You want a lovely wedding but you just cannot see having a huge affair. Let me suggest three things to consider that might help you make the decision to keep your wedding smaller, more intimate, and save you money! Illustrated by a delightful smaller wedding of Jessica and Tylor in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains.

Always have a qweather app handy to see what Nature could be sending you - and be ready to change plans and act fast! Jenn and Alan had a race against a fast approaching storm at their wedding at Norris Dam State Park but they beat it with seconds to spare!

When two adventuresome backpackers get married, it is hard to think of a more appropriate spot fort heir wedding in the woods than Spence Cabin in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). It was an intimate and elegant affair along the Little River in the Elkmont district of the park. Beautifully boho, green and woodsy!

Thinking about love on this Valentines Day, thinking about warmer climes, and remembering the loveliness of Myriam and Katrina’s wedding in Homestead, Florida at the Cooper Estate. And I figured out why it was such a great time - because the guests were there to have a good time for them, intentionally. Read their blog post to see what I mean!

At the wedding of Myriam and Katrina, Katrina surprised her wife with a special dance at the reception. Accompanied by her instructor and a friend, Katrina danced the flamenco, the dance of poetry, to honor Myriam. Flamenco grita lo que el alma calla!

After several rescheduled dates due to that damn COVID, Melina and Colby finally had their dream wedding at Hiwassee River Weddings. The couple is from as Vegas - she is an acrobatic dancer, he is a firefighter - and wanted something different than their desert home. Rain before their day made all the lush green of the Cherokee forests POP so they got their wish! Definitely worth the wait to have their wedding in this dream-like setting!

Misty and Bailey set about to have a smaller wedding, planning to match class and style while being budget friendly. Think it can’t be done? They proved it can by having their nuptials at the gorgeous and historical Venue at Gordon Lee. Learn from them and check out this gem in Chickamauga, Georgia - just over the border from Chattanooga!

Renae is the Roman candle to Nick’s chill but that is what makes them an exciting and vibrant couple. Their wedding at the Views at Sunset Ridge in Cleveland, Tennessee featured a ceremony with a spectacular view, followed by a high energy wedding reception. See more here!

When a teacher’s schedule means the wedding must take place in the middle of summer, heat and humidity do not have to matter - instead, a beautiful setting with the gorgeous Krista and Tom turned into a midsummer night’s dream. Check out their wedding held at Howe Farms near Chattanooga.

A late autumn wedding means working with some subdued lighting - but it adds an ethereal ambience to Madelon and James’ wedding, made only more beautiful by the couple and their venue, Hiwassee River Weddings. All too often we see photographers produce what they call “dark and moody” that to me seem too “dark” for something as joyous as a wedding celebration. But low light can be romantic, not dreary. Check out Madelon and James’ story on the blog now!

This was my first time photographing a wedding at The Homestead venue in Cloudland Station, located in Chickamauga, Georgia. The area known at Chattanooga Valley has a number of beautiful venues and this one was a delight! You know what also makes a venue beautiful? A beautiful couple with a celebratory attitude - and there you have the awesome Deanna and Colton! Check out their story and pictures from their wedding on the blog now!

Love is sweeter the second time around and Myia and Paul’s beautiful cross-cultural wedding proves that! Held on the banks of the Hiwassee River, it was a day of family, celebration, and true love - check out their story and pictures!

Courtney and Brandon’s May wedding plans had to be changed due to the pandemic but what may have been delayed in May they made up for in a beautiful August celebration at The Barn at High Point Farms. Check out the party they had at this stunning venue!

Historic Ringgold, Georgia is a small town just over the state line and has a history, both as the place where Dolly Parton got married in 1966 but also one belonging to the bride’s family. Read more about Megan and Andy’s wedding and how technology helped people celebrate with them - safely!

The mark of a true gentleman is how he treats his friends and presents himself to the world. In celebration of his wedding, Daniel treated his groomsmen and other fellows to some pampering at All City Barber Co. in Chattanooga. Looking fresh and looking clean is the way to walk into your wedding, son!

Here a groom’s portrait is done as an environmental portrait, which offers a chance to show more of a person’s personality as well as a setting that speaks more to whom they are. Wesley’s love of fishing and its connection to the wedding venue is highlighted here - check it out!

Once upon a time, a teacher and a fireman married in a small courthouse ceremony . . . and it was beautiful. Plus, it triggered some thoughts from which brides can benefit. Read on . . .

Should you have a First Look at your wedding? While some brides are happy to forego tradition, others may be concerned about how it will affect their wedding. Here are some points to consider. And remember, there is no right or wrong choice - it is always your choice and I will work to make sure things go smoothly whatever you choose!

Sophia and Robert had a magical wedding at The Barn at High Point Farms, a cool venue nestled in the Chattanooga Valley. Here, I am using their images to show how pictures work in an album layout to tell the story of their day.

The plans are in place for a beautiful wedding but suddenly life throws you a curve ball. There is no crying in wedding photography so what now? For Anna dn Joe, it meant (1) staying calm and (2) bringing the light!