The Venue
In 2021 I had the opportunity to attend a styled shoot at Mountain Mist Farms in Pigeon Forge. The views from their ceremony site are breathtaking to behold, especially in the Fall. I never dreamed that a year later I would be lucky enough to come back out to photograph Tim & Helena’s wedding!
Mountain Mist Farms is only about a 10 minute drive from the main strip in Pigeon Forge, but as soon as you turn onto the charming, winding road on your way to the venue, you feel as if you’ve entered another dimension itself.
The Barn is perfect for an intimate wedding. I also love looking out and seeing the beautiful vineyard below.
I can’t say enough good things about this venue and the people who run it! If you’re a Tennessee Bride – 10 out of 10 recommend! Or, like Tim & Helena, make it a destination wedding and come experience this gorgeous autumn view in the Smokies!
The Details
I absolutely loved Helena’s flowers! From her bouquet to the flowers on the cake, arch and platform arrangements, they were so fresh and lovely. One of the roses was even the color of a latte!
First Look
Every wedding is different. I mean, they generally all follow a similar timeline, but every couple is unique and that is what makes every wedding something entirely it’s own! One thing I absolutely loved about Tim & Helena as a couple was the way he looked at her all day – love and devotion! It was also super endearing how nervous he was for the first look. Wedding days filled with so much emotion and I think sometimes it takes us by surprise! Relationship goals though, find someone who looks at you the way Tim looks at Helena! ❤️
The Bridal Party
Tim & Helena’s Bridal Party were awesome! They were so much fun to work with and just good people. They all made me feel welcome and at ease, like we all went way back, years instead of hours lol.
Every wedding photographer knows, 75% of the time, getting the groomsmen to participate for wedding party pictures is a task in itself haha. Tim’s groomsmen killed it! They did such an amazing job and added their own flare, which I loved. Of course I am there to capture the standard get together and smile photos – but what I love even more are the silly ones. What’s a wedding day without some shenanigans and laughter?
The Ceremony
Tim & Helena’s ceremony was beautiful. The sun fell perfect on the hills behind them making the Fall colors glow and deepening the shadows just right. A storybook setting – simple and sweet.
The Couple
Helena & her maid of honor found me through Instagram and booked me without ever meeting me. I’ll be honest, I was nervous! This was my first Bride & Groom to work with without meeting them in person first! I’m definitely a type-a, plan ahead, work out all the details, kinda gal. I hoped that I would live up to their expectations and we would be a good fit! Really, you spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than any other person lol!
I met Tim & Helena in the park for their rehearsal the day before and instantly felt my tension melt away. They were laid back and just excited to be in Pigeon Forge with their cute kids, closest friends and family to marry one another! I was honored to spend their special day with them and enjoyed every moment!
Bouquet Toss, Garter Toss, and Shoe Game
I’d never heard of the shoe game until this wedding! Bride and Groom take one of the others shoes and sit back to back. The DJ then asked them a series of questions and they answered who they thought fit the scenario better by raising that persons shoe – i.e. “who do you think takes out the trash more often?”
Definitely got some good laughs!
Time to Party!
Did I mention how great all of Tim & Helena’s friends and family were? Well just in case you missed it earlier, they were AMAZING. I had so many good conversations over the course of the day with various people. Later on, everyone got out on the dance floor! Both Tim & Helena kept checking on me throughout the evening to make sure I wasn’t working too hard and that I was enjoying myself ❤️. I really feel like I lucked out to be included in such a fantastic day with awesome people!
Cigars
During the evening’s festivities, Tim asked if I would take some pictures of all the guys smoking some cigars – they ended up being some of my favorite images from the day.
A Good Way to End a Good Day
Let it be known – I love a sparkler exit! It was a great way to end a beautiful day! And how charming is Mountain Mist Farm’s barn all lit up in the dark?
It just doesn’t seem real that I could be so lucky to do a job where I get to travel and hang out with wonderful people while helping preserve the memories of one of their happiest days. Such an honor and a privilege – one I don’t plan on taking for granted! So very thankful for these opportunities!
