by Gulnaz Hardin

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Bridal party at Kincaid House, Knoxville Tennessee

A Beautiful Knoxville Wedding: Kelsey & Drew’s Special Day

January 31, 2025

An Exciting Beginning

In early 2024, I was absolutely thrilled when Kelsey and Drew reached out to me to capture their wedding day as their photographer. It was an amazing opportunity that I couldn’t wait to be a part of! To start the celebrations, we scheduled their engagement session at Ozone Falls, one of the most breathtaking waterfalls near Knoxville. Not only is it known for its easy access, but it also offers stunning views, making it the perfect spot. Fortunately, we got lucky that day—the falls were nearly empty, which is rare during the warmer months. This allowed us to capture truly intimate and romantic shots without any distractions.

Choosing the Perfect Venue

At the time of our engagement shoot, Kelsey and Drew were still searching for the perfect venue. They wanted an outdoor wedding venue near Knoxville, TN, that would perfectly match their vision. After exploring different options, they finally settled on Kincaid House. When they shared their decision with me, I couldn’t have been happier! Kincaid House is one of my favorite venues in Knoxville, with its historic charm and the warm hospitality of the owners. Since I had photographed a wedding there before, I was already familiar with the venue and extremely excited to return.

Preparing for the Big Day

Working with Kelsey and Drew was truly effortless. From the very beginning, we carefully planned their big day, and when the time finally arrived, everything came together seamlessly. To make things even smoother, Kelsey had a fantastic wedding planner and coordinator who ensured everything ran according to plan. Because of this, the entire process felt stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Couple getting married at Magnolia venue

Capturing Every Beautiful Detail

On that chilly but sunny November morning, I arrived at the venue eager to capture every stunning detail. As I stepped inside, the first thing that immediately caught my eye was Kelsey’s breathtaking bridal bouquet, filled with vibrant shades of orange and red. The colors perfectly complemented the autumn setting, creating a beautiful theme for the day. After capturing the intricate details, I turned my attention to Kelsey and her bridesmaids. They arrived looking absolutely fabulous, their hair and makeup flawlessly done. Kelsey’s princess style wedding dress was nothing but fabulous! The delicate details of her wedding flower head piece added a magical touch to her bridal look.

A Fun and Heartwarming Morning

One of my favorite moments of the day was witnessing the love and support from Kelsey’s friends. The fall and winter color palette blended perfectly, with the bridesmaids’ bouquets beautifully complementing Kelsey’s headpiece and floral arrangement. Throughout the morning, we shared so many fun moments—even pausing to sing a few songs together! It was such a joyful and lighthearted time, filled with laughter and excitement. I have no doubt that their wedding album will be filled with the best memories.

Meanwhile, I made my way over to capture candid moments of Drew and his groomsmen getting ready in a nearby building. It was heartwarming to see his friends helping him with his tie, creating such a sweet and funny scene. These small yet meaningful moments truly highlight the deep friendships and bonds shared on a wedding day.

A Magical Ceremony

The ceremony itself was nothing short of magical. With a stunning mix of fall and winter floral decorations, Kelsey and Drew exchanged vows in the most romantic setting, surrounded by their closest friends and family. Every moment felt heartfelt, and I felt honored to capture their love story as it unfolded. As they said their vows, you could see the love in their eyes, and the emotions in the air made the moment even more special. The ceremony was a perfect blend of intimacy, romance, and deep meaning.

Golden Hour Portraits and Reception Fun

After the ceremony, while guests headed to cocktail hour, we took advantage of the gorgeous golden hour light for family and newlywed portraits. The warm, glowing sunset created the perfect backdrop for dreamy, romantic photos. Each shot was filled with emotion, highlighting the love between Kelsey and Drew in the most beautiful way. Because of the stunning natural light, these photos turned out breathtakingly gorgeous and truly showed their happiness.

A Night to Remember

As the reception began, the energy in the room was absolutely electric! The DJ kept the party going, playing all of Kelsey and Drew’s favorite songs. The dance floor was packed, with everyone celebrating and having the time of their lives. It was truly a night filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. The combination of great music, delicious food, and an incredible atmosphere made the celebration one to remember. Friends and family cheered on the couple as they enjoyed every moment of their special day.

A Private Last Dance and a Sparkling Exit

As the evening came to a close, Kelsey and Drew shared a private last dance—one of the most intimate moments of the night. This quiet moment allowed them to reflect on their beautiful day together before stepping into their next chapter. Soon after, they made their way outside for a sparkling exit, surrounded by their loved ones. The twinkling lights and cheers from family and friends made this send-off truly magical.

A Perfect Ending

It was the perfect ending to a truly magical day. The love and joy that filled the air made this wedding an unforgettable experience for everyone who attended. Kelsey is incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing group of friends and family by her side. Being part of their wedding was an absolute honor, and I’m so grateful to have captured these memories for them.

Congratulations, Kelsey and Drew!