I’m writing this on the way home from today because I’m overwhelmed with pure gratitude that I had the opportunity to photograph such a genuine, BEAUTIFUL (in all caps for dramatic effect) couple. They welcomed us with warm smiles and the energy of anticipation and excitement hung in the air. I was already excited because it was cloudy and let’s be honest, that’s the best lighting. BUT, then I saw the bridesmaids dresses, and THAT VEIL...... a recipe for a fairytale. I was in love, inspired and so pumped for the day.

It was a miracle that the rain held off long enough for Dani and Clayton to promise each other forever in front of the serene mountain backdrop. Danielle avoided looking at the forecast all afternoon and remained so hopeful that it would pass. They say rain on your wedding day is good luck, but these two, they don’t need it. It’s as if they were cut from the same cloth. Selfless and compassionate, their friends and family described during toasts. They both leave a little sunshine wherever they go. You’ll see that throughout these photographs, and I hope you get even a small glimpse into the magical love of Danielle and Clayton.

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

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.