Kentucky Wedding Photographers - Ways to add a pop of fun to your Wedding day / Wedding Wednesdays

We said when we started this business that we wanted our jobs to be F U N and over the past few years, we’ve seen a few fun things that we are DYING to see more of. Hopefully this will inspire your wedding planning and help you come up with something that feels like the two of you.

• Mix and match COLORS AND TEXTURES - if you’re all about aesthetics, mix matching the textures and colors of your wedding day details and wardrobe is one way to amp up the style. On top of looking AMAZING, it will photograph that much better!

- Absolutely LOVED Jacqueline’s Fiesta Day of the Dead themed wedding. I loved that her bridesmaids were all in different pops of color to match their decor. I also love that they are carrying lanterns instead of bouquets. The color of your bridesmaids dresses don’t have to MATCH, but you should always coordinate.

-Maureen’s ladies shopped for their dresses individually on poshmark with only a designer and color palette in mind. The different textures but similar styles from the same designer bring all of these dresses together as if they were made for one another. DREAMY!

-Kaitlyn’s ladies were blended with dreamy whimsical dresses. The pastels and soft florals were perfect for Kaitlyn and Jakes secret garden ceremony.

-Sarah handmade these fur shawls to keep her bridesmaids warm during their Christmas weekend wedding day. I LOVE the pop of texture and sophistication the fur shawls bring.

• POP SOME CONFETTI GUYS! YOU JUST GOT MARRIED! There are so many reasons you should have confetti. 1. YOU JUST GOT MARRIED. 2. YOU JUST GOT MARRIED! 3. Your guests will love you because they love playing with it and throwing it at you. 4. UMMM BEST PHOTOS EVER. You could even use the bird seed, flower peddles, bridal bush branches… just find something that feels like it was meant for you! :)

Please also check with your venue to see what they allow.

• Find something that feels like you! There are so many opportunities on a wedding day to incorporate ways to celebrate yourselves and where you’ve came from.

At the end of the day, your day is about you and how you want to remember it. If traditional is your style, go for it! But the days of “having to” follow traditions are long over and you can finally celebrate the ways you choose!

-If you spend most of your date nights eating ice cream together, OF COURSE YOU SHOULD SERVE IT AT YOUR RECEPTION! Kaitlyn and Jake celebrated loving each other AND ice cream by having Graeters cater.

-Amber and Tanner LOVE the beach and all things tropical, so what better way to celebrate their love for that than with TROPICAL BIRDS?!

-If you LOVE your pets and it’s important to you, you should try to find ways to incorporate them. We DIED when we saw Maureen’s dog Chandler dressed up in his tuxedo, ready to walk down the aisle. He also gave out treat bags to his friends who couldn’t make it to “the pawty”. LOVE IT!

-Tara and Jose decided to host their ceremony indoors after it was calling for rain all week. Their guests gathered around the cabin they were staying in, the officiant (a long time friend of Tara) asked the guests to be totally unplugged and present. They didn’t wear shoes, it’s not their style. They did it their way and I have no doubt that it was everything they hoped. I LOVE TARA AND JOSE so much, they are truly the best people.

We would love to hear all of the ways You’re having fun on your wedding day. Let us know in the comments! :)

Kentucky Wedding Photographers - Why we LOVE being Wedding Photographers? / Wedding Wednesdays

Picking your wedding photographers is almost as important as picking your groom ;-)

HAHA, gotcha! We definitely wish we were that important but we really do spend more time with you than even your groom on the day of so it’s most important to pick a wedding photographer that you vibe well with and that you feel has your goals and best interest at heart.

With wedding season coming up, we are super excited to start another new blog series called………… drum roll, please. WEDDING WEDNESDAYS! We will use wedding Wednesdays to blog our most recent weddings and during off-season, share some tips and tricks, favorite decor… and all things weddings! We are merely 3 weeks away from our first wedding of this BUSY spring season and we can’t think of a better way to pump ourselves up than reminisce on our favorite parts of the day!

A very common question we get asked is why do we love being wedding photographers? So we decided it was time to share why we love what we do. You may think oh they go to weddings and snap photos of the day and it’s a done deal but it’s so much more than that. From the very first inquiry we receive we begin connecting with our couples. We make it a goal to really dig deep during your engagement session or initial consult, to figure out things that make you who you are together. We take those things, and create a wedding photography experience based off of YOU. We know you spend so so so many hours of preparation and planning for your wedding day, and we want you to know that we do the same. We want to photograph every little thing that you’ve spent countless hours putting detail into, especially the life you’ve created with your partner. So today, we are going to list 5 of our MOST favorite parts of your wedding day!

1. The moment you first kiss as husband and wife. I feel like we are obligated to say it but also it generally is our absolute favorite part of the day because that’s why all of your friends and family have gathered together on that day. To celebrate this moment of the two of you saying, “I do.” Your new lives start at that very moment and we can always feel the excitement and emotions that are floating around. Not to mention, we are usually crying like babies because HOW FREAKING SWEET. I feel like we say that after every ceremony but they are all so unique and special in their own ways. One of our brides, Maureen, (wish I had more time to tell you about this girl because she’s incredible) did this cute little dance right before they were allowed to kiss. I will never forget that moment. Those are the moments that we LIVE for. Those are the moments we should ALL be living for and we feel so fortunate that this is our job, and we are surrounded by those little moments every single day.

2. First Look. This isn’t for everyone and that is totally ok. We want you to do what feels right FOR YOU. The first look part of the day takes place before your ceremony. People generally opt for a first look for a few reasons; first, they want to see each other for the first time in a more private, intimate setting. It’s hard to walk down the aisle in front of a gazillion people if you aren’t comfortable in that setting… a first look helps ease those nerves because you’ve already got the nervous part of seeing your partner for the first time over. Another reason is to save time with photos after the ceremony so you can go straight to mingling with your friends and family (after family portraits, of course!) We love first looks for two reasons. 1. We definitely save on time and we actually can plan more than enough time than we need for portraits. This allows us more time for creative portraits and those storybook images you strongly desire. 2. We also love that we usually can control where the first look takes place. That way your intimate moments are beautifully photographed with gorgeous lighting and composition. We don’t have that freedom most of the day, as when you’re getting ready, ceremony and reception are pretty stationary and already set up.

3. Getting Ready. We LOVE the time of getting ready and preparation for the wedding day. Not only is it normally relaxed, there are so many feelings and emotions in the room and no matter what, there is always something special to photograph. Sami will be in ducked down in front of a window capturing details and I’ll be dancing around the room to whatever music is playing, snapping shots and laughing about Sami making fun of my dance moves. This is also the time where we really get familiar with the relationships between you and those you love. We learn things that bring you guys together. We love the anticipation in the room… your bridesmaids talking about how much fun the reception is going to be and the fact that they cannot WAIT to see you in your wedding dress.

4. First Dances. Again, we are all about the emotions of the day. During the special first dances, there is hardly ever dry eyes and those are moments that you literally wait your entire life for. I realize some families do dance together, but it probably isn’t very often and for some, it never happens unless a special occasion such as your wedding day. We love that during todays weddings, there are so many surprises that hide in the special dance periods. During our last wedding of the season last year, our sweet sweet bride Amber, learned to play piano just so she could surprise play and sing to her groom on their wedding day. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. There are no words. Another good example is when everyone is crying from the sweet first dance, and it’s time for the father-daughter dance… but instead, the bride and her father break out in some sort of “wobble” remix and everyone is screaming with laughter. That stuff NEVER gets old.

5. CAKE and Coca Cola. It wouldn’t be real life if we didn't admit that the wedding cake is always going to be a positive of shooting on a wedding day. When we’re photographing details, you best believe we are sneaking around the cake table to figure out what kind of cake you’re having. I think my favorite cake so far was at a wedding we did this past September with our lovely bride Abby, who had cookies and cream CUPCAKES. TO DIE FOR! I would probably pay big money to have another one of those right now. You’re probably wondering what Coca Cola has to do with this, but little do you know, Sami Jo IS A Coca Cola addict! She knows that as soon as the reception begins, she is going to hunt down some Coca Cola. If the venue doesn’t have any, our mini fridge in the car does. One of our favorite pastimes is to laugh about the ridiculous things we have done to find coke on wedding days. I love working with Sami Jo and I love her love for Coca Cola.

There are so so many parts of the day that you probably don’t even think of when you think of a wedding day. An average wedding day for us about 15 hours (including driving time to wherever we may be and the culling of cards when we get home.) Over the past 5 years, we have learned so so much and we would love to help the planning process become easy as pie for you so if you are one of our brides or grooms or thinking about becoming one and you are struggling, PLEASE CALL US. We are here to help and we are SO STINKING EXCITED FOR YOUR DREAM DAY!!!!

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Click here for more info on becoming one of our brides


ThankS FOR READING :)

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! 

Bethelridge, Kentucky Wedding / Jonna + Lucas / Kentucky Wedding Photographer

Jonna reached out to me on Wedding Wire a few months ago inquiring about her wedding for 4/21. She had informed me that the ceremony was going to be at a little historic church in Bethelridge, Kentucky and their reception would be held on their family farm. I was so ecstatic because A. Historic churches are usually so quaint, and cute and are typically white (for some reason, white on buildings photograph sooooo well) and B. I live for intimate weddings and the emotions that fly high during them. There are so many sentimental moments that happen when you intentionally choose to have your wedding day in a place that means the most to you, and in this case, was Jonna's home. 

The day started with her maid of honor, aka cousin, aka the sweetest person I've ever met, Danielle,doing her hair and makeup. Danielle's hair and makeup was absolutely gorgeous so I had no doubt that Jonna would be so stunning, and nevertheless, she was GORGEOUS.  Jonna has that classic beauty, the kind you see in old Hollywood movies... the timeless beauty that never grows old... yeah, that's Jonna. Jonna then was helped into her dress by her maid of honor, and that is when the tears started. Followed by her grandmother and mother, it was sooooo special. The groom (Lucas) happened to arrive a little earlier than expected and we had yet to do Jonna's first look with her father! We managed to keep Lucas and his family tucked away as Jonna went to meet her father and give him a gift. They hugged, and kissed and Jonna grabbed both of her parents hands and led them back into the house. It was time to meet her groom! 

I hopped in the car with Danielle, Jonna, and Maddy (the junior bridesmaid aka flower girl) and we drove down to this secluded little dock down the road that Jonna's family use to own on this gorgeous pond. Her mom was already down on the dock with Lucas as he awaited his bride. Jonna walked down and Lucas turned as he smiled ear to ear. It was beautiful. They hugged and kissed and now it was time for photos! We were running a little behind on time so we went ahead and did their bridal portraits, hopped in the car and it was time for them to get married!!! We raced to the church, and low and behold, all of their guests were standing outside! The church wasn't unlocked yet but Jonna's mom saved the day! It actually worked out perfectly that this happened because by the time we were back at the farm for family portraits, the sun was in the most beautiful spot! The lighting was even gorgeous during their first dance and the dances that Jonna shared with her Father, grandmother and mother. Lucas danced with his momma too, and I think I was choking back tears. HAHAHA. It was so sweet! They cut the cake, threw the bouquet, and at the end of the night, everyone lined up the driveway with sparklers and they walked hand in hand, down the middle. After that, we attempted to light paper lanterns but the wind was too strong. They did get one up in the air and finished their magical day flying high into the night sky :) 

I also have to note that you know I am lucky when I get couples who literally DANCE down the aisle. That was soooooooo fun and I love that they added that bit of their personalities into their ceremony. These two were made for each other and I am so excited for them as they begin their marriage journey, thank you guys so so much for having me as your wedding photographer  <3

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.