This past weekend, I photographed Danny and Megan’s amazing wedding at the stunning Biltmore Estate! All three sisters were KJ Brides and I just can’t express how special that is to me. It felt like the sweetest reunion as soon as I walked into the bridal suite. Mrs. Webster hugged me as if I was a family member that she hadn’t seen in a while and the sisters and I picked up right where we left off in Boston! It felt like so much had changed and yet it also seemed like nothing had changed at all. The reality is, a pandemic happened right after Dan and Melanie’s wedding, sweet Lila looks so grown up and is four years older and Megan has found the love of her life!!

 There is one other special piece to this story. ALL THREE sisters were married on Mr. and Mrs. Webster’s anniversary. I rarely book February weddings but when I do, it’s normally for a Webster sister!! :)  Beautiful portraits with the Biltmore House were captured, joyful and tearful toasts were given, memories were made and Danny and Megan were married! It was all so wonderful and I’m so sad that we have like 20 years until it’s Lila’s turn!!! :) Enjoy this recap of the day!

Ceremony & Reception | Deerpark on The Biltmore Estate

Dress Store | The Bridal Finery

Dress Designer | Ines Di Santo

Florist | Biltmore Floral

Planner | MaryBell Events

Hair & Make Up | Blush Asheville

Cake | The Biltmore Estate

Catering | The Biltmore Estate

Bridesmaids Dresses | Anthropologie

Invitations | Wouldn’t It Be Lovely

Photobooth | Zimzoom LLC

View their engagement session HERE!

The post Danny + Megan <span class="kj-subtitle">A Biltmore Estate Wedding</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

So a few days before the big day, the forecast wasn’t looking great. There was rain looming and it made everyone a little nervous. Fast forward to Saturday and it’s wedding time!! It was PERFECT outside. It was supposed to be cold and it was warm. It was supposed to be raining and it was sunny. It was supposed to be a complicated day full of checking the radar and making last minute pivots and instead, it was perfection.

Tiffany and Eddy made us smile, laugh, and remember why wedding days are so joyful. These two were made for each other and that was evident in how they basically wrote the SAME VOWS without even knowing it. The same inside jokes, the same memories, the same promises…. it was truly amazing to see how they are clearly soulmates. And the best part? I got to capture it all and meet their friends and family. Everyone made us feel so welcomed and loved!!! We were sad to leave and fly back to the other side of the country but California, you treated us well!!!

Enjoy these favorites!!! Eddy and Tiffany, you are truly the best and it was an HONOR to have you as our final KJ Couple for 2023!!!!!

Ceremony Venue | BEL AIR BAY CLUB

Makeup Artist | KELLY ZHANG STUDIO

Videographer | COTTON LOVE STUDIOS

DJ | TMMPRO

Lighting | TMMPRO

Draping | TMMPRO

Groomsmen Rental | BLACK TUX

Florist | FLOWER ALLIE

Wedding Coordinator | JEN EVENTS

Wedding Designer | MILK EVENTS

Photo Booth | PIXSTER

HARPIST | ELAINE LITSTER

WEDDING DRESS | ENZOANI

Boba Tea Bar | BOBA ALMOND HAUS

Food Truck | IN N OUT TRUCK 

Cake | CAKE MERENGUE

Bridesmaids Dresses | AZAZIE

Groom Tux | HIGH SOCIETY TAILOR

View their Engagement Session HERE!

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Life has been extremely challenging for these two over the last few months and they deserved a day with no stress, no worry, just pure joy and excitement. That is exactly what they received! As we loaded up in the car to head to a portrait location in the rain, I was just hoping we could find some cover at the porch of the Capitol! Well, right before the Capitol property, I found a gorgeous church with the most perfect porch and columns. The light was just amazing and we were able to not only capture some beautiful portraits, we were able to do it in record time and get the timeline back on track!! (This is actually one of my specialties on wedding days! Tyler calls it the “KJ Effect”! ha!)

We made it back to the hotel and it was time to get married!! As you scroll through these photos, please notice a few things! 1. How Chip looks at Crossley. 2. How amazing Crossley’s blue eyes are! and 3. Be on the lookout for some sister shots! I love these Wagner girls!

Ceremony + Reception | John Marshall Ballroom

Dress Store | David’s Bridal

Florist | Coleman Brothers

Hair | Lou Stevens

Make Up | Make Up By Seema

Band | East Coast Entertainment

Cake | Publix

Catering | John Marshall Ballroom

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Groomsmen Attire | Jos. A. Banks

Invitations | Papeterie

Photo Booth | Richmond Photo Booth

View their Engagement Session HERE!

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They had the most beautiful wedding day. The weather, the people, the emotions, the family… it was all so special. The most special part of the day was during their first look when they shared their own personal vows. I cried listening to John struggle to get through his as he told Lauren that he always knew it would be her… even back in 8th grade hugging under the clock. They both seem so equally grateful and thankful to be each other’s person. This day was 9 years in the making and it was worth waiting for!! I can’t wait for you to see it through our eyes!! Enjoy my favorites!!

Ps. You can also view their Engagement Session HERE!

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Devon would do anything for Caitlin. He adores her and that adoration was apparent from the first look to the exit!! This level of adoration and love for one another is a photographer’s dream! They are incredibly photogenic and the poses just flow out of them!! I don’t know if I have ever had an easier couple to pose and capture! 

Like I always say, it’s such an honor whenever we are chosen to capture a wedding day for another photographer. The pressure is ON and for good reason! Caitlin knows what she envisioned for her day and it was my job to capture just that!! As I scroll through these images, I love how their day is frozen and saved forever! The joy, the light, the different locations and dresses… it was a dream!! Enjoy scrolling through their images and seeing a peek into their day! 

Caitlin and Devon, THANK YOU for choosing us!!! We are so honored and we realize you could have chosen anyone!! We hope you can relax and enjoy this newlywed season together! You deserve it!!! 

Ceremony | Emory & Henry College – Memorial Chapel

Reception | Bristol Train Station

Dress Store | Bristol Bridal Station

Dress Designer | David Tutera

Florist | Simply Yours Florals

Planner | Simply Yours Coordination

Hair | Chloe Sturgill

Make Up | Madison Marsee

DJ | Hale Entertainment

Videographer | Films by Julie & Chris

Cake | Petite Sweets

Catering | Gingerbread Catering

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Getting Ready Venue | The Bristol Hotel

Rentals | Pop Event Co.

View their Engagement Session HERE!

The post Devon + Caitlin <span class="kj-subtitle">Emory & Henry Chapel Wedding</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Michael and I loved getting to see Nick and Gillian again. They were just as calm, fun, and joyful as they were back in 2019 when our adventure together first began. Only this time, we had the shared experience of being parents. Honestly, this isn’t a normal shared life experience that we have with our KJ Couples and it was so much fun to talk and feel so understood! They get it. Life with young kids is full and demanding but also so amazing. Seeing both of them in their roles of mom and dad was beautiful and added a special new element to their day that we just loved!!

They didn’t have a ceremony, we took some portraits of the two of them the day before, they didn’t stress over details and their main goal was to have a joyful celebration with their closest friends and family. Their mission was most definitely accomplished!! I honestly can’t believe everything fell into place for us to be there to capture it but I’m so grateful.  Enjoy some of my favorites from this family’s special day and congrats to Nick and Gillian on FINALLY being able to celebrate your marriage!!!

Reception | Hazelhead Park Cafe

Dress Store | Perfect Bridal Rooms

Dress Designer | Sophia Tolli

Hair & Make Up | NK Hair Studio

DJ | Ritz Media

Cake | Mother of the Bride

Catering | Hazelhead Park Cafe

Groomsmen Attire | McCalls

Invitations | Gillian Sarah

View their Engagement Session HERE!

The post Gillian + Nick <span class="kj-subtitle">A Simple Scottish Wedding | Aberdeen, Scotland</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Enjoy some of our favorites from their special day!!

The post Featured : BRIDES Magazine <span class="kj-subtitle">Paige + Nikhil's Wedding</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

They planned their beautiful wedding day at Diamond B Barn and the views were just incredible. There are some locations that are just so epic that it’s overwhelming at first to a photographer because I know that the expectation is high. I’m not even talking about other people’s expectation! I’m talking about my own.  When I see tall grasses, glowy light, rolling hills, willows, mountain ranges, wide river beds and beautiful trees, I know that I can create a TON of amazing portraits! However, it’s up to me to make all of the calls and get them out there when the light is perfect. I was watching the sun setting like a hawk. Around 6:40, we decided to go for it and of my goodness! What a dream!!! You’ll see what I mean when you scroll!!

As beautiful as the portraits from this wedding day are, nothing compares to the beauty in the hearts of Kevin and Jacqueline. One by one, as parents stood up to share and toast to the newlyweds, I became more and more convinced that Kevin and Jacqueline were truly one of a kind. I teared up listening to their parents speak of the sweet qualities they  noticed in their children when they were so tiny that have followed them into their adult lives. I loved seeing Jackie do a first look with her three younger brothers since that’s the trajectory of our own family dynamic! I loved hearing her dad explain that she has always been the low-maintenance one. I would totally agree. Not once did I hear her get irritated or frustrated that something wasn’t going the way she envisioned it. Like I said before, truly, these two were a dream to work with!

It was an absolute honor to capture their day. I’m still in awe of how beautiful it was and I have been counting down the hours until I could share this beauty on the blog!! Enjoy my many, many favorites!!!

Ceremony + Reception | Diamond B Weddings

Dress Designer | Sophia Tolli, The EMMA Gown

Florist | Mums Flowers

Hair | Honey Mountain Beauty

Make Up | Orenda Beauty LLC

DJ | Destination DJ

Catering | Hellroaring Saloon & Eatery

Bridesmaids Dresses | The Dress Lounge

Bridesmaids Dress Designer | Mori Lee + Jasmine Bridal

Groomsmen Attire | Moores Clothing for Men

Rentals | Empress Tents and Events

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Their day was relaxed and full of joy. 65 of their closest family and friends surrounded them on a rooftop patio at the gorgeous Loft Lucia and they promised forever to one another! It was such an honor to be asked to capture it all. They could have chosen anyone to photograph their day and they decided to fly us out to their beautiful city. We still pinch ourselves sometimes when we consider how amazing it is to be trusted with capturing such a cherished day! Enjoy reliving their wedding day through our eyes!!!

Ceremony & Reception | Loft Lucia

Dress Store | Grace Loves Lace

Florist | Thrive Floral Designs

Planner | Michelle Rowland

Hair & Make Up | Blush and Braids

DJ | Green Line Talent

Ceremony Cellist | Midtown Strings

Sweets | Bittersweet Pasty Shop & Cafe

French Macarons | Vanilla Patisserie 

Iced Sugar Cookies | Main Street Treats

Catering | Huegah Catering Co.

Groom’s Suit | Harris & Tailor

Bride’s Wedding & Engagement Rings | Everett Fine Jewelry

Wine | Battle Creek Cellars

Shuttle | Echo Limousine

The post Nicole + Matt <span class="kj-subtitle">An Industrial Style Chicago Wedding | Loft Lucia</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Despite the heat and the humidity, Kelsey was so excited to be there and I was too. How in the world did I convince a photographer to fly her husband, daughter, sister and her sister’s boyfriend across the country for a portrait session at our best friend’s property in Lexington, Virginia?! I say that like it’s unheard of but honestly, I placed my own family up and flew them to Utah for my favorite photographer to capture us and I would do it again in a heartbeat! So, I actually do understand how this came to be and I am still in awe that someone would do that to get in front of my camera! What an incredible honor!

Humidity and all, we made the most of this beautiful glowy light and stunning couple! They exchanged letters to one another and it was beautiful. I love capturing vow renewals that are truly a time to reconnect and celebrate all that they have been through together. We didn’t have nearly enough time together but the short two hours we did have together, we learned that Tom and Kelsey are just the sweetest couple. They daughter, Marina, stole our hearts and her sister was amazing. We felt honored that we got to meet their whole crew!!

The post Tom + Kelsey <span class="kj-subtitle">A Mountainside Vow Renewal</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

Ceremony & Reception | The Parlour at Manns Chapel

Dress Store | Modern Trousseau

Dress Designer | Callie Tein

Florist | Courtney Inghram 

Planner | Alexis Milby of LK Events

Hair & Make Up | Rishi Salon & Spa

Band | Soul Expressions of Sam Hill Entertainment

Cake | Westhampton Pastry Shop

Catering | Tandem Restaurant

Bridesmaids Dresses | David’s Bridal

Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Invitations | Minted

View their Engagement Session HERE!

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This is when things got crazy. Instead of moving further down that path, Nathan felt like God said to ask Jenni Rae for 60 days to date her and try one more time. She agreed.

They dated and went through coaching and incredibly hard work and eventually, Nathan proposed again. This past weekend, they were re-married and re-committed their lives and their family to the Lord.  They stood in front of a room full of friends and family who had seen them walk a very dark road together. Many of the people surrounding them on this day were people who were in the trenches of this journey with them. They were there for hard conversations, they never gave up on them, they supported them when it seemed like it was over and hopeless… and they were there when they started over again.

Michael and I stood there and just cried through the whole ceremony. I can’t explain how powerful and beautiful it was to watch a couple be authentic enough to publicly talk about their downfalls and their struggle and then also invite others to witness their new beginning. I have photographed over 350 weddings…. and this one was the most impactful. Why? Because these two weren’t just renewing vows. Their old marriage is gone and a new one has begun. They know everything about one another… the good, the hard, the unflattering, the brokenness, the insecurities, etc…. and they still chose to commit all over again.

I shared a sneak peek on Tiktok and Instagram from this day and 99% of the comments were so affirming… but one comment stood out and the person said:

“Marriage isn’t hard, imagine having zero secrets”….

Here’s my feedback on that….

Marriages don’t always fall apart because of “secrets”. Sure, that’s one storyline…. but it’s a very naive perspective to think that’s why all marriages crumble. Marriages crumble because we’re broken people. We’re ALL broken. No one is exempt.  We all have flaws. So, when you take flawed people and put them together, you are going to have issues eventually. Maybe their aren’t obvious, maybe they are minimal, maybe they don’t emerge until you’re in a traumatic situation…. but the bottomline is, there are no perfect people and no perfect relationships.

Marriages crumble because of so many different kinds of brokenness.  You can commit to love someone for life but if you don’t love yourself, you will struggle to fully love anyone else in a healthy way. Marriages crumble because some people get married to “fix” their life and expect their partner to make them “happy”…. and that’s not the purpose of marriage. Marriages crumble because we’re blind to our own insecurities and we get in unhealthy patterns that involve tension, judgements and painful arguments.

The list goes on.

You can have a healthy relationship, but not a perfect one. Nathan and Jenni Rae’s Celebration of Restoration wasn’t about having a perfect relationship, it was a celebration of two broken people recommitting to be in the battle together.  Healthy marriages have to overcome hurdles just like unhealthy ones do…. they just tend to do it as a team. Nathan and Jenni Rae committed again to being team players for the rest of their life.

I could talk about this for hours… but I want you to get to this blog post and see a visual representation of what it looks like to start over when you’re in your 40’s and have teenage children and a lifetime of pain and burdens together. This day was filled with so many beauty. It was an honor to capture it all!!! Enjoy!

The balloon was for Hosea, their baby boy that they lost. 

The post Nathan + Jenni Rae <span class="kj-subtitle">Historic Estate Wedding | Franklin Tennessee</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

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Megan and Tim’s joy and love for the Lord radiated throughout every single part of their day. You’ll be able to see what I’m talking about as you scroll through these images! There was this amazing balance of tears and laughter that hung in the atmosphere of the day from beginning to end. It started with Mary Beth praying with Megan before she helped her get into her wedding dress. Then it continued when dad saw her for the first time. Then the tears flowed again when Tim and Megan read their letters to one another during their first look… and the laughter came back when the DJ decided to do a sound check to “YEAH!” by Usher right as they were wrapping up their prayer together and it just felt hilariously timed. Then Grandma saw Megan and bawled and I cried thinking about how this will be my mom when Evy is getting married one day! These type of emotions flowed throughout the entire day and it was so evident that the Lord was there. The gift of marriage, the correlation of marriage to the gospel, the commitment to sacrificial love through highs and lows, the beginning of a new family…. it’s just all so beautiful and it felt like the most perfect way to end our 2021 wedding season.

Tim and Megan, I hope Charleston is just amazing. We’re praying for the most beautiful first year of marriage for you both. You are both such lights and we can’t wait to see how God uses you and your marriage and your family in powerful ways!!!! Enjoy reliving your day through your images!!!

Ceremony & Reception | Private Residence

Dress Store | Urban Set Bride

Dress Designer | Maggie Sottero 

Florist | Groom’s Aunt

Planner | Family Friend

Hair & Make Up | Lou Stevens

DJ | Dynamic DJ

Cupcakes | Ukrops

Catering | Deep Run Road House

Bridesmaids Dresses | Azazie

Groomsmen Attire | The Black Tux

Invitations | Emma Hilbert

Tent Rental | Party Perfect

View their Engagement Session HERE!

The post Megan + Tim <span class="kj-subtitle">A Backyard Country Wedding</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

If there was one thing that I took away from this wedding day, it was how much Taryn and Jeremy were loved. That was a resounding observation that was shared throughout the day. Family and friends traveled from all over the country to celebrate with these two and I think Taryn’s dad said it best when he said “I think this was how it was always supposed to be… here, with these people, on this day… it was always supposed to be this way.”

Everything about this day was styled and designed by Jeremy and the amazing team at Orpha Events. It was incredible! Please don’t overlook the amazing colors and details inside the tent!! What a fall dream!!! Enjoy reliving the day through our eyes!

Venue | Sepentary Winery

Florals | Nature Composed

Planner | Orpha Events

Hair | Honeycomb

Makeup | Gohar Makeup

Band | Sam Hill Bands

Cake & Desserts | Cakes by Rachel

Catering | Catering Outfit

Invitations | Paper & Honey

Tent & Infrastructure | Rent-E-Quip

Design, Rentals & Decor | Festive Fare

Bride’s Shoes | Bella Belle Shoes

Transportation | Easy Rider and Albermarle Limosuine

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Friends, don’t miss the extensive vendor list at the bottom of the post! There are so many amazing people to thank for these two days! Ashley (planner) and Kim (stylist), you two were just a dream. Thank you for making my job so easy and so much fun!! Nikhil and Paige, you are the epitome of a dream KJ Couple and I’m just so humbled that you chose us!!! Enjoy reliving your amazing wedding days!!!

Friday Wedding Vendors:

Hindu Ceremony Chairs | Party at the Moontower
Officiant | Reverend Bonnie
Sari + Groom’s Indian Attire | VAMA Designs
Planner | Much Ado Austin
Venue | One Eleven East
Florist | Blumen Floral
Stylist | The Venue Studio
HMUA | Luna Beauty & Bridal
Videography | Two Fish Weddings
Stationery + Signage | Jen Krause Paper Co.
DJ | DJ Gatsby
Catering | Soho Catering
Linens | BBJ & La Tavola

Sunday Wedding Vendors:

Planner | Much Ado Austin
Venue | One Eleven East
Florist | Blumen Floral
Stylist: The Venue Studio
HMUA | Luna Beauty & Bridal
Videography | Two Fish Weddings
Stationery + Signage | Jen Krause Paper Co.
Streamer Install | Pop & Drop
Rentals | Loot Rentals
Tabletop | Table Manners
Bakery | Glace Cakes
DJ | DJ Gatsby
Catering | Soho Catering
VW Bus Rental | Vannagram ATX
Bridesmaids Dresses | Shop Revelry
Linens | BBJ & La Tavola
Gown Designer | Milla Nova
Bridal Salon | Melange Bridal
Groomsmen Tuxes | The Black Tux 
Cake Stand | The Styled Affair
Hand Painted Bottles | Pens & Needles Co
Reception Glitter Artist | Sparkle Faerie
Neon Sign | Brite Lite Tribe
Banner | Oxford Pennant
Bride Shoes | Birdies & Louboutins
Engagement Ring | Brilliant Earth
Weddings Bands | Austin Private Jeweler
Cocktail Ring | Gem Breakfast
Cake Stand | Styled Affair

View their Engagement Session HERE!

The post Nikhil + Paige <span class="kj-subtitle">Retro Inspired Wedding Day | One Eleven East</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.

It was such an honor to be the ones capturing this day. This vendor line up was called the “Dream Team” on multiple occasions and it was truly just that! I can’t wait for you to see this one!! Enjoy getting to know our sweet clients, new friends and some of our best KJ Couple models to date!!!

Ceremony & Reception | Dover Hall Estate

Dress Store | Elegance By Roya Bridal – Tysons Corner

Florist | The Flower Guy Bron

Planner | Kim Moody

Hair & Make Up | Elle Style Studio

DJ | Eric Herod Entertainment

Videographer | The Herrinton’s

Cake | Sweet Fix

Catering | Dover Hall Estate

Bridesmaids Dresses | Amsale

Groomsmen Attire | Classic Tuxedo

Invitations | Minted

Rentals | Rent-E-Quip and Paisley & Jade

View their Engagement Session HERE!

The post Danielle + Ryan <span class="kj-subtitle">A Luxury Dover Hall Estate Wedding</span> appeared first on Katelyn James | Online Educator for Photographers and Entrepreneurs.