I believe that everything happens for a reason. Erin and Jon were originally going to have a traditional wedding in Austin, Texas, with their ceremony and reception taking place on the same day at a beautiful Texas barn venue. Then, COVID hit and turned their plans upside down. They knew they didn’t want to put off getting married, so they planned an intimate elopement just outside their home in Knoxville, Tennessee. They’re semi-private people, so there are some wedding memories will stay just among the witnesses of their day.

When it came to reworking their wedding day, Erin and Jon envisioned a laid-back celebration that brought their families together and highlighted some of their favorite parts of their relationship. They found an incredible home rental nestled in the Smoky Mountains outside of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This log castle had just enough room for their immediate families and provided the backdrop for their ceremony and reception.

Erin and Jon were super intentional about their outfit choices and accessories. Erin couldn’t have picked a more perfect wedding dress if she tried. The romantic, boho gown from Wear Your Love and made from organic cotton fit like a glove. She was truly an elegant, beautiful vision that brought tears to our eyes when we saw her for the first time. Jon’s details were trendy, subtle, and dapper. From his floral tie, to his Red Wing boots, to his custom cufflinks, his outfit was on point. Their jewelry was thoughtfully chosen as well, featuring some smaller, ethical jewelers (Ash Hilton for their rings and Fail Jewelry for Erin’s earrings) they’ve discovered and loved.

They included their families as much as possible in their wedding day. Jon’s father officiated the ceremony, and Jon’s mom and sister both gave readings. Erin’s brother, Sam, provided the musical entertainment; we all had a sing-along to Johnny Cash’s Ring of Fire as Erin and Jon walked back down the aisle after their ceremony! Erin’s mom’s partner smoked a brisket for the wedding meal, a nod to Erin and Jon’s beginnings in Austin, Texas. Erin’s stepmom works at Ruby Design, a decor rental service in Green Bay, Wisconsin, so she brought various items to the wedding that really brought the vision together.

After the ceremony, Erin and Jon took some time to connect with their families, both in-person and virtually. Everyone tucked in for an absolutely delicious meal, made all the merrier with the heartfelt speeches that were shared. The most delicious wedding cake I’ve ever tasted from Magpies Bakery topped off the meal. Bellies full, we quickly put on our dancing shoes and celebrated late into the evening.

When couples are so thoughtful about their wedding vision and intentionally pick a location that has stunning natural beauty, we try to get photos in that environment as often as possible. It didn’t make sense to pull Erin and Jon away from their families on their actual wedding day, so we set aside time the day after (once everyone else had left) for the three of us to adventure into Smoky Mountain National Park. I had scoped out photo locations three days prior so we could make the most of our time together before the sun set.

Our number one photo spot was Cades Cove, which greeted us with 360º views of the Smoky Mountains. Erin and Jon had space to literally frolic in the meadows under the watchful eyes of a couple of black bears. After exhausting our photo options in Cades Cove, Erin and Jon made a gametime decision to head up to Morton Overlook to catch the sunset. As the sun sank below the mountains, we stood there speechless, in awe of the absolute beauty unfolding before us. On our drive back home, Erin and Jon commented how they were so glad they chose to take the extra time to drive up the mountain to see this because it was such a breathtaking, quiet moment they were able to share, the cherry on top of their already epic wedding experience.

Words will never fully encompass how special this wedding day was to photograph. Erin is one of the greatest people I know, and I’m lucky enough to call her my best friend. One of the incredible things about Erin is her fierce friendship. We’ve spent more of our friendship living hours/states apart than being in the same area code, and yet that bond from middle school still prevails. While we aren’t the kind of best friends that talk every day and may not know every detail of each other’s lives, this woman has been there for me through thick and thin, through the best and worst of times of my life, and the moments in between. To be able to see her so deeply in love and in a relationship founded on respect, equality, trust, and partnership is the greatest thing that friends and family could hope for. Jon is an equally incredible person, and to continue to get to know him is another one of the joys in life.

Now, on to the next chapter of Erin and Jon’s lives, which includes a wedding celebration back in Austin, Texas where their story began. Cheers to these two incredible souls, and making lemonade out of lemons.

All my love,