Is there a more magical time of the year than Christmas? I don't think so.
Even MORE magical is Christmas at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville where they pull out all the stops to create a storybook location for a wedding.
Erin and Jake had worked super hard to get married. This was their third try because of COVID and each time the event and location were cancelled or closed. I was so excited when they reached out to book me and told me the venue was going to be Opryland. As a photographer, it's been a dream to photograph an event there AND to have it at Christmas was icing on the cake!
Erin and Jake are the most laid back couple ever. Seriously. The entire day they rolled with the flow and it made for such a great event. All their attendants were fun-loving happy folks as was both sides of their family. We could not have asked for a better day with them.
The day started in the beautiful Relache Spa with Erin and some of her bridesmaids and family members have hair and makeup done. These were such a professional group of women and I loved the natural look that Erin chose. She is typically not a girl who wears make up so this look was the perfect compliment to her wedding day.
Some of my favorite images from a wedding are all the details. I think of each decision the bride and groom and their family made to include these items in their day. Each item is a reflection of who they are, what they love and what was important to them for the day. We strive to make sure all the details are presented as beautifully as they were chosen.
I loved that both Erin and Jake are in the military and the gentlemen chose to wear their blues. There is just something extra special about a military wedding.
Some of the moments I personally treasure the most from a wedding day are the ones where the bride and groom share time with their families and friends while getting ready. It typically produces the most emotions and genuine laughter as stories are shared about growing up, experiences they've had with their friends and those words moms and dads share with them about their hopes and dreams for their day and their marriage. These ... these are the moments I live for! Erin and Jake's families and friends did not disappoint either. The photos tell the story better than words ever could!
Finally after all the preparations were complete it was time to get the wedding underway. The lush greenery with the white, blue and burgundy colors was stunning! The bride ... exquisite! One of the sweetest moments was when a family friend from Hawaii sent over leis to place on Erin and Jake.
After an hour of couples photos throughout the gorgeous venue, it was time to capture the unique details from the reception. I loved that each table had bells on them and anytime someone rang a bell the bride and groom had to kiss. Let's just say there was a LOT of kissing going on at this reception! The portraits of the couple's dogs was an obvious hit with me as well!
Jake and Erin are both in the military and so they wanted to incorporate the sword ceremony. It was a great hit as you can tell by the smiles and laughter surrounding it!
After a fun evening of dinner, drinks and dancing, the night wound down and it was time for us to go. We had such a great time capturing these images for the Verdis and wish them a lifetime of happiness and memories and nights exactly like this one!
