Get ready for photo overload!!!! I have been SO excited to share this blog! Two weeks ago, Erin Kirkland Photography and I traveled to Nashville TN to photograph one of the sweetest wedding days I have ever been able to be a part of. I’ve known Karla (our bride) for years as her sister and I were best friends when they lived in West Virginia. Karla and I were very close too. If you know me, you know I don’t normally photograph weddings. Karla messaged me last year about photographing her October wedding in TN and I immediately said YES. I absolutely love her family and knew I wanted to be a part of her big day.
Karla was born and raised in Port St. Joe, Florida which is in the panhandle. Just days before her wedding, Hurricane Michael struck the panhandle and devastated Karla’s hometown. Many of her friends and family who had originally planning on coming to her wedding were now unable to make it due to the storm. Still, Karla and Blake had a beautiful day with their families who were able to make it.
Alright you guys, confession time! Erin and I traveled to the reception venue where Karla and her bridesmaids were getting ready. Hidden Creek Farm Weddings has an amazing bridal suite for their brides to get ready in. There are beautiful vanity’s amazing light, a small kitchenette and a gorgeous window with a beautiful view of the farm. We took all of the bride’s getting ready photos and bride + bridesmaids photos at the venue and then Erin and I headed out to the church which was around 25 minutes away. The plan for us to arrive was around 30 minutes prior to the ceremony to grab a couple photos and get settled in before the ceremony started. We left and Kayla (Karla’s sister) who was behind us called and said “Hey, you have the address correct?” I said yes and read it off to her. She said “Yep, that’s it. We will see you there!” We traveled to another nearby town and turned on to the street where the church was only to find… The church was not there???? We drove to the end of the street and my GPS told me confidently “You have reached your destination.” I immediately freaked out. This can’t be right?!? We are on the correct street. Wrong. We were on the correct street in a town completely OPPOSITE of where the ceremony was to be held (shoutout to my iPhone). I put the address with the correct town in my GPS and it put us at arriving 15 minutes AFTER the ceremony was scheduled to start. (Challenge accepted!) I quickly called Kayla and told her to not freak out in front of Karla but this is what had happened. We finally get to the correct street only to find that there is a music festival going on and the streets are closed!! Ensue freak out number 2 of the day! At this point, we could see the church on the hill and I told Erin we were parking at a gas station and running to the church! Thankfully, Blake’s brother called me and was able to guide me on where to go. We finally arrived at the church and literally RAN as fast as we could to get where we needed to be. You guys, I left my car unlocked I was in such a hurry! Karla, Blake and both of their families were SO gracious with me as I apologized for my mistake. This is why I don’t photograph weddings you guys!!!! This is what happens to me, lol!
Blake’s grandma began the ceremony by reading a poem she had written for Karla and Blake. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the building. I’m just saying, Erin was balling her eyes out as I tried not to laugh. If you know me, you know I’m not an emotional person! I teared up too though. It was very sweet and thoughtful. The rest of the ceremony was absolutely beautiful as Karla and Blake pledged their love to one another. It was one of the sweetest ceremonies I have ever been to!
Afterwards, we headed back tot he reception venue. This time I followed the bride and groom to ensure I did not get lost and arrived on time! 😉 We were able to capture some GORGEOUS formal photos of the bride and groom and the entire wedding party. The reception was a blast. Karla, Blake and their families made us feel right at home. Blake, his family and many close friends are musicians in Nashville (Go check out the band Blake plays in with his siblings, Mo Pitney!) so the reception included live music. It was amazing to see all of these musicians playing together! A delicious meal was served, first dances were done, the cake was served when all of the sudden… No power! Cue freak out number 3 of the day! Now normally I wouldn’t be too concerned with a power outage because I always have a flash with me just in case but I began to freak out because I knew Karla desperately wanted an image of her and Blake leaving surrounded by bubbles. I frantically racked my brain and came up with a plan that Erin said was either “genius or insanity” (aaah, the brain of an artist!) Thankfully 5 minutes before we were set to do the send off the power came back on. I was able to capture the most gorgeous send off image I’ve ever taken!!!!
Thank you to Karla and Blake for letting us be a small part of your big day. We had an absolute blast and hope that you love these images.
Thank you to Erin Kirkland, my amazing assistant and second shooter for the day. I probably would’ve had a panic attack without you!!! 😉
