October 7th, 2018 ~ Britney and James | The Barn at Chestnut Springs | Sevierville, Tennessee
Love. That’s truly all that I see when I look at these images. It’s what I felt while I was there in the moment and also what I felt the entire time I was editing Britney and James’ wedding photos.
Britney and James were married at The Barn at Chestnut Springs in Sevierville, Tennessee this fall. But before I tell you about their wedding day I want to tell you about how they met.
Britney and James met on the USS George Washington while on deployment. Yes, you read that correctly. They are BOTH in the Navy! James was the instructor of a security class that Britney attended. James says that he fell for Britney the moment he saw her come down the ladderwell. Britney says that she didn’t “catch feelings” for James until six months later.
They spent months going in and out to sea and connected through having to lean on each other for support. One night before they were headed back out to sea for two to three weeks they sat on the fantail of the ship and talked for nearly four hours. Britney told me that they discussed life, their goals and future endeavors. She said that is when she knew that she wanted to be with him.
Did anyone else feel like they were just in the middle of a Nicholas Sparks novel? Because I know I did!
Britney and James put so much thought into their wedding day and that shown throughout the day. From the beautiful decor, personal photos, handwritten vows and the songs that were chosen for the dances…everything was absolutely perfect!
Britney and James chose to do a first look on their wedding day. When James turned around to see his beautiful bride I truly don’t believe he stopped smiling for the remainder of the day. They instantly embraced one another and even a few tears were shed! And ya’ll can we talk about the gorgeousness that is Britney’s wedding gown?!
Britney and James’ ceremony was heartfelt and full of emotion. I’ve never cried so hard while photographing a wedding ceremony before. They not only exchanged handwritten vows between the two of them, but Britney had also written vows to her two bonus children. There was not a dry eye there. Right after Britney finished saying her vows to Jayden and Cheyenne everything was quiet. Silent almost. The next thing you hear is Cheyenne ask to hug Britney. Ya’ll queue the waterworks because I lost it!!
As if the ceremony wasn’t filled to the brim with love and emotion the first dances added to it. Britney and James radiated nothing but love and happiness on their faces while they shared their first dance as husband and wife. Britney also danced with her two uncles, Bob and Mike, James danced with his mother, and to end the dances James shared a dance with his two daughters, Cheyenne and Oakley!
We headed across the road for a bit to take some golden hour portraits during the reception! My oh my, how beautiful this field was! It was the beginning of October and the fall colors were stunning!
To wrap up the evening Britney and James were surrounded by their guests as they exited through a line-up of sparklers and cheers. This is always one of my favorite exits at a wedding! It was the end of one of the most beautiful days I have ever been a part of.
James and Britney, I not only thank you both from the bottom of my heart for asking me to photograph your special day but, I also thank you immensely for your service and for sacrificing so many things for our country. You both are the true definition of love and sacrifice. It was an honor and a privilege to photograph your wedding day!
Vendors:
Venue: The Barn at Chestnut Springs
Cake: Magpies Bakery
Catering: Wood Oven Eats
Coordinator: Lavender and Lace
Floral: Megan Connors
Photography: Brittney Beeler Photography
Videography: Don Fields Photography
DJ: Special Notes Entertainment
Bartenders: Pour Guys
Officiant: Rev. Tom Orange