Lucas + Ellen // A Nashville Wedding Film

Lucas and Ellen – what an honor it was to capture this day for you. And a privilege for Tim to stand beside you as a groomsman. Your day was beautiful, relaxed, and full of so many family and friends who traveled from as far away as Germany to be with you. That’s how much you are loved.

We are so excited for you two and we know God has big things in store for the both of you. Thank you for inviting us in to capture these moments – the excitement, the joy, the celebration of your day. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched your film over the last several weeks as Tim edited it, but I tear up every. single. time. Especially during your first look. It doesn’t matter that I was there in person. The love you two have for one another absolutely radiates from you, and I’m not sure what other words to use to let you know how much of an honor it was to be there. So “thank you” will have to suffice. We love you two so so much!

If you haven’t already seen Lucas and Ellen’s epic first dance, you should watch that here!

Vendors:

Venue: The Historic Cragfont Mansion

Coordinators: Rachel Smith and Emily Miller

Hair/Makeup: Amelia Ponter (Groom’s Sister)

Flowers: Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods

Officiant: Lane Young

Ceremony Musicians: Jordan Newhouse, Avery Bright, and Scott and Marissa Cunningham

Catering: Kathy’s Sugar and Spice Catering

Cake: Laura Tebbe (Bride’s Sister)

DJ: Blair from Nashville Party Authority

Photography: The fabulous ladies over at Roselle Photography and Leah Barry Photography. See their gorgeous photos of the day here and here.

Videography: Grain & Compass

Maggie + Jonny // A Lake O’ the Woods Plantation Wedding

How do we put into words the depth and profound beauty of a wedding day like Maggie and Jonny’s? It was one of those days we walked away from feeling so very blessed because we were reminded of all the reasons why we love what we do.

Each moment of Maggie and Jonny’s day was saturated with pure joy. We saw it in the sweet happy tears of Maggie’s bridesmaids as she slipped into her wedding dress. We saw it in the smiles and laughter and long hugs between Maggie and her adoring father. It was in Maggie’s squeal of delight when she spied Jonny out the window while she was getting ready. It was exchanged in gentle hand squeezes and adoring looks. Joy and gratitude filled each of the prayers of Jonny and Maggie’s family members and bridal party as they prayed over them throughout the day. It was in the words of their pastor as he took time with Maggie and her bridesmaids and Jonny and his groomsmen before the ceremony – time to remind them to focus on the beauty and meaning of the day and their commitment to one another. It was all over Maggie’s face, alongside eager anticipation, as she gifted Jonny a red leather journal she had kept since 2007. She started it before she even knew Jonny, and filled it with words and prayers for her future husband. She had kept it a secret from him, even after they got engaged. Jonny took the journal and read a few pages, joy and recognition spreading across his face as the magnitude of Maggie’s gift dawned on him.  Joy was in the smile of Maggie’s brother as he presented them with their first family Bible which would later be filled with words of encouragement by Jonny and Maggie’s guests. It was in Jonny’s tears as he watched his bride walk up the aisle toward him – they’d spent over an hour together before the ceremony, but that didn’t change how special it was to see Maggie walking toward him, ready to be given away. It was abounding in every hug Jonny and Maggie’s friends and family bestowed upon them after the ceremony. As Jonny’s best man – his father – shared his toast during the reception, joy filled his words as he shared how influential Jonny had been in strengthening his own faith and relationship with the Lord. Joy was on the faces of everyone who savored one of Maggie’s chocolate chip cookies that she made as Jonny’s “groom’s cake.” And joy was all over that dance floor as everyone celebrated Jonny and Maggie at the end of the night!

Take a few minutes of your day to truly savor these moments of joy, seen through our cameras.

Venue: Lake O’ The Woods Plantation

Hair/Makeup: Megan Guess

Coordinator: Lisa Scott

Flowers: Always-N-Bloom

Officiant: Tanner Griffith from Vintage Church

Ceremony Musician: Bethany McGehee

Invitation Suite: Wedding Paper Divas

Catering: Simply Delicious

Cake: Julie’s Cakery

Reception Musician: Chris Overstreet

Videography: John Krouse – check out his beautiful film of their day HERE!

Photography: Grain & Compass

Happy Friday

Sometimes you just need to play. You need to get out and do something for fun. Whether you work a 9-5, are in school, are in-between jobs, or home with the kids, sometimes you need to take a break from the norm and do something else. This is not a revolutionary thought, but if you’re anything like me, sometimes you forget that this is necessary. Recently Tim and I have been in a black hole of editing. It’s sort of a funny thing really, because we love our job. “Busy” for us is fun. We enjoy going from one shoot or wedding to the next, coming home with full memory cards to empty like it’s Christmas day, finding our favorite images, working through them, and delivering them to our clients with all sorts of fun goodies. But sometimes we have to take a break too. (Hilarious that I’m writing this at 10 at night. Oh the irony.)

Two of our dear friends recently got married in Charleston on consecutive weekends (not to each other obviously.) Tim’s college roommate Cameron got married, and the following weekend my college roommate Taylor tied the knot. I was lucky enough to get to stick around in Charleston the week after Cam’s wedding to help Taylor out with last minute errands, making decorations, and moving out of her apartment before her wedding. Both weddings were beautiful and SO wonderful to be a part of – more on that soon – we did Taylor’s videography and MAN OH MAN was she a gorgeous bride.

After Taylor’s wedding Tim and I had a whole long weekend stretched out ahead of us as Monday was Veteran’s Day. So what to do? Play of course. All around Charleston. We were total nerds and went to see The Hunley (think Civil War history – it was the first submarine to sink an enemy warship), the U.S.S. Yorktown (WWII era aircraft carrier), and we even did one of those super-touristy carriage rides about the city. I’m pretty sure it was exactly what our weary souls needed. We’ve had a whole-lotta life transitions lately and were ready for some downtime. Thanks to some amazing suggestions (and an awesome rehearsal dinner) we enjoyed lots of great food while we were there. A few favorites – Poe’s Tavern, Five Loaves, The Gin Joint, Hominy Grill, and Fish. You know, just in case you’re ever down that way.

Just for kicks, Tim and I always take photos of one another when we’re traveling. New backdrops and scenery and the like. It’s always fun, despite our awkwardness on the other side of the camera.

So here you go. A few photos of us. And Charleston. And Tim’s beard.

Sara + David // A Willow Oaks Plantation Wedding

Sara and David’s wedding day began with a swift change of plans to their “indoor rain plan” when the weather turned out to be misty, gray, and unseasonably cool for the middle of August in the South. It was the kind of day that makes you want to cozy up inside with your loved ones where it’s warm and dry. And that’s exactly what their day was. Their warm, cozy celebration couldn’t be dampened by the soggy weather outside. Imagine stepping back into another time, celebrating in front of a crackling fire with banjo, guitar, and fiddle to get the toes a-tappin.

Actually. Before you look at Sara and David’s photos, press play on the song below. Since The Creepers played at Sara and David’s ceremony and reception, we only felt it appropriate that their music should be the backdrop to this blog post. Better yet, open this link in a new window and play their songs as you enjoy Sara and David’s day. (Their album is free to download – you should take advantage of that!)

In the morning, Sara and David worked alongside one another and all their friends to haul chairs and tables across the property to move their ceremony and cocktail hour indoors. Sara stepped in right alongside her (wonderful!) wedding coordinator and helped decorate, hanging signs and bunting until it was time to get ready. Both Sara and David simply took the day as it came – even though rain was definitely not their first choice for wedding weather, they took it in stride and fully enjoyed the day anyway. Isn’t that what it should be about?

Sara and David were surrounded by family and friends who travelled from all over the world to join them in celebrating on their wedding day. These two are world travelers themselves, both having done Wheaton’s HNGR program which sends students on internships all over the world. We felt that Father Aaron Damiani summed them up so well when he said to them, “You have cultural courage. Both of you are willing to cross dangerous bridges into unknown lands to show love to unfamiliar people.” Such a beautiful picture of what these two are all about. Words don’t accurately express what a joy and an honor it was for Tim and I to be present in this wedding day, capturing the small moments like Sara’s sweet grandma making sure everyone ate lunch (including us!), to the beautiful, misty, mysterious nature of the day, to Sara and David’s first look where they took the time to simply be with one another and embrace each other.

And because I can’t write enough about this day, here’s a list of a few (more) of my favorite things.

– The rain stopped just long enough for us to be outside for David and Sara’s first look and photos with their bridal party.

– The mist caught up in Sara’s curls.

– The ring boxes that David bought especially for Sara – antiques shipped over from England and given to her when he proposed.

– And Sara’s jewelry – the necklace a gift from her parents, and the bracelet – one of the first Christmas gifts David gave her.

– Flower crowns. Duh.

– The landscape surrounding the Willow Oaks Plantation – something straight out of Pride and Prejudice.

– Sara’s dress with the subtle polkadots was one of my favorites. We can all laugh now about how hilariously complicated her bustle was though. You’ll understand when you see the photos.

– Sara’s whole family got up on stage with The Creepers and sang Wagon Wheel at the top of their lungs during the reception.

– The unbridled joy of everyone dancing and singing the night away, with complete disregard for the fact that many of them were soaked through from the rain.

– Sparkler Exit. In the pouring rain.

This day reminded us of every reason why we do what we do. Thank you Sara and David for being real and honest in front of the camera and for inviting us in to capture these moments for you.

Film shots done with Portra 400, Tri-X 400, and Fujifilm Instax.

Vendors:

Venue: Willow Oaks Plantation

Coordinator: Melissa Lewkowicz at Relish Design (We highly recommend her! She was such a joy to work alongside!)

Hair: Chakras Salon and Spa

Makeup: Bride

Bride’s Dress: David’s Bridal

Groom’s Suit: Zara

Flowers: Donna at The Garden Outlet in Summerfield, NC

Officiant: Father Aaron Damiani from Immanuel Anglican Chicago

Ceremony and Reception Musicians: The Creepers (Would hire these friends for every single event if we could. You should probably hire them. They’re the best.)

Catering: Layton’s Catering

Cake: Amy Gant with Vintage Hospitality

Desserts: Bride’s Aunts, Great-aunts, and Grandmothers

Cocktail Hour Popsicles: LocoPops in Raleigh

Videographer: Kwadwo Som-Pimpong – Check out his beautiful video of their day here!

Photographer: Grain & Compass