Fall Wedding in Knoxville Tennessee

I always love it when I get the chance to travel for a wedding experience! It was a truly stunning view as I flew over the Smokey Mountains, coming into Riley and Karen’s wedding in Knoxville Tennessee.

Karen is an artist and a photographer who I’ve known for many years. Just a few years ago I had the opportunity to document her brother’s wedding and it was exciting to see many of her family and friends once again.

I met everyone at the church that morning and enjoyed a few hours of relaxed, documentary style photography together. The lobby of the church became a perfect backdrop, filled with real wood décor and incredible light.

At the ceremony, Karen and Riley said their vows to each other, joining their lives together through tear filled eyes. But it was right after the ceremony I loved seeing most, when the pent-up joy turned into hugs and shared elation with their family. I intentionally let the moment hang in the air, waiting to start family photos, not wanting to interrupt such a special time.

Due to how COVID has effected small businesses, Karen and Riley wanted to see what they could do to support businesses in Knoxville. To that end, Karen’s flowers came from the local Stanley’s Greenhouse. Freshly made coffee drinks were made during the reception from Honeybee Coffee. Their passion for coffee came into play throughout the day, even including the first ever unity coffee I’ve ever seen, where Riley and Karen mixed light and dark roasts together during their ceremony.

The tears kept coming during the reception, with touching parent dances, and one moving speech after another. Karen’s father even surprised her by singing a song! As the day drew to a close we moved outside for a few portraits against the backdrop of the Smokey Mountains.

I hope you enjoy seeing their photos below! If you’d like to see more, head over the to the blog for more real wedding stories.