If you ask me (not that anybody did) there is no one more suited to getting married at a historic railway station than long time train photographer Peyton Gupton. So when I found out that he and Cassidy were having their ceremony at the 1900s-built station - and getting ready in the train cars, themselves - I wasn’t just excited about the wealth of photo opportunities that I’d have, but the knowledge that these two were planning exactly the kind of wedding that they would enjoy most.

True to their logical natures, they opted first to get legally married at the courthouse the day of the wedding so that they wouldn’t have to worry about any legal paperwork at the event itself. While only family is allowed inside the courthouse for ceremonies at this time, I was able to meet them right after the 3 minute wedding for a few portraits to kick off our day. A few hours later, we returned to downtown Knoxville for the main event, which was quite possibly the most relaxed wedding I have ever attended.

But make no mistake, Peyton and Cassidy (dare I say mostly Cassidy?) put so much thought and care into every detail of their wedding. She wore her mother’s wedding dress, tailored to suit her perfectly, with heirloom jewelry and even a penny in her shoe from her grandfather. She also put together every bit of the decor, sourced locally and from craft shops using her expert landscaping design knowledge. And to tie it all together, we got to watch trains chug by the window every few minutes as we overlooked the Old City architecture, creating the perfect atmosphere for these two.

By nature of their small event, we actually spent much of the day taking portraits together, enjoying the long afternoon golden hour that November brings and then running off to the Old City after their short and sweet ceremony. We spent the whole day ahead of schedule, allowing for plenty of time for them to safely mingle with their families without feeling the rush that a big wedding can bring. And finally to end the night, these two ultra runners changed into their much-preferred shoes and literally ran off into the distance (towards ice cream.)

It was by far one of the most enjoyable weddings I’ve ever photographed. We’ve come a long way since I photographed Peyton’s graduation session during his senior year at ORHS, and longer still from the days that he and my brother were cross country teammates (one particular story from Region comes to mind.) So it was such an honor to spend Cassidy and Peyton’s engagement season with them, getting to know them as a couple as they navigated COVID wedding planning and planning for their future. Judging by your beautiful wedding day, the future is bright for you two!

Photography Assistant: Godin Visual Productions

Second Photographer: Luis Chavez Photography (another ORXC alum!)

Venue: Southern Railway Station

Engagement Ring: Smoky Mountain Coin & Jewelry

Wedding Bands: Lamon Jewelers (melted down from the bride’s father’s original wedding band!)

Coordinator: Felicia Story

Ceremony Musician: Becky Hook

Catering: Sweet P’s Barbeque

Groom’s Suit: Men’s Wearhouse

Officiant: Anita Henderlight