A stormy forecast, golden light, and a groom who practiced every pose beforehand
Spring weather in East Tennessee can be a little unpredictable, and Kristen and Jacob’s engagement session at Marblegate Farm proved exactly that. Their original spring date had already been rescheduled because of heavy storms. So when the forecast started showing rain again for their second attempt, I think we all held our breath. The weather app changed what felt like every five minutes. By the time we needed to officially decide whether to move forward with their rainy Marblegate engagement session or postpone again, Kristen text me and said, “Let’s just do it.” With their wedding date on August 29th, 2026, getting closer, we couldn’t keep pushing it.
And I am so thankful they went for it.
What we ended up with was the absolute best combination of weather conditions. The clouds rolled in enough to soften the light. This let us shoot in places around Marblegate Farm that would normally be way too harsh in direct sun. Then, right when we needed it most, the sunshine peeked through and gave us that dreamy golden glow photographers chase. It felt like we achieved two completely different engagement sessions wrapped into one evening.
But even beyond the weather, Kristen and Jacob were just so much fun together. They have this playful, easy chemistry that makes photographing them feel effortless. One of my favorite parts was Jacob’s running line every time I suggested a more advanced pose. I would explain what I wanted them to do, and he would grin and say, “I’ve actually been practicing this.”
And apparently, he really had been.
He had practiced dipping Kristen, picking her up under her legs, spinning her around, and even carrying her in a cradle position. Those are poses I usually reserve for couples that seem naturally comfortable together because those specific poses can feel a little intimidating otherwise. But Jacob stepped into every single one confidently, completely committed to making the session fun for Kristen and fully trusting my direction.
As a photographer, that kind of enthusiasm is such a gift. There’s something incredibly sweet about a groom who not only agrees to engagement photos but actively prepares for them because he wants his fiancée to have an amazing experience. Kristen could not stop laughing throughout the session, and the way Jacob looked at her made it so obvious how excited he is to marry her.
Rain and all, this rainy Marblegate engagement session turned out to be completely worth it and almost entirely rainless.
I’m a Knoxville Wedding Photographer that loves to travel. I shoot anywhere! Click here to contact me with any questions you have about pricing or booking! If you liked what you saw above, go ahead and follow me on Facebook or Instagram to see my daily updates of the latest sessions!
See more from Amanda May Photos:
Anniversary Session at Mead’s Quarry
