The Venue Chattanooga Wedding
This past weekend I traveled down to Chattanooga to be with the beautiful Megan and Alex for their wedding at The Venue Chattanooga. It’s been literally years since I shot at this venue, and their renovations and updates are so stunning! Even if they hadn’t done a single update, this wedding would have been just as beautiful. The beauty in this day was so much more than surface level. While it was definitely stunning, the real beauty was found in the emotion behind it all.
The first major part of the day was Megan and Alex’s first look. They went to the river gorge just a couple miles from The Venue Chattanooga. Alex went first with Alyssa, the second shooter, while Megan rode with me a few minutes later. If they had not shown me this location, I would have NEVER known it was here because it is off the beaten path. A perfect retreat to pull away from all their people and share their vows just the two of them. They wrote them out and made them so personal. They laughed, cried, hugged, kissed, and shared all the emotions. It was so precious. If the minister had been there, they would have been married right then and there. But they came back to finish up bridal party portraits before they said a shortened version of those same vows for everyone to partake in. Every time I looked at the crowd, there was someone wiping away a tear. Unless they were laughing at Megan’s stepdad’s (the officiant) jokes because at a couple points he had everyone rolling!
Another really intensely emotional part of the day was Megan’s first look with her bridesmaids, dad, and brother before she left to see Alex. It’s like all these people got together before the wedding and decided to have the same level of emotion. The biggest smiles that I’ve ever seen. Then, the watery eyes and hugs so tight you could feel it yourself just watching them.
Throughout the day, Megan told me she was intentionally slowing down to absorb the day because she knew it was going to pass so fast. I was so proud of her for doing that. For not getting swept away in the busyness, but really focusing on every piece of the day. At the end of the day, during their private last dance, I could feel Megan and Alex’s joy and love through their embrace. It was the most potent feeling as Alex held Megan’s head against his chest. I could see a streak of tears on both of their cheeks, and every now and then, they would pull back to share a kiss. It seriously took me straight back to my own wedding day. The happiness and fun of the day racing through your head as you hold your person and sway through the final moments of your day.
It was a complete and total honor to be a part of this day. I hope you can feel the emotion I’ve described above through each and every photo!
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!
Vendors used by Megan & Alex:
Venue: The Venue Chattanooga
Second Photographer: Alyssa Rachelle Photography
Coordinator: Perfectly Planned by Amy
Videographer: Rooted Photo & Film Co.
Florist: May Flowers
Cake: Sugar Geek Sweets
DJ: DJ Terry
Hair: Tori Stewart Jackson MUA
Wedding Dress: Bella’s Bridal & Formal
Wedding Dress Designer: Essense of Australia
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: David’s Bridal
Men’s Attire: Jos. A. Bank
Linens: White Table
Stationery: Truly Engaging by MagnetStreet
Caterer: Apron Strings
Signage: Lucky Shadow Shop
Event Styling: Luma Designs
Bartender: BarCart
See more from Amanda May Photos:
Cumberland Falls State Park Engagement Session
The Guide
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