Sarah & Kurt {Nashville Wedding Photographer}

Sarah & Kurt's wedding day was full of laughter, mainly from the couple! It is easy to see how much they enjoy life with each other. Some of my favorite photos of this day are the ones where you can see the excitement and joy all over Sarah's face by how much expression there is. For me, that really makes photographing someone even more fun. The couple was married at the Nashville Tennessee Temple and had their reception at aVenue in downtown Nashville. Such a great reception location right downtown that allowed us to get photos in so many different places!

The reception had many great moments, including Kurt's grandmother being surprised by a birthday cake - it was her 90th - and the dancing! Let me tell you about my new favorite dancing at wedding receptions - Contra dancing! It is folk dancing where everyone pairs up or dances in two lines facing each other and everything is called out by the band leader. (okay, that is a terrible explanation, I'm sure you can find a better one somewhere) It was awesome to photograph and I am confident all the guests involved had a great time!

Thanks Sarah & Kurt for letting me be a part of your day! And thanks to my second shooter Erin for some great shots :)

~ Mandy

Vendors:

Reception location - Nashville Event Space - aVenue

Food: Boundry

Cakes: Silver Box Cake Designs

Dress: Helene Bridal

Band: Contra Dancing Caller - Susan Kevra

Flowers: Flowers by Brookie

Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse

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Looking for a Wedding Photographer in Nashville?

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

Jase & Sara {Legacy Farms Wedding Photographer}

To say I loved this wedding would be a bit of an understatement. Everything looked gorgeous, the couple was beautiful both inside & out, and the day was perfect for an outdoor ceremony in November (except for a little wind now and then). Sara & Jase had an engagement session at Legacy Farms in the fall, and we had a great time exploring the grounds and hanging out with their pup, Duke. I was excited to get to go back to that wonderful location again for their wedding. If you haven't been here you really should visit!

I love working with Sara & Jase - they are very much in love and really sweet people. It was easy to see how much they are loved by their friends and family & how they genuinely care about others.

Sara wore a beautiful gown from the White Room (who I love - that's were I got my dress). They decided not to see each other before the ceremony, so everyone got to witness the wonderful first reactions to them seeing each other on their wedding day. The ceremony spot was decorated with stained glass, which is something I hadn't seen before - it was gorgeous! The flowers, from The Enchanted Florist, were amazing - so bright and colorful - they fit in so well with everything that day.

A huge thanks to Kellie at Legacy Farms and to Helen with Weddings by Helen for making the day run so smoothly. It really makes the photographer's job easier when there is a wedding coordinator there like Helen! And thanks to my great second shooter, Erin.

And now, of course, the photos you've been waiting for!

~ Mandy

Thanks for looking, Mandy

Additional Vendors: Ralph Griggs - Minister (Who always does a great job!)

The super cute (& tasty) caramel apples - California Caramel Company

The great food & the cake were from Main Event Productions (which Legacy Farms is also a part of).

The fun band was the Justin Kalk Orchestra, who are managed by the groom, Jase!

Bridesmaid dresses are from David's Bridal.

Tuxes are from Lazarus Department Store.

Limo services through Grand Avenue.

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Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!

Nashville Wedding Vendor Spotlight: The White Room {Nashville Wedding Photographer}

The ladies at The White Room have everything you are looking for to dress you and your bridal party to perfection on your big day! Gorgeous dresses, shoes, jewelry, suits, bridesmaids dresses - you name it and if it has to do with something you'd be wearing they've got it. I have a special place in my heart for The White Room since it is where I found my wedding gown five years ago. The experience I had there was wonderful, and this past year I've had three brides who have also found dress success there.

The three lovely ladies from this past year:

Erin

Karyn

and Laura

And me on our wedding day! (photo by Krista Lee Photography)

A few weeks ago I went The White Room in Lebanon (they have another store in Murfreesboro ladies!) and Melanie, one of the store owners, was so nice to answer a few questions about the dress selection process.

How long do bride's need to start shopping before the wedding. In other words, how long does it take to order the dress, get it in the store, and get it altered?

It takes 4-6 months to get a wedding gown in. We always remind our brides that they need to take things like alterations and bridal portraits in mind when they set the deadline to order their gown. For brides who have set a short engagement….. There are several companies that offer RUSH delivery and keep some inventory in stock. We also keep a SAMPLE sale selection out year round for brides that need a gown quick or brides that enjoy a great deal on a designer gown.

What style of wedding dress is most popular right now?

A lot of brides are going for a more fitted silhouette. Rich fabrics, beading, and lace are the different directions one can go once the silhouette is chosen, although some gowns feature all three.

What style and color of bridesmaids dress is most popular right now?

Cocktail length has been the most popular style for the past couple years. Customers are seeing the length as something easy to wear again. Colors: shades of purple and gray have been the most popular this season.

What are some ways you see brides put their own style into their wedding day look?

We have a l lot of brides who make custom changes with their gown to add their own unique flare. Many do this by adding a splash of color or an accent sash, while others change the necklines or add custom straps. The White Room offers so many great accessories that helps each bride find the perfect addition for her wedding look. (one of my favorites is our monogram veil collection-- I think it is very Southern and feminine. It also serves as a great family heirloom piece for years to come).

What do you enjoy the most about working in the wedding industry?

Meeting the people and hearing their stories. Each customer has such a different story and a different goal they are trying to achieve. It is our job to help them achieve this goal. It is such a joy to work with people during the most special times of their lives. It is truly a reward!!!

How did you get started in the wedding industry?

My business partner, Erika, and I both worked here full time for the previous owner. We both ended up here as kind of an “in between” job, but fell in love with the industry and never seemed to look further. We purchased The White Room in 2006 and have since opened our second location in Murfreesboro. We are very blessed to have such a wonderful staff and such great customers to work with. I can honestly say I am excited to come to work every day!!!

What advice would you give a bride on choosing a wedding dress?

To follow her heart. We see so many brides who bring so many people in with them to look for their gown. In the end, it sometimes is the friend or mom who loves the gown more than the bride. We tell our brides to remember that this is their day. Have no regrets and get the gown you feel the best in.

What advice would you give a bride on the wedding process in general?

Keep an open mind. Also, don’t stress over the small stuff -- it will all come together. Remember- you are marrying the man of your dreams!!! That is what this is all about! Enjoy your engagement…. And come to The White Room!

Here are some images from The White Room store in Lebanon. Ladies: if you haven't found your dress yet I encourage you to visit them, they will help you find the dress you are looking for!

Mandy Whitley Photography is Nashville's premiere pet photographer. Mandy Whitley creates fun and playful photographs with pets and their people. She photographs portrait sessions, family sessions, couple portraits, and weddings - as well as just pets! To inquire about booking a photo session, contact Mandy!