Our day started off very early in the morning (6:30 am!) at “In the Buff” in East Ridge to get Catherine’s hair done.  The girls working there were really fun and they did a fantastic job on Catherine’s hair!

Afterwards we headed up to Cleveland to the beautiful Broad Street United Methodist Church.  My good friend Kellie joined me to help photograph the day. She did a wonderful job, was fun to hang out with, and let me be in two places at once!  I love having a second shooter with me!

First time photographing a wedding dress in an elevator. I love the result!

A few details:

The ring shots.  And my self portrait in Marcus’ shiny ring!

Marcus and his guys:

A little Abbey Road anyone?

Had so much fun hanging out with Catherine and her girls!

The beautiful Catherine!

She had cold feet and decided to run but luckily for Marcus, her bridesmaids caught her.

Loved how Catherine looked at her dad as he lead her down the aisle!

Entered as individuals and exited as one!  Awesome!

Their reception was at Lee University. Since it decided to rain outside, they had to move it indoors.  The incredible Al Shabibi catered this amazing brunch that I had a little bite of when I got a break. So good!

Gorgeous reception details:

First dance.

Kellie and I finally got some time alone with the newly married couple once it stopped raining outside.  What a beautiful couple they make!

And finally the send off!

Marcus and Catherine, thank you again for letting me be a part of your wedding day!  Enjoy the photos!  I’m so excited about your new lives together!

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!