How did you meet your spouse?
Was it through mutual friends? Did you work together? Or maybe someone introduced you to the other? When I first meet a couple, one of my favorite questions is, "How did the two of you meet?" The future bride and groom always exchange a smile between one another and laugh and then continue to tell me their story. The same thing happened when I asked Chris and Rachel how they met. Rachel told me that she and Chris met online! How awesome is that?! You never know where you're going to meet "the one." I immediately became excited and new that their wedding day was going to be beautiful!
Chris and Rachel had chosen the Barn Event Center of the Smokies as the venue for their wedding ceremony and reception. I had never photographed a wedding at this venue but had seen photos from fellow photographers, my heart was skipping beats knowing I was going to get to photograph their wedding day at this gorgeous venue! When I arrived the bride was getting the final touches on her hair and make-up and her bridal party was right there with her! Rachel had laid everything aside for me for her detail photos and I started to work. All of Chris and Rachel's details were beautiful. The time and thought that was put into everything was expressed in their end result.
Chris and Rachel decided to keep things traditional and not do a first look. I never require this with any of my couples. This a decision that is made entirely by the bride and groom. However, they decided to exchange their own personal vows and gifts. They stood side by side just outside the bridal suite anxiously awaiting to hear the other's voice. Their gifts to one another were both sentimental and filled with emotion.
Now it was time for these two to become man and wife! When Rachel took those first steps down the aisle, arm in arm with her father, Chris's face beamed! He instantly lit up at the sight of his beautiful bride. (I don't believe there was a dry eye in the room!) As they said their vows, exchanged rings, and said "I do" you could feel the happiness and love for these two people radiate in the room. Everyone was smiling and crying...it was stunning. Mr. and Mrs. Chris Mayes walked down the aisle arm in arm thrilled for this new journey!
The ceremony site suddenly turned into a beautiful reception area! One thing about this venue is they are definitely flexible and willing to work with you on what you want. The tables included a booklet for a message to be written to Chris and Rachel for their future anniversaries and a disposable camera to document your own memories! From the first dance of the new Mr. and Mrs. to the final song the dance floor was definitely the place to be. Chris and Rachel made their way to their exit vehicle surrounded by cheers and family and friends. They were now husband and wife.
