The first time I met Kelsey, I was actually shooting another wedding. She and her mom had come to the Memphis Botanic Garden on the morning of Kelly and John’s wedding to scope out the space and see how it was set up, and next thing I knew, Kelly’s mom was bringing Kelsey into the bride’s room to meet me. She so sweetly recommended me to Kelsey right there, but I really didn’t expect anything to come of it, so I gave her my card and got back into shooting mode. Well, later that night, when I returned to my hotel room after the wedding was over, I already had an email from Kelsey saying she wanted to hire me and asking what dates I still had available in May, and they would book the venue based on my availability. I knew right then that I loved this girl. :)
Kelsey and Hunter are the real deal. Their love is so sweet, and you could tell how excited everyone was that this day had arrived. Kelsey told me before the wedding that she and Hunter pretty much grew up together, and they definitely have that high-school-sweethearts-glow about them. She also told me that Hunter is an incredibly gifted musician and singer, but I had no idea how much he would blow me away when he picked up his guitar in the middle of their ceremony and sang one of the most moving renditions of “I Stand Amazed” I’ve ever heard. Their whole day was full of special little moments like that, and I feel so lucky to have been there to capture them.
Huge thanks goes out to the always-wonderful Mary Margaret Smith for assisting and capturing some of the gorgeous shots you see below!
So whenever I’m shooting the same venue more than once, I try to challenge myself to shake it up and do different things… especially since every couple and every wedding is unique. So imagine my total delight to discover an art installation in the gardens that was set up like a house, with different pieces of vintage furniture overflowing with plants and flowers. It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen, so naturally we had to put it all to good use. :)
Could they be more gorgeous? I mean, REALLY.
This next one is one of my favorite images I’ve ever captured. This was the moment Kelsey’s dad saw her for the first time, and obviously it was a really emotional moment. Love.
Kelsey, you need to give me lessons on “pretty crying.” I look like a crazy person when I cry, but this girl? Fresh as a daisy, I tell ya.
Hunter singing “I Stand Amazed” was a seriously powerful moment of worship.
We got SUPER lucky with a five-minute window of time where the sun was absolutely perfectly golden right after the ceremony. Love these.
Kelsey and Hunter, congratulations! Thank you so much for having me be apart of your day, and I wish you the absolute best in your marriage.
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melodie - These are really heartfelt! Kinda made me emotional too!! Great work as usual.
Kelly - I love all the red (duh) and the bouquets, they make me think of Valentine’s Day! I also love the outdoor ceremony site (gorgeous) and the bride is drop dead gorgeous too! Love it!
morgan - These pictures are absolutely beautiful. Kelsey is my cousin and im very happy for her and hunter. You are an amazing photographer
Rebekah - Great venue! Do you know who designed the stationery?
Kelsey - Yes! One of my bridesmaids Kathe is a graphic designer! Do you want her contact information? If so, you can email me at [email protected]
Susan P. - This is absolutely one of the most beautiful weddings I have seen~ and it was through your lens! I feel as though I were there ~ I have teared up as I saw the gorgeous bride and groom in many special moments together! WOW!!!