Kelly + John // Today Was a Fairytale

As many of you know from Kelly and John’s engagement session and from Kelly’s bridal session, Kelly has a thing for Taylor Swift and all things fairy/woodland/romantic/lantern/tutu-related. I mean, I definitely feel like I had an idea of what to expect going into their wedding day based on those sessions and just getting to know Kelly and John, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the cry fest that occurred up at the front of the aisle when John saw Kelly in her dress for the first time. Their wedding had all the visual elements of a T Swift music video, it’s true…. but there’s nothing pretend or make believe about the love these two have for each other. They are the real deal. Head over heels in love. And from the first mason jar being hung in a tree to the last dance to “Today Was a Fairytale,” Kelly and John’s wedding had all the makings of a sweet Southern romance, and I hope these photos can do it all even a little bit of justice.

It was a gorgeous fall day at the Memphis Botanic Garden, so my lovely second shooter Rylee (some of whose stunning shots you’ll see below) and I had fun wandering around and capturing lots of details before the flurry of activity began. I also want to give a shout out to VM Weddings, who were the awesome videographers we got to work with. They were so helpful, and I can’t wait to see the finished video! :)

It was a total DIY fest…. As a DIY bride myself, I can appreciate all the hard work that went into pulling this off!

Kelly’s handwritten vows…. needless to say it made quite the statement when she whipped this out during the ceremony. ;)

Kelly’s best friend and maid of honor Erika (the one on the right)…. I’ll be shooting her wedding in Knoxville next June. :)

Big thanks to Lynn and Michael Doyle for all your hard work with the beautiful flowers and decor!

In lieu of a typical first look, because Kelly didn’t want John to see her before the ceremony, she had in come into the bridal room blindfolded. I love that you can see the glisten of tears in her eyes here….

…. and her mom’s full-on sobbing here :)

Here it comes…. Wait for it….

Since the ceremony was held right during and after the sun set, it was getting dark crazy fast, so we sped through some quick portraits of the two of them. It’s a good thing it’s easy for them to love on each other for the camera. :) (For photographers: Rylee and I shot most of these at between ISO 2,500-12,000. That’s how dark it was. Yay for the 5D Mark II! :) )

Kelly’s bridesmaid-of-honor Madison schooled everyone in how to whip your hair back and forth a la Willow Smith. :)

This shot that Rylee took pretty much sums up Kelly and John…. and I’m in love with it. :)

Congratulations Kelly and John!