September 5, 2020 Athens Tennessee

Luke and Stephanie’s day was filled with so much joy and sunshine! There was a tiny hint of autumn in the warm air and it was a perfect day for a wedding. We started out with a few photos at Stephanie’s home in a beautiful white room. ( tip for getting ready photos: Choose a room filled with natural light! bonus if it’s got white walls 🙂 )

The couple shared a sweet first look beside a pond at the East Tennessee Nursery. I think the groom was a bit nervous as he waited for his bride, but within minutes those nerves were gone and we had the best time walking around the place and photographing them! They were one of the easiest couples to pose- so relaxed and so in love with each other! There’s so much joy in all of these photos.. I was smiling behind the camera as much as they were in front of it!

Luke and Stephanie first met years ago when they were young teenagers. “I thought he was cute”, Stephanie said, “but I definitely didn’t like him!” Luke’s family then moved to Cambodia and it was years later that they met again, both doing arts and crafts with campers at Beaver Lake camp several years in a row. This time Stephanie felt a little differently about that “cute guy”! Unknown to her, the feelings were mutual- but a year passed and she was beginning to give up hope. Then one day she received a letter. “I started crying when I realized that he was actually asking me!” Stephanie said. “My dad was a bit confused- he didn’t know whether I was mad or happy about it!” I think it’s safe to say she was happy with that letter 🙂

The reception was all aglow with string lights and candles. Her colors of white, green and gold were so classy! Stephanie told me multiple times that she wanted things to be simple, and it was, but it was also so beautiful! Cookies and ice cream were served for dessert, and I thought that was such a fun change of pace from the usual cake. As the reception was winding down, we slipped outside into the golden evening sunshine for a few more photos. I’m so glad we took the time for that- the light was gorgeous!

The day’s schedule had lots of extra time built into it and there was no rushing anywhere, which is my favorite kind of wedding day! Compared to the Pennsylvania hubbub, Etowah TN felt so laid back and easy-going. We planned to fly home on Sunday morning but our flight got moved to mid afternoon, so with some time to kill, we drove around in the Smoky Mountains near Gatlinburg. It definitely felt more like a vacation than a work trip!

Luke and Stephanie, we loved every bit of your day! I’m actually sad you live so far away because we’d love to hang out with you again:) Blessings on your marriage!