Best of 2019: Behind-The-Scenes: A Lot of Work and a Little Play
Well, friends, I’m finally writing this blog! I normally post these fun behind-the-scenes blogs from the previous year right around New Year’s Day, but for 2019 I found myself busy and editing well into early 2020— and thus behind on blogging!
At the time of writing this (April 1st, 2020), the world has been experiencing a global pandemic with the spread of Covid-19, aka the Corona Virus. Things have been completely flipped upside down. Many wedding days have been postponed/rescheduled, events have been cancelled, small business owners’ calendars have been wiped, people have been laid off and many have even fallen ill with the virus. I’m hoping that this blog helps to keep things light and perhaps give a smile or a laugh to those who view it. My behind-the-scenes photos are never pretty and I’m a pretty goofy person, so I really hope this uplifts some spirits or just helps to take everyone’s mind off of the current news.
I want to thank all of my couples, second shooters, fellow wedding vendors, and best friends from 2019 who made these beautiful days possible. 2019 was such an incredible year and I’m so honored to have been able to capture such special days with the most amazing people— I truly mean that. Big thanks to Jeremy Gouge, Kristen Jones (Ohio), Pam Burke, Amanda Kirkham (Knoxville), and Jeff Payne for helping out on wedding days and giving me some photos of doing what I love most- you have no idea how much I appreciate you! To my hiking buddies, best friends, family and husband— thank you for being my support team. You’re the best. Thank you all for the adventures that I’ll never forget.
Okay- enough with the sap- onto some laughs and behind-the-scenes content! Woo! Enjoy!
Kicked off the year with a hike to a local waterfall with my friend, Renita!
A panorama of the falls!
I love how green rhododendrons are, even in winter.
Renita, coming back from crossing the creek to get her shots!
Renita was a bride of mine, who has since turned into one of my good friends and hiking buddy! She has shown me some amazing places…
A cold day in the woods, but worth it!
I love my turquoise leggings! Photo: Renita Yoder
Woke up early to catch the sunrise in this magical place on the Blue Ridge Parkway!
Going up…
On the ridge…
Yes, this does look dangerous…
…but it was fine, I promise! We’re safe hikers! Photo: Renita Yoder
Added this one in for laughs- I think it’s funny how she’s almost floating coming down from the rock.
Coffee on the mountain…
Made possible by the amazing Jetboil!
…my absolute favorite.
My happy place, if you couldn’t tell by my goofy smile! Photo: Renita Yoder
I’m not usually a morning person, but Renita promised mountains and coffee, so I was in!
On to the next spot on the Blue Ridge Parkway!
We could have sat there for hours.
View of Grandfather Mountain!
Visited my mom up North and got to see my best friend, Sarah!
We hiked my favorite hike in Maryland. Photos: Sarah Brown-Fernandez
And got to visit my all time favorite place.
Came back to a surprise birthday visit by my friends and fellow photographers, Amanda and Chad!
Speaking of friends, got to tour the Waterstone Venue with Ashley Cox in preparation for her first women’s leadership workshop!
Kicked off my wedding season in April and May! I LOVED Kayla’s Wilderly Bride dress! Photo: Jeff Payne
Getting the details juuuust right. Photo: Jeff Payne
It was a rainy day, but these two were down for anything! Had to bust out the turquoise rain jacket! Photo: Jeff Payne
Caught a few more hikes with Renita during the Summer, since I had a break in weddings after the Spring rush!
On this hike, I realized just how amazing North Carolina is.
We also section hiked part of the Appalachian Trail in Tennessee! We ended up doing 30 miles total!
This view was totally unexpected on this section. We had hiked quite a bit uphill, but this view was worth the effort. Photo: Renita Yoder
Taking in the view.
The weather was absolutely perfect that day. Can’t beat the Tennessee mountains.
Finally got to see blooming mountain laurel in person! This appalachian floral is my favorite for many reasons and will always hold a special place in my heart (which is why it’s also in my logo).
Documented Ashley’s women’s workshop! It was a huge success! So happy and proud of this lady!
Ashley also asked me to take branding photos for her new website and book and I got to meet her sweet pup, Myla!! OH, and had to shoot from her closet, haha!
September kicked off my Fall busy season! Photo: Kristen Jones
Got to travel to Columbus, Ohio to photograph my best friend’s cousin’s wedding! Photo: Kristen Jones
Directing the bridal party… Photo: Kristen Jones
Getting them all into place and giving them the low down. Photo: Kristen Jones
Just a quick ‘under the veil’ shot. Photo: Kristen Jones
You would think my right arm would be more toned. Photo: Kristen Jones
Chris and Becca were the sweetest! Photo: Kristen Jones
Next up was Ashley and Logan’s wedding at such a dreamy venue: THE WATERSTONE! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Getting the perfect shot of the dress at the hobbit house. Photo: Jeremy Gouge
It was SUCH a hot day in September- pretty sure I got a bit of a sunburn. Photo: Jeremy Gouge
FINALLY got to work with Anthony Keys of Lioncat Media! He’s amazing!
Can you spot me? Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Bridesmaids with the bride on the balcony! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Anthony brought out the drone for some epic footage of the bride on the balcony and the waterfall!
Bridesmaids were ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the drone footage, and so was I!
Time for bridals! How beautiful is Ashley?! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Hahaha, love the finger gun to Jeremy by Ashley. Photo: Jeremy Gouge
We also finally got to work with Linda Doan from Aunt Willie’s Wildflowers! She is the SWEETEST and creates the most beautiful florals. Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Jeremy was my second shooter for Ashley and Logan’s wedding and I couldn’t have done it without him!
The usual, “HEY! Go stand there!”
Getting arbor details. Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Ceremony time! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Beck and Champion DJs made for such a fun dance party that night! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
SPARKLER EXIT! Photo: Jeremy Gouge
Couldn’t help trying out the Husky Mountain Events Photobooth camper! Just a fun photobooth!
After two weddings, it was time for the annual Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion with the hubby! Photo: Eric Vanover
And then FINALLY some time for rest and relaxation!
One of our favorite beaches- Kill Devil Hills, NC!
First beach day! And also……our fifth wedding anniversary!
This champagne was the only leftover bottle from our wedding that we somehow kept all this time. We decided 5 years was probably too long to “age” it and decided to crack it open in celebration!
One of our favorite lighthouses- Bodie Island Lighthouse!
Jeremy let me try out his Canon m50, so we were playing around with the little screen that it has!
The most perfect night at the lighthouse.
Drew loves to fish, so it’s always fun to go to the piers.
The sunsets here are breathtaking.
We also got to visit the house where we got married! It’s the one behind my shoulder! I love this photo of us!
“Our” OBX house.
Having fun taking selfies with the m50!
This is where we became husband and wife! So surreal to be back at the same spot 5 years later.
Once we got back from vacay, it was time for mini sessions at the Camp at Buffalo Mountain! Matt, one of the owners, set me up with the best work spot- hammock + electric + wifi + babbling stream.
Then it was finally time for Lakyn and Neal’s wedding at the Waterstone! Getting Neal set up for the first look. Photo: Pam Burke
Capturing the first look with Lakyn and Neal! Photo: Pam Burke
Photo: Pam Burke
Always giving directions, haha! Photo: Pam Burke
Always fixing dresses and veils! I love my job! Photo: Pam Burke
A few portraits together before the ceremony! Photo: Pam Burke
Ceremony time! Photo: Pam Burke
More bridal party directing! Photo: Pam Burke
Me on the dance floor- must mean one thing… Photo: Pam Burke
THE WOBBLE! (My fave wedding song.) Photo: Pam Burke
Having way too much fun at Lakyn and Neal’s reception. Photo: Pam Burke
Was so happy that Pam got a photo of us at the end of the night! Lakyn is a dear friend of mine and fellow photographer, so it was an honor to photograph her wedding. Photo: Pam Burke
Hopped on a plane in November- Knoxvegas to VegasVegas!
Elizabeth and Jeff rented a convertible for their trip. Needless to say, we were stoked for the drive from the airport to the hotel!
As we settled into Pacific Standard Time, we got to explore the city- including the top of the Stratosphere hotel! Photo: Jeff Patterson
What a view!
As Elizabeth and her sister prepped for her bridal session, I got a head start on details! Photos: Elizabeth Patterson
Using beloved window light in the hotel! Photo: Elizabeth Patterson
Elizabeth is another great friend of mine- we’ve known each other since middle/high school and took art classes together. Photo: Elizabeth Patterson
Elizabeth rocked her bridal session in the desert! Photo: Sarah Cline
Since Elizabeth is also a photographer, of course she had to get her camera out for a few shots!
Including a shot of me, taking a picture of her! Photo: Elizabeth Patterson
Photo: Brandon Lane
Photo: Sarah Cline
I truly loved having a change in scenery! The desert is a different beast. Photo: Sarah Cline
Wedding day! Taking photos of Jeff’s groom details before getting ready! Photo: Jeff Patterson
Trying to keep the groom hydrated, apparently, before we head out to the first look! Photo: Jeff Patterson
On the way to the first look, haha! Since Elizabeth was going to be driving us in the same car, we had to blind fold the groom! Photo: Jeff Patterson
After the first look- so sweet! Photo: Sarah Cline
Hahah, I love the pose that Sarah is giving behind me! Sarah is one of my 2020 brides! Photo: Elizabeth Patterson
Getting in there amongst the pricklies. Photo: Sarah Cline
Finishing up portraits, almost ceremony time! Photo: Sarah Cline
I bend in so many weird ways while shooting. Photo: Sarah Cline
That’s a wrap! Photo: Sarah Cline
It was such an honor to be there for one of my best friend’s weddings… I’m so happy for them! They got married at a chapel in the heart of Vegas. Photo: Brandon Lane
Congratulations, you guys! Photo: Brandon Lane
I ended my wedding season with Mikaela and Mason’s wedding in Maryville! They got married at their local church and then had a crazy reception at the Capitol Theatre. A little out of my comfort zone, but definitely a fun and memorable day! A great reminder to challenge myself! Photo: Amanda Kirkham/Within The Pines Photography
Annd, I definitely think I’m due for a haircut. What do you all think? Photo: Amanda Kirkham/Within The Pines Photography