Bledsoe Photography

Emily’s ‘Chihuly’ Bridal Portrait Session ~ Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, Nashville, TN

Bledsoe Photography — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 23:30:15 +0000

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 ~11.20.10 ~ Nashville wedding photography

Bledsoe Photography — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:36:46 +0000

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.”

The most memorable moment of your wedding day? “Waiting for door to open for me to walk down aisle.”

What you would change, if anything? “Would have invited few more people.”

Where your budget was best spent? “The church (Owens Chapel).”

Any advice for future brides? “Have a short engagement….less stress!”

Gil Elvgren Pin-Up Sessions ~ Knoxville Pinup & Boudoir Photography

Bledsoe Photography — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 18:34:00 +0000

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 & Mommy ~ My favorite Kiwis! ~ Nashville children’s photography

Bledsoe Photography — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 19:57:54 +0000

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

It’s Christmas, baby! ~ Knoxville newborn photographer

Bledsoe Photography — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 20:36:50 +0000

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.

Amy + Scott’s Engagement Session ~ Knoxville engagement & wedding photographer

Bledsoe Photography — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:33:44 +0000

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!

The Wards ~ Nashville & Knoxville Lifestyle Photography

Bledsoe Photography — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 23:37:30 +0000

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!

Cassandra + Aaron 10.23.10 Nashville wedding photography

Bledsoe Photography — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 17:59:30 +0000

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!

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

Allie & Robbie’s twofer engagement session! ~ Bledsoe Photography ~ Knoxville wedding photography

Bledsoe Photography — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:12:35 +0000

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!

Eli & Trey ~ Fall portrait session ~ Knoxville children’s photography

Bledsoe Photography — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 22:17:15 +0000

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!