July 11, 2015: Lauren & Corban Cressley
Goodness. This wedding. It was insanely hot this day, but it didn't matter, because Lauren & Corban were so obviously crazy about one another, and the entire day, venue, and details were all beautiful. They were married at the Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville. The website has a detailed historical description of the grounds, but the short, Wikipedia description of the venue is that Belle Meade Plantation "is a historic plantation mansion whose grounds now function as a museum. It also serves as a wedding and event venue. Belle Meade Plantation consists of 30 remaining acres and includes a winery, visitor's center, original outbuildings including the Harding cabin, dairy, carriage house, stable, mausoleum and a reconstructed slave quarters."
So, I spent all morning with Lauren and her girls, getting ready at Spitfire salon. The ladies that work there made the day so enjoyable. The bridesmaids wore a knee length coral dress from Bella Bridemaid, and Lauren wore a strapless, lace dress with a sweetheart neckline from Spoiled Lady. She was a beauty, for sure. The girls carried beautiful bouquets from Fresh by CarryAnn. Here is her "The Dress" video:
Their love story, as told by Lauren:
"Our love story began in Branson, Missouri while working as counselors at a Christian sports camp in the summer of 2012. Interestingly enough, love was the farthest thing from our minds; we had no other intentions than to serve our Heavenly Father by teaching kids His Word and a few sports along the way. But after a night as partners on the square dance floor, the belle from Tennessee had stolen the Yankee boy’s heart. We spent the summer writing letters back and forth, a fitting way for two old souls to get to know each other. Fast forward through three long years of Skype calls and weekend trips from Virginia to Cookeville to see each other, we found ourselves at the top of Burgess Falls getting engaged. After what seemed like a blur of nine months, we slipped a ring on to each others’ finger and promised to forever write our love story with the same hand. “Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.” -Mark 10:9"
Favorite part of the day:
Corban: “My favorite part of our wedding day was seeing my gorgeous bride for the first time during our first look. I loved the chance to slow down during that crazy day, spend time with just her, and read our letters together. After that, I loved standing in front of our friends and family while we were announced as ‘Mr. and Mrs. Cressley’."
Lauren: “My favorite part of our wedding day was getting to spend time with Corban during our first look. I loved the intimate setting and getting to be alone with him, putting the noise of the day on mute for a minute. I also loved getting to see our close friends and family and celebrate with them."
We can't forget the men, of course! They wore handsome grey suits from Street Tuxedo, and Corban wore a navy vest with a coral tie. We worked with Lotus Blossom Photography for this wedding, and they were fantastic. Here's a preview! The reception food was super delicious (For real. Delicious!) and was provided by Bacon & Caviar. Leigh Barker from A Delightful Day Event Planning ran the show that day. She kept everything running so smoothly! What I loved most about having her around during the entire process was her continuous updates - with emails and in person on day of. We always knew what was going on! Just take a look at her galleries - she has some gorgeous weddings on there. Here is Lauren & Corban's Intro!
August 15, 2015: Kristin & Tyler Sparkman
Kristin & Tyler were married at Sherry Vinson's Wedding Venue in Sparta, TN. We have filmed here several times, and what we love most about this venue is its versatility. If you want an outdoor wedding in a beautiful field, it can be that. If you want a wedding by a gazebo and a pond OR if you want a barn wedding, it can be those things too. They also have a great house there on the venue site for the wedding part to stay in and/or get ready in. AND there are a few different carriages there that you can rent for the bride & groom and/or wedding party. (We rented our carriages from them!) It's a little treasure spot in small town, TN. Sherry is great too, and we love talking with her about weddings and refer people to her venue often.
So, I wasn't able to help Casey with this wedding, and I'm disappointed about it. Kristin is a SWEETHEART. I know this from our email/Facebook message conversations and from helping to edit her video, but I wish I had been able to meet her in person. She was a laid-back bride who helped fix her bridesmaids hair and played with the kids in the wedding party just as much as she got herself ready for her big day. The girls all wore unique dresses. The bridesmaids wore a strapless, knee-length dress that was white from the waist up and was mint colored from the waist down. Kristin's dress was distinct as well. The top of the dress was a halter and the bottom was high-low style. She really pulled it off! Take a look in her "The Dress" video:
Their love story, as told by Kristin:
"Tyler and I met through a mutual friend. (He was actually talking to one of my friends at the time.) We began talking July 2009 and made it official August 15,2009. Tyler gave me a promise ring December 23,2009. I was a junior in high school when we started dating. Then, November 18,2013, he proposed as we were having Christmas pictures made. His mom was positioning us and said "Tyler, kneel down right beside Kristin." This is when he knelt down and very fast said "Kristin, will you marry me?" I was so in shock I didn't say anything. I just looked at him unsure of what to think. I finally said yes when I realized what had happened. Six years later from the day we started dating, we got married."
Favorite part of the day:
"Everything about our day was perfect. I couldn't ask for anything to have happened any different. I loved having our closest family and friends together as one. We loved dancing the night away. And, of course, the 8 wheeler case tractor was a big hit."
We worked with the wonderful Ashley McDonald with McDonald Weddings that day. She and her second shooter are so easy to work with, and her pictures are great! We highly recommend her. Kelly Judd from 5 Diamond Productions kept the party going at the reception. (We hate picking favorites...but...we LOVE 5 Diamond.) Susan Sparkman of Nana's Sweet Treats made the cake. She is a really popular in the Sparta area, and for good reason! Her cakes are always yummy AND beautiful. She's also the groom's mother! How about that? :) Check out the Intro for this fun, country styled wedding:
August 22, 2015: McKenzie & John Bolden
McKenzie & John were married at The Plantation Barn of 1810 in Morristown, TN, another favorite venue of ours. Just like the website says, it is a "hidden gem" with a "touch of southern elegance and rustic charm." Alice Rogers is the coordinator there, and this lady is special to us. We have worked with her on several weddings, and she is always so kind. AND her décor is always, always impressive. She puts so much time and detail into every wedding. There is always something to look at, admire, and film. All of our videos from her venue are filled with details. We love this place. And McKenzie & John's wedding was a perfect little country wedding.
I was unable to attend this wedding as well (Work, work, work!), but according to Casey, McKenzie was such a sweet bride. Her bridesmaids actually wore jeans with a purple flannel shirt and a turquoise under shirt. The bride's dress was strapless and fitted to the waist then filled out with ruffles. The girls wore cowboy boots, of course. :) McKenzie looked so pretty!
Their love story, as told by McKenzie:
"We met at a bonfire, and I saw him and thought he was really cute, but I had never dated anyone before so I went over there to talk to him. I was trying to figure out what to tell him so I stood there for a minute, and then I told him he smelled good. We made a little small talk, and then I had to leave. He called me from one of my friend's phones and told me I was going to be his girlfriend. And it just kinda went from there. My dad passed away after we had only been dating 3 months, and he helped me through everything; it made us stronger as a couple. We started dating December 23, 2012 he proposed to me on May 1, 2014 and we got married on day 1,001, August 22, 2015."
Favorite part of the day:
"My favorite part was probably seeing his face when I walked in."
I agree with McKenzie's favorite part! John's face was SO precious. You could really tell how much they loved each other throughout the whole day and that was just from me watching their videos! The photographer was Alissa Bella Photography who, per Casey, was really laid back and easy to work with. The cake was made by Lori Parrott Smith, and the officiant was Kent Hightower with Circle C Cowboy Church. (I never knew there were Cowboy Churches, but apparently in Morristown, there is!) Anyway, take a look at how sweet the Boldens are together. We were happy to film for you guys!
August 29, 2015: Katherine & Jordan Witt
Katherine & Jordan were married at First Baptist Church in downtown Knoxville, TN, and their reception was at The Foundry in Knoxville. First let me say that their ceremony was in one of the most beautiful and elegant churches we have ever filmed in! It was perfect for the Witt wedding. The Foundry matched the church in beauty, and the set up was impressive.
Katherine is a beauty, as were all of her bridesmaids. The bride wore a lace dress with a scalloped, sweetheart, strapless neckline with a long train and a cathedral veil. Her hair was perfect and polished, and her smile stood out more than anything else. Kate's inner beauty is just as apparent as her outer, and she grinned and poured her love out on everyone all day long. Her bridesmaids wore long, light, dusky purple dresses, a color that was very unique for us to see. The men wore neat, grey tuxes. Here is Kate's "The Dress" video!
Their love story, as told by Katherine:
"Jordan and I met in college at East Tennessee State University. I was just shy of 20 and had 3 more years of school, while Jordan was getting ready to graduate. Who would have thought that we would hit it off immediately?! We were both members of greek life and at a fraternity function, to which we both had separate dates, fate got in the way, and we ended up formally meeting each other. A few bad dance moves later (and a couple of disappointed dates), Jordan and I had exchanged numbers. He called the very next day to properly ask me out on a date, and the rest is history! 3 years of long distance definitely made the heart grow fonder, and after a year of settling down in the same town, Jordan asked me to be his “forever girl” at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. To us, our “love story” is just beginning, and we look forward to the memories we will make along the way!"
Favorite part of the day:
"Jordan and I would have to agree that it was not a particular time or moment that made our day so special. It was the family and friends that came near and far to watch us commit our lives to each other. It’s crazy to think that there will never be another moment that ALL of our loved ones are in the same room again. Life will go on, days will pass, and so will family members and friends, but the happy memories will linger on forever. We will cherish our special day for years to come, not only because of the commitment we made to each other out of love, but because of all the people we were able to share it with."
Watson Studios was the photographer at this wedding. Dan Watson is the owner, and let me tell you, he takes some impressive photos. The ones from the Witt wedding are just gorgeous; I think one of my favorites is the one of Kate and her mom. The pretty and yummy cake was made by Sugar Buzz, and the fresh flowers were from Always In Bloom. The reception was a huge party with a band called Soul Connection; they were awesome and made the night that much more fun. Congratulations, again, to Kate & Jordan!
Katherine is a beauty, as were all of her bridesmaids. The bride wore a lace dress with a scalloped, sweetheart, strapless neckline with a long train and a cathedral veil. Her hair was perfect and polished, and her smile stood out more than anything else. Kate's inner beauty is just as apparent as her outer, and she grinned and poured her love out on everyone all day long. Her bridesmaids wore long, light, dusky purple dresses, a color that was very unique for us to see. The men wore neat, grey tuxes. Here is Kate's "The Dress" video!
Their love story, as told by Katherine:
"Jordan and I met in college at East Tennessee State University. I was just shy of 20 and had 3 more years of school, while Jordan was getting ready to graduate. Who would have thought that we would hit it off immediately?! We were both members of greek life and at a fraternity function, to which we both had separate dates, fate got in the way, and we ended up formally meeting each other. A few bad dance moves later (and a couple of disappointed dates), Jordan and I had exchanged numbers. He called the very next day to properly ask me out on a date, and the rest is history! 3 years of long distance definitely made the heart grow fonder, and after a year of settling down in the same town, Jordan asked me to be his “forever girl” at the Biltmore House in Asheville, NC. To us, our “love story” is just beginning, and we look forward to the memories we will make along the way!"
Favorite part of the day:
"Jordan and I would have to agree that it was not a particular time or moment that made our day so special. It was the family and friends that came near and far to watch us commit our lives to each other. It’s crazy to think that there will never be another moment that ALL of our loved ones are in the same room again. Life will go on, days will pass, and so will family members and friends, but the happy memories will linger on forever. We will cherish our special day for years to come, not only because of the commitment we made to each other out of love, but because of all the people we were able to share it with."
Watson Studios was the photographer at this wedding. Dan Watson is the owner, and let me tell you, he takes some impressive photos. The ones from the Witt wedding are just gorgeous; I think one of my favorites is the one of Kate and her mom. The pretty and yummy cake was made by Sugar Buzz, and the fresh flowers were from Always In Bloom. The reception was a huge party with a band called Soul Connection; they were awesome and made the night that much more fun. Congratulations, again, to Kate & Jordan!
