Aslan + a chapel fairytale.

This past weekend I photographed Emily and Ben’s wedding at White Stone Inn in Paint Rock, TN. I grew up in Loudon not far from this venue. I had been to this venue before, but it was just for a small elopement. I had not seen the chapel in all it’s beautifully natural lite beauty, nor worked closely with the venue’s coordinator. But let me tell you, I was thrilled to have full access to the venue and photograph it’s many beautiful spots.

Now, I am new to blogging. It’s both exciting and daunting to me. But I can not help but share the details behind so many couple’s love stories. From the business side, it’s just smart to blog nowadays. From the artist side, it only helps others see the passion behind my work. I was having a conversation with another photographer friend, and she made a very good point. Not only is it hard to blog each and every wedding, but it’s important to blog about what we are passionate about and things that stand out to us. If you know any thing about blogging, you know the material is crucial and audience building is key. So, here is my blog about Emily and Ben’s fairy tale wedding and things that stood out to me.

Emily and ben chose to have their ceremony in the chapel, which, was exciting to me both because it was 80 something degrees, (ha) but also because it really is stunning. There is such a traditional element to it with an unique twist. Which describes Ben and Emily perfectly. Their love story is simple and somewhat traditional. They waited for love and that speaks to my heart in a familiar way. Their families, both sides, all full of love for both the bride and groom. Emily’s brother, in charge of the rings, helped me towards the early part of the day. Handmade by a family member, passed down from another generation. While photographing the rings, he shared with me a little bit about the couple. He wanted his sister’s day to be perfect. It was so sweet. He shared with me the meaning behind the flowers they chose. The thistle and the rose. Right then and there I knew I had so many reasons to blog this wedding. The thistle is the flower of Scotland, of which is Ben’s ancestry. The rose, is special to Emily and her family because her brother shared that they had a rose bush at their house growing up, and they called it “Emily’s rose bush”. I love how they incorporated it into their special day.

After photographing the pretty details of the wedding, I went to set up a “first look” for the bride and groom. I love first looks. It sets a time apart for the couple to share a special time alone, together. There were many “gasps” and “awes” and tears.

Emily chose a gown inspired by The Lord of the Rings and Narnia. Her head piece gave the perfect touch for her unique, whimsical look. Her bouquet was exquisite. She was such a beautiful bride. It felt like we had all walked into a fairy tale.

After the first look, we ventured around the venue for bride and groom photos. Not to forget including a photo with the sword of Aslan for their story book look.

We took some family photos, which included some very sweet moments with Emily’s mom and dad.

We then went to the chapel for the ceremony. Ben was just as excited to see his bride as he was for the first look. They exchanged vows, prayed together, and took communion. It was so beautiful to see their friends and family worship with them as they took their first communion together, symbolizing the grace and freedom and love we have in Christ. The two becoming one under God.

Following the ceremony, Ben and Emily got to go in a special carriage ride. Side by side, taking a few moments to soak in everything. This is a services provided by White Stone Weddings for their clients. As if we couldn’t get fairy tale enough, this was just the cherry on top. *Happy sigh*

While Emily and Ben enjoyed a few moments alone, their guests got to enjoy yummy Hors d’oeuvres at the reception.

Once the bride and groom arrived, they took their first dance, followed by toasts, speeches, then dinner was served. The food was fabulous and catered by White Stone.

Emily took a moment to change into another beautiful gown for her reception.

She then danced with her dad. This was such a tender moment. Not only because they are close, but because it was fathers day. There was not a dry eye in the room.

Emily’s dad then surprised her and her grandparents with the honor of a special dance to celebrate their 60th anniversary. They danced to the Italian song, Nessun Dorma, along with Ben and Emily dancing beside them. Her grandparents are still so in love and it is some serious goals. The room was so full of emotion.