Hi, I'm Julie ... artist, photographer, potter, etc. I am so happy you are here! I consider this blog my creative journal where I can share my recent work, ideas and dreams, and lots of little details about my life. Please make yourself at home. Whether you are a bride-to-be, a photographer, or just a visitor, I hope you will find inspiration here and even become a friend. |
I have photographed some really beautiful weddings this year. Kelly and Andy's day was one of the best! The weather was perfect ... the location and light were just awesome ... there were a lot of really beautiful details ... and Kelly and Andy were just so sweet.
This day was full of emotion from the very beginning. Kelly had 15 bridesmaids and every one of them were at her side with support, opinions on which earrings to wear, hair spray, lip gloss, and a lot of love. They all stood by and eagerly watched as Kelly's mom and maid of honor helped her dress.
A lot of ladies already had tears in their eyes at that point but Kelly's mom was especially emotional. It was such a sweet moment.
Kelly was the most relaxed bride I think I have ever worked with. She didn't have a single worry! She is so beautiful!
Kelly and Andy chose to do a first look ... and they were so excited!!! With his back turned as Kelly approached Andy said "Bells, is that you?" He turned and she glowed!!!
This was Sara's perspective of Andy as he first saw his bride ...
I had tears in my eyes just because this kind of moment gets me! The love and excitement to be married is just something I relate to! Andy's reaction was so perfect! He actually hollered out a little "whoooo!!!" I just laughed through my tears and clicked, clicked, clicked.
Those gorgeous flowers were done by Lisa Foster Design. The BEST florist in town!
Oh, and this beautiful location is one of my favorites too ... Maple Grove Inn ... its like a magical little wonderland tucked away in the heart of west Knoxville. If you've never been there, GO!
Fifteen beautiful bridesmaids !
I love the yellow dresses!!!! I think yellow is my favorite color. (that might be a clue about my own wedding which is coming up this spring! and I can't stop thinking and talking about it!!!) P.S. Lisa Foster ... your flowers are the awesomest! (just pretend that is a real word ... because there aren't any real words that fully describe how much I love Lisa!)
Remember that fellar on the left? That's Critter!! I shot his wedding to Charlotte (Kelly's cousin) earlier this year. It was so wonderful to get to spend the day with their family.
The groomsmen were really more interested in jumping around and being silly.
Seventeen really handsome guys looking very dapper!!! I loved the vests with no jackets. So nice, casual, realistic (since it was a little hot) and still looking really sharp! I managed to get them to be still for a minute for this shot.
But then they were back to their regular shenanigans.
No bridesmaids or groomsmen were harmed in the cropping of this photo.
Both Andy and Kelly went back to their dressing rooms for a time of prayer before the ceremony.
Just like the rest of the day, the ceremony was extremely beautiful ... but there was a tone of seriousness that took hold during this time. It was emotional and very sacred.
The entire bridal party gathered around Kelly and Andy for prayer. These people believe in prayer and I believe that is a very good way to begin a marriage.
Kelly and Andy each wrote their own vows and shared them. I'm telling you there wasn't a single dry eye - myself included. I've heard a lot of wedding vows but Kelly and Andy's were so moving. They were sincere, honest, and full of conviction. I felt so encouraged and restored after being a part of their ceremony because the spirit of God was definitely present.
You can actually hear some of Andy's vows and see more of this wedding through the amazing video skills of Ryan's Productions. Here is a link to view Kelly and Andy's video: http://vimeo.com/15538744
And a very joyful celebration followed!
Maple Grove Inn catered the delicious dinner ... and then to make the day as good as a day could possibly get ... they had Marble Slab Catering on hand just in case anyone was in the mood for an ice cream! This was an AWESOME addition to any party! http://www.marbleslabcatering.com/
Thank you so much to Kelly and Andy and both of your families for having me! Be sure to check the slide show below!