Just wanted to share a few shots from Emily’s awesome bridal session that we shot back in October at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. (Yes, October. That’s the only thing that stinks about bridal sessions–I can’t show them off until after the wedding!!)
Luckily the Chihuly exhibit was going on during the same time so we got to take advantage of the beautiful blown glass art that was set up throughout the gardens. Gorgeous!
Check out the blog for Emily’s wedding to Mr. Matt B. here.
Emily & Matt were married at Owens Chapel Church of Christ in Brentwood. It was such a beautiful day, the weather was perfect, and the little flower girl, Lily stole my heart! I will share some of the best of Emily’s bridal portrait session in the next blog. She was such a beautiful bride!
Wedding Gown: Bridal Warehouse
Wedding Hairdresser: Bethany Kirby at Studio Gaven
Wedding Makeup: Bobbi Brown Cosmetics at Belk
Florist: Angela Sadler Floral Design
Wedding Cake: Stephanie Felts at The Sweetest Day
Reception: Hilton Suites, Brentwood, TN
Emily was kind enough to share some of her thoughts on planning below. Thanks, Em!!
Your favorite and least favorite part of planning? “Favorite- bridal pics. Least- picking reception venue.”
I have some really brave friends!
A few months back during one of many girls nights, my friend Maria broke out her awesome new calendar with Gil Elvgren’s pinup art on it. We had the idea to try to loosely recreate a few of his paintings in photos. We had a ton of fun trying to find props and clothing. By the way, someone help me find an old school yellow telephone!
Huge thanks to my models Maria, Abby, Jenna, and Nada. And to our awesome makeup artist, Candle Kincade for making everyone retro-beautiful!
Contact me via Smitten Boudoir to schedule a pinup or boudoir session.
Gil Elvgren’s “I’m Not Shy, I’m Just Retiring (Too Much Champagne) 1947
Gil Elvgren’s “Gentlemen Prefer . . .? (Gents Prefer)” 1963
Gil Elvgren’s “Partial Coverage (Flashback; Sunnyside Up)” 1960
Gil Elvgren’s “Skirts Ahoy!” 1967
“Gil Elvgren’s ‘Wish You Were Near’ 1969”
Thanks, girls! L-R: Abby, Maria, Jenna. (Nada not pictured)
Allie and her mommy, Sarah wanted to do a secret mommy-daughter session for daddy. So before they took off on a cross-country tour with Rapture Ruckus, (daddy’s the manager) we stole a couple of pre-tick-or-treating hours on Halloween and headed to Brentwood.
Allie brought her essentials: a purple cowboy hat, a tu-tu, and her bunny costume. What more could you need, right?
It’s been awhile since the session, but now that everyone is back in New Zealand for the holidays, I think it’s safe to share a few favorites from the day.
Personally, I believe Allie is one of the most beautiful, precious little girls in the world. But I’m biased…she is my godchild!
Happy Holidays to all my Kiwi friends!
***And to Allie, Auntie Newwie wuves you vewwy much! xoxo***
I’m a sucker for that pouty face!
She kept hopping around and yelling, “Hop, hop, hop!”
Every time we said, “Hold your ears up!” she grabbed her own ears inside the bunny suit. Finally got it right!
Kisses for Auntie Nellie too!
Love you, kiddo. xoxo
©2010 Bledsoe Photography
I’ll be officially blogging the Lowe Family session later, but I had to share this precious little 8-day-old monkey RIGHT NOW!
Welcome to the world, Baby J!
Need family or baby photos in Knoxville? Gimme a buzz.
© 2010 Bledsoe Photography
If I got to choose, I would have sparkling blue eyes just like Amy’s. She and Scott chose UT Botanical Gardens for their engagement session location and I love shooting there! If you have never been, check out their Christmas events like the Holiday Express.
I cannot wait to shoot Amy and Scott’s wedding in May!
© 2010 Bledsoe Photography
I’m trying my best to catch up on editing and blogging weddings, but I wanted to share a few shots from this fun lifestyle / couple session with the Wards. Luckily they were up for anything and didn’t mind walking all over downtown Nashville to find interesting spots and good light (just my kind of people!).
Thanks, S+W!
© 2010 Bledsoe Photography
Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted a backyard with a secret garden. Alive with color, buzzing insects and shimmering lights. Well, Cassandra and Aaron have their own version right in their backyard in Nashville. What a perfect place for their wedding!
C + A chose peacock feathers and colors as a decorating theme. Their wooded lot was strewn with twinkle lights, chinese lanterns and origami cranes. As the sun set, their guests danced beneath a beautiful full moon.
Even my sister/assistant leaned over and said, “This is the kind of wedding I want!” Sure kid. As soon as you turn 30. =)
Here are some highlights of the day. Cassandra has some vendor advice and suggestions below. Congratulations Cass & Aaron!
I LOVE Cass’ gown. So classic!
These girls were so funny! I had a great time with them.
Sweet moment after Cassandra’s mom gave her away. *tear*
Aaron never stopped smiling at his bride like this through the whole day. Awww!
Such a great idea…Skype the wedding for those who can’t be there. Hi Grandma!
Peacock feathers everywhere!
© 2010 Bledsoe Photography
Cassandra and Aaron’s vendors, suggestions and advice:
Caterer: Sargent’s Fine Catering – Sherri Clark. Very patient & helpful.
Wedding and Reception Location: Our own back yard.
Florist: Import Flowers – Lou Farrell. Arranged by the bride & maid of honor. Everything was done via email & Lou was awesome.
Cake/Bakery: Becker’s Bakery – Jere. Recommended by one of my bridesmaids, she got her wedding cake there 13 years ago. Awesome people.
Coordinator or Wedding Planner: I planned it myself with the help of my bridesmaids.
Bride’s dress: Bridal Warehouse in Goodlettsville. Designer: Allure.
Bridesmaids: Designer was Alfred Angelo on both. One came from a salon in Chicago; one was found online, brand new with tags, the seller was also in Chicago.
Mother’s dress: www.therosedress.com.
Tux Rental: We bought Aaron’s tux at Men’s Warehouse in Mt. Juliet. He’ll need a tux for a friend’s wedding in December & it was cheaper to buy one than to rent one twice.
Hairdresser and name of salon: Jon Alan in Bellevue. Mindy Gobble did my hair.
Makeup artist: We did our own makeup.
Equipment rental: Liberty Rentals. Terri Tenut was awesome & really patient with me & all my questions.
Decorations were provided by ourselves & our friends.
Lights & lanterns were borrowed, maid of honor made the cranes.
Centerpieces were random glassware pieces, mostly bought at area thrift stores. Some were mine.
Candles were from Michael’s. Filler items were from area dollar stores, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, etc. We put them together ourselves.
Invitations & programs were designed & printed by me at home.
Favors (wine charms) were made by me.
Sound system was provided by Greg Overman, music was arranged by me & was played on our laptops hooked up to Greg’s system.
Officiant was Rev Brandon Rich from Belmont, we got his contact info from the county clerk’s office.
Your favorite and least favorite part of planning? Favorite: Seeing it all come together with the help of family & friends, we had a lot of help & it was fantastic. Least favorite: Spending so much $$! But we did it all on a budget & it was worth the work.
The most memorable moment of your wedding day? Seeing Aaron with that huge smile on his face as I came down the aisle. I’ll never forget it.
What you would change, if anything? Nothing, the whole thing went off without a hitch.
Where your budget was best spent? Food, booze, & the photographer! Guests always remember the food & drinks the most & we will use the awesome photos for the rest of our lives.
Any advice for future brides? Set a budget & stick to it. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box & do a lot of the work yourself. Thrift stores are fantastic resources, especially if you are eclectic like me. Borrow from friends & enlist them to help you. Ask for recommendations, every vendor we used was recommended to us by people we trust.
THANKS, CASSANDRA!! xoxo
Yes, I know fall is a big deal in East Tennessee. Yes, I know people from all over the country trek to Cades Cove to bathe in the glorious colors that mother nature bestows upon us. Yes, I’ve dealt with tourist traffic in the Smoky Mountains most of my life. But on a random Wednesday afternoon? Yes, Shanell. On a random Wednesday afternoon…don’t be an idiot!
Well, this idiot thought the 11 mile loop in Cades Cove would be at least maneuverable enough for an engagement session. Negative. By the time Allie, Robbie, and myself realized it was going to be bumper to bumper on the one-way road, we were already losing light. We did manage a few amazing sunset shots, but we ended up having to schedule another session the following week. This time we stayed in town! Just my opinion, but I think our 2nd location was just as beautiful. Thoughts?
It wouldn’t matter if we were shooting in a sewer drain, these two lovebirds would cuddle, giggle and simply enjoy being together. They are the cutest!!
Can’t wait till the wedding, A+R!
This is my third opportunity to photograph these rambunctious, adorable brothers. Eli and Trey love to play sports and wrestle, so as with most little guys, getting them to sit and smile is almost impossible. It’s best to let them be themselves and capture their true spirits…and every now and then get a serious pose!
Their beautiful eyes and dimples make my heart melt!
Love you, E+T!
Looking up to big brother. Priceless!
Bledsoe Photography 
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