The Waterstone Venue: Lakyn + Neal's Moody Fall Jewel Tone Wedding
36° 23' 44'' N 82° 25' 27'' W
This day had been so long-awaited!
Lakyn is a good photographer friend of mine and I was SO excited that she asked me to capture her special day. We met up for coffee at my favorite coffee place and chatted about her and Neal’s story and everything that she envisioned for her wedding day. I remember how excited she was when she secured her dream venue, The Waterstone, and all of the planning of every little detail leading up to the big day! When we met up for their engagement session in August (which you can see here), I remember feeling like October was so far away, but time really flies when you’re engaged and excited!
Fall finally entered Northeast Tennessee and brought the colors with it! Of course, Lakyn and I were on weather alert the whole week leading up to the wedding. The forecast predicted rain, but thank goodness, Mother Nature just decided to rain the night before and gave us the most perfect moody overcast skies (which I’m super fond of). I arrived early to the Waterstone to hang out with Lakyn and her brides-people. She had promised me a waffle bar and delivered! Everyone was buzzing about with excitement as they were getting ready in the hobbit house. Neal soon arrived shortly after and got ready in the treehouse with all of his guys!
After getting into the dress and a few first looks with her friends and family, we headed to her first look with Neal. Lakyn and Neal were going to say the traditional vows at the ceremony but wrote personal vows to each other for the first look, and I must say, I love this new idea! I think vows can be so personal that sometimes you only want to share them with the person they’re meant for and not all of your friends and family. After we all shed some tears and had a few laughs too, we took some portraits in the yellow leaves and around the hobbit house as we waited on the guests to arrive. Soon enough, it was ceremony time and Lakyn and Neal finally became husband and wife down by the water! After family and bridal party photos, we took a few more portraits by the waterfall’s edge and then made our way to the reception!
I absolutely loved Lakyn and Neal’s details at the reception! Lakyn’s mom is also a cake baker (The Ole Fashioned Bake Shoppe) and not only made their wedding cake, but also made a full biscuit bar with jams and butter along with homemade rosemary olive oil for favors! Lakyn’s mom told me that she’s waited all of Lakyn’s life for this day- the day that she could make her daughter’s wedding cake, and had me in tears! They also handmade all of the table centerpieces and decor with accents of mismatched goblets from Melissa Baskette (Melissa’s Vintage Details) to bring it all together. We all danced the night away (including myself, Pam, my second shooter, and Erin, the videographer) to wedding favorites such as the Macarena, the Wobble, and even Gangnam style! Lakyn and Neal ended the night with a private last dance (another trend that I’m loving) and a sparkler exit!
Lakyn and Neal- congratulations!! To say that I’m excited for you two is an understatement. Your day was absolutely beautiful and I can’t wait to see what future adventures are in store for you!
Special thanks to Pam Burke of Pam Burke Photography, for assisting and second shooting with me! You were amazing, Pam!
Vendors who made their day amazing:
Venue: Waterstone Venue
Second shooter: Pam Burke, Pam Burke Photography
Officiant: Daphne Trees, Ceremonies by Daphne Trees
Bride's HMUA: Trish Hayes, Aunt-of-the-Bride
Bridesmaids' MUA: Eva Brooke Psimer, Eva Brooke
Bridesmaids' Hair: Taylor Perry, Hair Benders Salon
Bride's dress: Lillian West / MAGGI Bridal Asheville
Bridesmaids' Dresses: David's Bridal
Groom's Suit: THE BLACK TUX
Groomsmen's Suits: THE BLACK TUX
Bride's Ring: Olive Avenue Jewelry
Groom's Ring: Manly Bands
Bride's Bouquet: Susan Liles Floral
Reception details: Melissa Baskette, Melissa’s Vintage Details
Catering: North Fork Catering Company
Cake: The Ole Fashioned Bake Shoppe, Mother-of-the-Bride
DJ: Canter Entertainment
Invitations: Dandy Lion Paper (Etsy)
