I spent two days last weekend at one of my favorite East Tennessee barn wedding venues – Riverbend Farms. There’s something about photographing back-to-back weddings that is both exhilarating and exhausting. Well – the exhilarating part is that I’m getting to do what I LOVE! Serving people on one of the biggest days of their life! The exhausting part? Wedding days are LONG. As Maddie’s step-mom put it, “Wedding photography is an Olympic sport.” She’s right! People don’t realize how much of a toll a wedding day takes on a photographer mentally, physically, and emotionally. I exhaust every ounce of energy I have when I photograph a wedding. And I’m an extroverted introvert, so I have to take time to recharge my social meter when I get back home after being a social butterfly all day long.

However – wedding photography is such a rewarding job. There is no feeling that compares to knowing a couple has trusted you to tell their story authentically and beautifully. And for Maddie + Lance, that is exactly what I set out to do… even though I had just done it less than 24 hours before, too. 😂 So without further ado – let’s take a look at the images from their wedding day, and I’ll help you piece together the story they tell!

I love the way details set the tone for the day. The cinnamon-toned invitation gives me allll the fall vibes & blended perfectly with the other fall tones to come! Plus, Maddie had a couple of heirloom pieces that she wanted me to photograph too. This starts to tell the sentimental side of our story. She wore earrings that belonged to her mother, and I was glad I could incorporate them into this flatlay!

I chose to hang the dress on an interior window to introduce the setting: an East Tennessee barn wedding! Maddie + her bridesmaids got ready in the barn’s bridal suite, so it was only fitting that the dress was photographed inside the barn as well.

While the bridesmaids got ready in the barn, the groomsmen hung out in a cabin on the river. I stayed with the girls to photograph their wedding prep, and my second shooter went to the cabin to photograph the guys! Between the two of us, we got a fun collection of moments from the morning!

Lance’s mom helped Maddie get ready too… I thought that was so sweet!

After Maddie was completely dressed, she had a first look with her bridesmaids. They were all so sweet reacting to her completed look!

Then, of course, she had a first look with her dad. There’s something about your dad seeing you in your wedding dress that is just so stinkin’ emotional. 😭

Aaaaand on to one of my favorite things: wedding party portraits! I’ve added in a few of the full wedding party here, too – even though we took those after the ceremony.

Now it’s solo portrait time! Maddie, you are absolutely stunning!

It’s almost ceremony time! But… there’s a surprise in store.

As my second shooter and I were waiting for the ceremony to begin, we were informed that Maddie had just decided to do a first touch. She said she had realized that she ‘just needed her man’ and we stopped everything for a moment so they could have a few minutes together before walking down the aisle. Totally unplanned, but as sweet as it could possibly be. Even if you don’t do a first look – I highly recommend this so you can have just a little bit of alone time on your wedding day!

Post-ceremony joy!!

Newlywed Portraits. My absolute favorite part of every single wedding day. ♥️

They told me pinky promises were kind of their ‘thing’ …so we did a pinky promise photo showing off their new bling! The ultimate pinky promise, actually.

Time for the reception! If you’re looking for some inspiration for your East Tennessee barn wedding, look no further than Maddie + Lance’s setup. Simple & beautiful!

Enter – the bride and groom! Officially announced for the second time ever. And they wanted to make a memorable entrance!

We snuck off after the dances to get a couple pictures in front of their ceremony site now that the lighting was more ideal. I’m SO glad we did!

Commence… the party!

Maddie and Lance, thank you so much for choosing me to capture your wedding day. I am so honoredto capture your story. I’m praying for a lifetime of happiness for you both!

-Ivy

Loved working with…

Venue | Riverbend Farms

Dress | The Gilded Gown

Florist | Teaberry Trails

DJ | Party Boys DJ Show

Cake | Jennifer Presley

Catering | Jay’s Grill

Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groom + Groomsmen Attire | Belk

Invitations | Dixon Printing in Madisonville, TN

Makeup | Julie Simbeck

Second Shooter | Alayna Tweed

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