Northeast Tennessee is not only home to beautiful mountains and breathtaking lakes, but also some of the most gorgeous and unique wedding venues that are perfect for adventurous couples and outdoors lovers!

I’ve compiled a list of my top favorite wedding venues (in no particular order) here in northeast Tennessee that are great for adventurous brides and grooms who are looking for a place to say their vows.

Stacy and Jason came all of the way from Michigan to get married in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee. They rented a huge cabin at Parkside Resort for their family and friends to stay, and to hold their intimate ceremony! After a super sweet first look, we drove to the Magnolia Venue for more breathtaking views. We arrived back just in time for family portraits and their ceremony on the back porch, overlooking the Smokies.

A running theme of wedding season this year has been the constant threat of rain, and it was no different for these two. You can probably see the ominous clouds in the photos, but we lucked out and had a sunny and breezy evening for their wedding day. Renita and Nate didn't want a huge wedding, so they opted for an intimate celebration with their closest family members at the Millstone. Renita and Nate walked down the aisle together and met the officiant, Renita's dad, Reub! I thought it was so special that the father of the bride was also the officiant! After vows were read and rings were exchanged, Renita and Nate kissed for the first time as husband and wife and headed to the reception for delicious barbecue, pies, and cupcakes!

Renita and Nate are getting married at one of my favorite venues in northeast Tennessee, The Millstone, this coming June and I couldn't be more excited about it! We chose to meet up at Grayson Highlands for their engagement session, on a gray, cloudy, Sunday afternoon in April. Nate had told me that he and his family had come to Grayson a few times while he was growing up, so it's a special place to him and Renita! These two were absolute troopers and stood like champs up on the high rocks as the wind whipped around us. We didn't get to see any ponies that trip, but the views were gorgeous and these two were so sweet. 

Spring is finally here, which means the grass is turning green, the trees are budding, birds are chirping, and of course, engagement sessions! I absolutely love shooting engagement, anniversary, and couple's sessions with my adventurous couples. It's so fun to explore, hang out, get to know each other and enjoy nature without the added pressure of a timeline on a wedding day!

Since these sessions aren't appointments that we regularly schedule, I know it can sometimes feel awkward to be in front of the lens (I still am). That's what I'm here for- to guide you and help make your session a comfortable and fun experience for both you and your fiancé/significant other! One of the best ways to feel more comfortable at the session is to plan out what you'll be wearing.

Of course, most of the photos you see below are from engagement sessions, but I wanted to note that it translates to anniversary or couple's sessions as well! Any portrait session where there are two of you to coordinate/prepare!

Andrew and I's proposal-aversary is on the 26th, so I thought it would be fun to share about our own adventurous proposal! Andrew proposed to me at one of my favorite places (ever) on the Appalachian Trail- Annapolis Rocks. The outcropping overlooking Boonsboro has a special place in my heart for a lot of reasons- it was the perfect place to propose. This is our story!

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!