Stephen + Gillian

August 18, 2018

Stephen and Gillian planned the perfect summer wedding with the ceremony at Hilldale church of Christ and the reception, following, at The Belle Hollow, in Clarksville, TN.  It was supposed to rain all day long so I think they were a little nervous but it was the perfect day.  Not horribly hot with clouds on and off all day and ZERO rain!  

We started the day at The Belle Hollow where Gillian and her bridesmaids were having hair and makeup done.  The Belle Hollow was just beautiful when we walked in.  They had everything almost completely decorated so it was the perfect backdrop for detail shots.  

Weren't her flowers just stunning!  I love when brides order arrangements from Sango Village Florists because I know they will be the most lovely flowers.  These were in shades of blush with a little blue and a blue green shade of greenery.  Her dress was simply amazing.  It was an off the shoulder very southern dress with a rose gold belt drawing attention to her tiny waist.  They ordered their guest book and loved having their names on the front.  Their beautiful cake came from Cakes By Nichole.  

Before their first look Gillian had hair and makeup done and didn't seem terribly nervous at all!  Stephen arrived completely dressed and got there early.  I love that my second shooter was there to capture him waiting and pacing.  I loved those images.  Gillian's mom helped her in her dress and it was just a sweet moment.  

Once both were ready we had a beautiful first look at what is normally a gorgeous ceremony spot at The Belle Hollow.  I really loved how happy they both were!

We shot some family formals inside the venue before heading to the ceremony location at Hilldale church of Christ.  The families were a dream to work with and were exactly in the right space so that it was just so quick and fluid.  

They were SO surrounded by love!!!  I love when brides and grooms just have the most supportive families.  It makes me so happy for them!  Once those were completed we all drove over to Hilldale to prepare for the ceremony.  The ceremony was so moving.  The minister who married her parents, married them.  I just loved it so much.

We went back to the Belle Hollow for the reception.  I would be remiss if I didn't talk about this bridal party.  They were so lovely to work with.  No one complained about the heat, although by the time we did bridal party pictures at the church, it was quite hot out.  They just loved the bride and groom they were there to support.

The Belle Hollow provided the food that ALL of the guests enjoyed and the dj had so many up enjoying the dance floor.  I love sweet receptions bathed in sunlight and loving first dances!

Following the ceremony the beautiful couple went to Disney World for their honeymoon.  Here are a few portraits with the bride and groom!  Didn't they just look stunning?

Before they left we had a sparkler exit.  It wasn't quite dark yet but I thought the images looked unique and beautiful with the sparkers in the daylight.  They seem dreamy to me.  Gillian and Stephen, I wish you the longest and best most loving marriage.  Thank you for trusting me all day and for weeks before.  I have loved working with you both and your families.  I can't wait for you to see your gallery! Thank you!!

Thank you Stephen and Gillian!!  

Mandy

Eric and Tiffany were referred to me by a sweet photographer (a former bride of mine).  She was scheduled to shoot this beautiful wedding and worried that as she was towards the end of her pregnancy, maybe she shouldn't.  So with a couple of weeks until their wedding Tiffany and Eric became part of the MCP family!  In chatting with Tiffany, we found out we had worked together before and more than that we knew lots of the same people!!  I think we both felt more at ease with that!  

On Saturday, September 15, my second shooter, Faith, and I drove from Clarksville, TN to Dickson, TN where we arrived at Kellers Farm.  Kellers Farm is a gorgeous venue with a beautiful spacious barn, rows and rows of corn, beautiful ponds and the prettiest sunsets around.  The day was so hot outside that all I could think about was how my sweet photographer friend didn't have to walk around in that heat while pregnant!  When we walked in, our breath caught over the beautiful decorations in the barn, decorated by Shawna Taylor.  There was zero way we could possibly photograph all of the details because there were SO many making the barn a perfect fall wedding!!  Here are a few we captured of the day.  Y'all look at that ceremony spot!!!!

When we finally went up to where the ladies were getting dressed we noticed right away how beautiful their shirts were!  They all looked flawless too!!  Christi Underwood did SUCH a great job on their hair and makeup!!  I loved Tiffany's white gown with the lace and beading.  It was so pretty!!!  Here mama and sister helped her get into her dress and one of the MOST emotional parts of the day happened in the dressing area.  Teresa, the brides mom, pulled out a picture of her beautiful mama and we took a picture with all three of them with it.  I know she would have been so proud of Tiffany and Taylor.  They are sweet southern girls.

Next I went and checked on the guys and of course, they were funny!  They all got ready in the reception space of the barn which was just a beautiful backdrop!  I thought they all looked handsome in their vests and ties!

After they were all dressed we went down to do the first look in a tree lined section of the property.  It was so gorgeous but I will save those for the couple because those images are going to make their hearts explode.  I love some first looks.  After doing our first look we went right into their couples portraits which, how could you get those wrong? They were gorgeous!!

After we took their couples formals we shot a few bridal party portraits and they were so fun!!!  I loved working with this group!  I loved the shade of blue the girls had for their dress and the vests the guys wore!  You can't even tell how hot the day was by looking at all of these beautiful faces!  Next we had family formals.  After completing those I had to take some of Eric and Tiffany's moms and dads because - look at them!!

The next thing we knew it was time to drive up to the pond for the ceremony.  I can't wait for them to see more of those!  I loved that ceremony!!  My favorite is always the "real" kiss as soon as they leave the ceremony site.  I loved how Eric was so emotional when he saw his bride - even though they had just seen each other right before this.  I loved it!

Oh the reception though!  The DJ was with Keller Farms and the food was also prepared by the Kellers Farm family and it was DELICIOUS!  Everyone loved it and everyone danced all night long to the best country music.  This photographer might have had a small gal request Taylor Swift after she was done working for the night and I MAY have danced to "Shake It Off" like a crazy lady!  But enough about me.  Check out some reception pictures.  It was great!  Don't you LOVE first dances?  I always cry with the daddy daughter dance!

Soon it was dark so we decided to do a little sparkler exit and I thought it was the perfect evening for it as the wind blew around us and the stars shined down.  

I hope you enjoyed reading my little blog!  I sure loved working with these two and CANNOT wait to get to edit their wedding pictures!

Mandy

When I met Jillian and Michael I was just in love with their style.  I would describe them as Southern Modern and I had a vision of clean lines and a classic look!!  When I met her Jillian had shorter hair with glasses and the most beautiful eyes and smile.  When we decided to work together I was just so excited.  They were referred to me and you know referrals are my favorite!!  

Michael and Jillian met online, which blows my mind.  They are just the best couple that I can't believe they were matched on a dating site!!  It makes me think all the single people need to visit that site.  If you would have asked me, I would have put them together right away.  They are the PERFECT person for each other!  They are both smart and love theater and did I mention they were smart?

We went to Nashville together, for their engagement session.  I loved talking to them in the car.  I am surprised they didn't fire me because I couldn't stop talking to them!!  lol!!  I knew they would have the most amazing wedding.

When we arrived at Freedom Point, on June 30, 2018 it was so beautifully decorated.  The building was so cool on that hot day!  There were little touches of "them" all around that room.  I have to go overboard on showing their decorations.  

One of those pictures is of Freedom Point.  The first picture is a sample of the table setting.  Each table had a number and a teacup, books and flowers.  They love to read so it was just perfection!  This was the first wedding I have ever sat at the head table!!  It was such an honor sitting across from the brides sister and the Jillian.  Each table also had either a lantern or candles.  I just can't tell you out pretty it all was!

Jillian also painted the center painting on the mantle and my favorite, a story of their journey.  Isn't she talented?

I think she could sell those to other brides and make a fortune!  I love how they also used it in wedding decoration!  

Soon after we arrived Michael came in with his best man.  I could not believe how handsome they were.  Michael seemed calm and sure and just excited to see Jillian.  His best man, Logan, was so helpful and diligent in making sure Michaels needs were met, he also did one of the best speeches I have ever heard at a wedding!  

Right after Michael came in and got settled, Jillian arrived.  With her, she had Michaels two sisters, Ginny and Autumn and her matron of honor and sister Jessica.  Oh goodness when Jillian got out of the car I fell in love with her nontraditional wedding dress and shoes!!    She looked amazing - they were all beautiful!  

I love when brides allow their bridal party to pick a dress that they feel comfortable in and something they just really love.  I feel like Jessica, Ginny and Autumn all chose dresses that made them feel comfortable and really represented where they were in life!  

Jillian was wearing a tea length white dress with a boat neckline and 3/4 lace sleeves.  She could move and swish and just looked so glamorous in her red lipstick!  Here shoes were leopard print flats and her earrings were little walrus faces.  Michael wore the same design on his cuff links.  Some people have really excellent style.  

I really thought her bouquet was very well done also!!  

Jillians hair was so perfect and stayed in place all day!!  Brooke at Lydon's did this perfect hair for her!!  I loved it!  Her make up artist was Allyson Roe.  Both did an incredible job!

We got Jillian hidden and brought Michael out for his portraits and to prepare for their first look.  Michael looked so handsome in his Navy Suit.  I loved his cuff links and brown shoes.  I thought he looked so tall and handsome!  

Their first look was so wonderful!!  I loved it so much!!  They are the cutest.

After first look we did couples portraits and then bridal party pictures.  They had the perfect size bridal party.

After pictures we went back to Freedom Point to cool off for a bit before beginning family formals.  

Representative Harold Love was the officiant for this wedding. He is the Pastor for Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church in Nashville and a state representative, but Michael knows him best because he volunteered for his campaigns.  I thought that was super interesting and I loved chatting with him. He's relatable and so kind.  He did a wonderful job officiating!

After the ceremony the couple were announced at the reception and everyone sat down to a delicious meal from Nicoletta's Catering (Clarksville).  Of course Total Package Events did a wonderful job with setting up the chairs and tables and also provided the beautiful crisp linens. 

To top off the dinner Nashville Sweets provided the MOST delicious cupcakes and wedding cake.  It was all so beautiful!  We sent the couple off on their honeymoon with a sparkler exit, ending a beautiful summer wedding.  Thank you for reading!  I loved working with this couple and wish we could do it all again!

Thank you all for reading!!  

Mandy