August 7, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Oakleaf Cottage Wedding Styled Shoot

I was thrilled to be invited to photograph this Oakleaf Cottage wedding styled shoot. Styled shoots allow creatives and wedding vendors to experiment without the pressure or expectations from real clients. We get to work together and play off each other’s energy, strengths, and vision. And, of course, I love Oakleaf Cottage, so participating was a no-brainer.

Enjoy scrolling through this gallery, and if you have any questions about planning an Oakleaf Cottage wedding, I’d be happy to answer them! I’ve also included a list of the vendors at the bottom for you. 🙂

bride and groom hold hands and walk in the lawn in front of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

 

FLORAL DESIGN BY EVAN LEGGOE OF THICKET CREATIVE

Evan Leggoe of Thicket Creative and her partner recently relocated to the Chattanooga area from Atlanta. Evan started putting together styled shoots to get to know local venues and vendors and show off her own capabilities and creativity. For this wedding styled shoot, Evan wanted to envoke a whimsical, forest feel, which is why she approached Oakleaf Cottage to host. 

Evan styled the florals in an understated, natural way. Her dainty, elegant, and light floral design paired perfectly with the venue's vibe. In the bedrooms, where our models got ready for the shoot, Oakleaf has gorgeous wallpaper and hand-painted murals with florals and birds. The barn's interior space is bright with white, shiplap walls and open rafters. Notice how the floral designs catch your eye but blend so well with the setting and tone of the shoot. I really love the pink carnation garland Evan hand-strung together and hung over the sweetheart table. And when we headed outside for photos in the forest, she created little pockets of flowers that fit so naturally with the landscape.

farm table with goldenrod napkins and simple table settings sits under pink carnation garland at Oakleaf Cottage

pink carnation garland strung from the rafters at Oakleaf Cottage on Lookout Mountain

farm table with goldenrod napkins and simple table settings sits under pink carnation garland at Oakleaf Cottage

woman in blue and white checkered shirt and white hat collects white wildflowers for a glass vase

wooden farm table at Oakleaf Cottage wedding set with goldenrod napkins, flatware, white plates, and simple floral arrangements

kumquats and greenery in a small clear glass vase set on a wooden farm table

kumquats and greenery in a small clear glass vase set on a wooden farm table

simple purple flowers in a simple glass vase on a wooden farm table next to white china and flatware

classic white place settings with flatware sits on a wooden farm table with white tapered candles and pink carnations

small yellow flowers with long stems in a simple glass vase

greenery, kumquats, and small flowers in a vase next to white shiplap walls of Oakleaf Cottage

woman in blue and white checkered shirt and floppy hat pins boutonniere on groom's gray suit coat while he smiles

groom's simple boutonniere pinned on his gray suit coat beneath his red beard

 

AN OAKLEAF COTTAGE WEDDING

After planning and dreaming for years, owners Dave and Cris Angsten completely transformed Oakleaf Cottage with meticulous detail, doing a lot of the heavy lifting themselves! Their hard work really paid off with this beautiful property.

Oakleaf Cottage is a woodland cottage and renovated barn located on 28 acres on the side of Lookout Mountain in North Georgia. Tucked off the road, the venue sits surrounded by trees and rocky outcrops. An Oakleaf Cottage wedding feels so private and intimate like you’re the only people on earth. When you’re at the Cottage, you feel like you’re at a calm, mountain retreat. It really is magical, and I absolutely love shooting here!

Oakleaf Cottage offers events from intimate elopements to moderately-sized weddings, either inside or outdoors under the forest canopy. The self-described “upscale barn structure” provides a bright and airy interior with tons of natural light and open rafters. The venue can accommodate up to 125 guests.

Additionally, the Angstens are passionate about creating “green” events and environmentally responsible weddings. This couple really goes above and beyond to create a dream experience for all their clients. 

woman styles another woman's hair with a curling iron for her Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride wearing embroidered, scalloped-hem gown stands in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride in embroidered wedding gown with plunging neckline holds her bouquet on a white armchair at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride wearing embroidered gown stands in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride wearing embroidered gown stands in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands face-to-face with groom in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands face-to-face with groom in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom kiss in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands face-to-face with groom in front of watercolor wallpapered wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride sits in white armchair holding bouquet while groom stands behind her against dark blue wall at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom laugh sitting at a farm table with simple table settings and florals at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom kiss while sitting at a farm table with simple table settings and florals at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit at a farm table with simple table settings under pink carnation garland at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom kiss while sitting at a farm table with simple table settings and florals at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench with her hand holding his arm and her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench with her hand holding his arm and her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench with her hand holding his arm and her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench with her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench holding hands and her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on a padded bench with her head on his shoulder at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

groom's hand across bride's knee over her embroidered wedding gown

bride rests her hand gently on groom's cheek at Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride sits on groom's knee in front of white shiplap walls of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride sits on groom's knee as they kiss in front of white shiplap walls of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom stand together on steps in front of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom stand together on steps in front of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom hold hands and walk in the lawn in front of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom hold hands and walk in the lawn in front of Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands behind groom who sits on large boulder in the misty woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands behind groom who sits on large boulder in the misty woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride stands behind groom who sits on large boulder in the misty woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the misty woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

bride and groom sit on mossy boulder in the misty woods near their Oakleaf Cottage wedding on Lookout Mountain

groom sprays bottle of champagne while he and bride laugh together

groom shakes bottle of champagne while he and bride laugh together

bride drinks champagne from the bottle in the woods near Oakleaf Cottage on Lookout Mountain

 

OAKLEAF COTTAGE WEDDING STYLED SHOOT VENDOR S/O

The vendors involved in this shoot are a dream to work with. 

Along with Oakleaf Cottage and Thicket Creative, Ramblewood Events styled the barn with furnishings and tableware (DROOL). I asked Davey and Nina, a real-life couple, to come work with us for this Oakleaf Cottage wedding styled shoot. I’d worked with Nina before on a shoot where she was doing makeup and styling direction, and *I* was modeling. It was really fun to work with her in reverse roles. Since they’re a couple IRL, they were very comfortable together and so easy to direct. Monica’s Bridal provided Nina’s gown. Shaina Ramsey Beauty tackled hair, and Gabriella Bordo completed Nina’s look with makeup.

Venue --  Oakleaf Cottage
Floral design -- Evan Leggoe of Thicket Creative
Furnishings/Tableware -- Ramblewood Events
Dress -- Monica’s Bridal
Hair -- Shaina Ramsey Beauty
Makeup -- Gabriella Bordo

Oakleaf Cottage featured this shoot on their blog, and Rustic Wedding Chic also featured our wedding styled shoot on their site.

 

Hi, I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I'd love to be your wedding or elopement photographer. You can see my work here on my blog and even more on my @okcroweweddings Instagram profile.

I'm a wedding photographer based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, but I love to take my cameras on the road with me, too. Whether you're looking to get hitched here in town or you're planning a destination wedding and want to bring me along, drop me a line, and we can see if we're a good fit.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Weddings
Tags: Chattanooga elopement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, Georgia wedding photographer, Lookout Mountain wedding, Oakleaf Cottage

June 30, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Art Deco Mountain Wedding | Bri + Trevor

Pretty much every Chattanooga wedding photographer has shot on Lookout Mountain. I’ve included Lookout destinations twice in my Top 5 Engagement Photo Locations blog, and every season we discover new Chattanooga wedding venues in the area!

Brianna (Bri) and Trevor got married at the base of Lookout Mountain in the fall, and I was so excited to be their chosen photographer! You’ll see why when you scroll through this blog--every detail was stunning.

bride and groom smile while holding hands


A MATCH MADE IN THE TATTOO STUDIO

Bri and Trevor met when she walked into his tattoo studio with plans of making an appointment. A local tattoo artist with his own shop near downtown Chattanooga, Trevor is in high demand for his gorgeous, custom work. Bri said she left with her head spinning and immediately started plotting a way to see him again. Not too long after, they ran into each other a the local climbing gym and started hanging out every chance they could get. She said, “Had Trevor asked me to marry him a month into dating I would have said yes.” 

DREAM DETAILS FOR CHATTANOOGA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

A few days before Bri and Trevor’s wedding I got super sick--I actually ended up in the emergency room with sepsis. After I got swift medical care, I checked out under strict doctor-ordered rest. I let Bri know about my situation and that I’d do everything in my power to be there in person. Delivering my best wedding photography to my couples is always super important to me, but I was afraid I might not make this one. Still, I assured her that if I couldn’t make it, I’d set her up with one of my highly-skilled, highly-trusted associates. She was so so kind about my health situation even though I’m sure, on some level, she was stressed at the possible sudden change.

Fortunately, with tons of rest, I felt mostly recovered and made it to the wedding. And I’m really glad I did! The details they pulled together for their wedding were all the heart eyes.

Bri and Trevor planned their wedding and ceremony at The Venue right at the base of Lookout Mountain. I was over the moon with so many of the details for their big day! The art deco invitation suite. The elegant and classic calla lily wedding bouquets. Trevor’s cufflinks, tie, and pocket square. Bri’s INSANELY gorgeous dress (more on that in a bit!), her family heirloom rings, and her nails! The details on the bridesmaids’ dresses. Just so much wow! Wedding photography allows me to really highlight so many details of every event, and this one was full of treasures!

Some of my favorite photos are the Vogue-style bridal party group shots. These were Bri’s idea, and I am all about it. I love any creativity and vision my couples bring to our time together! Watching a couple and their besties act goofy together and show their personalities often turns into a really rich set of images. This happened with this crew for sure.

wedding gown hangs from window sill and bride's bouquet sits on a vintage wingback chair

art deco style black and white wedding invitation suite

bride and bridesmaids laugh together in high ceiling room with barn doors

bride exchanges phone details with woman while bridesmaids talk at a round table

woman in lace dress zips the back of bride's gown while bride laughs

groom's tattoo covered hands fold his pocket square

groom's mother adjusts his tie

groom leans against a high table in front of large windows and vintage furniture

groom with clear glasses and tattoo covered hands wears dark suit and tie

groom's dark suit and tie

bride holds her bouquet of greenery and white flowers in front of her ornately jeweled bodice

bride stands in her jeweled gown beneath a large tree

bride stands behind groom on a stone path in anticipation of their first look

bride and groom share first look on a stone path under large trees

bride and groom laugh together in the shade of large trees as they share their first look

ornate jeweled details of bride's gowns bodice

bride laughs while holding hands with groom under large tree

bride laughs while holding hands with groom under large tree

bride and groom hug and snuggle their faces together and make goofy faces

groom holds bride with his face on her temple. her arm is over his shoulder and she holds her large bouquet of white flowers

groom holds bride with his face on her temple. her arm is over his shoulder and she holds her large bouquet of white flowers

bride stands between bridesmaids who hold long stem calla lilies and wear maroon and gold scarves over their shoulders

bride stands between bridesmaids who wear cream and gold dreses. they all hold white calla lilies.

bridesmaids hug each other while bride laughs with another bridesmaid under a large tree

bride and bridesmaid make silly faces while groom pretends to look down groomsman's pants

groom stands between groomsmen who wear dark pants, white shirts, and dark suspenders

groom stands between groomsmen who wear dark pants, white shirts, and dark suspenders while they all laugh

groom and groomsmen walk on a stone paver path under large tree

bride and groom stand with wedding party on stone paver path under large tree near Chattanooga, TN

bride and groom stand with wedding party on stone paver path under large tree near Chattanooga, TN

wedding party in a vogue group pose in high ceiling room in front of large barn doors

bride and groom sit on cream loveseat in front of large barn doors


VENDOR SHOUT-OUT: OZ BRIDAL BY OLIA ZAVOZINA

This dress. Oh my. Bri ordered her stunning gown online, but it arrived several sizes too big. The retailer would not accept a return or do an exchange, and she was in a real time crunch to find a solution. 

Enter Oz Bridal who totally saved her gown and her dream day! The team at Oz completely altered the dress for Bri. They had to cut out loads of fabric and redid all of the beading on her dress. And let me tell you: this wedding gown fit Bri’s figure so well when they were finished with it. An absolute makeover from what had been a disastrous situation for her!

I also appreciate how Bri’s gown flowed so beautifully with her tattoos, many of which are Trevor’s work. One of my favorite shots of this couple is the close-up with his hand on her arm where you can see the details of her dress and tattoos.

PRIORITIZING FAMILY AND FRIENDS

A big priority for Bri and Trevor was making sure their wedding reflected them, but they also prioritized making all their wedding guests feel welcome and included. To accomplish this goal, they made several strategic decisions for their wedding timeline.

First, they chose the same Chattanooga wedding venue for both their ceremony and reception. This meant guests didn’t have to drive between venues and could stay onsite the whole time. 

Second, they opted to have a first look and took most of their bridal portraits and wedding party photos ahead of the ceremony. This allowed them to spend the precious moments between the ceremony and reception with the guests. Other than a short sunset portrait session, they were hanging with their guests. 

Third was a really cool idea I haven’t seen done much at all, but I’m into it. Instead of a typical send-off from their reception, guests deployed gold streamers over Bri and Trevor during their recessional! This allowed them to maximize time with their family and friends by not staging a reception exit. I thought this was a great way to buy time on a day that is often crunched for the extra moments.

bride looks at her father as he walks her down a stone paver path under a large tree

bride and groom stand with officiant in front of an outside stone fireplace

bride and groom share first kiss in front of an outside stone fireplace while wedding guests watch

Chattanooga wedding photographer favorite overlooking wedding ceremony and views of Lookout Mountain and valley

bride and groom walk down the aisle under gold streamers while guests clap

bride and groom walk down the aisle under gold streamers while guests clap

bride and groom kiss at the end of the aisle while guests watch

bride and groom hug groomsman

bride and groom pose for family photo under a large tree

groom dips bride in a grassy lawn while they both laugh

bride and groom hold each other tightly. he grasps her tattooed arm with his tattooed hand.

bride and groom hold hands and walk along a grass lawn

Chattanooga wedding photographer favorites table settings by The Copper Quail

Chattanooga wedding photographer favorites table settings by The Copper Quail

Chattanooga wedding photographer favorites bright entryway with large windows and vintage furnishings

Events with Taste catering serves small scallop appetizer bites to wedding guests

Events with Taste catering serves small scallop appetizer bites

Chattanooga wedding photographer favorite Events with Taste catering serves small appetizers with napkins

wedding guests collect vegetables from silver platters on a buffet table

small chocolate cups with cream mousse sit on a silver platter

bride throws her chin back as she laughs while she and groom dance together as wedding guests watch

bride and groom smile at each other as they hold each other closely during their first dance while wedding guests watch

bride and groom smile at each other as they hold each other closely during their first dance while wedding guests watch

mother of the groom laughs as he reaches toward her during their dance together

bride dances with her father while wedding guests watch

wedding guests stretch their hands toward bride and groom during Lookout Mountain wedding reception toasts

bride rests her head on groom's shoulder as he talks with a friend

wedding guests enjoy a sit-down dinner under several candelabras

wedding guests dance in the dark dance floor

wedding guests dance in the dark dance floor

young girl dances in a twirling light green dress

bride holds a cocktail and dances with a man at her Lookout Mountain wedding reception

women in floral dresses dance at Lookout Mountain wedding

woman dances in the dark with a young girl

wedding guests gather near an outdoor stone fireplace under string lights

woman holds a cigar in one hand while she crouches in front of an outdoor fireplace roasting a marshmallow

two older men in suits exhale puffs of cigar smoke in the night sky

bride and groom sit close to each other on a low sofa. he reaches for cocktail and she cuts a small bit of cake with a fork

bride and groom sit together on low sofa enjoying cocktails and dessert

bride and groom sit on low sofa with hands outstretched to feed each other

One more note on this reception: I’ve gotta give a GIANT THANK YOU to my friend Jaime of Our Ampersand Photo for coming in toward the end of this day for me. By reception time, I was feeling worn down from my recent sickness, so Jaime came to support me and photographed a lot of the reception for me!

CREATING A TIMELINE WITH YOUR CHATTANOOGA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking. Couples are often faced with conflicting priorities: family needs, budget, creating an event that feels like YOU… it’s a lot! On the questionnaire I send to my couples, I ask for the biggest priority in planning the wedding. Almost everyone writes that they want to host an event that feels true to who they are as people. And, almost every couple feels the pressure to create a day that will also honor their families. 

As your Chattanooga wedding photographer, I will develop a timeline with you that will give us some of the extra moments you need to accomplish both these priorities!

 

 

VENDORS:

Florals: May Flowers
Coordinator: Maggie Walker Weddings
DJ: Wesley Walker
Catering: Events With Taste
Decor: The Copper Quail
Dress alterations: Oz Bridal by Olia Zavozina
Venue: The Venue Chattanooga
Trevor’s tattoo business: Philosophy Tattoo Collective

 

Hi, y’all! I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I love getting to share these wedding days with you all. Thank you to every couple who’s privileged me with the opportunity to capture your big life moments! If Bri and Trevor's wedding was inspirational, I hope you’ll check out my other wedding blogs as well.

 

I’D LOVE TO BE YOUR CHATTANOOGA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER–OR YOUR DESTINATION WEDDING OR ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER! CONTACT ME TODAY SO WE CAN MEET UP AND START PLANNING!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Weddings
Tags: Chattanooga wedding photographer, Georgia wedding photographer, Lookout Mountain wedding, Tennessee wedding photographer

March 1, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations

Tired of scrolling through Google or Instagram for the best place to take engagement photos in Chattanooga? If scouting out locations isn’t your area of expertise, I've got you covered! As a local Chattanooga wedding photographer, I've got the scoop on the city and our surrounding hills. I'm happy to share my top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations with you.

If you're hunting for a local Chattanooga engagement photographer, I'd love to work with you! My standard session lasts 90 minutes, so if you’re looking for two different vibes for one price, we should have time to visit two nearby locations within that time frame. After you pick your locations, make sure to check out my blog What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot for outfit ideas!

 

Rachael's Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations

So, you got engaged...now what? (Congrats, by the way!) Well, chances are, you've got the all-important bullet point for "Engagement Photos" on your ever-growing To-Do list. Whether you plan to use your engagement photos for your Save the Date cards, holiday cards, wedding website, or you just want some nice portraits of you and your S/O for your home, you want beautiful photos to commemorate this time in your lives. I've got plenty of engagement sessions under my belt, so I'm pleased to share my favorite engagement photo shoot locations around Chattanooga with you.

 

1. Scenic views of Scenic City – Coolidge Park and Renaissance Park

Whether you’re a native or a transplant, you’ve visited one of Chattanooga’s most photographed locations – Coolidge Park. In the heart of Northshore on the waterfront, Coolidge Park packs a huge punch when it comes to shoot amenities. Fun-loving couples looking to capture the magic of Scenic City can visit the Walnut Street Pedestrian Bridge, the 100-year-old carousel and the interactive water fountain. For more outdoorsy type shots, we can also move over to Renaissance Park, a dog-friendly park right around the corner.

Keep in mind: Chattanoogans love to visit this area when the weather’s nice and it can get fairly packed in the park. But, don’t sweat it! There are plenty of ways we can snag dreamy shots like no one else is around.

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

man sits on a bench with his arm around a woman's shoulder on Chattanooga's walking bridge near Coolidge Park

man and woman hold hands in Chattanooga's Coolidge Park between views of Market Street and Walnut Street Bridges

man and woman cuddle with small dog on picnic blanket in Chattanooga's Renaissance Park

man and woman cuddle on Chattanooga's Walnut Street Walking Bridge as the sun sets

man and woman hold hands and walk beneath Chattanooga's Market Street Bridge near Coolidge Park

man in all black and woman in amber satin dress sit on cement steps of Chattanooga's Renaissance Park near downtown

 

2. Mountain-top dream shoot – Sunset Rock and Point Park

Do you frequent the trails or enjoy basking in the beauty of the great outdoors? Then a photoshoot up on Lookout Mountain might be for you! Both Sunset Rock and Point Park are easily accessible, allow pets, stay beautiful year-round, and have the best sunset views around. Lookout Mountain, the location of both spots, is perfect for both the more adventurous and the amateur trailblazer because it provides several short hikes of varying intensities. 

Again, these are popular locations for native Chattanoogans, so parking can be tricky. You’ll also need to be ready for an audience as we shoot (most likely gawking at how beautiful you both look).

man and woman cuddle on Sunset Rock Point Park on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman cuddle on Sunset Rock Point Park on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman smile as they cuddle their French Bulldog on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee

man carries woman on his back on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and they laugh

man carries woman on Sunset Rock on Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga and she leans her head down toward him

 

3. City slickers walking tour – Downtown Chattanooga

For those looking for an edgy, modern, or industrial look, I always recommend downtown Chattanooga. The city overflows with potential: parking garages, alleyways, and factories. Parking can be hard to come by, and you may have curious bystanders, but a city shoot offers you the chance to handpick a few locations around town that speak to your creativity. The possibilities are pretty endless as we mix up traditional shots with modern, industrial influences. A city shoot allows us to quickly jump from location to location for a variety of backdrops. 

Couples interested in this approach can recommend businesses and parks they prefer, and I'll gladly curate a walking tour to suit your ideas.

woman cuddles against man, holding his hand, her head on his shoulder, in downtown Chattanooga, TN

man and woman hold hands and run across a vibrantly painted wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman pose on sofa for engagement photos at Dwell Hotel in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman high-five on a parking deck in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

 

4. Throwback to your favorite memories – A location special to you

The locations you regularly frequent are often overlooked, but you can honor memories while creating beautiful new ones during your engagement photo session. The list of significant places in your relationship is endless. The university where you met, the restaurant where you had your first date, the cozy nook at home where you watch the sunrise together! These special locations can offer comfort or spark new romance as your relive memories, and the photos can be cute and quirky! 

We might have to work out some logistics with shooting in public places (like acquiring permits or calling ahead to notify businesses of the shoot), but I’ll help make it work.

man and woman hold record folders in front of their faces at record shop in Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman kiss and snuggle on leather loveseat in front of brick wall in downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee

man and woman sit in church pew in a small theater with credits on the screen

diamond engagement ring rests inside a street taco in downtown Chattanooga

man and woman hold hands and kiss while sitting on bed of Ford truck in field of grass near Chattanooga

man and woman tear apart margarita pizza in downtown Chattanooga

 

5. The secret garden – Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center

Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center is nestled on Lookout Mountain. This wonderland is lush with bamboo gardens, bright blooms, a gorgeous treehouse, and peaceful river views. Reflection Riding offers a naturally elegant backdrop and is rarely heavily populated, so we can capture sweet moments with your boo without an audience! The property's paved paths and driving loop make adventurous, outdoor photos very easily accessible. 

Reflection Riding does charge an additional photography fee to shoot there, but we’ll have plenty of time and can even shoot after sunset.

man and woman hold hands in front of treeehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink shirt holds hands with woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman kiss on a boardwalk in front of a treehouse at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man and woman hold hands and run through grass at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

man in light pink button-down shirt hugs woman in green dress at Chattanooga's Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

 
BONUS: If none of these piqued your interest, I also have personal favorites I don’t share with the public. Inquire here, and I’m happy to share my secrets!

 

 

Thank you so much for reading about my Top 5 Chattanooga engagement photo locations! I hope you found an idea that fits your vision for your engagement photos. Congrats again on your engagement!

 
Hey, Chattanooga! I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Tired of scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration? I've got you covered there as well! Check out my What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot post for ideas. Needing more options for engagement shoot locations? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration or contact me for other suggestions.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you’re on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning. 🙂

 

Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements
Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Sunset Rock, tips and tricks

February 8, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Engagement Photos in Denver’s RiNo District | Farrah + Andrew

I am so excited to share Farrah and Andrew’s engagement photos in Denver's RiNo District with you! This shoot was a blast, and I love that part of my job as a photographer is traveling to couples. (I keep my travel schedule current on my site, but I’m always excited to add to it for your event. Contact me to talk through the possibilities!)

SO, Farrah and Andrew! Real talk: are you actually models, or what?

man and woman sit against a painted wall in Denver's RiNo art district for engagement photos

 

TRAVELING ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER--LET’S HIT THE ROAD!

I was on the phone with Farrah for a pre-booking consultation to chat about her upcoming wedding in Chattanooga when she mentioned she and Andrew currently live in Denver, Colorado. I joked that they could bring me to Denver for their engagement session. Farrah paused and said, “Ooooo, you could come to Denver?!” 

Farrah and Andrew have ties to Chattanooga. They met at UTC and have family in town, so they’ll be “coming home” for their wedding later this year. But Farrah was excited to bring me to Denver. While they’ll have photos in Chattanooga for their wedding, Denver has been especially meaningful to the couple because it’s where they’ve created their first home together. They know that even if they move away at some point, this time of their lives in Denver is recorded for their memories.

man and woman holding hands crossing the street on a sunny day

man and woman holding hands crossing the street on a sunny day

man and woman holding hands walking on a bricked alleyway between colorfully painted buildings in Denver's RiNo District

man and woman holding hands walking on a bricked alleyway between colorfully painted buildings in Denver's RiNo District

man and woman holding hands and laughing on a bricked alleyway between colorfully painted buildings in Denver's RiNo District

 

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN DENVER’S RINO DISTRICT

Since Farrah travels a lot for work, she turned in some flight miles to fly me out to Denver for their engagement photos. I arrived a day ahead of the photoshoot to scout the area and check out where the good light would hit during their session. This is something I always try to do as part of my travel photography work! I was excited to document Andrew and Farrah in Denver’s RiNo District. RiNo stands for River North, and this area of the city is being revitalized and has a really trendy vibe. It’s becoming known as the art district of Denver. You’ll find lots of cool restaurants, brewpubs, and art galleries here, and tons of colorful murals all through RiNo. So this area provided a cool, urban vibe for their engagement photos.

I enjoyed walking through the RiNo District so much I decided Farrah and Andrew’s session should be a bit of a session on-the-go, too! I picked a few streets and alleys where I wanted to take the couple, and we stopped at some places that stood out to them, too.

Man stands behind woman and hugs her over her shoulders and kisses her cheek. She holds his arm against her.

man and woman stand in front of boldly painted brick wall for their Denver RiNo engagement photos

man and woman hold hands and walk in front of boldly painted black and white brick wall in Denver's RiNo art district

man and woman stand looking at each other against tall metal-framed windows and brick building

man and woman holding hands in front of tall metal-framed windows and brick building for Denver RiNo engagement photos

man and woman hugging in front of tall metal-framed windows and brick building for Denver RiNo engagement photos

man and woman kissing in front of tall metal-framed windows and brick building for Denver RiNo engagement photos

man and woman holding hands in front of tall metal-framed windows and brick building for Denver RiNo engagement photos

man and woman holding hands and walking away from tall metal-framed windows and brick building in Denver's RiNo district

Man and woman pose kissing in front of Denver's Il Posto street art mural of a man and woman kissing

man and woman sit against a painted wall in Denver's RiNo art district for engagement photos

man and woman sit on the ground leaning against a brightly painted wall for Denver RiNo district engagement photos

man and woman sit on the ground leaning against a brightly painted wall for Denver RiNo district engagement photos

man and woman sit on the ground leaning against a brightly painted wall for Denver RiNo district engagement photos

man and woman holding hands crossing the street on a sunny day

After we wrapped up in Denver’s RiNo District, we drove up Lookout Mountain outside of the city. If you’re a Chattanooga local, you’ll know that we’ve got a Lookout Mountain here, and Andrew and Farrah are actually getting married in Lookout Valley later this year! Ha! We kept laughing that they’d have engagement photos on Lookout Mountain in Colorado and wedding photos on Lookout Mountain in Tennessee. Can’t make this stuff up!

Man and woman stand in a tall grass field near snow. They hold hands and press their foreheads together as the sun sets

Man and woman stand in a tall grass field near snow. They hold hands and press their foreheads together as the sun sets

Man and woman stand in a tall grass field near snow. They hold hands and press their foreheads together as the sun sets

Man sits in tall golden grass with woman cuddling on his lap. She hugs one arm around his shoulder and leans toward him.

Man sits in tall golden grass with woman cuddling on his lap. She hugs one arm around his shoulder and leans toward him.

Man sits in tall golden grass with woman cuddling on his lap. She holds his cheek and kisses him.

 

#ItsAJeepThing

For engagement sessions, I invite couples to bring something that’s special to them or something that is part of their everyday life together. Lots of people bring food or a pet, but Farrah and Andrew wanted Andrew’s Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk incorporated into their photos. The couple has really bonded over road trips and camping trips in their car. Andrew even proposed in it! It’s been a huge part of their relationship, and I love that they see it as a way to continue adventuring together in the future.

Another thing they brought were DINOSAUR SOCKS. Remember that “Rawr! It means ‘I love you’ in dinosaur” meme? Sometimes when they’re in a hurry, Andrew and Farrah will text each other a dinosaur emoji as a quick “I love you.” A moment please to acknowledge how super cute and quirky this is. 

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of their Jeep. She sits between his legs as he hugs her.

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of their Jeep. She sits between his legs as he hugs her.

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of their Jeep. She sits between his legs and turns her face to kiss him.

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of white car. She sits between his legs, her hand reaching behind her to his face.

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of their white car. She sits between his legs as he hugs her.

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of white car. She has her legs over his lap. They wear white, dinosaur-printed socks

Man and woman sit in the open hatchback of white car. She has her legs over his lap. They wear white, dinosaur-printed socks

 

DENVER, CO LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS

Following engagement photos with Andrew’s Jeep, the couple did a quick outfit change at a coffee shop up on Lookout Mountain. Then, I took some photos of Farrah and Andrew against some of their favorite mountain views. Not downplaying Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain views one single bit, but these Colorado mountain views are jaw-dropping! We hit the jackpot with golden hour and blue hour (right after sunset), and these two are absolutely gorgeous in their Denver mountains. 

Man in dark suit hugs and woman in long maroon dress stand at an overlook between coin operated binocular machines.

Man in dark suit hugs and woman in long maroon dress stand at an overlook between coin operated binocular machines.

Man in dark blue suit and woman in long maroon dress look at each other and smile.

Man in dark suit and woman in long maroon dress stand on large rocks with rolling grassy mountains in the background

Man in dark suit and woman in long maroon dress stand on large rocks with rolling grassy mountains in the background

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress kiss in a grassy field on Colorado's Lookout Mountain for engagement photos

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress stand in a grassy field on Colorado's Lookout Mountain for engagement photos

Man in dark suit twirls woman in maroon dress in a grassy field for engagement photos on Colorado's Lookout Mountain

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress kiss in a grassy field on Colorado's Lookout Mountain for engagement photos

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress in a grassy field for engagement photos on Colorado's Lookout Mountain

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress hug

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress press foreheads together in front of Colorado mountain scene

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress press foreheads together in front of Colorado mountain scene

Man in dark suit and woman in maroon dress kiss, her hand and engagement ring on his shoulder

Man in dark suit wraps his arms over woman's shoulders from behind. She holds her hands over his at her chest.

Man in dark suit hugs and woman in long maroon dress in front of Colorado mountain scenery

Man in dark suit hugs and woman in long maroon dress in front of Colorado mountain scenery

Man in dark suit and woman in long maroon dress hold hands in the middle of the street on Lookout Mountain in Colorado

Man and woman hold hands and cross the street overlooking the mountain view from Lookout Mountain in Colorado

Man in dark blue suit and woman in long maroon dress hug overlooking the mountain view from Lookout Mountain in Colorado

 

After wrapping up their photos on Lookout Mountain, we drove into town, grabbed tacos and margaritas, and just hung out. We used this time to finish planning their wedding timeline, and I shared a few Chattanooga vendor recommendations. I really like being able to help couples in this regard and share some of my own wedding expertise! 

Andrew and Farrah, I loved getting to hang out with you in the Denver area! Thanks for bringing me out for your engagement photos. I can’t wait for your wedding in Chattanooga later this year!

 

 

Did you know my most frequently booked wedding photography package includes an engagement session?! Professional engagement photos are a great opportunity for you to get used to being in front of a camera. Whether you want formal or relaxed portraits, this session allows for a photoshoot without the additional pressure of the wedding day timelines and busyness.

 

Whatever your vision is for your engagement session or your wedding, I’m here to capture the details. As your wedding photographer, I know just how much this day matters to you, and I am so excited to document it. Contact me today so we can start planning together!

 

Hi, y'all! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. For couples booking me from out-of-state, bringing me to your place for photos is always on the table. I love being a travel wedding photographer as much as a hometown Chattanooga wedding photographer. If you liked Farrah and Andrew's engagement photos in Denver's RiNo District, check out Liz and Andrew’s winter elopement in Zion National Park. Liz and Brock’s couple’s portraits in Joshua Tree National Park is another one for  inspiration! If you’re planning a destination wedding in Chattanooga, check out Jim and Emily’s destination wedding blog for ideas!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements, Travel
Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, Denver engagement photographer, Destination wedding photographer

February 4, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Fun Engagement Photos at Lake Winnie Chattanooga

I’ve mentioned before that I like when couples do things in a way that fits their unique personalities and styles. So when Carmen and Brian contacted me about doing their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie (Chattanooga, TN), I was totally into it.

Man in white pants and blue sport coat dances with woman in red dress below rollercoaster for fun engagement photos

 

Fun Engagement Photos at Lake Winnie Chattanooga, TN

Lake Winnie Amusement Park is just outside of Chattanooga and has been a classic family fun destination for almost 100 years. Besides a few roller coasters and some classic carnival-type rides, they also have an arcade and food stands. 

We scheduled Carmen and Brian’s engagement session for a Sunday night in September, a little before the park was closing. The timing was perfect for us because the crowds had thinned out by that point. In the peak of summer, a Lake Winnie photo session might be a bit trickier! 

The employees were all so nice and helpful. Because we were there during a slow season, we were able to get on a few of the rides before anyone else so we could get in the shots we wanted. So shout-out to Lake Winnie for making an unconventional engagement shoot even more fun.

Man and woman laugh in blue and red spinning carnival ride during their engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman laugh in blue and red spinning carnival ride

Woman laughs in blue and red spinning carnival ride

Man and woman ride a blue and red spinning carnival ride

Man and woman sit on retro stools at a high-top table

Woman reaches across a table to offer a bite of funnel cake to man

Woman kisses man's cheek as he enjoys a funnel cake

Man and woman ride ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for engagement photos

Man and woman ride ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for engagement photos

Man and woman ride ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for engagement photos

Ferris wheel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga

Man and woman kiss next to a metal frame fence near a carnival ride. Ferris wheel stands in the background.

Man and woman hold bean bags in front of carnival game counter as they prepare to toss bags for stuffed animal prize

Man and woman hold bean bags in front of carnival game counter as they prepare to toss bags for stuffed animal prize

Man puts his hand on woman's back as they prepare to play a carnival game

Man and woman toss bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man tosses bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man and woman toss bean bags at stacked blocks at a carnival game

Man flexes bicep next to woman in a red dress holding a stuffed puppy

Man stands beside woman sitting on counter of carnival game with a wall of stuffed animal prizes hanging behind them

Man and woman hold hands and smile while walking on sidewalk

Woman in red backless dress kisses her fiance

 

Unique and creative ideas for your engagement photos

A lot of times we photographers use words like “engagement portraits” because these tend to be semi-formal photo sessions. But they don’t have to be! Your engagement session can be relaxed and silly as well. In my post about engagement photo outfits, one of my top 5 tips is to CHOOSE COMFORT. And I’d make the same recommendation for where to take your engagement photos! If you have a location where you’re super comfortable, or if you have a creative idea that’s a little outside the box but fits YOU, let me know. We can get as untraditional as you are! As you can see from this gallery, Carmen and Brian really brought some fun into their engagement photos by having them taken at Lake Winnie.

Man holds woman's hand and leads her past carousel

Man holds woman's hand and leads her past carousel

Man and woman stand between horses on Lake Winnie's carousel in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman stand between horses on Lake Winnie's carousel in Chattanooga, TN

Man holds onto carousel horse and leans into his fiancé to kiss her

Man kisses woman on her cheek as she balances herself between two carousel horses

Man and woman stand between horses on the carousel at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga for their cute engagement photo session

Woman sits on carousel horse and gazes at man standing next to her for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Woman in red dress sits on carousel horse and leans over to kiss man in blue blazer standing next to her

Man and woman stand near white lattice divider

Man and woman ride in roller coaster with their hands raised.

Man and woman with hands raised in the last car of a roller coaster

Man and woman sit in the first car of the Cannon Ball rollercoaster during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Man kisses woman's cheek in the first car of the Cannon Ball rollercoaster during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Man in white pants and blue sport coat dances with woman in red dress below rollercoaster for fun engagement photos

Man in white pants and blue sport coat kisses woman in red dress below rollercoaster framing for fun engagement photos

Woman and man hold hands and walk along the top of the wide curb next to the lake at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga

Man and woman link arms and bite into fried corn dogs during their fun engagement photo session in Chattanooga, TN

Man sits with woman on his lap at the end of Skee-ball game at the Lake Winnie arcade for their unique engagement photos

Woman kisses man's cheek as she sits on his lap on the Skee-ball arcade game for their cute engagement photos in Chattanooga

Woman sits on man's lap on the Skee-ball arcade game for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman on the swing carousel ride for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman on the swing carousel ride for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman reach for each other's hands on the swing carousel ride for their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie

Woman holds crystal glasses while man pours champagne into one

Woman holds crystal glass, her engagement ring displayed, while man pours champagne into it

Woman holds crystal glasses while man pours champagne into one

Man in light blue sport coat and woman in red dress link arms to drink champagne from crystal glasses

Couple riding in green frog car during their unique engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Couple laughs while riding in green frog car during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Couple laughs while riding in green frog car during their fun engagement photos at Lake Winnie in Chattanooga, TN

Man and woman smile at each other on a green frog carnival ride

Man and woman make silly faces on frog-shaped carnival ride at Lake Winnie

Shadow of man and woman holding hands and walking on a sidewalk

Man and woman holding hands and walking. She carries a stuffed puppy carnival game prize.

Man and woman holding hands and walking. She carries a stuffed puppy carnival game prize.

Roller coaster car at the top of a steep climb. People raise their hands at the top.

 

I think Lake Winnie was such a cute idea for engagement photos in Chattanooga. It helped tell a story about Brian and Carmen and allowed them to show their fun sides. If your fun side is something you want to let really shine during your photo session, let me know! We can brainstorm locations together, and I’m always thrilled to run with whatever crazy idea you’ve got, too.

 

One reason I enjoy doing engagement photos with my clients is to get them comfortable in front of the camera before the Big Day. If you’re on the fence about scheduling a session, contact me, and we can chat through the details. 

 
Hi, y'all! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I hope this blog inspired you. As you know, I love shooting in and around Chattanooga so much that I put together my Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations for you, but obviously there are countless places in our area for your session. ALSO, I travel for engagement photos, elopements, and weddings! For inspiration, check out Liz and Andrew’s Zion National Park Elopement or Jim and Emily’s Brooklyn Engagement Session. You can see my current 2020 travel schedule on my site, and I’m always ready for adventure if you want to book me to join you out of town.

And if you’re still stressing about what to wear for engagement photoshoot, check out my top tips!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements
Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Georgia wedding photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer

January 31, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

What to Wear for your Engagement Shoot in 2020

So you’re looking for ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot. I hear you! When I help couples plan their engagement photos, one of the most asked questions is:

"What should we wear to our engagement session?"

 

We all feel your pain! I get it--you may be using these photos for Save the Date cards or holiday cards or your wedding website. You want your engagement photos to look perfect, and finding the best outfit for engagement photos may not be as easy as opening your closet doors.

If you’re reading this blog, you’ve probably already been scrolling search results and Pinterest for engagement outfit inspiration. It’s possible your significant other is not quite as interested in choosing the perfect look, or maybe you’re reading through this cuddled up side-by-side on the couch, pinning away. Either way – I’ve got you AND your boo thing covered. So yeah, what to wear to an engagement photoshoot...read on!

I’ve also linked my Pinterest board at the end of this blog for some engagement photo outfit and styling ideas. Make sure to check that out!

 

Top 5 tips on what to wear for your engagement shoot in 2020

 

1. Two is better than one.

Can’t decide between outfits? Bring two! Nobody ever said you can’t have casual engagement photos as well as formal engagement photos! Having a choice of two outfits allows you to get the best of both worlds. Going jeans and t-shirt and then changing into a sexy dress for engagement photos is totally acceptable.

Tip: Make sure you plan for a changing location during your shoot – there’s nothing like bonding with bae while changing clothes in the middle of the woods. Another option is to wear neutral base items – a slip, or tank top and spandex shorts – to comfortably switch between your outfits.

man and woman in jeans and casual tops stand below arched tree branches during their engagement photo session

man in blue suit and brown shoes and woman in wrap-around knee-length dress hold hands on a bridge for engagement photos

 

2. When in doubt, go with a neutral piece.

Your first reaction to this one may be – “boooring!” – but hear me out! Neutral colors (like tan, gray, black, or navy) ensure that YOU are the center of attention in your engagement photos instead of your shirt being the eye-catcher.

Neutrals are great for coordinating outfits for engagement pictures, too! Don’t worry, this isn’t family portraits from the ‘90s. Coordinating is not the same as matching. If you and your partner begin with a neutral base, you’re already a huge step closer to looking like the cute little matched set that you are.

One more thing: Neutrals are flattering for every skin tone, which makes them a good start before you mix and match. So, if you’re unsure or even a bit anxious, this is a great way to go!

man in dark collared shirt cuddles over the shoulders of woman in cream turtleneck sweater during their engagement photos

man in black short sleeve black shirt and black pants holds hands with a woman in amber halter dress next to flowering bushes

woman in black jeans and green jacket with her legs across mans knee as they sit in the grass during engagement photos

 

3. Go bold with gem tones.

Think ruby, emerald and sapphire. If you’re going for colorful, opt for a gem tone instead of neon colors (lime green or bright orange) to get that punch of color.

These vibrant gem tone colors can be paired with neutrals or color-blocked to add a punch of color without being distracting. Gem tones photograph beautifully, and the color transfers well (a.k.a. the color turns out in photos how you see it IRL).

man in gray sweater dips woman in short red dress and black leather jacket on a pier near Chattanooga Market Street Bridge

woman wearing red dress and man wearing blue jacket and light pants kiss near ferris wheel and carnival rides

man in slim jeans and green t-shirt holds hand with woman in long-sleeve, emerald jewel tone dress

woman in short maroon dress holds hands with man in blue button down shirt next to a flowing creek

 

4. Spice it up!

If you love to make a daring statement on the regular, you have so many ways to execute in style! Start with your interest pieces – like a bold print, a chunky necklace, a boho hat, or a floral skirt – and build your dream engagement outfit around it.

Warning: Sometimes bold patterns can look unflattering in pictures if they become distorted with your posing, but if bold is your style, then I believe we can rock it!

woman in short, white fringe-hemmed dress and black leather jacket sits on lap of man in jeans and brown leather jacket

man wearing jeans, black shirt, and black cowboy hat holds hands with woman wearing long red dress in front of large red barn

woman in floral sundress and black hat sits with man in blue jeans and black shirt on a large rock. her legs are in his lap.

 

5. Choose comfort.

Obviously you’ll look your best when you feel your best (there’s probably a scientific law about this). You really want to choose an outfit that makes you comfortable. I promise you, if you’re uncomfortable, it’s going to show in your photos!

While a form-fitting outfit will show off your figure better, be careful that you won’t be counting down the minutes until you can strip out of that dress. Through the session you’ll sit, stand, snuggle, jump, twirl, and more. So be sure you’ve got on comfortable shoes and clothes with some stretch and breathability.

My two cents? Do yourself a huge favor, and when you’re planning what to wear for your engagement shoot, start with comfort.

Tip: Comfort doesn’t have to mean dressed down! It’s really all about making sure your engagement photo outfits aren’t entirely out of line with who you are or what you wear on the daily.

woman snuggles her head on man's shoulder as they sit beneath a shared plaid blanket in a wood cabin

man snuggles his nose in woman's hair during engagement photo session. Chattanooga's Walnut Street walking bridge behind them

woman lays with her head in man's lap on a bench outside a mountain stone cabin with small fire nearby

woman in short maroon dress and man with pants cuffed to his knees cross a rocky stream barefoot

 

Bonus Tip 6: Picked some options, but still not 100%? Consult with trusted friends, or send me a couple outfit ideas for an unbiased opinion! Your crew and (photographer) are often the best place to go for honest thoughts and confidence-boosting affirmation, so you'll go into your engagement photoshoot feeling like the fabulous duo you are!

 

 

Ready to start making your selections? Check out my Pinterest board curated with my top 5 engagement shoot outfit ideas in mind! Then CONTACT ME to schedule your shoot!

 

Hey, Chattanooga! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. Sick of scrolling through Google and Instagram to find the perfect location for your engagement photos? I've got your covered there as well! Check out my top five Chattanooga engagement photo locations. Needing some more ideas for what to wear for your engagement shoot? Look through my recent engagement blogs for inspiration.

I recently updated my travel schedule for 2020. If you're on the hunt for your wedding or elopement photographer, my calendar is booking up quickly! Shoot me a note through my contact form so we can start planning. 🙂

 

Editor's note: This post was originally published in April 2019, and has been revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements
Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Tennessee wedding photographer, tips and tricks

January 27, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Fall Wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station | Caitlin + Joe

Caitlin and Joe’s fall wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station showcased the beauty of their love as well as this gorgeous property in the North Georgia mountains. 

Bride and groom hug and kiss at the end of the aisle with The Homestead at Cloudland Station's Peacock Hall behind them

 

The Homestead at Cloudland Station wedding venue

The Homestead venue is nestled at the base of Lookout Mountain in northwest Georgia about 15 minutes south of Chattanooga. Cloudland Station is a 450-acre property with multiple planned neighborhoods and an intentional community vibe. As they were envisioning their ideal community, the developers decided to incorporate a venue for weddings and other events. 

The results, a 150-year-old, hand-pegged Amish barn, a carriage house, and an Italianate architecture farmhouse called Peacock Hall, sit on an antique brick carriage path just beyond the property’s private Lake Angela. These buildings, which make up The Homestead at Cloudland Station, surround a green lawn--totally perfect for an outdoor wedding!

The formal green between the barn and Peacock Hall at The Homestead at Cloudland Station, Lookout Mountain in the background

White chairs set up on the formal green between the barn and Peacock Hall at The Homestead at Cloudland Station Chattanooga

White chairs set up on the formal green between the barn and Peacock Hall at The Homestead at Cloudland Station Chattanooga

Bridal party stands on antique brick carriage path in front of hand-pegged Amish barn at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

Bridal party stands on antique brick carriage path in front of white farmhouse at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

Bride and groom kiss on antique brick carriage path in front of carriage house at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

 

From best friends to bride and groom

These two are my kind of people. They’re very easy-going and gentle-natured, and they love to goof off and laugh with each other. We have a few friends in common, so I was excited to hear from them in the early planning stages. Joe and Caitlin have a really sweet love story. In short, they met as co-workers and became best friends. Even after they stopped working together, they maintained a close friendship. After awhile of each thinking “Who us? No, we’d never date!” they realized that maybe there was actually something there, that this person had all the qualities they’d been looking for in a partner. They developed feelings for each other, and the rest is history. 

Before the big day, on my pre-wedding questionnaire, I ask couples What is one thing you would tell to future couples planning their dream wedding? I love Caitlin’s advice so much. She says, “Through all the researching, pinteresting, and budgeting, make sure you remember what the day is for. At the end of the day, I just want to be married to my best friend!”

On the big day, because they planned their wedding for later in the day, the sun wasn’t directly over us. In fact, once it passed over the barn, we had a perfect balance of light and shade for their portraits and outdoor ceremony! It’s always nice when nature does you a solid on the lighting and nobody has to squint through their own wedding. Caitlin and Joe planned a first look ahead of the ceremony, and we shot most of their bride and groom and bridal party portraits beforehand, too. As a result, they had more time at the reception with their guests! 

Wedding dress hangs on the door under the wide front port of Peacock Hall, and Italianate style farmhouse near Chattanooga

Wedding invitation and RSVP card lie between flowers and bride's shoes. The wedding bands sit on top of the cards.

Wedding bands nestled inside the petals of a peach rose. Dark red flowers and greenery make up the rest of the bouquet.

Mother in dark, lacy dress, zips the back of bride's low-back lacy wedding dress

Groomsmen gather around the groom on a porch, pushing him and laughing. They all wear dark suits and brown leather shoes.

Groomsmen gather around the groom on a porch, pushing him and laughing. They all wear dark suits and brown leather shoes.

Groomsman in dark jacket and simple boutonniere straightens the groom's tie knot

Man buttons the top button of his dark suit jacket

Groom stands on a wide brick carriage path next to a tall barn. His bride stands behind him on the path before the First Look

Bride and groom first look on brick path in front of tall wooden barn. Groom smiles, clasping his hands under his chin.

Groom hugs bride in front of dark barn. Her low-back lacy dress reveals a black key tattoo on her upper back.

Bride and groom overlook their Chattanooga wedding photographer's camera screen, previewing a photo

Bride and groom smile at each other as they walk down antique brick carriage path

Groom wears a dark suit over a gray vest, navy tie and white shirt. He holds his lapel and his watch peeks out of his sleeve.

Groom wears a dark suit over a gray vest, navy tie and white shirt. He holds his lapel and his watch peeks out of his sleeve.

Bride holds bouquet of deep red, peach, and white flowers with greenery. She stands on a brick path next to a tall wooden barn.

Bridal holds her Petaline bouquet filled with dark red flowers, pink and white roses, and greenery against her lace gown.

Bride laughs as she holds her Petaline floral bouquet

Bride and groom smile at each other on antique brick carriage path between trees

Bride and groom kiss on antique brick carriage path between trees

Bride and groom smile at each other as they walk down antique brick carriage path

Bride and groom laugh as they walk down antique brick carriage path

Bride and groom kiss, her hand around his shoulder

Bride and groom walk down antique brick carriage path toward trees

Groom stands with groomsmen in their dark suits in front of tall wooden barn doors

Bride and bridesmaids stand on brick path in front of large wooden barn door

Groom stands with groomsmen in their dark suits in front of tall wooden barn doors

Bride and bridesmaids laugh together in front of large wooden barn door

Bride and groom stand with their bridal party on brick path in front of large wooden barn front of tall wooden barn doors

Bride and groom stand with their bridal party on brick path in front of large wooden barn front of tall wooden barn doors

Large black chalkboard with white words announce the wedding and date

Wedding party lines up between tall wooden barn doors

Bride and her father walk down a wide wooden ramp, while Mia + May wedding coordinator fluffs her train behind her

Groom, officiant, and groomsmen stand in front of wide stone stairs

Bride is escorted by her father down the center grass aisle. Guests stand from their white wooden fold-up chairs.

Bride is escorted by her father down the aisle. Guests stand from their white wooden fold-up chairs.

Bride's father joins her hand with groom's hand as she holds her Petaline floral bouquet of deep red and white flowers

Bride and groom stand between their bridesmaids and groomsmen as officiant speaks into the microphone

Bride places a ring on groom's finger

Bride and groom stand at the base of the stone steps in front of Peacock Hall while guests sit in white chairs on the lawn

Bride and groom kiss at the base of the stone steps in front of Peacock Hall

Bride and groom walk hand-in-hand, smiling, while bridal party claps and watches them walk away

Bride and groom walk down the aisle hand-in-hand, smiling, while guests sit facing Peacock Hall

 

Your Chattanooga Wedding Photographer...
and everything else, too

I like to provide FULL SERVICE to my couples during their portrait sessions and at their weddings. I always have a go-bag of wedding emergency essentials! It started raining during the ceremony? Here’s an extra umbrella! Mom’s dress ripped? Let me grab my sewing kit! Rain is killing your sparkler exit (surprise rain is sort of thing around here)? These days I’m keeping my car stocked with glow sticks! Do you have any go-bag essentials suggestions for me?

For Caitlin and Joe, the “emergency” wasn’t anything major. But after we finished shooting their family photos in front of Peacock Hall, they needed to sign the marriage license. We realized everyone had already gone into the barn for the reception, and so I signed as their witness! Rachael Crowe, Chattanooga Wedding Photographer...and everything else. Gotta get my business cards updated. Haha! Caitlin's thumbs-up in this photo kills me. Too cute! I really enjoy my job, especially in these moments. Wedding days can be stressful, and I like feeling like I contributed a little bit extra to make the day easier or flow more smoothly. 

Rachel Crowe, Chattanooga wedding photographer, signs marriage license for her bride and groom as they all smile

 

Getting that barn wedding venue vibe in Chattanooga

I can’t begin to tell you how peaceful and lovely this property is. If you’re searching for barn wedding venues in Chattanooga, definitely add The Homestead at Cloudland Station to your list to check out. I’ve photographed many farm or barn weddings (The Gray Dove, Crabtree Farms, private family properties), and I love how unique each one looks. I have attended several events now in The Homestead’s barn, and I’ve seen it decorated differently each time. You can have a rustic barn feel, or you can create a more modern look. Yes, you can have an elegant barn wedding!

Caitlin and Joe kept decorations very simple for their wedding, and I love that that puts the beauty of their connection front-and-center. Caitlin added a few floral accents along the aisle during the ceremony. She also designed the table centerpieces and decorations herself for the reception, keeping a tastefully simple aesthetic. The couple allowed the stunning beauty of nature and the venue play a big role in their day. They got married in mid-November, and the colors they chose for their floral bouquets and their bridal party’s attire align so well with the fall colors of the Lookout Mountain scenery.

The Homestead at Cloudland Station with open high, barn rafters and wooden support beams. White table linens on round tables.

Long, farmhouse table in front of a wall of white windows under the high, open rafters of a barn's interior

Wagon wheel light fixture suspended by black chain under the exposed wooden rafters at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

White Table linens and simple table decorations on round table surrounded by white wooden folding chairs

Simple table decorations of greens and candles next to "Reserved" sign

Long farmhouse table lined with white chairs in front of wall of windows. Naked white cake sits on large wooden spool.

 

Bride and groom portraits at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

After the reception was underway, I snuck Joe and Caitlin out for some sunset photos. Gotta make time for golden hour! The bride and bridesmaid’s bouquets were designed by Petaline, and I am still drooling over the rich jewel tones of Caitlin’s bouquet. I am not sure which of these is my favorite shot, to be honest, but I loved when Joe held Caitlin’s bouquet while she twirled in that gorgeous dress.

Bride and groom hold hands and walk through a grassy field at Cloudland Station's Lake Angela.

Bride and groom portraits in a wine grass field. She holds a bouquet of maroon and white flowers.

Groom twirls bride in a grassy field. He holds her bouquet by his side, and she holds her train as she spins under his hand.

Groom holds bride around her waist and kisses her cheek as her veil streams around them

Man in dark suit stands in a grassy field.

Bridal holds her Petaline bouquet filled with dark red flowers, pink and white roses, and greenery against her lace gown.

Bridal bouquet by Petaline contains deep red flowers, pink and white roses, and greenery.

Bride and groom hold hands and walk through a grassy field at Cloudland Station's Lake Angela.

Bride and groom kiss in a grassy field. She has one arm around his shoulders and holds her large bouquet in the other

Bride and groom kiss under her veil, his hands cup her face and she holds his shoulder

Bride and groom in a green field with Lookout Mountain behind them. Her hand is on his shoulder, her veil surrounds them.

Bride and groom walk through grassy field toward Peacock Hall and the barn at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

Groom dips bride low for a kiss. She holds her bouquet behind her as her veil streams to the ground.

Bride and groom kiss on antique brick carriage path in front of carriage house at The Homestead at Cloudland Station

Groom stands behind bride with his hands around her waist. She looks back at him, her hand at his neck.

 

Dance your hearts out, Joe and Caitlin

Dear Joe and Caitlin, I am so grateful you chose me to be your photographer for your wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station. You are both such lovely, fun people, and your friendship and care for each other really shines. I wish you all the happiness that your years together will bring. Cheers to you!

Bride and groom dance under the exposed beam ceiling of The Homestead at Cloudland Station while guests watch from tables.

Bride and groom laugh together during their first dance. Guests watch from round tables.

Groom dances with his mother while bride dances with her father under open rafters of The Homestead at Cloudland Station

A large blackboard in a white frame with "Cheers!" written on it sits on the floor in front of a table with bottles of wine

Chattanooga's BarCart bartenders present a bottle of white wine to a guest with other beer and wine options on the table

Man in dark suit and tie speaks into microphone under the exposed beam ceiling and loft of The Homestead at Cloudland Station

Bride and groom sit and raise glasses as they are toasted

DJMCPRO playing music with his laptop open in front of him

Bride stands with several bridesmaids who wear shades of pink and maroon dresses

Bride and groom laugh with each other as they dance surrounded by wedding guests

Bride and groom laugh with each other as they dance surrounded by wedding guests

man crowd-surfs under the high ceiling of The Homestead at Cloudland Station

man in dark suit and tie dances

man in dark suit and tie dances

woman in red dress dances while holding a yellow glow stick

Bride holds up her dress as she and her groom dance surrounded by friends

Groom holds out his arms as his bride dances toward him

Bride and groom hold hands and duck between waving glow sticks

Bride and groom hug each other tightly and kiss while friends wave glow sticks around them

 

Vendor shout-out: Mia + May Events

Besides the incredible venue at Cloudland Station itself, I’ve got to give a shout-out to another of the vendors that made Joe and Caitlin’s wedding a complete dream day. Mia + May Events coordinated all the moving parts seamlessly. I love working with Danielle and Jillian! I love that they always have 2 people at every event: one person to manage all the vendors and make sure things are kept on task, and one person to attend to anything the bride and groom might need throughout the day. Talk about a dream team! I’ve listed the other vendors at the bottom of this blog, but I really wanted to make sure to tell you about Mia + May Events because I’ve been privileged to work with them a few times now.

Planning a fall wedding in Tennessee

Before I go, let’s talk a sec about the weather. Y’all know everybody loves October and thinks it’s the most “fall” month, but in southeast Tennessee, we can still get some pretty hot days through October. Also, in our southeast corner of the state, we really see some of the best fall colors in November! So if you’re scouring Pinterest and wondering when to schedule your colorful fall wedding...give us Chattanooga wedding photographers a break on October. I mean, definitely book October, but spread some of that love into November. I think you'll find it's very much what you're hoping for!

 

 

VENUE and VENDORS:

Wedding and reception venue: The Homestead at Cloudland Station
Coordinators: Mia + May Events
Bridal bouquet and bridesmaids bouquets: Petaline
Reception DJ: DJMCPRO
Caterer: Edley's BBQ
Bartenders: BarCart
Tables and linens: White Table
Beverages: Riverside Wine and Spirits
Wedding gown: Ever After Bridal
Hair and makeup: The Satin Doll Beauty Room

 

Hi, y'all! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I love getting to share these wedding days with you all. Thank you to every couple who’s privileged me with the opportunity to capture your big life moments! If Caitlin and Joe’s wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station was inspirational, I hope you’ll check out my other wedding blogs as well. 

 

I’d love to be your Chattanooga wedding photographer--or your destination wedding or elopement photographer! Contact me today so we can meet up and start planning!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Featured, Weddings
Tags: Chattanooga wedding photographer, Georgia wedding photographer, Lookout Mountain wedding, Tennessee wedding photographer, The Homestead at Cloudland Station wedding

January 24, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

The Old Woolen Mill Wedding, Cleveland | Abbey + Graham

Abbey and Graham, holy cow. What a sweet couple from start to finish. Before I get into the wedding and photos, let me tell you just one thing. Abbey and Graham ended their wedding reception at Weaver's Room at The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland (TN) dancing and screaming “You make my heart explode!” from The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!’s song “Ride Friendship.” If each couple and wedding had its own theme song, this is the perfect one for these two. I won’t judge if you play it while you scroll through their gallery. 😉 Enjoy!

Bride and groom cuddle in the bleachers, her hand in his hair and her bouquet next to them.

 

Ahead of their wedding, I ask each couple to complete a questionnaire so I get a few important phone numbers, a shot-list, and some other wedding day details. On my questionnaire, I also ask for the couple to share an abridged version of their love story with me. Abbey and Graham have built a friendship over the past 9 years. At a few points, they wanted to start dating, but the timing never seemed to work out. Once they decided to finally go for it, it didn’t take them long to realize they wanted to be partners for life. No matter the complications, the joy would be worth it!

 

How to set the tone for your wedding, Part 1: Location

Abbey and Graham planned their wedding ceremony in a former elementary school gymnasium. Yes, you read that correctly. The school now houses several non-profits, including the couple’s church, so they felt right at home hosting their wedding here. 

I love what Abbey wrote about their ceremony location on her blog. “Being in a gymnasium for our wedding speaks to the youthfulness of mine and Graham’s relationship. We’re a couple of weirdos crushing on one another, who just like playing together.” (Is your heart exploding yet?!)

Shaking things up a little bit from a traditional processional, the couple's parents walked them each to meet under the wedding arch at the same time. Abbey and Graham used this moment to symbolize equal forces coming together and the efforts they and their families have made to bring the moment of their marriage into fruition.

Sign posted in the window of a brown door announcing Abbey and Graham's wedding

Simple copper pipe wedding arch draped with white linen in front of gymnasium bleachers

String patio lights strung along orange metal railing

Groom walking arm-in-arm with his mother and father while friends sing in balcony behind him

Bride walking arm-in-arm with her mother and father while friends sing in balcony behind her

Man in white shirt hugs woman in green dress while others hug behind them

flat lay of Abbey and Graham's wedding day programs surrounded by white flower petals

bride, groom, and minister stand under a simple copper pipe wedding arch in front of wooden bleachers in a gymnasium

Groom smiles at bride, his best man behind him and several wedding attendants watch from gym bleachers

Bride smiles at groom, her maid of honor behind her and several wedding attendants watch from gym bleachers

Groom slides a rind onto bride's finger while their minister reads from his book and wedding attendants watch

Bride and groom kiss beneath a simple copper wedding arch. Their wedding party looks on and claps.

Bride and groom and their wedding part pose in front of wooden school gymnasium bleachers

Groom looks up at his much taller best man as they stand beneath a simple copper wedding arch

Bride and bridesmaids twirl in their dresses in front of simple copper wedding arch in front of wooden gymnasium bleachers

Bride and her bridesmaids in light green or amber-colored dresses stand beneath the simple, copper pipe wedding arch

Bride and bridesmaids elevate groom who poses with his hands under his chin

Bride and groom and their best man and maid of honor make silly faces under their wedding arch

 

Setting the tone for your wedding, Part 2: Florals
AKA Southerly Flower Farm with another big win

The team at Southerly Flower Farm created stunning floral arrangements for this wedding. Stunning. It’s hard to match a couple’s feelings of play and whimsy with a bridal bouquet, and Southerly Flower Farm nailed it. From the floral displays on the simple, copper pipe wedding arch to the reception centerpieces, each piece is a beautiful part of the playful tone of Abbey and Graham’s wedding story. Abbey wore custom earrings from Olie & Co. which paired perfectly with the flowers in her hair. They were so cool! And I smile every time I see that close-up of Graham's pink flower tie. Such unique details for these two.

Between the florals and the shockingly beautiful lighting, I’m still totally floored at how gorgeous this wedding was. 

Bride and groom smile while holding her Southerly Flower Farm bouquet, their simple copper wedding arch in the background

Bride and groom smile as they walk through a school gym, their simple copper wedding arch in the background

Bride and groom look at each other as they walk through a school gym

Bride tucks her hair behind her ear to reveal her Olie & Co. custom polymer clay earrings

Bride's hair filled with Southerly Flower Farm pink and peach floral accents

Groom in khakis, pink tie, and sport coat and bride in simple, long-sleeve white dress below simple copper pipe wedding arch

Groom poses in the corner of a gymnasium with his hands in his pockets.

Groom holds lapels the of his suit coat. He wears a white shirt and pink tie with floral details.

bride and groom kiss in front of a brick wall

Bride in simple, long-sleeve wedding gazes at groom in the sunlight next to a basketball court

Bride and groom laugh together. She puts a hand on her chest, and he scratches his bearded chin.

Bride and groom kiss next to a brick building. She wears a mixed Southerly Flower Farm bouquet in her hair.

Bride and groom walk along brick building with the shadow of a basketball goal behind them

Bride in simple, long-sleeve wedding dress holds her bouquet at a basketball court

Bride and groom stand against white cement block wall

Bride and groom walk along the top row of wooden gymnasium bleachers

bride and groom snuggle on wooden gymnasium bleachers with her Southerly Flower Farm bouquet next to them

bride and groom sit kissing on wooden gymnasium bleachers with her Southerly Flower Farm bouquet next to them

bride and groom sit kissing on wooden gymnasium bleachers with her Southerly Flower Farm bouquet next to them

bride and groom sit on wooden gymnasium bleachers with her Southerly Flower Farm bouquet next to them

Bride in long-sleeve dress lies on wooden bleachers in school gymnasium, her bouquet next to her

Bride in long-sleeve dress lies on wooden bleachers in school gymnasium

Man in khakis and sport coat sits on wooden bleachers

Southerly Flower Farm bridal bouquet with ribbons sitting on steps of wooden bleachers

Bride lays with her head in groom's lap as he strokes her hair on wooden bleachers in a school gymnasium

Bride lays with her head in groom's lap as he strokes her hair on wooden bleachers in a school gymnasium

bride and groom look at each other under a basketball hoop in a shadowy gymnasium

bride and groom dance together under a basketball hoop in a shadowy gymnasium

 

Weaver's Room at The Old Woolen Mill, Cleveland, TN

The Cleveland Woolen Mill was constructed in the late 1800s, but it went out of use in the 1970s. Recently the mill has been restored and given new purpose, including hosting wedding receptions, for instance.

At their reception, the couple presented a barbecue buffet for dinner, and Birch Tree Boba set up a boba tea stand. Such a fun addition to a reception! And Abbey's father made their wedding cake, which completely blows my mind. Abbey and Graham brought the copper pipe arch from their ceremony, set it up against an exposed brick wall, and created a photo booth for their guests. Several friends and family members gave emotional and heart-warming toasts, moving both Graham and Abbey to tears.

 

Setting the tone for your wedding and reception, Part 3: Music

On the wedding questionnaire, Abbey and Graham confessed that their biggest priority in planning their wedding was creating the perfect playlist for their reception! (Admittedly would probably be a main priority for me, too. Ha!) The couple is musical, so instead of a traditional “wedding party,” they had a “wedding chorus” of about 20 people. During the processional, the wedding chorus sang a song that Abbey and Graham had written together. 

Later, at their reception at Weaver's Room at The Old Woolen Mill, Cleveland, Graham and his mom set a sentimental pace with an acoustic version of Cindy Lauper’s “Time After Time.” Abbey and her dad danced together to a Billy Joel song they both really love. Then Graham and Abbey broke it down to Youth Lagoon’s “17.″ 

When the rest of the crowd joins them out on the dance floor, you can tell the night’s just not gonna end anytime soon. And as I look back through the photos from their reception, I think their playlist was very well received!

I started this blog by telling you how this wedding ended. So I'll end with that as well. After Niel and Jen from The Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt! led the crowd in their song “Ride Friendship,” Abbey and Graham headed into the night through a tunnel of sparklers.

 

Groom and his mother dance under the exposed rafters and beams of Weaver's Room at The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland Tennessee

Groom and mother dance while bride and father dance under exposed rafters and beams at The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, TN

Bride and father dance under exposed rafters and beams at The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, TN

Bride and groom dance with their foreheads touching, her hand on his shoulder and his hand at her waist.

Groom looks at bride share their first dance under exposed rafters and beams during their reception at The Old Woolen Mill

Groom and bride share their first dance during their reception at The Old Woolen Mill, a restored warehouse in Cleveland TN

Bride and groom dance during their wedding reception

Bride and groom stand before their wedding guests under string patio lights across exposed rafters of a restored warehouse

Multiple barbecue sauces lined up at the end of a table

People serving themselves from buffet in front of an exposed brick wall at The Old Woolen Mill

Two women sign the large blank pages of a guest book, one fills the page with hearts

Birch Tree Boba employee scoops boba pearls into a cup of tea during a wedding reception in Cleveland, TN

Birch Tree Boba cup of tea with dark boba pearls next to box of straws

Southerly Flower Farm reception table centerpiece with low terra cotta planter and wild flowers next to "Mrs & Mr" sign

Simple Southerly Flower Farm reception table centerpiece sits between small empty glass bottles and sign for guests

Bride holds up bottle of Laphroaig scotch before toasts

Best Man and Maid of Honor hold microphone and stand in front of exposed brick wall to deliver toasts

Bride and groom sit at a table with amber-colored tablecloth in front of a shiplap wall strung with patio string lights

Two men in suits toast with plastic cups of beer

Bride and groom sit in front of shiplap wall at The Old Woolen Mill. He holds his mouth emotionally.

Bride and groom sit in front of shiplap wall. She tears up with emotion.

Bride wearing long-sleeve wedding dress with buttons up the back hugs a woman

Bride and groom cut into 3-tier cake topped with cream puffs

Groom hand-feeds bride cake next to their 3-tier cake topped with cream puffs

Bride snuggles into groom's shoulder, and he turns into her forehead

Man cuts slices of wedding sheet cake and puts them onto plates

Bride sways in her long-sleeve dress with buttons up the back. She has lots of flowers in the back of her hair.

Bride sways in her long-sleeve dress as guests begin to dance around her

Bride and wedding guests dance during wedding reception at The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, TN

Bride is encircled by several friends who hold hands around here. They all sing.

Groom points at bride as they dance together with friends around them at The Old Woolen Mill

Bride and groom hold onto each other's hands as they sit on top of their friends' shoulders

Two women hug and laugh, one raises her cup in a toast

Woman in red dress dances with her hands around a man's neck

Two men in purple shirts hold hands and dance

Man and woman dance under lights during wedding reception at Weaver's Room in The Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, Tennessee

Man and woman dance under lights during wedding reception

Groom and friend dance encircled by friends

Bride and bridesmaid dance alone in a corner

Man and woman dance next to round dining table

Man and woman sing and dance under lights at a wedding reception

Bride leaps into the air while dancing with friends

Bride and groom dance, and he plays an air saxophone while friends play other air instruments

Bride and groom dance with their friends

Bride and groom dance and jump with friends under a large purple parachute

Group of friends form a tight cluster under lights

Tight cluster of friends jumps and dances together

Bride and groom walk between rows of their friends extending sparklers into the night sky

Bride and groom kiss in the middle of their sparkler exit, she kicks a foot up behind her

Bride and groom hold hands and kiss under sparklers, she holds a hand over her heart

Abbey and Graham, You make my heart explode. You’re alive! You’re in love! You’ve got hope just because! (from “Ride Friendship”) Thank you for the honor of documenting this part of your love story.

 

 

Thank you to the venues and vendors who helped create a memorable day for Abbey and Graham:

Florals: Southerly Flower Farm
Venue: Weaver's Room at The Old Woolen Mill
Custom earrings: Olie & Co.
Boba stand: Birch Tree Boba
Day-of Event Coordinator: Billie Burns

 

Sometimes I feel like I'm a professional wedding crasher. When I look through these galleries days, weeks, or months later, I still connect to the emotional energy of that day. I hope you do, too. As your friendly Chattanooga wedding photographer, my aim is to capture the feelings of your day as well as the moments themselves. If you're hoping for this sort of storytelling on your wedding day, contact me! I'd love to treat you to coffee to see if we're a good fit.

 

Hi, y'all! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. I hope you enjoyed looking at through Abbey and Graham's gallery. For a few minutes there at the end of this reception, I felt like I was at a concert photography gig! What a fun time. If you liked Abbey and Graham's alternative to a traditional church wedding, you might also like Margaret and Garrison's Bohemian Festival Wedding or Liz and Andrew's elopement in Zion National Park. I love finding new locations to get creative with you!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Featured, Weddings
Tags: Chattanooga wedding photographer, Cleveland TN wedding photographer, The Old Woolen Mill wedding

January 19, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Raccoon Mountain Sunset Engagement | Tess + Webb

I’ll be shooting Tess and Webb’s wedding at The Homestead at Cloudland Station later this year, and if that’s anything like their Raccoon Mountain sunset engagement session, it’s gonna be a good one (see other weddings I've shot at The Homestead at Cloudland Station)!

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans in to kiss woman at golden hour during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

 

Raccoon Mountain, not just for caving and mountain biking

When Tess contacted me about engagement portraits, she wanted to give me some creative liberty and to style her and Webb a little for the photos. I suggested a flowy gown and more formal outfit and an outfit change mid-session to vary the tone of things a bit. The couple wanted a mix of water and mountain scenery, and I knew Raccoon Mountain offered both features. I knew we also had the possibility of an incredible sunset for their engagement portraits, so we scheduled our timing with this in mind.

If you haven’t been up to Raccoon Mountain, you really need to go exploring. It’s a little tricky to find info online about the park. Raccoon Mountain is technically part of TVA’s hydroelectric system, and the other sort of main draw is the cavern system underground. But above ground is a huge reservoir surrounded by a 1-way loop drive with a couple of unreal overlook spots! You’ll just have to take my photo evidence here as proof that you need to get up there and check it out. 

We began the evening with their more formal outfits, and I got some shots of Tess and Webb in the woods. With such incredible scenery coming up, I really wanted to capture these two in a more “neutral” setting, something that wouldn’t be too distracting from the couple. This also helped Tess and Webb get used to my direction and cues.

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees on Raccoon Mountain

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress hold hands beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees on Raccoon Mountain

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress kiss beneath tall trees

Man in light blue suit and woman in white lacy dress stand hugging, looking at each other beneath tall trees

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile

 

Mountainside serenade

I always encourage my couple’s to bring something special with them as a way to personalize their session. Webb brought his guitar because he plays a lot of open-mic nights, and Tess is always there to cheer him on. Music is something the two have bonded over, and it was really cute to watch him serenade her as part of their engagement portraits.

Man leans over woman's shoulder, hugging her, while they both smile

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks near woods. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. He plays a guitar while she smiles.

Man in light blue suit and woman in strapless white dress sit on large rocks. She plays a guitar as he reaches over the frets

Diamond engagement ring sits on guitar frets

 

A sunset engagement session on Raccoon Mountain

The sky start to change, and we knew it was time to work in some of those amazing sunset shots. This light still kills me. We definitely got in those mountain views that Tess wanted in her engagement portraits with Webb! Haha! I am over the moon at the swoon-worthy close-up shots as the couple leans in for that kiss.

After photos at the overlook, Tess and Webb changed into their less formal outfits. We did some styled, more moody photos on the loop drive around the reservoir. If you ask me, Tess couldn’t have picked a better dress to match that sky.

Man in light blue suit and woman in flowing lacy white dress kiss at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit dips woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit dips woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit twirls woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit twirls woman in flowing lacy white dress at sunset with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile. Behind them the sun sets over several hills.

Man in light blue suit picks up woman in flowing lacy white dress with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile. Behind them the sun sets over several hills.

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile. Behind them the sun sets over several hills.

Man leans over woman's shoulder, almost kissing her neck while they both smile

Man in light blue suit picks up woman in flowing lacy white dress with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit picks up woman in flowing lacy white dress with rolling Tennessee Valley hills behind them

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans nose-to-nose with woman at sunset during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans nose-to-nose with woman at sunset during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans nose-to-nose with woman at sunset during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man in light blue suit and glasses leans in to kiss woman at golden hour during Raccoon Mountain engagement session

Man and woman walk hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. She carries a bouquet of white flowers.

Man and woman walk hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. She carries a bouquet of white flowers.

Man and woman stands hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. She holds a bouquet of white flowers.

Man uncorks champagne and champagne sprays out. Woman in pink dress stands next to him laughing.

Man uncorks champagne and champagne sprays out. Woman in pink dress stands next to him laughing.

Man drinks champagne from the bottle. Woman in pink dress stands next to him laughing.

Man and woman stand next to each other on paved road near metal guardrail. She holds champagne bottle and laughs.

Man and woman stand hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour.

Man and woman stand hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour.

Man and woman stand kissing on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour.

Man and woman walk hand-in-hand on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive at golden hour. He has a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man and woman walk on paved road at golden hour. He strums a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man and woman walk on paved road. He strums a guitar hung over his shoulder.

Man dips woman in long pink dress back and kisses her at golden hour on Raccoon Mountain's loop drive

Tess and Webb, thanks for the creative freedom for your engagement portraits! Can’t wait till the wedding! 

 

 

Researching where to have your engagement portraits taken? We’ve got so many amazing locations within a pretty short drive from Chattanooga! Raccoon Mountain is only about 20 minutes from downtown. And don’t forget, I’m always ready to book tickets to meet you in your dream destination! CONTACT ME, your friendly Chattanooga wedding photographer, so we can start planning!

Hi, there! I'm Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography, and I hope you enjoyed seeing Tess and Webb's engagement photos. In need of your own engagement session inspiration? Consider my Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations. Or interested in a couple’s portrait session out of town? I do that, too! Check out Liz and Brock’s Joshua Tree Adventure couple's session.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements
Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, couple's session, Tennessee wedding photographer

January 15, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Winter Wedding at The Turnbull | Martha + Geoff

Martha and Geoff's winter wedding at The Turnbull made me realize something: spring and fall seasons get so much of the wedding rush, but there’s something cool (ha!) and ...pristine maybe? about a winter wedding. Maybe it’s just because it’s January right now, and everything seems like it’s beginning again. Things feel fresh and new. So, yeah! New year, new marriage! And a wedding at The Turnbull Building in Chattanooga, TN...I am here for it. I can’t wait for you to see how gorgeous this couple is in these downtown Chattanooga scenes.

Bride and groom under covered walkway between brick archways

 

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Wedding Ceremony

Martha and Geoff held their ceremony at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church downtown where they are members. This building was constructed in the 1800s, and it’s on the National Register of Historic Buildings! Holy cow, it has such interesting architecture and gorgeous stained glass windows. My favorite parts of this property are actually the memorial garden and labyrinth! And I love how the alcoves and covered walkways create a feeling of seclusion and peace in the first-look photos and bride and groom portraits.

Note: It was important to Martha and Geoff to have their ceremony in their home church of St. Paul’s, but the church has a policy against photographers in the main sanctuary. You’ll notice that all my ceremony shots are from the back of the room or the balcony which were the areas I was allowed to access. While this isn’t completely prohibitive, if you’re looking for more close-up ceremony photography, be sure your photographer is able to access the whole space. If you’re currently planning a wedding, double check with your venues about photographer access!

Bride and groom nuzzle under covered walkway between brick archways

Bride and groom nuzzle under covered walkway between brick archways

Bride and groom share first look under covered walkway between brick archways

Bride and groom under covered walkway between brick archways

Bride and groom under covered walkway between brick archways

Groom kisses bride's cheek under covered walkway between brick archways

Bride wears high-collared, three-quarter-length lace wedding dress holds bouquet of white and peach flowers

Groom holds lapels of his tuxedo with a white boutonniere pinned on his chest

Bride in lace wedding dress looks at bouquet of white and peach flowers; groom wears plaid cummerbund under his tuxedo jacket

Bride and her father stand under gray winter sky in front of antique brick church

Bride waits at the back of red-carpeted aisle while flower girl and ring bearer walk toward altar

Bride and father walk central aisle as guests begin to stand from wooden pews for processional

Sanctuary with brick walls, wooden pews, and red carpet of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, TN

Priest and attendants watch father kiss his daughter's cheek at the altar of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, TN

Bride and groom sit in wooden pews across the red-carpeted aisle during their wedding ceremony at St. Pauls Episcopal Church

Bride and groom stand before priest as he reads from the Bible during their wedding ceremony

Bride slides ring onto groom's finger while attendants and priest look on

Bride and groom kneel at altar while priest reads Scripture during their wedding ceremony

Bride and groom kiss at the altar in front of priest at their St. Paul's Episcopal Church wedding in downtown Chattanooga

Bride and groom hold hands and walk the red-carpeted aisle while guests stand and clap

Family photo with bride and groom in front of the doors of St. Paul's Episcopal Church wedding in downtown Chattanooga

Bride and groom silhouette against stained glass window

Bride and groom kiss in shadowy hallway between stained glass windows

Bride and groom kiss in front of stained glass window

 

Bride and Groom portraits in West Village Chattanooga

Because they opted for a first look, we were able to do all of Martha and Geoff's portraits before the ceremony so they could go straight to the reception. We went to Chattanooga’s West Village for the portraits. This part of the city recently experienced some revitalization and rebranding, and now it sets a nice urban scene for photos. Martha and Geoff wanted a calm, easy-going portrait session, and I think we pulled that off pretty well. They had a family friend bring their dogs over to the church for some photos, too!

Bride and groom descending cement steps toward sidewalk

Bride and groom walk the sidewalk in Chattanooga's West Village

Bride and groom smile at each other in Chattanooga's West Village

Bride and groom hold hands in Chattanooga's West Village. She holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers

Bride and groom hold hands in Chattanooga's West Village. She holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers

Bride and groom cuddle, her hand under his arm and the other on his shoulder.

Bride and groom smile at each other between downtown buildings as her veil swirls around them.

Bride and groom kiss in the middle of the road between downtown buildings. Her veil blows in the wind.

Bride and groom cuddle on brick steps. She wears a white lace bodice gown and holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers

Bride and groom kiss while sitting on brick steps. She wears a white lace bodice gown

Groom cuddles bride over her shoulders while he kisses her cheek

Bride and groom hold hands and cross the street in West Village Chattanooga. She holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers

Bride and groom hold hands and cross the street in West Village Chattanooga. She holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers

Bride and groom hold their family dogs in front of St Paul's Episcopal Church

Bride and groom hold their family dogs in front of St Paul's Episcopal Church

Bride wearing lace bodice wedding gown holds a bouquet of white and peach flowers and greenery

Bride and groom take a turn around the labyrinth at St Paul's Episcopal Church in downtown Chattanooga

Bride and groom smile at each other under her veil.

Bride and groom kiss under her veil, her ring hand on his shoulder.

Bride and groom ride in the back of a white jeep

 

Wedding Reception at The Turnbull

After the ceremony, Martha and Geoff headed over the The Turnbull Building to host their wedding reception. The Turnbull, located between Chattanooga’s Southside and the Riverfront, is another building on the National Register of Historic Places! 

If you’re looking for a beautiful historic wedding venue in Chattanooga, TN, this one has an amazing, urban industrial vibe. Gorgeous, huge windows and cool architectural elements like exposed beams and brick interior walls. Chattanooga winters can be pretty gray, but if you’re planning a winter wedding at The Turnbull, you’ll love how the wood tones warm up this space. I especially liked how Fox and Fern decked out the rafters and beams with flowers and greenery for this reception. The Turnbull Building at its finest. 

Martha and Geoff planned a relaxed, casual reception. Their priority was to spend time with their guests and catch up with family and hang out with friends, so they limited some of the typical reception activities in order to do that. They hired Love, Peace & Happiness Band for live music to get people out on the dance floor, and of course we enjoyed the heck outta the glow sticks! All in all, it was a really classy, relaxed day.

White plastic sign with changeable letters welcome bride and groom to The Turnbull Building wedding reception

Live band musical equipment on the stage at The Turnbull Building's wedding hall

Round tables surrounded by exposed wooden beams and large windows furnish The Turnbull Building's wedding hall

The Turnbull Building's wedding hall with wood finishes, exposed beams, and large windows

Chalkboard in front of round tables with white tablecloths under large windows and exposed beams at The Turnbull Building

Colorful customized koozies with white sketches of pet faces and names

Colorful customized koozies with white sketches of pet faces and names

Tabletop vase with bouquet of white hydrangeas, peonies, roses and pink peony with greenery

Bouquet of white hydrangeas, peonies, roses and pink peony with greenery

Platter with cream and jam-topped biscuits next to "Events with Taste" napkins

Serving tongs on a platter with soft shell tacos next to a platter of pulled pork sliders

Forks and sandwich platter at front of long buffet table under tall windows and exposed brick walls of The Turnbull Building

Three white frosted layer cakes surrounded by greenery and tabletop signs labeling yellow, red velvet, and sour cream cakes

Tabletop sign printed with "Sour cream coconut" in front of greenery and a white cake topped with flowers

Tabletop sign printed with "Red velvet cream cheese icing" in front of white frosted cake

Several small white and pink flowers top a cake covered in coconut flakes

Bride and groom smile and cut into their white frosted cake together

Bride's hands surround groom's as they cut into their white frosted cake with pink peony on top

Bride holds a small plate while groom holds knife in front of white frosted cake

Bride and groom hold a plate of bright red red velvet cake for their first taste at their wedding at The Turnbull Building

Red velvet cake with thick white frosting with small piece cut away is topped with light pink peony

Bride and groom dance alone on wooden dance floor under exposed beams of The Turnbull Building while guests watch

Bride and groom dance in front of live band under exposed beams and large windows at their wedding at The Turnbull Building

Groom sings to bride during their first dance while live band plays behind them.

Bride and her father dance under exposed beams and ductwork at wedding at The Turnbull Building in Chattanooga TN

Groom and his mother dance under exposed beams and ductwork at wedding at The Turnbull Building in Chattanooga TN

Woman and small boy dance on wooden dance floor

Band plays on stage for wedding guests under exposed beams and ductwork at wedding at The Turnbull Building in Chattanooga TN

Man wearing black vest and striped tie sings into microphone; another man wearing paisley vest plays bass guitar

Woman plays soprano sax into microphone while tenor sax suspends around her neck

Man plays electric guitar while wearing a yellow glow stick as a halo

Bride and friends wearing glow sticks like halos under industrial exposed ductwork in warehouse wedding reception

Wedding guests dance in a circle with the bride and groom; greenery hangs from exposed beams at The Turnbull Building

Man and woman wearing glow sticks as halos. She holds neon green glasses in front of her eyes

Wedding guests dancing under industrial exposed ductwork

Bride and groom onstage with wedding band. The singer holds a microphone in one hand and tambourine overhead with the other

Back of bride as she's onstage with a band, speaking to wedding guests at The Turnbull

Bride and several female friends sing and dance on band's stage while groom and guests watch and dance on the dance floor

Bride and several female friends sing and dance on band's stage while the band sings and plays at The Turnbull in Chattanooga

The Turnbull Building in downtown Chattanooga, TN at night, lights glowing along brick exterior

The Turnbull Building in downtown Chattanooga, TN at night, lights glowing along brick exterior

Bride and groom dance in a dark room under the glow of a few spotlights

Martha and Geoff, photographing your wedding and reception was such a pleasure. I wish you all the happiness in the world!

 

Many thanks to the vendors and venues who made Martha and Geoff's wedding at The Turnbull so gorgeous and memorable!

Ceremony venue: St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Reception venue: The Turnbull Building
Florals: Fox and Fern
Band: Love, Peace & Happiness Band
Coordinator: Wildflower Wedding Planning
Catering: Events with Taste
Dress: BLHDN

As a Chattanooga wedding photographer, I really love getting to explore so many corners of this city and see them in light of each couple. Whether you're planning your big day downtown or in the 'burbs, CONTACT ME. I’d love to plan with you!

 

If you loved Martha and Geoff’s wedding in the city, definitely check out Brian and Tiffany’s Chattanooga Whiskey’s Event Hall wedding or Danielle and Alex’s wedding at The Church on Main. And check out my Top 5 Chattanooga Engagement Photo Locations if you're looking for some recommendations around town for your portraits.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Weddings
Tags: Chattanooga wedding photographer, St. Paul's Episcopal Church Chattanooga wedding, Tennessee wedding photographer, The Turnbull Building wedding reception
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