them in Wayne County, we decided to take a day trip up to Maxpatch Mountain in North Carolina. It was so pretty the entire day, when we finally started trekking up the mountain, IT STARTED POURING! I mean literally pouring. Jessica & James shared an umbrella but it wasn’t long until James gave it completely up to Jessica. James was SOAKED and Jessica said, “You are the only person I would do this with.” Oh man, be still my heart <3 When we finally reached the top, the rain cleared and we were left with soaking wet clothes and the most beautiful half rainbow. The sun finally came out at the end.

They love each other so fiercely. They’ve made a pact to love each other until the very end. They are full of adventures, pushing each other to be the absolute best versions of themselves. I am so happy we were able to go to Maxpatch for their engagement session, not only are the photos BEAUTIFUL, but I think it’s a good representation of the mountains they will climb for each other.

I hope you enjoy viewing my favorites of their session :)

-Taylor

Wedding at The Magnolia Venue Photographer / Simple Bliss Events / Maureen + Tyler

Wow, wow, and wow. I don’t even know where to begin. This day was what dreams were truly made of. I knew Maureen + Tyler’s wedding day was going to be amazing but I had no idea to expect the unimaginable perfectness that November 3rd, 2018 truly was. I will start at the beginning of our journey but I think it’s most important to note first that I have gotten so close with Maureen over the past few months. We talked probably at least once a week about all things wedding and after being friends with her on facebook, I can’t help but overly appreciate the love she pours out to the world. She’s so so kind to everyone and her heart is made of ACTUAL gold, you guys. She is one of a kind and I am so so so grateful and thankful that I met her. I shouldn’t have been so surprised that Tyler WAS THE SAME EXACT WAY. He was such a gentlemen and so welcoming… even at their engagement session that they drove hours to get to. To top it off, it turns out their whole family, bridal party and friends were ALSO SO STINKING NICE. It must be a Texas thing ;)

When we arrived at The Magnolia Venue, we drove on the tiny one way road up the mountain, shaking in our boots that we might meet someone on their way down. We actually did end up meeting someone but the person behind them hopped out of the car and helped us navigate. The drive to the top was sooooooo worth it because the view was B R E A T H T A K I N G. The whole venue was breathtaking.. the bridal suite was our first stop. Maureen, her 11 bridesmaids, and the momma’s were getting ready in the most beautiful bridal suite finished with white wood walls and tufted white accent chairs; and jamming to nonetheless, TAYLOR SWIFT. If you know me, you know that I am unhealthily obsessed with T-Swizzle. I remember Sami Jo looking at me and said, “this day was made for you.” The excitement of what the day would bring was hanging among everyone in that room and one of the first things Maureen said to us was, “Since I was little, the only thing I dreamed of for my wedding day was for it to be sunny” and there was the sun, shining down on the mountains out the window that stretched for miles and miles. It was a perfect day and for it to be November, it wasn’t even that cold outside.

Maureen gifted her bridesmaids hand painted bibles by Yahweh Divine and it was sincerely the sweetest, most genuine gift. Tyler gifted his groomsmen personalized Whiskey Decanters. I knew the guys loved those when I suggested we should pour some drinks for their photos! The guys were getting ready in the 50-people cabin that the bridal party and some family were staying at for the weekend. I really LOVE that they had a cabin for everyone because they were able to really soak up that time with each other since they are all living in different states now.

It’s such a bittersweet moment to think about their ceremony. Tyler and Maureen chose not to do a first look and I think that really allowed the emotions to flow when his gorgeous bride was walking down the aisle to him. Maureen’s grandaddy, was the officiant and let me tell you, he is a HOOT! I had so much fun talking with him at the cabin while the boys were getting ready. He teased me a lot and made me feel right at home! :) But let me tell you, when he saw his gorgeous granddaughter meet the man of her dreams in the mountains with the bluest sky and all of their loved ones surrounding them, he cried. It was beautiful. I will never forget that moment. It was hands down, the most emotional ceremony I have attended…. but my absolute favorite part was when they were announced and almost ready to kiss, Maureen did this little excited dance thing and it was ADORABLE. She was finally Mrs. Kimbriel. The love they have for each other, is such a powerful sight to witness.

The rest of the day was spectacular. They ate dinner while the sun set into the mountains behind them. They danced their hearts out. Maureen’s sister and maid of honor, Madeline as well as, Tyler’s best man gave the best speeches. Their guests enjoyed making their own smores and cookies and milk. They also had a hot cocoa and coffee bar. How stinking cute! Maureen’s brother surprised her with a song on the guitar at the reception. He forgot a pick, so he cut up an old card and used it to play for her. Their guests would throw confetti at them on the dance floor.

It’s honestly so bittersweet to be writing this.. I am sad that I will no longer be working so closely with Maureen + Tyler but I am so excited to see where the adventure of marriage takes them. The love was so real on November 3rd, 2018 and it’s a day I will never forget.

Vendor team:

Photography: Linkes Photography

Second Photographer: Samantha Hawkins
Venue: The Magnolia Venue
Wedding Planner: Misty Cooper with Simple Bliss : Wedding Planning and Styling
Florist: Melissa Timm Designs
Hair & Makeup: Nicole McGee with Glam By Nicole
Quartet: Anderson String Quartet
Dress: Glitz Nashville - Karen Hendrix Couture
Videographer: Max Trubnyakov with StudioMotionFilms
DJ: Ron Crivellone with Smokey Mountain Sounds
Caterer: Bradford Catered Events
Bar: The Pour Guys
Shuttle: Valet Guys of Knoxville

Red River Gorge Engagement Session / Camping Engagement Session / Tara + Jose

I was so stoked about this day because we've been waiting to plan it since October! Tara + Jose  are this really amazing, down-to-earth couple who enjoy camping, hiking and being surrounded by the beauty of the world. We had debated going to this one campsite they spend a lot of time at or going to the Gorge where they also spend some time, and Jose proposed! We ended up going with the Gorge and I learned that day that that is where they will be getting married! AHHHHHH! I am so excited, I could explode.

I'm really just so happy for these two beautiful souls. They love each other like there's no tomorrow, and that's really the kind of stuff you can't pay to witness.

I am so fortunate that this is my job, and I am able to live life with no doubts that this kind of love exists. I am surrounded by it daily and it really helps me to appreciate the things in life that so many of us take for granted. The people that make us laugh, make us happy... the plants that  allow us to breath.. all of the little things that go unnoticed, is what makes the world go around and we should all appreciate that more.  

I am so humbled by their relationship and the adventures they take together, and I hope this preview of their engagement session relays that. I cannot wait for their August wedding!

It will be sooooo beautiful. 

-Taylor

Ready to book your engagement session?

Lake Tansi Wedding Crossville, TN / Sherry + Donnie / Destination Wedding Photographer

Saturday was the BEST afternoon. The sun was shining and everything was soooo green! I loaded my gear up in the car and headed towards Crossville, TN... excited for the day ahead of me and for the beautiful couple who would say "I do." I always love the drive in that direction, my gps leads me through Monticello towards Pall Mall. It's really curvy and the sun peeks through the trees iridescently. On the way back I was able to stop by Alvin C. York State Park and enjoy it's gorgeousness. Anyways, the wedding was held on Lake Tansi on this small little island and the reception was on the lake's beach. 

I was so excited to be there and check everything out, that I accidentally walked into the WRONG CABIN!!!! It didn't take me long to realize that everyone was in bathing suits, and this was NOT the place I was supposed to be. So, as I am embarrassingly walking backwards, I say, "Erm, I think I am in the wrong place." HAHAHA! I  drove around to the next street and FINALLY, I was in the RIGHT place. Sherry was finishing final touches on her makeup, and her daughter, Kaitlyn (who I absolutely adore) was fixing her little sisters hair (the flower girl.) I helped the boys put on their boutonnières, and then we made our way down to the ceremony site on the lake, where their closest family and friends were awaiting. The ceremony started,  and it was hands down, the most memorable day ever! As most of you know, weddings are sometimes stressful when it comes to making sure everything is in the right place. Well, it was SO cute when Sherry realized that they had left their rings in the car!! But it didn't phase them, Sherry died laughing and Donnie thought it was pretty funny too. Her son ran to the car to save the day!! Once they got the rings, they proceeded to continue the ring ceremony when Donnie put Sherry's ring on the wrong finger! Everyone was laughing so hard! It was so fun and unique and I'll never forget it <3 Those are the kinds of things that make these moments so raw and special. It's the kind of things you won't forget when you are 85 and exactly the reason I love doing what I do.

Thank you, Sherry + Donnie, so much for having me apart of your day. Sherry, you were such a GORGEOUS bride and I wish you two nothing but happiness for all of your days.

Enjoy my favorites from their day! 

The Falls at Ohio State Park Engagement Session / Abby + Cody

A girl from East Tennessee and a boy from Indianapolis fell in love about 2 1/2 years ago. A little over a year ago, Abby moved to Indianapolis to be with Cody and in September, their family and friends will come together to celebrate the joining of their forever in Danville, Kentucky. We researched locations for their engagement session for WEEKS and we decided to meet in the middle, in Louisville, actually Clarksville at The Falls at Ohio State Park. Guys, it is GORGEOUS! Even in the bright mid-day sun, it was beautiful. There are bridges, greenery, washed up driftwood, and a beautiful cityscape of Louisville across the water. 

Abby is gorgeous and has the most beautiful blue (she said they change colors, but yesterday they were blue) eyes and Cody is so funny! I totally have to note that we seen a miniature beagle while walking around the park and my heart is pretty set on loving one of those babies one day. It was so tiny and so cute and so so sweet.. anyways, Abby said she is going to invent a pulley system so that she can get a small dog for their two-story apartment and they can just lower it down to the ground to use the potty. HAHAHAHAHA. 

Yesterday was such a pretty day, and I am sooooo beyond excited for their wedding in September. I hope you guys enjoy my favorites from their engagement session! 

Engagement Session at Max Patch Mountain North Carolina / Dakota + Mackenzie

Dakota and Mackenzie knew exactly where they wanted to go for their engagement session and that my friends, was Max Patch Mountain in North Carolina. To say that they were prepared for whatever would be an understatement. We first met at a campsite along the long gravel road you follow up the mountain. It was perfect with a small waterfall, and a place to build a fire. They set up a tent so that they could change clothes with ease and they love camping so we did some with the tent (which also matched their first outfits.) Mackenzie also brought a mirror for outfit changes (why do I never do that? That is such a good idea!!)  Dakota brought his guitar that Mackenzie gifted him when he came back from basic training. We had him play her a song as they were sitting on a log. He played "I see Fire" by Ed Sheeran which is like the most beautiful song if you've never listened to it.

*Cue all of the hopeless romantic sighs*

We also built a fire, and when I say we, I mean Mikayla (she came along to second shoot) and I found some twigs to use, while Dakota and Mackenzie did all of the real work.... haha. The wood was burning so quickly so we then had to find some thicker stuff. I never knew that you couldn't burn the still-alive-stuff so that was pretty embarrassing when Dakota was like "well, that has a little green on it." HAHAHAHAHAH. I am a nut. Please do not depend on me if we have to survive in the woods, friends. Once the fire was going, we made them slow dance and eskimo kiss <3 

We had a passed a crazy vibrant patch of yellow wildflowers on the way there that Mikayla and I were oohing and ahhing about so I suggested that we go back and visit those. These two are so cool, they were really down for anything. 

NEXT, we went up the mountain!!!! We decided to take the *easier* way up which ended up being harder probably and much longer versus just going straight up. But once we were up there, the light was golden and it was a 360 degree view of the most beautiful sight you could ever imagine. Mountains are my favorite landscape so I was in heaven. On one side of the view, was the golden sun and on the other, was a huge moon. It was surreal and it was amazing to be surrounded by people who loved the view just as much as you did in that very moment. If you have never been to Max patch, you should definitely stop what you are doing RIGHT NOW and go. You have my word, it is so worth the trip. 

Dakota carried Mackenzie down the mountain because it was freeeeeeezing and she was barefoot. They are so incredibly sweet together. He also helped her put on her shoes and take them off while we were on top. 

and as always, I have this overwhelming sense of gratitude that this is my life, and I get to spend it with couples like Mackenzie and Dakota who just love exploring and adventuring and being with each other and celebrating the little moments of life <3 

I cannot wait for their wedding day.. this is such a special couple. 

Nashville, TN Couples Session / My Best Friend / Ali + Tom

It was soooooooo good to see my best friend from high school last week. I had a session scheduled in Nashville, which is where she now lives along with her amazing boyfriend, Tom so I knew I wanted to catch up and do some photos of her and him. He makes her seriously so happy, I've never seen her in this state of bliss but I will let the photos speak for themselves ;) 

so thank you Tom, for making my best friend the happiest girl in the world. 

and thank you Ali, for all of the memories and funny stories that are probably not blog appropriate. 

Engagement Session at Cades Cove / Maureen + Tyler / Destination Wedding Photographer

Ahhhhhhh! Okay, so I have been so excited about this engagement session since like the beginning of the year. When Maureen booked her wedding with me, I knew that she was going to be an absolute dream. She showed me what she was going to wear for her engagement session, and I think my photographer heart like fluttered and did a million cartwheels. That red dress was going to be PERFECT, I just knew it. The next few months we spent hunting for the most perfect spot to do their photos. Somewhere with lots of sky, and somewhere we could see the sun. We had our heart set on Carvers Gap, but we decided that 5.5 hours was probably a little too far to drive when there are perfectly beautiful places closer! SO, we settled (not settled because it is certainly not less than) with Cades Cove in Gatlinburg which is around the same area as where their wedding will take place. 

If you know me, you will know that Cades Cove is my absolute favorite place on earth. There is nothing else like it. I love it SO MUCH. It's so beautiful, and probably the best sight anywhere around this area. 

Maureen and Tyler met on coincidence when Tyler was out celebrating his friends graduation and Maureen was celebrating with her friends, her own graduation! Tyler suggested that they go out to dinner to celebrate and the rest is HISTORY! They are both from Texas so I think it's stinking amazing that somehow Maureen made her way to Tennessee and just recently, Tyler made his way to Richmond, Kentucky. Which isn't too far from us!! 

Anyways, I am stinking in love with this couple because A.) Tyler is funny as crap and Maureen EATS it up! They are stinking ADORABLE. B.) Ok they are like a model couple. Tyler suggested that we should sell these. Maureen is beautiful in every single way... she's SUCH a sweetheart. C.) They truly just love each other so much and that is exactly why I do this job- to photograph people in real, true, authentic, passionate, and unconditional love. 

I hope you love these favorites from their session as much as I do <3