Day-of timelines are pretty important for planning your wedding day, and that includes deciding on having a first look or a more traditional timeline. From a photographer’s perspective, and having been a bride myself, I am personally a huge fan of first looks! My husband and I decided to do a first look for our own wedding and it was the best decision. We have never regretted it! With wedding season around the corner, I thought I’d share my top 5 reasons to why you should consider having a first look on your wedding day!

Last year, I had so much fun putting together my first behind-the-scenes blog (you can see that here) that I made more of a conscious effort to get more content this year! I am so thankful to have had amazing second shooters who caught some funny (and embarrassing) moments throughout the year of me doing what I do! I love sharing the not-so-glamorous side of wedding photography- it’s not all rainbows and butterflies on a wedding day! Enjoy this brief inside look of what it’s like to be a wedding photographer in Northeast Tennessee!

This year has been one of the rainiest wedding seasons I've ever experienced! When it became apparent that there was a 100% chance of rain, I began to pray for a mist instead of a downpour. Luckily, the rain turned into a mist just in time for Lizzy to arrive at Seneca Creek State Park. After saying their vows surrounded by just close family and friends, Lizzy and Rob became husband and wife under Seneca's giant pine trees. We then explored the trails and took photos by the lake.

I recently visited Staunton, Virginia to shoot Josh and Lyndsey's home engagement session and celebrate! Lyndsey is a dog trainer and photographer, so I thought it was fitting that we incorporate her pups Warden, Josie, and Dot in the photos! We had a great time shooting in Lyndsey's cute little house and chasing the sunset in her backyard! We hiked through a cow pasture where a ginormous tree provides shade and up the hills to a breathtaking view of the Virginia Blue Ridge.

Two years ago, I was invited on my first backpacking trip with my friend Elizabeth and her group of friends who visit Panthertown Valley annually. We had an amazing weekend full of campfires, "faint foothpath" finding, waterfall chasing, and of course, running from yellowjackets (you can read about that trip on the blog here). When a date had been set for the annual Panthertown trip for 2016, I cleared my schedule and began preparing for another exciting weekend in the backcountry!

Alexis and John Michael are getting married on Roan this Summer! These two first met when they were younger, but fell in love when they saw each other at the same rock climbing gym. He's a carpenter and she's a biology major, and they couldn't be more perfect together. We met up at Grayson Highlands State Park for their engagement session and had an amazing time despite the crazy weather!