Sunset Inspired Family Wedding at Butler Farm || Lenoir City, TN

With the last colorful rays of sunset dipping behind the hill, we were walking down the path to the reception when Leah turned around to make a joke. In doing so she suddenly lost her footing on the uneven ground and slipped down the hill, landing in a heap. Daniel, still holding her hand, simply went with her and laid down beside her. As much as I was also crying from laughter, I thought that this was the perfect picture of their relationship - Leah being funny, boisterous and slightly awkward and Daniel quietly joining and celebrating her.

Photographing for people you’ve known since middle and high school is an interesting experience. On the one hand, you have these polished, well-dressed people in front of you surprisingly calm and collected for what is one of the most important days of their lives thus far. And on the other, if you were teammates with them for two years during the awkward high school phase or classmates with them during middle school, you’ve seen just how far they’ve come and how much they’ve grown up to reach this day. Such is the case with Leah and Daniel, and so much more the honor for me to capture their day.

Aside from seeing how stunning one of my “little freshmen” was all dressed up in her wedding gown, blissfully happy beside her groom, my favorite thing about their wedding was seeing their big blended families celebrate together. The dads’ “rock, paper, scissors” game to see who would give Leah away ultimately giving Danya the honor, the moms all helping Leah into her dress, the specially choreographed dances with each parent - all show Leah and Daniel’s focus on family as they made their commitment to each other, and their families’ ability to come together to shower the couple with love.

I could not think of anything better to do on a Monday than to celebrate these two, and I’m so excited to share some of my favorite images from their day!

Photography Assistant: Godin Visual Productions

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

Venue: Butler Farm Wedding and Event Center

Hair: Studio 4:13

Makeup: Kelsey Morris

Gown: White Lace and Promises

Catering: SWATaco

Decor & Florals: Bride and friends