National Park wedding Archives - OkCrowe Photography

April 5, 2020 — Comments are off for this post.

Roan Mountain Wedding | Matt + Caitlin

Caitlin and Matt found me through Instagram when they were searching for a photographer for their Roan Mountain wedding. The couple lives in South Carolina, but they planned to get married near family on Roan Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest. They’d been searching for a local photographer but weren’t having much luck. So they expanded their search to all of Tennessee through the hashtag Tennessee wedding photographer and found OkCrowe Weddings!

Matt and Caitlin met when she was bartending during college at USC in Columbia, South Carolina. Matt’s a musician, and he would come to the bar and tell her about the shows he was doing. Later she’d gush to her friends about “hot Matt.” When she stayed in town over spring break to get in some extra work hours, Matt asked her out! From that first date, they’ve been pretty inseparable.

Caitlin says their common sense of adventure, love of exploring, and creative natures (she’s an artist and graphic designer) are just as important to their relationship as the things that make them different.

groom in maroon suit kisses brides cheek in grassy field with hills in the background at their Roan Mountain wedding

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

Because she and Matt are both artists (musician and graphic designer), they wanted their wedding to reflect their chosen paths, their relationship, and their authentic selves. Caitlin’s creative touch was involved from start to finish in every detail of the day. You’ll notice her flair for bright, bold, and whimsical details in this gallery. She designed their invitation suite (HOLY WOW) and the plastic cups for their reception (Laissez les bons temps rouler is a Cajun French phrase meaning “Let the good times roll”). She hand painted hangers for her bridesmaids’ dresses and all the signage for the ceremony and reception. Caitlin also ordered all the florals online from Bloominous and designed each piece herself! I’m pretty sure there’s not much this lady can’t do--and I love how incredibly her details came together to reflect a unique sense for their wedding day and relationship.

NATIONAL FOREST WEDDING HIDEAWAY

Matt and Caitlin got married at The Barn at Triple J Farms, which is just outside of Roan Mountain State Park near the Tennessee-North Carolina border. Deep in the heart of the Cherokee National Forest, it felt like a little hideaway from the rest of the world. I do so love state park and national park weddings for this reason.

bright, bold wedding invitation and save-the-date cards draped with bead necklace

sparkly pink ankle boots sit next to lace square laid with emerald ring and floral earrings

floral details on white tulle wedding dress hanging from custom hanger against wooden barn door

bride and bridesmaids in fringe-lined bathrobes hold large balloons

bride crosses her arms in front of her while her mother ties the back of her dress

bride puts on lace-up sparkly boots while her mother helps tie them

bridesmaids in sleeveless blue dresses react with excitement at their first view of the bride

bride opens her arms wide as her father sees her in her wedding dress for the first time

wooden box labeled John sits on a bench next to baseball glove

wooden box with lid hinged open contains a dark tie and small bottle of Makers Mark whisky

man crouches in field with his baseball-gloved hand extended

pocket watch sits on top of gray socks stitched with black dogs. Black mens shoes and black tie nearby.

groom dresses in deep maroon suit with black lapels, black shoes, and black tie

groom's mother pins a simple boutonniere of greens and white flower onto the black lapel of his maroon suit

man grasps the black lapels of his maroon suit. a simple boutonniere of greens and white flower is pinned to his lapel.

bridesmaids in long blue satin dresses walk with bride on a gravel path at her Roan Mountain wedding. one woman carries bride's dress train.

bride and bridesmaids in various blue satin gowns stand with their flowers at their sides

bride and bridesmaids in various blue satin gowns walk while holding their long gowns above the grass

Groom in maroon suit and groomsmen in gray suits walk down a gravel path under tall trees

Groom in maroon suit and groomsmen in gray suits stand in a V-formation

wooden archway decorated with bright florals

ROAN MOUNTAIN WEDDING CEREMONY

Here’s how you know the world is small. I get hired to shoot a wedding 3 ½ hours away from home in the middle of a huge national forest. In talking to their friend Mel who officiated the ceremony, I realized how many friends we have in common back in Chattanooga. What a wild connection.

So Matt and Caitlin chose not to do a first look ahead of their ceremony. Y’all, Matt’s face when he saw her walk down the aisle--I just can’t. This is the sweetest moment. I love when his dad (also his best man!) leans over and squeezes him around the shoulder. So much tenderness, and these moments get me every time!

Caitlin and Matt have two really sweet dogs that they included throughout their day. I could not get over how their lab stood next to Mel watching his mom and dad exchange vows.

groom in maroon suit and officiant in tan suit stand on a wooden deck in front of a wooden archway

bride walks through wooden doorway in a field toward wedding guests

groom wipes away his tears

bride and her father stand at the front of the aisle as groom's father hugs him around his shoulder

black labrador stands next to officiant while bride and groom hold hands and exchange vows

groom looks at bride while officiant reads to them

bride smiles at groom while he repeats his vows to her

bride and groom kiss while maid of honor, best man, and officiant smile

bride and groom hug tightly

bride and groom walk down the aisle together with their black lab while guests clap for them

groom kisses bride's cheek as her red hair blows in the breeze

groom holds bride and kisses her at the end of the aisle at their Roan Mountain wedding in Cherokee National Forest

grooms father kisses grooms mother on the hand as he escorts a bridesmaid down the aisle

groom hugs bride and spins her in a grass field

bride and bridesmaids raise their hands in celebration

bride hugs her mother while others look on

bride and groom hold their hands together to show their rings off

bride hugs young girl in blue dress

bride and groom pose with their family members and dogs in front of the wooden arch ceremony structure

bride and groom hug as bridal party comes together for a group hug

ROAN MOUNTAIN WEDDING RECEPTION AND SUNSET BRIDE AND GROOM PHOTOS

Matt and Caitlin’s reception was a ton of fun. Their goal was to kick back and celebrate with their family and friends, and they accomplished that to the final moments. Matt’s band played, and he would take breaks between dancing to go play with them.

Partway through the reception, I grabbed the couple so we could go out to the field for sunset portraits. You guys know these are one of my favorite things to shoot, and I love when my couples make time for them! Later, Matt and Caitlin told me they really enjoyed this session because the stress of the day was totally gone by that point. They were able to feel really relaxed and enjoy being themselves in front of the camera! These two highly recommend doing sunset portraits.

hand painted sign reading Mr. and Mirs. Buck stands against metal candle holders

wedding guest stands at table with hand-painted sign inviting guests to sign guest book

printed signs with beer and wine list and cocktails named after the couple's dogs sits in front of plastic cups

plastic cocktail cups printed with Laissez les bon temps rouler Roan Mountain

bridesmaids sit in large red rocking chairs drinking beer from bottles

man chooses cheese and fruit from a snack table

large, green salad with mixed vegetables in a serving bowl

fresh roast being cut at carving station

interior barn reception hall with exposed rafters and beams strung with white lights and a candelabra

bride and groom share their first dance in a dimly lit barn interior

bride and her father dance under exposed beams and rafters while wedding guests watch

groom and his mother dance under exposed beams and rafters while wedding guests watch

bride and groom hold hands and walk in a grass field at their Roan Mountain wedding in Cherokee National Forest

bride and groom hold hands to show off their wedding bands and her emerald engagement ring

bride runs toward groom and he holds her in his arms as they kiss at their Roan Mountain wedding in Cherokee National Forest

groom hugs bride from behind as she smiles

bride and groom playfully kiss in the sunset at their Roan Mountain wedding

grooms holds his arms wide while bride spreads out the tulle skirt of her wedding gown at their Roan Mountain wedding

bride holds her bold red, white, and green bouquet

table decorated with hand painted signs and mardi gras beads around cinnamon buns, cookings, and cake

bride and groom cut their wedding cake

bride and groom feed each other wedding cake at their reception

two women dance among wedding reception guests

older couple dances under white string lights at wedding reception

young boy and girl dance with other wedding guests

bride and bridesmaids hold drinks and dance together near band stage at her Roan Mountain wedding

bride dances with young boy near band stage

older woman wearing Mardi Gras beads around her neck dances from her wheelchair

groom sings into microphone as his band plays

bride and friends cheer as the band plays at her Roan Mountain wedding reception

wedding guests dance and sing together

bride and groom dance and sing together among their guests at their Roan Mountain wedding reception

bride prepares to toss her bouquet over her head to waiting women

bridesmaid catches bouquet as other woman cheer and laugh

groom and bride start to kiss while wedding guests wave glow sticks around them

bride sits on grooms lap on a golden antique chair as he kisses her

WHAT REALLY MATTERS <3

I send out a questionnaire about a month before each wedding I shoot. One question I ask is for advice the couple would give to future couples planning their dream wedding. Caitlin’s answer really resonated with me. And I’ve got to say--Caitlin and Matt really took their own advice to heart and had an incredible day because of it!

“Figure out what's actually important to you and don't stress about the things that aren't really that big of a deal. Also go with your gut, listen to people's suggestions but don't let people force you to do things you don't want to do. In the end all that matters is you're together (and food, no one wants hangry guests haha!).”

Caitlin and Matt, thank you so much for trusting me with your wedding day! Congratulations, and let the good times roll!

Roan Mountain Wedding Vendors for Matt and Caitlin’s big day

Venue: The Barn at Triple J Farms
Florals: Bloominous
Caterer: Gadabouts Catering
Cake & Desserts: Stick Boy Bread Co (Boone,NC)
Musicians: Nick Brewer on keys, Reggie Sullivan on upright bass, and Brendan Bullon on drums
Officiant: Mel Washington
Dress: J. Major's
Groom's tux: Brittons
Graphic work (invitations, signage, cups): CVP_Graphics
Cups printer: Totally Promotional
Invitations printer: Mercurio Brothers

That #TennesseeWeddingPhotographer tag is a powerful tool! I love exploring new corners of my state, and I am consistently floored by our country’s state and national parks/forests. If you’ve thought about having your wedding (or any sort of photoshoot!) in one of these parks, contact me. I’d love to work with you on that!

Hi, y’all! I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. I'm a wedding photographer based in Chattanooga, TN, and I love when my couples choose Tennessee as their destination. I also love to travel for weddings, elopements, and engagements. I hope this blog inspires you. I've got tons more wedding and engagement blogs to share!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Weddings

December 9, 2019 — Comments are off for this post.

Zion Winter Elopement | Liz + Andrew

This wedding day totally affirmed my love for offbeat, out-of-the-ordinary weddings! Liz and Andrew’s snowy Zion winter elopement was so incredible that I can’t wait to experience more elopement days with my engaged couples!

Liz and Andrew are the coolest, most easy-going and fun couple! We traveled to Zion National Park for their last-minute elopement. Even though it wasn’t what they had originally planned, the day turned out to be so beautiful and so them.

Groom dips bride for a kiss in front of red cliffs as snow falls around them. Brides veil streams behind her.

Traditional wedding plans become untraditional elopement plans

Liz had been following me on social media for awhile after she’d seen me in action shooting some of her friend’s weddings. When she and Andrew got engaged, we started chatting back and forth about their May wedding plans. While they had considered eloping, they knew that their families would be sad about not being included. I gave her some tips and encouraged her to go with her gut and be untraditional, but she was still hesitant.

A little while later, when I was unable to attend a bridal show, I passed my tickets to Liz. She and Andrew walked into the show, and they immediately felt waves of overwhelm (holla if that’s you!). They turned right around and walked out! In that instant, they decided that they would elope instead, so they went home and cancelled all of their wedding plans.

Bride and groom standing close to each other, his hand caress her neck while they laugh

Bride and groom high-five each other, laughing as snow falls around them.

Planning a last-minute elopement

I was in Maine for a session when I got her email telling me that they were cancelling their May wedding and had decided to elope in Zion National Park the following month. I was like “WAIT...Hold up! WHAT?! Can you get married in Zion National Park?” After some quick research, I replied to her email with, “Uhhhh….I can shoot your elopement in Zion! And I’ll help you plan it!”

With only three weeks’ notice, we planned their whole elopement together: I bought my plane ticket, got permits to photograph inside the National Park, and sorted out a local officiant. Side note: Getting to add--and then check off--Zion National Park elopement photography to my bucket list was awesome!

Snow dusted cliffs and valleys of Zion National Park

Bridal party hikes under huge red cliffs to Canyon Overlook in Zion National Park

Zion National Park winter elopement

Also known as: Getting married in a snowstorm!

When I landed in Salt Lake City, I met up with Liz and Andrew and a few of the friends they’d invited out. Everyone was welcoming, easy going, and so chill. While they went skiing and snowboarding, I ran a few errands and picked up Liz’s bouquet.

On elopement day, we woke up super early to drive the five hours from Salt Lake City to Zion National Park. It was snowing hard on the way there, and quickly turned into a blizzard. Luckily, I come prepared for any weather situations, so I had thick socks, hand-warmers, extra gloves...you name it!

Once we arrived to a private property just outside of Zion National Park, we were struck by the gorgeous views. We met the officiant we’d hired, and Liz and Andrew got dressed--in the cold and snow--on either side of the car so they wouldn’t see each other. The best part about an outdoor elopement in the winter? When you can pull up the hem of your dress to reveal your thick, wool socks and hiking boots underneath!

Bride and groom driving a curvy road toward red cliffs

A friend buttons the back of bride's strapless lacy dress next to a car

Bride stands in her strapless lacy gown beside black car holding her veil high overhead

Bride dressed in lacy gown, long veil, pink fur coat and snow boots prepares her bouquet with friends

Bride in strapless, lacy dress holds her bouquet with other arm open wide. She lifts her gown to reveal snow boots

Bride and Groom First Look Surprise

The couple wanted to do a private first look, and, as I was telling Liz to go tap Andrew on the shoulder to signal to him to turn around, her eyes lit up and she said, “Can I slap him on the ass?!” I busted out laughing and said, “OMG, yes!” She responded with a “Hell yeah!” and smacked him hard! His reaction was sooo funny! He laughed and then teared up in the same moment.

The officiant led us to the ceremony spot, and their elopement ceremony was so sweet and very super chill, just like them. It really fit their personalities so well, which was extra special. I loved being part of this wedding-turned-elopement for so many reasons, but these incredible moments when everything just feels...right...that’s what it’s about.

Groom stands overlooking a cliff. Bride walks toward him for their private first look before a snowy Zion elopement ceremony

Groom stands overlooking a cliff. Bride wearing lacy strapless dress and long veil walks toward him for private first look

Bride wearing lacy strapless dress and long veil sneaks up on groom for first look and slaps his butt

Bride and groom see each other for the first time, laughing and admiring how each other look in their wedding attire

Groom laughs when ride pulls up the hem of her strapless, lacy wedding gown to reveal high wool socks and snow boots.

Groom wearing a blue suit with red polka dot tie and pocket square laughs with bride

Groom wearing a blue suit with red polka dot tie and pocket square holds bride wearing a strapless lace gown and long veil

Bride and a few friends hike up a large rock toward scraggly pine trees and shrubs

Bride and groom walk to the edge of a cliff to exchange vows, her veil streaming behind her

Bride and groom hold hands and exchange vows on a cliffside while two friends witness

Bride and groom hold hands and exchange vows on a cliffside in Zion

Bride and groom hold hands and exchange vows during their elopement ceremony on a cliff while a few friends watch

Bride and groom hold hands and exchange vows on a cliffside in Zion

Bride and groom kiss on the edge of a cliff with a foggy snowy sky

wedding rings perched on a wild cactus in Zion National Park

Bride and groom holding hands on the rocks of Zion National Park, snowy fog rolling over the red cliffs in the background

Bride and Groom Portraits at Canyon Overlook in Zion National Park

Also known as: Bride and groom portraits in a white-out!

After the ceremony, we did some group portraits and then headed into Zion National Park. By this point, it was snowing pretty heavily. Originally, we’d planned to hike to Angels Landing, one of the top 3 viewpoints in Zion, but the snow and wind were crazy. So I did some quick research, and we found another overlook that was a shorter, safer hike.

We grabbed our things and hiked over to Canyon Overlook. When we arrived at the overlook, it was a whiteout! As in: we couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of our faces. The ground was also very slippery, which definitely leveled up the “adventure” part of “adventure wedding photography.” Ha! After we took some photos and enjoyed the magic of winter in Zion, we hiked back to the vehicles and headed back to Salt Lake City....then onward home to Chattanooga.

Groom stands with groomsmen, arms crossed in front of them, with the snowy hills of Zion National Park in the background.

Groomsmen hold the bride across their arms, the snowy hills and cliffs of Zion National Park in the background.

Bride and groom, wearing hiking boots, stop for a kiss next to rock cliffs.

Bride and bridesmaid pull up their dress hems during snowy Zion hike to reveal their hiking boots.

Bride and bridesmaid at the bottom of red cliffs hiking to Canyon Overlook

Bride and groom pose under red cliffs with icicles around them.

Bride and groom kiss at the bottom of red cliffs at Zion National Park.

Bride and groom pose at the bottom of red cliffs at Zion National Park.

Bride and groom hiking a snowy trail to Canyon Overlook as snow falls around them.

Bride and groom hold hands and look at each other at Canyon Overlook as snow falls around them.

Bride and groom hold each other in front of red cliffs as snow falls around them. Brides veil streams behind her.

Groom stands behind bride, his arms wrapped around her shoulders and her hands holding onto his hands. Snow falls around them.

Bride stands on a snowy trail with the red cliffs of Zion behind her. She holds her bouquet at her side.

Bride and groom kiss in a snowstorm, her veils swirls around their shoulders.

Bride and groom stand in the snow with the red cliffs of Zion National Park behind them.

Bride in lace gown looks down at her bouquet of white and purple flowers and greenery. Her dark hair is dusted with snow.

Bride stands in the snow with cliffs barely visible behind her. She tosses her bouquet over her shoulder into the cavern.

Considering a Winter Elopement in Zion National Park?

Liz and Andrew’s elopement was one really long, awesome day. While it was challenging because of the weather, it was very special and perfectly them. I’m really glad they decided to do what felt true and right for them, including skipping the traditional wedding for an elopement.

Zion has some amazing hikes and unparalleled iconic viewpoints, even during a blizzard. One thing to know, however, if you’re considering a winter elopement: you may not have the same views as other times of the year. That being said, as long as you’re prepared for the cold and snow, a Zion winter elopement is totally worth it.

Groom stands behind bride, his arms wrapped around her shoulders and her hands holding onto his hands. Snow falls around them.

How to include family and friends in your elopement

Liz and Andrew’s concerns about upsetting their family with an elopement are legitimate. Many couples face this same worry. But just because you elope doesn’t mean you can’t include your family and friends in celebrating!

Besides inviting a select few family members or friends to attend your ceremony, consider a post-elopement reception for the whole crew at home. This is the direction Liz and Andrew took. A few months after their Zion winter wedding, they hosted a reception in Chattanooga, Tennessee with their family and friends. This way, everyone they loved back at home still got to spend time with them, celebrate their marriage, and enjoy a killer party!

You guys know I will travel wherever you want to take me for your elopement or wedding. I’m down to photograph pretty much any destination wedding or just about every adventure elopement you could imagine.

If you’re thinking about planning your own elopement, CONTACT ME, your friendly Chattanooga wedding photographer, and I will help you plan!

If you loved this Zion winter elopement, you might also like Liz and Brock’s couples session in Joshua Tree National Park. Looking to stay a bit more “local” to Chattanooga with your destination wedding or elopement? Check out Bridget and Alex’s Intimate Autumn Wedding at Fall Creek Falls, Tennessee!

Published by Rachael Crowe in Featured, Travel, Weddings

Tags: Chattanooga elopement photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, Destination wedding photographer, National Park wedding, Tennessee wedding photographer

September 21, 2018 — Comments are off for this post.

Liz and Brock | Joshua Tree Adventure Session

First of all, Joshua Tree National Park in California is a DREAM! Doing an adventure session in Joshua Tree... even better. This is one of my favorite sessions of all time, and I'm super excited to share the photos.

Liz and Brock were one of the winners of my west coast session giveaway (keep up with my travel schedule for more giveaways). Both of them work for Disneyland now, but they met a few years ago when Brock's band was touring and visited Liz's hometown. Like every teenage fantasy, Liz caught Brock's eye from the stage and they ended up talking after the show. He friended her on Facebook, and they begin dating shortly after. Liz is also a talented SFX Makeup Artist and you can check out her work on Instagram!

Joshua Tree National Park is known for the giant branching yuccas, known as Joshua trees. They are the funny looking plants in these photos that don't quite look like a tree but aren't exactly a cactus or bush. More like something you would find in a Dr. Seuss book, they are pretty peculiar (which you know I love!). I was also told Joshua trees symbolize the strength and beauty that can arise from dysfunction, which is very cool. Joshua Tree National Park is also known for fan palm oases, seasonal gardens of cholla and ocotillo, and massive rock formations that attract avid rock climbers. Definitely a must see in the national park system.

I had the best time photographing Liz and Brock's couples session in Joshua Tree. I would love to come back for more photo sessions, so if you know someone interested in eloping or looking to book a photographer there, I would be so grateful if you would share my contact info! Sessions can be booked by emailing HelloRachaelCrowe@gmail.com.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements, Travel

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, couple's session, Destination wedding photographer, National Park wedding