If there’s anything I have learned in my years of wedding photography, it’s that things don’t always go as planned. But everything always comes together beautifully regardless! That was true for Kaitlyn + Ethan. They originally planned to have both their ceremony and reception at the lovely Dara’s Garden in Knoxville. But circumstances changed, and they ended up having a small family-only ceremony at Kaitlyn’s home church in Ripley, TN instead. After their ceremony, they left for their honeymoon & held a reception in Knoxville at Dara’s Garden one week later! The bright side? It was like they had two weddings! And the second one was just the party, making it stress-free!

I wasn’t sure if I should blog their ceremony and reception separately or together, but ultimately I decided – they tell one story. They need to be on the same blog post. So, we’ll start with their Ripley ceremony & then work our way back to Knoxville for the reception!

Wedding Ceremony | February 26, 2022 | Macedonia Baptist Church

Another fun thing about these two weddings — their ceremony was a winter wedding & their reception was basically a summer wedding! I mean… we’re talking temps in the 30s versus temps in the 70s. Over the span of a WEEK! Welcome to Tennessee.

Such a sweet first look & gift exchange! They prayed over one another, too. My heart. 🥺

Reception Day | March 5, 2022 | Dara’s Garden, Knoxville, TN

This day was so warm and bright! Completely different from their ceremony. But BOTH were amazing!

Taylor was such a sweet maid of honor!

My heart was SO happy when I saw some blooms starting on a tree behind the house. I LOVE the depth it adds to the foreground in the image on the right!

Kaitlyn, you were a beautiful bride BOTH times!

Beautiful reception details!

Are you really ready to party if you don’t bring a second dress for your reception?!

Oh… and they served breakfast. 10/10.

Kaitlyn + Ethan, thank you so much for trusting me to document this season of your life. I was so honored to walk through this journey with you and to photograph both of your special days! I am excited to watch your life together unfold and to see what God has planned for you two!

Vendors:

Ceremony Venue | Macedonia Baptist Church

Reception Venue | Dara’s Garden

Coordinator | Holly McCoige

DJ | A friend named Collin

Cake & Catering | Rothchild Catering

Bride’s Dress | David’s Bridal

Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Baltic Born

Groom & Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Ceremony Florist | Mont’s Flower Shop

Reception Florist | Spring and Jane

Cake Greenery Backdrop | Paige Makes

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