Wedding at The Hitchin' Post / Kentucky Wedding Photographer / Sarah + Nathan

I normally have the best luck with rain but on Nathan and Sarah’s wedding day, you guys, it rained ALL. DAY. LONG. Thankfully there were a few moments, including when they had to walk into the ceremony site, that we were able to grab a few photos without becoming soaked. It is said however, that rain on your wedding day is good luck that the couple will last forever and ever. BUT let me be the first to tell you, that Nathan and Sarah don’t need luck. They are without a doubt, each others forevers.

One of the best parts of their wedding day, was getting to witness the relationships they have with their friends and family. Sarah and Nathan are pretty important to me and it was so important to them that their family was included in every aspect of their day. I know they both know all too well the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. I love how Sarah gave Nathan’s parents a gift and Nathan gave Sarah’s parents a gift. Just being there in that moment, I could tell how incredibly proud each of their parents were and after hearing Nathan’s momma’s speech, how happy they are that these two found each other.

It was an absolute honor you two, thank you so much for having me as your wedding photographer.

PS. you guys totally inspired me to bring the country music back out. I listened to “country love songs” the whole time I edited your wedding. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

Wedding at Old Glory Schoolhouse / Kentucky Wedding Photographers

It was a beautiful day for a wedding. The sun was shining and the crisp fall air lingered around Old Glory Schoolhouse. I can’t believe this day has came and went, it seems like we’ve waited SO LONG for this day. These two have overcame mountains together. Which if you missed their engagement session, I mean that literally and figuratively. They were high school and college sweethearts. The love they have for each other is untouchable. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know them over photos for the past 4 years now. 

The schoolhouse barn was absolutely FULL. So many people love Jessica and James and their great love story. I don’t know how you couldn’t though, Jessica is the sweetest human in the world. She always goes out of her way to make sure I’m ok. James is so nice and funny- he can lighten the mood of anything! They are truly a perfect match. 

I love that Jessica incorporated her classroom by hanging signs that said, “LOVE IS” and was filled in by her students. I also love that James told me about Jessica’s extra gift, although she couldn’t get it until after their honeymoon, a cute little wiener dog. I knew she would be so excited, and after seeing the photos of it on Facebook, I was right. :) it’s so stinking cute! Congrats on the doggy, guys! 

I hope you enjoy this preview of their wedding day!

a special thanks to my amazing second shooter/business partner - Samantha Hawkins!

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

Wedding at Old Glory Schoolhouse Kentucky Wedding Photographer / Dakota + Mackenzie

Ah you guys, I am so excited to be finally writing this blog post because it’s about the two sweetest souls in the entire world with the sweetest love story I have ever known. Dakota and Mackenzie. I don’t even know where to start, I have so many favorite things about them. I don't know if you guys remember my blog post from earlier this year of their engagement session, but we traveled to Maxpatch in NC for their engagement session. It was freezing on top of the mountain, so Dakota carried barefoot Mackenzie so her feet weren’t touching the cold ground, ALL THE WAY DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. When she was wearing heels on the wedding day, it had been raining all morning so the ground was WET. Her heels were sinking, so Dakota picked her up, dress and all, and carried her up the ditch line that I requested we do some photos at.

I have never seen such a caring and concerned groom as Dakota on their wedding day. His top concern was to make sure Mackenzie’s day was PERFECT. He played guitar and sang a song for her during the reception and he carried her out through the sparklers at the end of the night. Mackenzie was breathtakingly gorgeous and THAT DRESS! It was so beautiful. I am so so so deeply happy that they have found each other, I wish I had the words to explain how their kind of love inspires me.

It was raining all day until it was time for them to walk down the aisle and then it cleared right up! As we were exiting the ceremony, the sun peeked out SUPER BRIGHT just at the right time! I was so happy that it decided to clear up… and don’t even get me started on those florals! The greenery and red roses, was so elegant and sophisticated…. it was truly a fairytale day.

I hope you enjoy previewing their wedding day, as much as I loved being apart of it.

-Taylor

TO BOOK YOUR 2019 WEDDING - CLICK HERE

Wedding at Old Glory Schoolhouse / Kentucky Wedding Photographer / Taylor + Elijah

About two years ago, I had the opportunity to photograph Taylor and Elijah for a couples session deep in the heart of Monticello at this pretty little swinging bridge. Little did I know, almost two years later.. I would be photographing their wedding day! Everything was absolutely so beautiful. The greenery graced the tables, those fall tones popped with the sun even though it was nearly 90 degrees at the start of October. Taylor and her bridesmaids were getting ready when we arrived.. she was sitting beside her flower girl, and together they were “getting ready.” It was so cute! Her momma helped her into her dress, and they took a few moments to just appreciate each other and the day. That was super sweet, and I am glad I got to witness such a strong mother-daughter bond. Taylor had her dad come in the room where she was getting ready so he could see her for the first time. He hugged her tight and told everyone he needed a few moments with her. I gathered her bridesmaids outside the door, so she could walk out and surprise them too! Raven, her youngest bridesmaid, absolutely lost it because Taylor was so beautiful! It was soooo sweet!

It wasn’t too long after that, it was time for Taylor to walk down the aisle to meet Elijah. He couldn’t stop smiling, ear to ear. Elijah’s dad, was the pastor so it was amazing that he was able to marry his son to his dream lady. They prayed, exchanged vows, exchanged rings, tied the marriage knot, and kissed! THEY WERE FINALLY HUSBAND AND WIFE! Everything went off without a hitch! It was the best day and I am so excited to get these photos back to these amazing people because there were so many sweet moments that meant so much!

Photographer: Linkes Photography

Videographer: WhoisCoop Filmography

Venue: Old Glory Schoolhouse

Florist: Monticello Florist

Cake: Lisa Whilhite Gregory

Dress: Lace Bridal Couture

DJ: Charles Richardson

Food: Hunters BBQ - Albany, KY

How to choose the wedding photographer for you >> Kentucky Wedding Photographer >> Destination Wedding Photographer

2018 is a new year and it's a new year for my business. Being close with my couples has always been a goal of mine, and sometimes I succeeded in 2017 but sometimes I wasn't reaching my brides as well as I wanted. All of my brides are amazing, hands down they are the best. But I want to be more than just a wedding photographer for my clients, I want them to feel like they know me... to feel like I am their friend. I think that's a really important when telling your wedding day story as a whole. Your wedding photos should be about your wedding day, but even more about the story of you two and who you are together and who you are with the special people in your lives. I could not possibly feel like I am doing my job effectively if I do not take the time to get to know you.

If this isn't important to you, please don't pick me as your photographer.. I would only get on your nerves! ;) I have listed a few tips below on how to book the PERFECT photographer for you :) 

1. Pick a photographer's style that you LOVE 

If you really find yourself oohing and ahh-ing at all of those light and airy pinterest wedding photos, then you should totally pick a photographer who's photos usually look like that! If you really love black and white photos, you should pick a photographer who posts black and white photos often because that means they probably deliver them often! If you love the candid cheeses more than the very posed smiles, pick a photographer who brings that genuineness to their photographs. If you enjoy the studio setup of photos, pick a photographer who can offer you that on location for your wedding day! Don't settle for a photographer just because you like the price or they are the only person you know... you are more likely to be 10x more in love with your photographs if you love the work the photographer puts out already :) Do some research of photographers in your area, or in surrounding areas! 

2. Price isn't everything

Price really isn't everything but it can be important in determining the right photographer for you. Obviously some photographers can be very out of budget but some could be totally under budget. You definitely get what you pay for in the photography world but just because someone is cheap doesn't mean that their work isn't good, they just may lack in some areas of their business that higher end photographers would not. Let's take the booking process for example, higher end photographers pay someone to make a sturdy contract that protects you and them. Lower end photographers, usually do not have a contract or maybe not a very detailed one so if something goes wrong with your wedding photos, you are both out of luck and it would be up to a court to decide.

Location can also be a factor in price. Someone who charges $4,000 and lives in Somerset, Kentucky could probably move to Orange Beach California and charge $7,500. The price differences are not as big of difference between Lexington, Kentucky and Somerset but there is a still a huge gap! So what I am trying to get at, is that if you live in Lexington and see that someone in Somerset is charging $2,000, it's not that they are not professional, it's just that big of a market difference and that could be something to think about when researching photographers, especially if you ARE on a budget! :) 

The main thing you should consider when picking a photographer should not be your budget, but that you LOVE them! You always hear the line "if it is expensive, it has to be good" but that is not always the case either. If you book someone BECAUSE they are expensive, you could also be terribly sad if their work isn't what you wanted. Maybe they are light and airy, but you really love dark and moody stuff. If you love their work, love their personality, it's one of the best investments you can make for your wedding day because after all, the work they give you is the only way you will remember the day 100% until you are 100 ;) 

3. Like the photographer as a person 

It's soooooooooooooooooo extremely important to pick a wedding photographer who seems like your kind of people ;) Maybe they love the same stuff that you love, or they have a similar home dynamic or pet or something! Maybe they stand up for topics on social media that you feel like you stand up for!  Make sure you can relate to them! It will make the wedding planning process A LOT easier, so much less stressful and SO SO SO much more fun if you can giggle about the same things along the way! By finding a photographer you relate to, the photographer is much more likely to see your wedding day vision the same way you do! 

4. Pick a photographer that has the tools you need 

If you are really bad at planning, find a photographer that would love to help you! Some photographers offer day-of coordinating and some just simply help you put a timeline together for your day... Some photographers just show up and do as you tell them! It really is all about what YOU need/want! 

If you are an intricate planner and you would love help with a timeline, I'm your gal ;) If you hate planning schedules and want someone else to do it for you, I'm also your gal :) Together, we can figure out just how much time you need for each wedding day event and how many hours of coverage you need with me! I've picked up on a lot of things in this business that sometimes brides alone don't think about! 

VENDORS:

Photography: Linkes Photography

Florists: Blooms 'n Blossoms LLC

Venue: Ashford Acres Inn 

Leave your info below if you are interested in having me as your wedding photographer ;) Can't wait to meet you! 

Richwood on The River Milton, Kentucky Wedding Photographer >> Jessica + Brian >> 2017 Fall Wedding

So, it finally happened to me. I have read endless on endless horror stories of photographers blogs getting deleted and well, I made a mistake and accidentally deleted my own! :( Three years worth of endless blog posts and I AM DEVASTATED! But it's okay, because it just means that I get to work harder and kick my butt in gear a little more to get more work out there to you guys :) 

So, I had actually never shared Jessica + Brian's wedding day because it fell right in my busy season where blogging was pretty much impossible and it was one of my favorite days of the year so I am thankful to be able to be sharing it with  you now! 

Richwood on the River is the most beautiful mansion tucked away in a sleepy little foggy town (it was the foggiest day of the year and it was BEAUTIFUL) in Milton, Kentucky. The whole day was flawless and so detailed and every second was beautiful. If I ever find myself getting married again, this will be the place! Jessica and Brian have been such a special couple to me since I met them. We went to the Red River Gorge for their engagement session, which is where they like to go hiking! I knew after their engagement session that their wedding day was going to be MAGICAL. Really, it was a fairytale. Their family and friends are AWESOME. Their bridal party was AWESOME and so very helpful. 

I'm not even going to talk about how beautiful Jessica's dress was because you will be able to see it for yourself in just a second. IT WAS TO DIE FOR. I think my heart stopped beating just a little bit when I seen it...... Mikayla was my second shooter for the day (and awesome photographer and also my best friend) and I know for sure I heard her gasp. HAHAH! The flowers were put together by a family friend and I swear, I have never seen a more beautifully put together fall bouquet. It was GORGEOUS! I could go on and on about how perfect everything was but I really just want you to see for yourself :) :) :) 

Jessica and Brian have became so special to me and Jessica is actually about to dip her toes into the photography world and I am so excited to start helping her do that! 

so, I give you Jessica + Brian's wedding day, November 4th, 2017.