Setting the Scene at a Horse Farm Engagement Session in the Heart of West Knoxville
When you think of West Knoxville, acres of rolling pastures and dozens of grazing horses probably aren’t the first things that come to mind. But tucked away from the busy roads and growing neighborhoods is an incredible piece of countryside that feels like a world of its own. Rachel and Todd’s horse farm engagement session gave us the perfect opportunity to explore this beautiful place. And discover one of Knoxville’s best-kept secrets.
Todd lives in a charming New England-style home on the property, overlooking the ridge and surrounding farmland. He has lived there for a while and has gotten to know the owners of the farm, which stretches across acres and acres of rolling hills off of Nubbin Ridge. It is almost impossible to believe that such a peaceful landscape exists right in the heart of West Knoxville.
Even more special, the property is in a conservation easement, ensuring no one can develop it. That decision deserves a heartfelt round of applause. With so much growth happening throughout Knoxville, it is easy to imagine a developer filling these hills with enormous houses. Preserving this pocket of land is so important.
We began Rachel and Todd’s session around Todd’s house, taking advantage of the cozy architecture and beautiful views. Halfway through their horse farm engagement session, they changed outfits. We debated whether it would be worth heading over to the main farm. I decided I at least wanted to see it, and I am so glad we went!
We went inside one of the fences at the top of a hill where two horses were peacefully grazing. Almost immediately, they walked over to us and started posing like professionals. We could not have asked for better timing or more cooperative four-legged models!
A funny moment unfolded when we moved closer to the main barn. We assumed the owner told the after-hours staff we would be there. So, we parked, let ourselves into the field with the best light, and happily began photographing with the horses. After, we shot on the hill for a while before we came back down to use a different area. At that point, a few staff members walked over and asked who we were. We quickly realized they had no idea we were coming! Todd explained that he was friends with the owner and lived in the cedar-shake house on the property. One of the women immediately laughed and said, “Oh, you’re the hot tub guy!” Todd laughed and confirmed he is, in fact, the hot tub guy. Apparently, he once had a full conversation with her about inflatable hot tubs while he was sitting in his own hot tub in his backyard, which borders the horse pastures. She had ridden up to the fence on horseback to ask whether an inflatable model was worth buying. Seeing her again completely out of context and learning that this was how Todd was known around the farm had all of us laughing. It was an unexpected and hilarious addition to their horse farm engagement session!
None of us would necessarily describe ourselves as “horse people,” but it is impossible not to appreciate the beauty and gentle presence of these animals. The horses added something magical and completely unexpected to Rachel and Todd’s photographs. Combined with the open pastures, rolling hills, and soft light, the location made their session truly unforgettable.
Rachel and Todd will be getting married this November, and after spending this wonderful evening with them, I am even more excited to photograph their wedding day. If their engagement session was any indication, their celebration is going to be full of natural beauty, meaningful moments, and plenty of joy.
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!
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