Rich put together the unbelievable fusion slideshow below, blending our still shots with some video that we took during our time with the Engels. These photos are from the end of our session, when the family spent time cutting Christi’s hair before the chemotherapy could take it from her. Kenny had his head shaved right along with her, and his love for her could not be more beautiful or inspiring.

Perfect, wonderful self portrait:

I’m just going to let this video speak for itself.

Please use the comments section to let the Engels know that you love them and are praying for them.

Rich and I had the pleasure to photograph Lori and Eric’s big day, and we couldn’t be more excited to share these photos!

Rich’s day began at Magic Hands Salon while Lori had her hair done by the awesome and talented Joy Roberts. Lori was joined by her mom, sister, niece, and her maid of honor for some fun getting ready girl time!

Lori is absolutely gorgeous.

Rich always amazes me with his ability to capture unscripted moments such as this one. I adore this photo more than words!

The fabulous staff from MAC Cosmetics joined the girls at the salon for makeup!

LOVE this perspective that Rich got of Lori having her makeup done! Amazing!

Anticipation…

Incredible details:

The bridesmaids bouquets…some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen…

And the completely perfect brides’ bouquet:

I coveted these all day:

Lori’s amazing gown!

At the church, I grabbed this shot of Lori getting ready! Here, Joy is situating the veil in Lori’s hair, and she could not have been more stunning!

Rich and I were thrilled when Lori and Eric opted for a first look! It gave them some private, low key moments before the ensuing ceremony and reception, and it gave Rich and I some priceless time alone with the bride and groom! Here, Eric holds back tears as his lovely bride joins him in the courtyard at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Adoration:

I love this shot so much…ah, these two were so great in front of the camera!

A couple of beautiful, quiet moments before bridal party photos:

I must say that this was the first wedding at which the groomsmen came bearing Samurai swords! It had been Eric’s gift to his guys at the Rehearsal Dinner the night before, and they made perfect props for a manly, manly photo.

The girls were gorgeous!

Ceremony details:

One of my favorite moments of a wedding day:

The amazing church. Need I say more?

Married!!!

With a post-ceremony sendoff, Eric and Lori hopped into the most amazing Hummer Limo of all time and Rich grabbed this completely unique, too-amazing-for-words photo inside:

Reception details! Rich and I were so excited that Eric and Lori chose to have their reception at The Mill, and have enjoyed working with Lisa Fontana since The Mill’s inception! Be sure to check out Rich’s work on their website!

The first dance:

Lori did one of the most unique things I’ve ever seen at a reception! Midway through, she snuck off and changed into her mom’s wedding dress from years ago and surprised her in front of reception guests. The reactions were perfect, Lori looked oh-so-chic, and guests just LOVED the fun surprise!

Party time!

The last dance:

Love this monogram at the reception.

Eric and Lori, thank you so much for allowing us to be part of your amazing day. We were honored to be there and hope that you love your images as much as we do!!!

As Rich and I arrived at Hair-a-Go-Go with umbrellas in hand, we were greeted by Stephanie’s gorgeous, calm smile and peaceful demeanor. She was disappointed about the weather forecast, but was determined to make the best of it and enjoy her special, beautiful day. 

Rich and I could not have been more excited about where Stephanie chose to have her hair done…and for anyone who has visited this glorious salon, you know exactly why! Natural light pours in from wall-to-wall windows, and the decor could not be more unique, fun, and chic! Stephanie, her mom, and her bridesmaids enjoyed the pampering and emerged with wedding-ready hairstyles! 

Then is was on to the fabulous Elea Blake for a mother-daughter makeover! We cannot recommend Darin and her team highly enough as they are fun, professional, and collaborative.

Stephanie was absolutely radiant, and ready to bask in her wedding day! 

Then we moved on to the church, Calvary Chapel, where the ceremony and reception were held. I believe Josh and Stephanie are only the second couple to be married in the church’s new building! So fun! 

Details…

Gorgeous floral arrangement by Humphrey’s Flowers…

Rich and I enjoyed photographing the bride and groom’s “first look,” as they spent a few tender moments together before the ceremony. We are strong advocates of the first look…for so many reasons! The moments that a bride and groom take to see each other before the ceremony are so precious, and it always seems to calm nerves and give a couple the only quiet, one-on-one time during the entire busy day. Not to mention the opportunity to photograph just the bride and groom in a focused, relaxed way. Couples who do this are always SO glad that they did, and the photos are priceless! 

Rich’s perspective on the “first look”…

A few of mine…

There are many more bridal party photos to come in a separate blog post, but here are just a few for now! 

Shortly before the ceremony, we ran off to the Chattanooga Nature Center with Josh and Stephanie to get some photos in a gorgeous setting! We only had a half hour here, but we made the most of our time!

I LOVE this photo that Rich captured…

I grabbed this photo of Stephanie’s bouquet in this natural setting and love the juxtaposition of the worn, distressed wood and the immaculate, beautiful arrangement! 

The time came for the ceremony to begin! 

I love that the bride and groom are spotlit in this photo and everything else fades….

The first kiss as husband and wife!

I had so much fun taking photos of this cake! I loved the vibrant spring colors and the elegance of it! Cake made by Cake Boutique…

Some seriously fun cake cutting…

Sweet, tender dances: 

Dancing and the send-off! 

Josh and Stephanie, thank you so much for allowing Rich and I to be such an integral part of your day! We loved every second and wish you all the very best! Congraultions – and we know you will make an amazing couple for years to come!