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Erin Presbyterian Church Wedding || Knoxville, TN || Michelle & Austin

Erin Presbyterian Church Wedding

This past weekend I had the privilege of photographing Michelle and Austin’s wedding at Erin Presbyterian Church. As Michelle was about to get dressed, her mom pulled me to the side and told me the reason she chose her wedding gown was because the back of it resembled a butterfly with the beading and open back. She then proceeded to tell me about why butterflies were so significant to Michelle. Her dad passed away several years ago in the fall, which is when insects and other flying animals either migrate or start hibernating. At his gravesite, there were dozens of small yellow butterflies flying around Michelle. Ever since then, the butterfly has shone up in random ways throughout her life reminding her that her daddy is still with her.

As her mom spoke these words, chills ran over both of our arms. I have a similar story. Hundreds upon hundreds of butterflies swirling around me in the middle of the mountains at a time in my life that I didn’t know if I could ever see the light again. Their beauty engulfed me, and I began weeping at the presence of the Holy Spirit in that moment. When I got back into Knoxville, I shared that experience with some church friends who told me butterflies are biblical symbols of the Holy Spirit. I, of course, didn’t just take their word for it but dove into some scholarly articles discussing the symbolism of butterflies and sure enough, the Holy Spirit. I went on to get a tattoo of a butterfly and regularly experience similar butterfly moments just when I need them most.

Michelle’s story is so moving. The fact that we both have butterfly stories made me believe that I was supposed to share it for someone somewhere to stumble across this and realize they may have had or will have their own butterfly story.

So thankful for Michelle’s transparency and willingness to let me share this. I think it’s safe to say that we both are praying for the butterfly stories that may emerge after reading this post. You are never alone, even in the hard, dark, scary things. The Lord is always near to you.

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Vendors used by Michelle & Austin:

Second Photographer: SkyLights Photography

Venue: Erin Presbyterian Church

Coordinator: Weddings by Emm

Florist: Echelon Florist

Cake & Caterer: First Fruits Catering

Makeup: Bat N’ Rouge Beauty

Wedding Dress: White Lace and Promises

Wedding Dress Designer: Chic Nostalgia

Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Azazie

Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse

Stationery: Riley Made That