Windswept || Knoxville, TN Photographer || KC & Tyler

Cherokee Heights Baptist Church and Windswept

The groom grew up attending Cherokee Heights Baptist Church and the bride joined him after she moved to the area. It is a massive church perched on top of a hill in Morristown, TN. Since it ended up raining off an on all day, it was really a perfect place to have portraits. There was a covered area where cars could drop guests off at the front door, then not too far of a walk there was a flat yard lined with a wooded background. But afterward the reception was over, for the bride and groom romantic portraits we went to a place called Windswept that was absolutely amazing! It had the prettiest view of the lake and mountains, the most adorable building, a big barn with ivy crawling up it, a huge forest, and really so much variety! Right before we left, it was raining hard and I told KC and Tyler that I would absolutely love to come back and do more portraits for them on a sunny day… but I’m not kidding guys… we started driving to Windswept and the rain got lighter and lighter and by the time we got to the top it had completely stopped. We walked around the entire property taking photos for a good hour and as soon as we left, it started raining again. Thank you Jesus for always pulling through.

KC & Tyler

KC & Tyler are amazing people. They are so genuinely kind and care so deeply for the people they surround themselves with. I quickly learned where they both got their tender hearts when I met their parents. I instantly felt like I was a part of the family in every way. I love this about my couples. A characteristic I can proudly say they almost all embody. But here’s something that is going to really pull at your heartstrings. The week leading up to the wedding, KC’s dad, Bill, went in to have his gallbladder removed. While the doctors had him on the operating table, they noticed that his liver was incredibly swollen. After taking a biopsy, he was diagnosed with cancer. Could you imagine getting this type of news the week of your wedding?! How difficult it would be to balance the sadness of that news with the joy of a marriage. But guys… the only reason I’m sharing this is because I also want to share how everyone handled it. It was beautiful and so full of grace and love and courage and Jesus. At the rehearsal, Bill stayed home and rested in preparation for the wedding day. Marianne, KC’s mom, filled in and rehearsed walking KC down the aisle. There was nothing but smiles and talking about how great Bill felt that day after having his first round of treatment. On Saturday morning, Marianne came and had her hair and makeup done and spent time with KC before she left to go help Bill get ready. Because she had to be at home with him, she was unable to be there while KC got dressed, but all the bridesmaids stepped in and getting the dress on was nothing less than perfect. Once Bill arrived, he shared a first look with his daughter that I think made everyone in the room teary eyed. She told him how much she loved him and he told her how beautiful she was. Shortly after, Marianne pushed Bill in a wheel chair while he held KC’s hand and prepared to give his little girl off to become Tyler’s wife. As I stepped out in the aisle to photograph this, I heard all the sniffles coming from all the guests. These people LOVED this family so much. And this family was not wallowing in the fact that Bill had been diagnosed with cancer a few short days before, but was rejoicing in the fact that he was there to give his daughter’s hand in marriage. That even though Bill had to leave shortly after family photos were finished, he got to laugh as Tyler incorrectly repeated his vows after the pastor. He got to hold Marianne’s hand as KC said “I do”. He got to shake the hands and hug the necks of all the guests that were there to support his daughter’s marriage. There is absolutely no way this family could have handled this circumstance so gracefully, peacefully, and courageously without Jesus. My hope in sharing this is that it can be an encouragement and a reminder that there are good things to be seen even in tragic scenarios. Seek out the joy and positivity and let Jesus shine through your actions and responses!

See a list of vendors at the very end as well as some other posts you may enjoy!

Other sessions you may be interested in if you enjoyed this one:

KC & Tyler Engagement Session

Personal post about my Dad

 

Vendors involved in KC and Tyler’s wedding day:

Venue: Cherokee Heights Baptist Church

Location of bride and groom portraits: Windswept

Wedding Favor Candles: Light Shine Candles

Florist: Blossom Shop

Second Photographer: Brittany Sidwell

Wedding Planner & Coordinator: Kendall Martin

Cake: Maggie Cakes

Hair: Kennedy Hair Salon

Dress Store: Wedding Wonderland

Alterations: Sandra G

Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal

Men’s Suits: Regal Tuxedo

Rentals: Wedding & Party Rentals

Other Rentals: Volunteer Party Rentals

Caterer: Southern Traditions Catering