I know I shared with you Kim and Chad’s engagement session in Murfreesboro. And later after their beautiful Opryland Hotel wedding in Nashville I shared with you their wedding sneak peek. So I also wanted to share with you the final custom client site that features everything all together in one place… and like I like to say… “all tied up in a pretty little bow.”

If you want to open Kim and Chad’s client site in a separate window, click here!

Over the course of the year Scott and I have worked very closely with them during their wedding planning process, and they have come to mean so very much to us. I’m telling you internet… I have the greatest job ever! THIS is why I love my job!

Since I have shared with you their engagement session AND their wedding sneak peek, I want to share with you how it all gets tied up into a pretty little bow! Check out Becky and Mike’s custom Client Site! It features their engagement session, as well as all of their wedding photos via the PASS gallery where they will be able to share everything on Facebook as well as download all of their digital files all from within their gallery! No more fooling with DVD’s… and that my friends is LIBERATING for me and LIBERATING for Becky and Mike.

ENJOY!

To view their client site in a separate window, click here.

You are engaged! Now what?!

First I would like to congratulate you on your engagement! This is a very exciting time in your life, and I am sure that you want it to be perfect! But where should you start? Sometimes planning a wedding can seem a bit overwhelming, but I am here to tell you that it does not have to be.

Start HERE:

Once you have that beautiful ring on your finger, there are four things you should start considering.
1. Your wedding budget
2. Your wedding venue
3. Your wedding date
4. Your wedding photography

Your wedding venue and your wedding photographer should be the first two vendors that you hire. And the sooner you do this the better off you will be. Most brides are encouraged to book their venue and their photographer at least one year in advance. There are several benefits to doing this early. One benefit is that you can be sure to secure a date that works for you at the venue you can’t live without. Same thing goes for hiring your photographer! If you do not book early enough, you may be running the risk of that photographer already being booked on the date you prefer! Keep in mind that most brides are planning their wedding at least a year in advance, so venues and photographers are filling up their schedules early as well! Another benefit to booking your venue and photographer early is that most are willing to set up some pretty amazing payment plans! I know I do. And the more time you give yourself to plan, the more payments you will be able to break your fees into.

Choosing A Venue:

Choosing a venue can be daunting on its own. There are so many things to consider. But it should be the very first vendor that you book!
1. How many guests can the venue accommodate?
2. Will you have to book a separate location for the wedding reception? (Not necessarily a bad thing)
3. Is your date available?
4. Does the venue or venues allow alcoholic beverages?
5. Does the venue provide you with a room to get ready in before your wedding? Or will you have to have an alternate location for that?
6. How much time does the venue allow the use of the facility before the ceremony time begins? (This could effect the amount of time allowed for photography)
7. Will the venue require you to use their caterer, or will you be allowed to bring in your own?
8. What percentage of your wedding budget will your venue(s) cost you? Will the venue(s) work with you on payment plans?
9. Does the venue allow outside decorations? Or will it even NEED outside decorations?

I’m sure there are so many more things to consider, and each scenario will be different. But this at least gives you a starting point.

Photography

Choosing your photographer is not as easy as it sounds. Nor should it be. When you are searching through Facebook searches, Google searches, bridal shows, and recommendations from friends, be sure you are looking for the particular STYLE of photography that you can’t live without. Many brides will focus on the cost first. This should not be your first concern. I understand that money and your budget is important. But if you end up settling for a lower priced photographer, your wedding images could suffer that decision. And face it… once the wedding day is over, all that is left is your photos. Besides most wedding photographers are willing to negotiate things in order to help you stay as close to your budget as possible considering that you are anywhere in the same ballpark. And if for some reason they are unable to meet your budget, they SHOULD be willing to help you by recommending others who may be able to meet your budget while still ensuring that you are hiring a professional. Just to be real, your wedding photographer will probably be one of the most expensive wedding vendors you will hire. But they will also be the ONE VENDOR that you will work with the closest throughout your wedding planning stages! If I can lend you ONE PIECE of advice it is this:  There are too many people out there who own fancy cameras and a fancy website, and call themselves a professional. DO YOUR RESEARCH. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! 

Choosing Your Photographer:

1. Do your research. Look for the STYLE of photography in which you want your own wedding to be shot. Style should always be the FIRST thing you consider. Do you prefer candids? Traditional? What about post processing? What you see on a photographer’s website SHOULD be what you can depend on getting back from them yourself!
2. Follow a few photographers on Facebook, and get a handle on their personality. You definitely want to hire a photographer that you can see yourself being friends with, because you will be working very closely and very intimately with your photographer during your wedding planning stages as well as on your wedding day.
3. How important are digital files from your wedding? How does that photographer deliver your digital files?
4. How important to you and your parents are wedding albums?
5. Ask to see complete weddings. All photographers can have a few great shots on their website. But it is important to see a complete collection of wedding photos so that you can get a better idea of what your complete collection will be like as well.
6. Does that photographer have a backup plan in case of emergency or illness?
7. Is everything covered in the contract?
8. If you find a photographer that you absolutely cannot live without, do whatever it takes to book them! Negotiate! Are you willing to change your wedding date if the date is what is standing in the way? Are you willing to consider saving money on flowers or catering in order to add money to your photography budget?
9. What do you see that photographer doing for his or her current and previous brides? Watch for this on blogs and Facebook!
10. What about engagement photos?

I hope that you find this information useful. Planning a wedding is such an exciting thing to do. THIS is the day you have been dreaming of your entire life! This day will only happen once! And I want to see you have the most amazing day of your life. Better yet… I want to be a part of it! I seriously love love love my job! I love being a wedding photographer! I love building friendships with my clients! I love capturing the emotions from a wedding! And as cliche’ as this may sound… I LOVE LOVE!

Contact me about your upcoming wedding! And be on the lookout for a guest blog post from one of my favorite wedding coordinators coming soon. Vickie Stanton of Bella Weddings is going to share a few more tips to planning your wedding! I can’t wait to share that with you! She is amazing and will rock your world!

Until next time my lovelies!

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Earlier this year I made the trip out to Atlanta to spend a day with Becky and Mike before a conference that I was scheduled for. It isn’t very often that I make a habit of spending the night in my clients’ homes but I really wanted to spend some time getting to know them better. I knew from the start that they were one of those couples that would become great friends! Becky and Mike welcomed me with huge open arms, entertained me with amazing food and delicious cupcakes, and my very first trip to IKEA!

My emotions were running all over the place on their wedding day. So much so, in fact, that Becky’s mother stopped to pray over me. That actually made me cry even more… but for a different reason. LOL. The entire day was such a roller coaster of emotions for me because I knew I had to do an amazing job for my clients, but I was extremely happy to be a part of their big day… and ultimately I was watching my FRIENDS get married to each other. It was amazing!

Our day began at the Embassy Suites at Vanderbilt where Becky began getting ready.

After hair and makeup, Becky arrived at the church where she got into her dress and prepared for a very emotional first look with her mother and father.

Becky and Mike did not want to see each other before the wedding, so we spent a little time with each of them getting as many different combination of pictures as we could before the ceremony. I must say… this was one very fun bridal party! I really enjoyed getting to know all of the girls and the guys!

I’m pretty sure this is the most amazing wedding pianist I’ve ever heard… Alexis Cruz, Nashville TN.

Eastland Baptist Church is amazingly beautiful! Simply beautiful! It was decorated for Christmas and it was breathtaking with the cathedral ceilings and chandeliers! And I have to give credit to my amazing second shooter, Rebecca Payne for grabbing this shot from the balcony during the ceremony!

The wedding reception was held in the beautiful, historic Belmont Mansion! It was also decorated for Christmas and absolutely beautiful! It was the perfect backdrop for this beautiful couple!

I couldn’t help but take a few pictures of everyone enjoying the same day slide show from across the room! I think everyone was thrilled to see photos from the wedding on the same day as the wedding! There was a crowd gathered around the slideshow every minute! But my favorite moment is when the flower girl found it! The expression on her face was priceless!

I love love love all of the special touches that Becky incorporated into her wedding to make it “her!” The vintage feel was perfect at the mansion! And I simply adore the gift table where Becky gave her guests the perfect place to put their cards to her and Mike!

And her decision to use sparklers on this dark winter night as she and Mike departed for their honeymoon… sighs! Perfect!

Congratulations Becky and Mike! I seriously can’t tell you how much the two of you have come to mean to me! I am so happy that you contacted me about shooting your Nashville Destination Wedding! And I am so happy that we met and have become friends! Atlanta is not that far from Nashville… and Scott and I simply MUST get some Becky and Mike time every now and then! Besides… I’m going to need to make a trip back to Atlanta soon to go to the Vortex!

Hope you guys had a blast in St. Lucia!

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Photography: Wendy Cunningham; Nashville, TN

Second Shooter: Rebecca Payne; Louisville, KY

Wedding Venue: Eastland Baptist Church

Wedding Reception Venue: Belmont Mansion

Wedding Coordinator: Brandon Rich with Rich Events

Officiant: Bob Russell; Louisville, KY

Pianist: Alexis Cruz; Nashville, TN

Hair: Ashley Newton

DJ: Irwin Entertainment

Food and Catering: Down South Delights

Cake and Desserts: Sweet 16th

Be sure to sign Jennifer and Bill’s guest book to let them know you stopped by!

To view this client site in a new window, click here.

This is Sara and Jesse’s client site! You can navigate through it right here on the blog, or you can click this link to open it up in a new window! http://sara-jesse.wendy-cunningham.com

All of my clients get their very own custom website so that they too can share the beautiful memories of their wedding day with all of their loved ones!

Bill and Jennifer were married this past Saturday at the Hotel Preston in Nashville, Tn. They were surrounded by their closest friends and family who all wanted to show them their support and encouragement to simply love… love each other in a way that only two people with that kind of connection can!

Congratulations Bill and Jennifer! I am so happy you two found each other! And I hope that those closest to you can only learn from you in the way that you soak up each others’ presence and love with a simple look. I am so happy I got to witness the two of you get married, because I am left with an appreciation of my own husband and a reminder of how important a look, a touch, or simply a hug can be. Thank you!

Enjoy your sneak peek!

Can I just say how much awesomeness is in these Kate Preston red high heels? What a fabulous detail!

The light coming in through the window of the bridal suite at the Hotel Preston was super yummy! And Jennifer simply glowed!

We decided on a first look inside the lobby of the Hotel Preston, followed by a few minutes for Bill and Jennifer to just take a moment for themselves!

Have you ever seen the elevators at the Hotel Preston? Dramatic lighting! Dark red fur! Jennifer and Bill carried all kinds of hotness up in the elevators!

We found the most unlikely places for photos. There was one area out in the parking lot that I couldn’t resist!

I love how regal and sophisticated Bill looks here!

In fact… I love how he looked up against this wall so much, I thought it deserved a second look!

Jennifer looks simply stunning in her bridal gown and beautiful red shoes! I knew I wanted to get her moving so I could see those shoes!

Jennifer and Bill’s first dance may seriously go down in history as my all time fave! I wasn’t kidding about the way they looked at each other. I wasn’t kidding about the way it looks as if they are just breathing each other in. And this first dance had so much intimacy going on, that I was almost blushing!

And I had to include this shot simply because I thought it was cool! Live bands are so fun at a wedding!

Congratulations my lovelies! You are so beautiful!

XOXO

Wendy

The details that Kim incorporated into their wedding was precious, including a photo of her father attached to her bouquet!

Kim and Chad exchanged gifts with each other. I had the pleasure of capturing the moment when Kim opened her gift from Chad and broke into tears over the beautiful jewelry box and hand written letter that he wrote to her. It was a beautiful moment… and one that almost pulled a tear from my own eye.

After a GORGEOUS first look inside the Delta at Opryland Hotel, we walked around for a few shots of the bride and groom. My second shooter, Scott O’Neal had the BRILLIANT idea of walking down to the Grand Staircase for a few shots. This made me do a little happy dance!

Just when we thought we were finished with taking photos, and had decided to retreat back to the bridal suite before the ceremony, I spotted this arched brick wall near the outdoor pool in the Magnolia area, so I had to run back to the room and ask the bride to come with me! I think she thought I was crazy… especially when I asked her to strattle the flood light that was on the ground next to where I wanted her to stand. I’m pretty sure it was worth it though because this shot makes me SWOON!

After FINALLY getting back into the bridal suite, Kimberly and Rebecca decided to have a little fun of their own. I suddenly broke out in song singing Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” when the pillow fight and jumping on the bed began!

I left the bridal suite and headed down to the Old Hickory Steakhouse inside the Delta to grab a few shots of the reception area before the wedding. This setup was total elegance and so beautiful! It was setup on the balcony overlooking the gazebo and stage area.

The ceremony took place at the Lion’s Head Fountain inside the Garden level. It is the PERFECT location for a small, intimate, destination wedding inside Opryland Hotel!

As the moment got closer and closer, I could see the excitement in their faces as they waited for their cue to take their places.

Kim broke out in laughter, followed by tears once everything began. The emotions from the day finally caught up to her, and it was beautiful as they pledged their love to each other, exchanged their rings, and included their beautiful boys in the sand ceremony!

Since all of the photos were taken before the wedding began, we were able to head straight to Old Hickory Steakhouse for the reception. As I walked up to it, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful it was as the sun began to set.

Congratulations Kim and Chad! I have had the most amazing time getting to know you and spending time with you during the past year as you have planned your Nashville destination wedding at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel! I think you two are super fun, and I can’t wait to see you again soon! I hope you two have a wonderful time in Mexico for your honeymoon.

Wedding Vendors:

Wedding Photography by: Wendy Cunningham

Nashville Destination Wedding Venue: Gaylord Opryland Hotel

Wedding Planner/Coordinator: A Magical Affair

Catering by: Old Hickory Steakhouse

Cookies and Cake by: Opryland Hotel

Wedding Flowers by: Emma’s Flowers

Hair and Makeup by: Relache Salon and Spa

Officiant: Jeremy Conrey

Ceremony music by: Nashville Wedding Guitarist

Sara and Jesse were married this past Saturday in Gallatin, TN at the Pick Inn. The Pick Inn is a beautiful cabin overlooking the beautiful hilltops and Old Hickory Lake. It was the perfect setting for this private, simple, beautiful wedding.

Congratulations Sara and Jesse!

And here are a few of my faves that were taken by my second shooter, Jennifer Brown from Knoxville! I fell in love with sooooo many of her images! When she contacted me and told me that she was interested in second shooting, I must admit I did a little happy dance! Thank you Jennifer!

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: The Pick Inn – Gallatin TN

Hair: Salon LDJ

Catering: A Catered Affair

DJ: Irwin Entertainment

Wedding Photography: Wendy Cunningham Photography

What triggers your senses? Have you ever tasted or smelled something familiar and have it trigger a memory? Oh my goodness internet friends… that is exactly what happened to me yesterday in all of my sensory glory!

There was a knock on my door, and of course all the dogs went crazy. So the two Danes, the Yorkie, and I met the UPS driver at my front door to sign for a package! I knew immediately that the rest of the day was going to be amazing, because my new Graphistudio samples had just been delivered! But never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the sensory overload that I was about to experience!

I will start with SIGHT: When I opened that box and laid my eyes on the creamy, buttery leather stretched out over those metallic images that I took, I may or may not have done a little happy dance! Okay… I did! I’m not even going to lie.

TOUCH: For whatever reason, I had to wash my hands AND use hand sanitizer before I would allow myself to handle this album! But when I picked it up… I just had to hug it! Which of course brings me to…

SMELL: When I hugged that soft plush buttery leather album, I smelled that Italian leather scent that made me just have to sit down! You see… when I was growing up, I showed AQHA Quarter Horses. And the smell of that leather album smelled EXACTLY like the tack room of our barn! The smell of saddles, bridals, and leather chaps came rushing back over me! It is a time in my life that is very dear to me, and I miss very very much! I had forgotten what it smelled like. So thanks Graphi… now I want to go buy a horse! And hey! Maybe I can use this to my marketing advantage! “Book with Wendy C. because our albums smell like SADDLES!” It could work, right? Surely there are brides who like the smell of saddles.

Three senses is enough, right? I promise I didn’t hear voices in my head or lick the album to test the other two senses! But I’m not going to lie… the thought did cross my mind! Hey! Don’t judge! This album has been super yummy up to this point, right?!