Tennessee photographer Archives - OkCrowe Photography

May 24, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

MODERN ELEGANT WEDDING AT TENNESSEE RIVERPLACE | LAINE + BRAD

You ever met a couple and thought, "Wow, you two are just going to throw the coolest wedding ever." That's Laine and Brad! After having so much fun during their engagement photo session, I was thrilled when they asked me to shoot their wedding at Tennessee Riverplace here in Chattanooga.

Enjoy this elegant (and a little edgy) wedding from last fall, and if you're planning your own dream wedding, shoot me a message!

PLANNING THEIR DREAM WEDDING AT TENNESSEE RIVERPLACE

After their engagement session, Laine and Brad decided to book me to shoot their wedding at Tennessee Riverplace last fall. And I'm so glad! Their engagement session was so much fun, and they allowed me tons of artistic freedom. I had a feeling their wedding would be just as cool.

Due to COVID, Laine and Brad did have to cut down their guest list a bit, but they were still able to host a full wedding - complete with ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

As with her engagement photos, Laine had a clear vision of what she wanted for her wedding day. I met her the morning of the wedding as she was getting ready. In true Laine fashion, she picked out this killer vintage-style dress, bold blue earrings, and pointed white leather boots. She just exudes cool.

When I met up with Brad, he'd already donned his burgundy suit and tie, and he was ready to see his bride! After a few solo shots of each of them, it was time for the first look.

I set Laine and Brad up in this quiet alcove near the main building, and they got to see each other for the first time under autumn leaves bathed in afternoon light. It was a sweet, simple moment perfect for these two.

Close up of the grooms boutonniere pinned on his maroon suit coat

Black and white photo of the bride laughing as she walks towards the groom during their first look outside the Tennessee Riverplace

Black and white photo of the bride and groom smiling at eachother during their wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride stands behind groom as they look towards the camera outside the Tennessee Riverplace

Groom holds brides bouquet as she twirls in the leaves outside their wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Brides dress flows in the wind as she walks towards her Tennessee Riverplace Wedding

Bride twirls her dress to the side

IMPROMPTU SUNSET PHOTOS BEFORE THE CEREMONY

Just like at their engagement session, Laine and Brad gave me tons of room to get creative with their photos. They knew they wanted a unique look and tons of different shots, so they scheduled plenty of time into their day specifically for photos. I was able to sit, think, and really piece together each shot with intention. As you can tell, the results were worth the extra time.

When I shoot weddings, I'm always trying to capture a healthy mix of posed and candid shots. These two, though, are masters at posing. Laine has done some modeling before, but she's also hearing impaired, so Brad helped me communicate with her when I needed to readjust them. For the most part, though, the poses were her idea! She had a vision for her photos, and she absolutely killed it.

As Laine and Brad started to shuffle off for the ceremony, I realized that the sun was going to set during their vows. It was a perfectly clear day, and I didn't want them to miss the gorgeous sunset light, so I asked them to push their ceremony back by just five minutes. We ran off, snapped a few final photos during golden hour, and got back before their guests even realized we were late!

Close up of the coffee dispenser for the wedding guests

Wedding guests sign jenga pieces for the bride and grooms guest book

Wedding guests drink coffee and mingle outside the Tennessee Riverplace Wedding

Blurry black and white photo of the bride and groom laughing as they run through a field outside their wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Golden hour light shins behind the bride and groom as they stand apart and hold hands at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride holds her dress and smiles at the groom as they walk through the field at the Tennessee Riverplace

Black and white photo of the bride and groom holding hands as they walk through the Tennessee Riverplace fields

Bride and groom pull eachother close for a kiss outside their wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Groom watches bride as she runs through the Tennessee Riverplace fields in her wedding dress

A SPECIAL PHOTO REQUEST

Like I said, Laine and Brad were more than willing to give me creative freedom during their wedding photos. They had just one special request: to recreate a specific photo from their engagement session.

We stopped in this sunny field surrounded by rolling hills, got into position, and recreated the original image almost perfectly. I love the shot, and Laine even said she wants to hang the photos side-by-side in their home.

There's no need to show up on your wedding day with a mile-long list of shots you want, but I do love creating these special images with my couples. We can recreate your first photo together, your parents' wedding photos, or - like Laine and Brad - your favorite shot from your engagement session. I'm always down to add that personal touch!

Black and white photo of the bride and groom laughing as they run through the Tennessee Riverplace fields

AN ELEGANT OUTDOOR CEREMONY AT TENNESSEE RIVERPLACE

Laine and Brad exchanged vows under an arbor on the Tennessee Riverplace grounds. Behind them, the river flowed gently and the autumn leaves just barely shifted in the breeze. The weather could not have been more perfect, and the setting sun provided gorgeous, glowy light for their simple ceremony.

After they said "I do," Laine and Brad snuck away for a private dinner together. I'm a big fan of scheduling alone time into your wedding day, especially between the ceremony and reception. These are your first few moments as a married couple, and you don't want to spend them being swarmed by a crowd. Don't be afraid to sneak away and spend a few minutes basking in that just-married feelings.

Close up of the florals used on the alter at the wedding in the Tennessee Riverplace

Brides reflection against the glass at her Tennessee Riverplace wedding

Wedding guests watch the bride and her father walk down the aisle at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride and groom hold hands in the front of the alter at their wedding in the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride and groom look at the officiant during their ceremony at the Tennessee Riverplace

Black and white photo of the bride and groom holding hands and smiling at eachother during their wedding ceremony at the Tennessee Riverplace

Groom kisses bride during their wedding ceremony at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride and groom hold hands and smile as they walk down the aisle at their wedding in the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride leans against the groom as the walk inside after their wedding ceremony at the Tennessee Riverplace

A FUN, ARTSY OUTDOOR RECEPTION AT TENNESSEE RIVERPLACE

For their reception, Laine and Brad had a vision of an elegant but artsy outdoor dinner. The patio was strung with Edison bulbs, and there were tiny touches of gold throughout the decor to bring everything together. The Copper Quail supplied all the vintage pieces and really brought the couple's vision to life. They also put together the gorgeous floral arbor for the ceremony. I've shot a few weddings with them in the past, and their decor never disappoints. If your Pinterest boards are full of vintage tableware, big velvet armchairs, and ornate rugs, check out The Copper Quail. (Pssst, winter brides! You can also rent vintage fur wraps from them!)

To keep their guests entertained, the couple planned a cocktail hour... with a twist! Just as everyone grabbed their drinks and started to settle in, a group of drag queens burst in and performed a show! They totally took the guests by surprise, and the theatrics put everyone in a great mood headed into the reception.

Catering was covered by Events With Taste, an amazing local vendor here in Chattanooga. They even had a coffee bar ready for the guests when they arrived to the ceremony! They served dinner on a gorgeous farmhouse-style table, and the great food and drinks kept everyone happy (and warm!) as the sun went down. If you're on the hunt for your perfect caterer, I can't recommend Events With Taste highly enough.

Even with the pared-down guest list, Laine and Brad's reception was a party. After a banquet-style dinner, everyone shifted to the dance floor. They danced to a live band under the stars, mingled with their guests, and kept the party going long into the night.

I love every wedding I shoot, but there's something special about seeing a couple's personality really shine through on the day. Laine and Brad's wedding was entirely them: modern and elegant with a little artsy edge. I won't be forgetting this wedding anytime soon, and I don't think their guests will either.

Groom holds brides dress as they walk up the stairs of the Tennessee Riverplace

Close up of the gold silverware and gold rimmed plates with gold rimmed glasses sit on an orange cloth table

Bride and groom look at eachother and smile during their first dance at the Tennessee Riverplace

Brides dress twirls on the dance floor during her wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride and groom smile for a photo in silly hats during their wedding at the Tennessee Riverplace

Bride and groom look at eachother as they dress up in props for a photo at their Tennessee Riverplace Wedding

PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING NEAR CHATTANOOGA? I'D LOVE TO HELP MAKE YOUR DAY EVERYTHING YOU DREAM OF.

I’m Rachael Crowe of OKCrowe Photography. I've shot hundreds of weddings across the Chattanooga area and beyond. I'd love to be part of yours as well! Whether you're eloping on a mountaintop a thousand miles away or hosting a big wedding right here in town, I'm here to answer your questions, capture your day, and help you make your wedding everything you've dreamed it would be.

If you’re still on the hunt for a wedding photographer, I’d love to chat! Visit my contact form, and let’s start planning your dream wedding!

Published by zacherynielson in Weddings

February 17, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

LAST-MINUTE COVID MICROWEDDING IN CHATTANOOGA | MORGAN + JACOB

By now, we’re familiar with COVID weddings. We all know someone who’s been forced to scale down, elope, or reschedule due to the pandemic. While it’s stressful (and definitely not ideal), there are tons of resources out there for eloping or hosting a safe COVID microwedding. Yes, it can be done!

But what about those couples who got married at the beginning of the pandemic? Morgan and Jacob’s wedding date was set for just days before the shutdown hit Chattanooga, and without any resources or guidance, they were truly up a creek.

Cue their super resourceful, happy-to-help wedding photographer slash impromptu coordinator (*wink wink*). As I was one of the few vendors scheduled to be there for their wedding day, Morgan and Jacob called upon my industry expertise to help them make their wedding happen. And I’m so glad they did! I got to ease their worries, pull some strings, and help organize a pared-down - but perfect - day for them.

Read on to hear how I helped this couple throw a fun and totally stunning COVID microwedding in their friend’s backyard!

PLANNING A LAST-MINUTE MICROWEDDING

Morgan and Jacob’s wedding was planned for a Saturday in March 2020. Chattanooga shut down the Tuesday before.

As you can imagine, pulling this wedding together in such short notice was a bit tricky.

To add a little more chaos to the planning process, I wasn't in Tennessee! I was in Los Angeles attending a photography conference at the time. So not only were my clients scrambling to pull off a last-minute, COVID-safe microwedding, but their photographer was also on the other side of the country wondering if I would make it home with LA shutting down. It was the perfect storm.

Luckily, Morgan and Jacob were incredibly realistic about their sudden limitations. They were determined to get married on their original date. Still, they accepted that they’d have to scale down their wedding to a safer, more manageable size.

After tons of phone calls, probably a few tears, and plenty of support from their family and friends, Morgan and Jacob were able to pull off this beautiful, intimate microwedding in their friend’s backyard.

TURNING A BACKYARD INTO A WEDDING VENUE

Morgan and Jacob had originally planned a large ceremony at Patten Chapel at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga. But when Chattanooga rolled out their COVID regulations, they moved the ceremony to their own church. Just a day later, that church had to cancel all events too, so Morgan and Jacob enlisted the help of their suddenly small guest list - and me, their photographer turned elopement coordinator - to turn their friend’s backyard into a wedding venue.

As soon as I arrived at the ‘venue,’ I got to work arranging the backyard with the help of the bridal party. Place the arbor here. Move those florals. The trampoline in the background? Gotta go! I love being part of my couples’ wedding planning process, but this was a whole new level of involvement for me. Morgan and Jacob really trusted my expertise and industry experience, so I did what I had to do to make their day as perfect as possible.

All the while, I was also shooting Morgan’s getting ready photos in the pool house. Morgan got ready with a few of her girls and her mother in the pool house. Then, the bridesmaids gathered around her to pray before she shared her first look with Jacob.

I picked out a spot under a gorgeous dogwood tree for Morgan and Jacob’s first look. Jacob saw his bride for the first time beneath white blossoms with the sun streaming down onto them both. Their first look was SO tender and sweet. You could just tell that all the craziness and stress of the past week had washed away, leaving only love between them.

Morgan and Jacob shared their private moment, and then they joined the bridal party for some group photos.

INTIMATE MICROWEDDING CEREMONY

In the cutest microwedding fashion, we placed a hexagon arch rented from Copper Quail on the back patio with a backyard full of flowers and greenery behind it. Morgan and her father walked down an aisle lined with roses and eucalyptus. They met Jacob under a hand-crafted, geometric arbor. Their priest married them while their nearest and dearest friends and family looked on.

Although their ceremony didn’t look like they had originally intended, it was still such a loving affair and beautiful in every way. You just can’t ask for more from a last-minute wedding.

THEIR SCALED-DOWN RECEPTION

With such a small guest list, Morgan and Jacob opted for a toned-down outdoor reception. They ordered individually-wrapped meals and kept their guests as safe as possible. After the cake cutting, they divvied up slices onto pieces of dainty family china. While everyone was eating, I whisked the couple away for a few more private photos.

With the stress of the day behind them, Morgan and Jacob finally got to laugh, share a corona (pun intended), and relax knowing they’d officially tied the knot.

MICROWEDDING TODAY, FULL WEDDING LATER ON

I’m so impressed with how well Morgan and Jacob were able to pull off their wedding day. Being that their date was at the beginning of the COVID pandemic, they didn’t have any of the resources couples have now. The term “microwedding” was still really new. Couples across the US were scrambling to throw their weddings together at the last minute. It was intense, but I’m glad I got to help Morgan and Jacob bring their wedding to life.

These two decided to have their legal ceremony on their original date, but they still want to throw a party, so they’ll be hosting a second, larger wedding once the pandemic has died down. This is a great option for couples who just can’t wait to get married but also don’t want to risk a huge wedding right now. You can still have a perfectly romantic microwedding with a few family members and friends, and then you can throw your rager once it’s safe to party again. Several of my couples have gone this route, and I totally support it!

Until things are safe again, I’ll be looking forward to shooting Morgan and Jacob’s second wedding and reminiscing on this sweet day.

I’m always here for my couples, whether that means showing up day-of to take photos or guiding them through the wedding planning process. At the end of the day, we’re a team. I want their wedding to be beautiful and completely them, even when things don’t go according to plan.

Whether you’re throwing together a last-minute microwedding or planning your big bash next year, I want to be part of the process! Get in touch, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together.

For more microwedding inspiration, check out my past sessions on my blog and on social media.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Weddings

Tags: Chattanooga elopement photographer, chattanooga microwedding, chattanooga photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, COVID microwedding, COVID wedding, microwedding, Tennessee photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer

February 3, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

CHATTANOOGA DESTINATION ELOPEMENT IN THE CLOUDS | ANA + PAULO

Elopements have grown in popularity (and honestly, in style) in the past few years, and COVID has only made them more common. I’ve spoken to so many couples chasing the mountaintop elopement feeling. I tell them all the same thing: elope to Chattanooga! Just a two-hour drive from both Atlanta and Nashville, Chattanooga is the perfect elopement destination for couples looking to run away without straying too far from home.

Enjoy this sunrise Chattanooga elopement session with Ana and Paolo. If you’re planning your own elopement and looking for the right destination, let’s chat! I’ve got a few secret spots in mind.

CHATTANOOGA ELOPEMENT DESTINATION

After cancelling their wedding due to COVID, Ana and Paolo got married in a courthouse in Atlanta. They had been legally married for a little while before their Chattanooga destination elopement, but they still wanted to elope! Plus, they wanted an excuse to wear their wedding attire and create beautiful photos to look back on. Ana found me on Instagram, and after a call and some coordinating, she and Paolo hopped in their car around 2 a.m. to reach Chattanooga before sunrise.

Couples often overlook Chattanooga as an elopement destination, but the views and photo opportunities can't be beat, especially in this part of the country. This spot on Signal Mountain is one of my favorite elopement locations. You get a stunning view of the Tennessee River winding through the mountains, and the entire mountainside is bathed in golden light at sunrise. You can’t go wrong anywhere in Chattanooga when it comes to mountain views, but this state park location is such a gem.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PHOTOGRAPHER

Ana found me on Instagram, and she reached out with tons of questions. First, she specifically wanted to elope at this location near Chattanooga. She’d seen it featured on my Instagram, and she’d fallen in love with the mountains before we ever picked up the phone. Of course, I was down!

Ana wanted to make sure the photographer she entrusted with her Chattanooga elopement fit both her style and her expectations for skill level. Being a professional model, Ana works closely with photographers almost daily. (And I’m not just saying that because she’s gorgeous. She’s actually a professional model.) She knows just about as much about photography as any non-photographer could. Understandably, she had a specific vision for the shoot and very high expectations. Bring it on!

As an interracial couple, it was important to Ana and Paolo that their photographer know how to shoot their contrasting skin tones. If you’re not familiar with photography, this might seem like a simple requirement. Actually, shooting and editing contrasting skin tones is actually pretty difficult, especially for beginners.

Ana and I discussed what she wanted, and I shared samples of my past shoots. After our call, we decided we’d make a great team. She and Paolo packed up their wedding clothes and made their way to Chattanooga.

FIRST LOOK IN THE MOUNTAINS

Though they got legally married ahead of time, Ana and Paolo didn't wear their real wedding attire to the courthouse. The first look played a major role in this elopement session. They timed the drive from Atlanta perfectly, and they made it to the mountain just in time to get dressed and share their first look as the sun rose. It was magical.

Paolo wore a simple navy suit and bowtie, which perfectly contrasted Ana’s long, beaded gown. The sun glinting off the beading really brought the gown to life, and it made Ana look even more radiant.

CHATTANOOGA ELOPEMENT ABOVE THE CLOUDS

Ana knew she wanted to elope to Chattanooga, but not just for the mountains. She fell in love with the view above the clouds!

During the summer in Chattanooga, we sometimes get to witness a very particular, kind of rare weather phenomenon called cloud inversion. During cloud inversion, a layer of clouds sinks down from the mountaintops and onto the Tennessee River, settling in the gorge like a blanket. The result is this otherworldly, ethereal view above the clouds.

This happens in the summer and only at sunrise, so Ana and Paolo trusted me to find the perfect vantage point and day for their photoshoot. Especially with elopements, being your photographer often means more than just showing up day-of, taking your photos, and leaving. I often act as a guide for my couples. I get to coach them through the wedding planning process and set them up for unforgettable moments like these. It’s truly an honor to guide my couples into their dream wedding photos.

You deserve wedding photos that totally capture you and your partner (whether or not you’re a model!). I’d love to work with you to plan and capture a day that feels like you.

If you’ve got your heart set on a dreamy elopement in Chattanooga, please reach out! I’m here to guide you in the right direction and help you pick the perfect, secluded spot to exchange your vows.

Want more elopement inspiration? Check out my blog. I’ve shot some stunning elopements over the years! (Just don’t blame me if those photos give you the elopement bug.)

Published by Rachael Crowe in Featured, Weddings

Tags: Chattanooga elopement photographer, chattanooga photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, elopement, elopement photographer, mountain elopement, tennessee elopement photographer, Tennessee photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer

February 3, 2021 — Comments are off for this post.

CHATTANOOGA ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS WITH A MOODY TWIST | LAINE + BRAD

Sometimes, a bride comes to me with an idea and I say, “I’m all in!” Laine knew exactly what she wanted in her Chattanooga engagement photo session, and I was happy to bring her ideas to life in this edgy yet intimate shoot.

Originally, Laine and Brad just booked me for an engagement session. But after I delivered their engagement photos, they asked me to shoot their wedding! (Score!) I’m in love with these images and so excited to join them for their wedding at Tennessee RiverPlace.

Enjoy Laine and Brad’s Chattanooga engagement photos, and reach out if you’re looking for an engagement photographer in the area!

Chattanooga Engagement Photographer - Photos Close to Home

Laine and Brad met at a mutual friend’s bonfire. Before the party, Laine’s friend told her she had to meet a guy there named Brad. Poor Brad was out of the loop, but he was immediately drawn to Laine when he saw her at the bonfire. And I mean, can you blame him? He followed her around all night, and the two of them hit it off. They started dating right away, and the rest is history!

For their engagement session, Laine and Brad wanted to recreate their first date close to home. They picked a beautiful open field near their house for some hazy sunrise photos and planned a campfire in the backyard with their pups to wrap up the shoot. Laine had a vision, and she let me run with it. The result is this collection of moody, romantic sunrise engagement photos.

Sunrise Engagement Photos

I met Laine and Brad at sunrise in a field near their home. The light fog and early morning rays created a dark fairytale forest setting that was just perfect for these two. She wore a long emerald dress (which contrasted her gold engagement ring and hoop earrings beautifully), and he wore a charcoal button-down with a tiny pattern detail on the pocket. Not too formal, not too casual. (If you’re unsure of what to wear for your own engagement photos, I’ve got you covered.)

If you follow me on social media, you might notice my work varies a lot depending on the time of day and lighting situations. I love to keep my editing as close to how the day actually looked as possible, so when Laine told me her vision, we worked together to decide on a time and location that would fit the vibe she was envisioning. She came to me with a clear idea of what she wanted in location, attire, and overall feel. She even took charge during the photoshoot! When a bride says, “I’m going to do this pose,” I say, “Go for it!”

I’m always more than happy to take full creative control of a shoot, but it’s also fun to work with a couple who knows exactly what they want. Laine and Brad worked for these shots, even going so far as to scout the locations themselves. They explained to me what they expected in the final images, but they also told me to get creative with it. I played around with long exposures and a few creative focus images, and they walked away with a wide variety of shots that Laine said perfectly fit what they had dreamed up for their shoot.

Getting Creative With Smoke Bombs

Though we had planned for a foggy sunrise shoot, the weather didn't exactly cooperate. Any fog we were hoping for cleared as soon as the sun rose. Luckily, I had a few smoke bombs in the back of my car, so we made our own fog!

The faux “fog” didn’t look entirely natural, but the yellowish hue and billowing clouds of smoke added to the dark, otherworldly feeling we had going on. Plus, they added even more edginess to Laine and Brad’s looks. I especially love how the smoke photographed in black and white, and so did they!

We can’t always count on the weather to cooperate for an engagement shoot (or a wedding, for that matter), but I’ll help you make gorgeous memories rain or shine or fog or… you get the idea. I’m all about rolling with the punches!

Backyard Bonfire

To wrap up this engagement session, we swapped the dark and moody vibes for some fireside snuggles in Laine and Brad’s backyard. After spending the morning with this couple, I could just tell they were made for each other. They worked as a team, and their chemistry made every pose look natural.

Another gorgeous detail from the day is the array of blankets Laine and Brad styled for their shoot. Brad’s mother made all of them by hand! Laine and Brad spread them like picnic blankets on the ground and cozied up with them by the fire. I loved the pop of color and the texture they added to these images. And what a sweet surprise for Brad’s mom to see her artwork on display!

Every detail of Laine and Brad’s engagement shoot was personal to them - from the locations all the way down to the props. The backyard bonfire was a nod to the day they met. I love the idea of paying homage to your first date (or your most memorable date) in your engagement photos. Did you go bowling? Let’s shoot in a bowling alley! Did you meet at a dog park? Let’s include your furry friends! These small details are a sneaky, fun way to pay tribute to your love story.

Speaking of furry friends, I’m so glad Laine and Brad’s dogs got to join us for a few photos. After watching from the window for a little while, they rushed outside and snuggled up with mom and dad by the fire - a super sweet ending to a perfect engagement session.

It’s not every day I get to work with a couple who has such a clear artistic vision, but it’s such a treat when I do! Whether you already have an idea for your engagement photos or you have no clue where to start, I’d love to hop in on the creative process.

Reach out so we can chat about your dream engagement session. I’d be honored to be your engagement photographer here in Chattanooga or wherever your story takes you.

For more engagement inspiration, check out my past sessions on my blog and on social media.

Published by Rachael Crowe in Engagements

Tags: Chattanooga engagement photographer, Chattanooga engagement photos, chattanooga photographer, Chattanooga wedding photographer, engagement photographer, engagement photos, Tennessee photographer, Tennessee wedding photographer