by Gulnaz Hardin
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Rainy Wedding in Knoxville. Natalie and Seth.
January 31, 2025
A Full-Circle Love Story
It was such a joy to be the wedding photographer for Natalie and Seth at the Grand Victorian this August. Their story feels so close to home for me. They actually met way back in middle school, and I remember watching them play basketball when my daughter was cheering. It's hard to believe, but time really does fly. Fast forward to now, and here we were—celebrating their wedding day!
Stormy Skies and Good Luck
August in Knoxville always brings the heat, and this wedding day was no exception. Just before the ceremony, a thunderstorm rolled through and gave everyone a little scare. However, instead of worrying, Natalie and Seth stayed calm and waited it out. The storm passed quickly, leaving behind cooler air and a golden glow. And as everyone knows, rain on your wedding day means good luck! Their relaxed attitudes made the whole moment feel even more magical.

Beautiful Blue wedding Details
Natalie's vision for her wedding came together perfectly. She chose a light blue and white color palette, which felt timeless and fresh. Seth's grandmother created the floral arrangements, mixing soft blue hydrangeas with classic white roses. The bridesmaids wore dresses in the sweetest shade of baby blue, tying everything together beautifully. At the same time, Natalie's mom worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure every detail went smoothly. With so much love poured into the planning, the day felt personal and effortless.
The Grand Victorian by the Lake
One of the reasons Natalie and Seth chose the Grand Victorian was because it offers several ceremony locations. After looking at all the options, they chose the spot by the lake. The dock held a wooden cross draped in flowers, which created such a romantic backdrop. Once the storm cleared, the fog lifted just enough to make the lake look dreamy. It was the perfect choice for them and set the stage for their heartfelt vows.
The Big Reveal
Natalie's dress deserves its own spotlight. She told Seth ahead of time that she had picked a princess-style gown, just to keep him guessing. But at the first look, she stepped out in a stunningly elegant dress with detachable sleeves. It felt both classic and modern all at once. His reaction was priceless—you could see how much he adored her in that exact moment. That reveal quickly became one of my favorite memories from their day.
Dancing the Night Away
After the ceremony, the celebration continued inside the barn. The DJ kept the energy high with an amazing playlist that had everyone on the dance floor. Friends and family laughed, sang along, and danced until the very end. It felt like the perfect way to wrap up a day that was both heartfelt and fun.
Off to New Adventures
Natalie and Seth ended the night with a sparkler exit, surrounded by cheers from their loved ones. They headed straight to Gatlinburg for a little getaway, and just a week later, they took off on their once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon to the islands of St. Vincent Sandals. I can only imagine how much joy they're experiencing as they begin this new chapter together. Their wedding day was filled with storms, laughter, love, and so many unforgettable moments—exactly the kind of story worth telling again and again.
