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Castleton Farms || Knoxville, TN || Brooke & Ian

Brooke & Ian’s Castleton Farms Wedding Ceremony & Reception

At the beginning of every month, my assistant puts the timelines to every wedding for that month in my calendar. This way on the wedding day I have it on my watch, and it alerts me 5 minutes before the next piece of the day is supposed to happen. As she entered Brooke and Ian’s timeline, she texted me and said, “just making sure there’s not supposed to be bridal party photos on this timeline somewhere??” That’s how rare it is that one of my full, big wedding days doesn’t have a bridal party. In fact, it’s never happened in my 10 years of doing this. Smaller, more intimate weddings typically don’t do bridesmaids or groomsmen, but the 100+ guests, pre-ceremony, ceremony, and reception weddings always do. Now, this isn’t to say they didn’t have their favorite people surrounding them because they did! Brooke and Ian’s parents and closest friends were there that morning hanging out with them, getting ready with them, and eating lunch with them. But there was no added pressure to make all these girls and all these guys happy. They didn’t have to wear matching clothes. They didn’t have to have bouquets or boutonnieres. They didn’t have a million people getting hair and makeup done. They didn’t have to get measured for a suit or find a style of dress to flatter every body type. It was quiet and relaxing and soothing their entire morning, and what is most important is it was them. It was their very own unique Castleton Farms wedding ceremony and reception.

One thing I really love is when couples make their wedding personal and about them despite traditions. If you hate the idea of putting your head under your bride’s dress to pull the garter off her leg and throw it to a group of single men behind you, then don’t do it! If you love donuts and hate cake, then do a donut tower for your dessert. If you have always wanted to wear a blusher veil as you walk down the aisle to your groom, then do it! Make your wedding day yours. Throw all the traditions out the window, and just make it about the two of you. Brooke and Ian didn’t need a big bridal party. It was just a lot of added stress to them so they just didn’t do it, and it was perfect for their big day. You can still have your friends there to keep you company! But also, if you are the type of girl that has always dreamed of your besties in a merlot gown standing beside you as you say your vows, then do it! Just stay true to who you are because that is what will make your day the absolute best!

Brooke and Ian, you guys are awesome. I just adore you and am so thankful you let me be a part of your Castleton Farms wedding ceremony and reception! It was the most perfect weather of the entire year, and you were both truly stunning. The love you have for each other is just beautiful, and I cannot wait to see where this next phase of life takes you!

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!