For any of you who have been watching the US News, we had an eventful few days last weekend here in Nashville. I have to say that it was truly remarkable and impressive to observe the poise with which Sarah and Tim handled this potentially stressful situation on their wedding day. Amidst the downpour and flooding, there was at least one event full of joy, warmth, and love.

Mary Natalie Hester also deserves credit for the seamless execution of the event under challenging circumstances, as do the personnel at St. John’s in Franklin and the Hermitage Hotel staff.

You may also notice a handful of B&W film mixed in with this set… Sarah and Tim expressed an interest when I described my new Vintage Collections to them, so I incorporated a few rolls of Ilford into my coverage. These film shots are some of my very favorite images from the day.

Tim is a musician, and so are many of his friends. If you notice that the band is getting a little more attention than usual, its because Tim, Sarah, and many of Tim’s friends stood in and performed during the reception. All of the performances were brilliant, and a unique aspect to this reception.

Ilford Delta 400 +2

Ilford Delta 400 +2

Ilford Delta 400 +2

Ilford Delta 400 +2

Ilford Delta 400 +2

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

Ilford Delta 400 +2

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

Ilford Delta 400 +2

I’ll confess I was a bit worried on Saturday that the wind and brisk temperature might force us to reschedule the shoot, but fortunately CariAnn and Scott are an outdoorsy couple who were enthusiastic about getting some portraits made. CariAnn and Scott wanted some of these photographs to include their four-legged family members, and I was happy to accommodate that wish (I love dogs!).

We enjoyed great light, and had a lot of fun shooting in Franklin and then later in downtown Nashville. Thanks for making me your engagement photographer guys!

Courtney and Mike were married at Saint Philip’s Catholic Church in Franklin, and held their reception at The Factory. Daniel and I began the day documenting the wedding preparations inside the Journey Church in building 8 of the Factory. The rain outside and the soft lighting inside gave a very tranquil feel to the preparations. The rain broke just as we departed for the church, only a few blocks away, and soon after a beam of sunlight broke through the window of the bridal room, brightening everyone’s spirits. My favorite shot of the day is of the little flower girl playing in the curtains, bathed in light, with Courtney looking on. I loved the bright, clean feel of the church, and worked to reflect that in my ceremony images. Because we were running tight on time with the Saturday PM mass fast approaching, we opted instead to shoot the group photos across from the Factory in a field, which enabled us to feature the newly-minted azure skies.

The reception was casual and fun, with my favorite moment occurring when Courtney’s father stepped up to ensure that no “funny business” went on while Mike retrieved her garter in preparation for its flight. In the photo, you can see Courtney’s mother in the background laughing riotously.

We closed the night with some atmospheric romantic portraits outside at the Factory. Mike: you’ve come a long way from the guy I first met who wasn’t thrilled to have his picture taken. I’m happy to refer you to some of the talent agencies here in town if you’d like.

I can’t say enough good things about Daniel’s work throughout the day: he’s not a second shooter, but rather an additional primary wedding photographer as far as I’m concerned. This small sample should give you a feel for just how great of a photographer he is!

Thank you to all of the vendors whose hard work helped the day to go so smoothly!

Caterer: Classic Caterering by Julie
Cake: Two Chicks and Some Flour
Video: Sarah Allen Media Productions
Limo: Spring Hill Limo Services
DJ: Cale Carver
Dress: The White Room
Linens: Southern Events
Tux: Street Tuxedos
Flowers: Belles & Buttercups

You can register to see the entire gallery and order prints when I finish editing everything! Click here!

selecting songs for the playlist

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

she got the bouquet WAY up there…

We’ve had a dicey run with weather here in the Nashville area lately, and last Saturday was no exception. We were fortunate, however, that other than a few sprinkles the rain held off for Tanya & Aaron’s beautiful outdoor wedding on the family farm in Franklin. I think one of the most touching moments for me was when Tanya walked from the house to the ceremony with her daughter, and Aaron went out to meet the two ladies at the end of the aisle. The trio walked down the aisle together, as a new family. It was a wonderful symbolic gesture, and really tells the story of this great group of people. Note that my associate Daniel went skeet shooting with the guys in the morning, thus the weapons in the shot of Aaron and his father.

Thanks to all the vendors whose hard work made the day go off without a hitch!

Wedding Planner: Marcia Husband
Floral Stylings: Knestrick by Design
Tents/Party Rentals: Liberty Party Rental
Wedding Cake: Publix of Franklin
Event Lighting: Tech Works
Ceremony Music: The Marty Crum Quartet
Reception Music: The Clarence Dobbins Revue
Catering: Namie Mason
Limo: Valet Parking Management & Transportation

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

image by Daniel Shaw

Due to some issues with the makeup artist, this session turned into an impromptu night-session… but that was just fine with me as I had my trusty tripod and fast lenses handy! We shot this session in the greater Franklin area, and made use of some of the various interesting lighting opportunities in a downtown area at night! The last shot was a pseudo-studio shot in the couple’s living room: very newspaper friendly and I feel it reflects their personalities admirably!