Matthew Estes married Jenny Thomas in an afternoon ceremony last year in Hixson, TN just outside of Chattanooga. The ceremony was held at St. Alban's Episcopal Church and was the only ceremony I've photographed where they did not allow any photos at all during the ceremony. I did snap a few shots from outside the door as she walked down the aisle though.

The day was too hot for any outdoor photos, but the couple did meet before the ceremony so that we could get the group formals finished up in the church before the ceremony. After the ceremony, everyone drove to the reception at the Chester Frost Park Pavilion.

I've also included some photos from Jenny's pre-wedding bridal session. We started the session in Stone Fort Inn which is a very nice little bed and breakfast in downtown Chattanooga. We also did a few photos in Coolidge Park on the north shore of the Tennessee River. The park lies in the shadow of the old Walnut Street Bridge (one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world) and includes a beautiful, old carousel.

In the chapel at the First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greeneville in 2005, Jenny Heffernan married Chris Gregory. The couple opted for a private meeting before the ceremony so that we could get some formal photos out of the way. After the couple's bubble exit from the chapel, everyone drove out of town to their beautifully scenic reception spot at a friend's house. There was a large white tent offering shade for everyone to eat, but they all spilled into the yard and around the pool. The reception was a very friendly, laid-back affair for the whole family. After a few more photos, Jenny was ready to relax so she changed into something cooler and enjoyed the rest of the evening with her family and friends.

and some photos... not necessarily the best, but I wanted to give a good overview of the event



The ceremony was held in the smaller Christ Chapel next door, but we did some photos in the main church building as well.



A scenic view from the reception tent and the view from the road looking up the hill to the tent as I was leaving





Jenny's sister joined the Beatles cover band for a song or two.

In an afternoon service at Asbury Chapel (part of Highland Park Baptist and Tennessee Temple University) in Chattanooga last year, Gabrielle Estill married Nathanial Haston. Gabrielle was calm and happy despite a slight mishap with the dress (always bring along needle and thread and have the loops reinforced if your dress laces up), and Nate was excited to finally be marrying his best friend. Gabrielle's dad performed the ceremony which was both emotional and personal. The service included a time for the couple to address each other's parents, a symbolic moment when Gabrielle gave Nate her promise ring, and a few sweet moments during the unity candle music for the couple to hold hands and share their private thoughts with each other. 

After a reception at the church, I met the couple in The Bluff View Arts District for a few couple photos.  We had done their engagement session in the same area, and they had booked a room at The Bluff View Inn for their wedding night. It was a warm day, but I hate to stop shooting when I'm getting good photos. They were great sports to put up with me.

Yesterday, Marcus and I spent the day at the wedding of Allison Skowronski and Rocky King. After getting ready at the Crowne Plaza hotel in downtown Knoxville, Allison and the girls walked next door to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for the ceremony. The forecast called for scattered showers, but it stayed dry and overcast all day. After the ceremony, a KAT trolley chauffeured the guests to Calhouns on the Tennessee river while the wedding party boarded another trolley for a photo trip downtown. We did a few group shots around Krutch Park and outside the Tennessee Theater on Gay Street before continuing on to the reception.

Allison had a beautiful gown with exquisite details. At the reception, the train went up in a French bustle (my favorite bustle type).







The wedding party had a cold, celebratory drink while riding around on the trolley.



The flowers were slow to arrive, but the bouquet was beautiful and smelled SO good. I LOVE peonies. At the reception, DJ Chip Fuller kept everyone dancing and having fun.




Rosa's provided the cake which showed off the pink and green wedding colors. I thought the groom's cake topper was very creative.

Last Saturday was a perfect, happy day for Peggy Toler and Aaron Hooper as they said their vows in front of friends and family at The Museum of Appalachia in Norris. The weather was warm, but beautiful. We did have a few clouds overhead at times, and the reception area indoors was air-conditioned. I will be doing a couple session with Peggy and Aaron on a later date so that we can really take advantage of the picturesque museum grounds. Congratulations you two!

One of the cutest little ring bearers ever. He was completely enthralled with the peacocks roaming around.



Every wedding needs a precious little red-headed flower girl.