Stephen & Ariel

I think one can tell a lot about a couple by the way their friends and family speak of them. After a heartfelt evening of toasts at Stephen & Ariel's rehearsal dinner, it was apparent that we were in the presence of a couple whose Love was just as beautiful as their sideways glances and stolen kisses made it seem. The legend goes that it was Ariel who first caught the eye of Stephen, the handsome Vanderbilt School of Medicine student who had crashed the annual School of Nursing Christmas party. There was the way she was so captured in conversation as she moved across the room. And the way she threw her bright blonde waves back in the air as she laughed with all her soul. But really is was her smile that kept Stephen's eyes fixed upon her. While the night involved a few failed attempts at conversation, with a valiant effort Stephen, persistent and determined, managed to leave the evening's festivities with Ariel's number in hand.

There may or may not be a few crazy, fate-induced details in between. But three years (and one absolutely precious pug named Oliver) later, the Vanderbilt graduates tied the knot in that same Music City where they met and fell in love.

Stephen & Ariel, I feel so incredibly blessed to have been part of your beautiful wedding. From day one you have welcomed me into your lives and treated me with such sweet Southern kindness that I can't help but call you y'all friends. It's been a joy getting to watch these last few months of planning and preparation lead to such a seamlessly wonderful day. Your wedding was the type that fairy tales are made of and I've no doubt the lives ahead of you will be all the same. Thank you for letting me share in your joy and your love and your happiness. I'm truly at a loss for words to express my gratitude.

Lots of love, Michelle

Stephen and Ariel were married at Nashville's Riverwood Mansion. And while it was my first time working with Katie, Riverwood's amazing event coordinator, I left that evening desperately hoping it wouldn't be my last...

The bride in a stunning Maggie Sottero gown with a gorgeous bouquet by The Enchanted Florist.

Ariel, you are breathtaking...

Stephen looked extra dapper in a tuxedo by Vera Wang.

How handsome is this sweet boy?!

Stephen & Ariel's cake was simply a work of art. Made by The Bake Shoppe, I'm so happy it had the spotlight of its own that it truly deserved.

A Nashville Rehearsal

Selfishly, what I absolutely love about destination weddings is getting to spend so much time with my brides & grooms and their wedding guests. Whereas at a typical wedding I may meet friends and family and the entire bridal party on the afternoon of the big day, at destination weddings I almost always have a few days of meeting and greeting and getting to know everyone before vows are ever mentioned. By the time the wedding day arrives I feel as though I already know the bridal party and the couple’s family and the sweet great grandmas who love to tell me stories of their grandchildren. Getting to know my brides and grooms is one of my most favorite parts of this job of mine. And getting to know the friends and family who make these couples who they are is the icing on the cake. A few weeks ago I had the joy of flying to Tennessee to photograph Stephen & Ariel’s Nashville wedding. And over the course of bridal teas and sweet teas and a rehearsal dinner down Music City’s Cumberland River, I remembered why I so deeply love Southern weddings. They’re hardly a one-day affair, but rather an entire week steeped in rich tradition, delicious food, and delightfully sweet southern accents.

While I’m spending my week drooling over their weddings photos, I wanted to share a little taste of Stephen & Ariel’s rehearsal dinner. A steamboat ride at sunset while being serenaded with live music and fireflies? I don’t mind if I do!