And what an amazing wedding it was!  Although there were record high temperatures, everyone was excited about watching these two join their lives together! It was such beautiful ceremony with lots of little surprises that made it so special and emotional.

On top of that, I knew it was going to be an awesome wedding because I had the fabulous Amber Holritz photograph with me! She did an incredible job as always. I included several of her photos below!

We started the day off at Elea Blake. It’s always fun to go there and see my wonderful friends!

Heather’s sister looking on.

Heather’s really fun friend Tiffany came to hang out.  We became friends instantly.

We then went to Black Fox Farms in Cleveland.  Such an incredible place to photograph!

Heather spent a few minutes writing in her journal to Brent before she put on her dress…

These next two photos by Amber! Doesn’t Heather make a STUNNING bride!?

Brent and Heather seeing each other for the first time!

I love, love, love this photo.  It just doesn’t get any more gorgeous than this. I’m so jealous that Amber took the best shot of the day!

I took the exact same shot from a different location and perspective:

I can’t tell which of the two photos below I like better so I’ll let everyone else decide… vote below your favorite one!

What a beautiful couple they make!

Another amazing photo by Amber!

Thanks Amber for the photo below!

Amber with the girls as they pray right before the ceremony…

Heather completely surprised Brent by singing to him during the ceremony. It was the most emotional scene I’ve ever had the privilege to photograph.

As she sang… tears of joy.

Amber got this shot as Brent was rushing her off after the ceremony!

And check out this absolutely breathtaking photo that Amber grabbed of the first dance!

They surprised Brent and Heather (and us – as the photographers – as well) with fireworks as they were leaving on a John Deere!  I was in the wrong place to capture it but Amber fortunately was!  Thanks for getting capturing these moments, Am!

Heather and Brent, thank you so much for having us photograph your wedding. We had an amazing time getting to know both of you leading up to your wedding and the photos you allowed us to take during this special time shows the world how much you love each other.  You two are going to have an incredible marriage and I hope to continue to photograph you as your family eventually grows!  Enjoy your wedding photos!

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!