You know it’s going to be an amazing day when you walk into the bridal suite the morning-of, tell the bride that it’s looking like nonstop rain *all day long*, and she simply says, “actually, I kind of love that it’s raining!”

That’s exactly what Michelle said on the morning of her & Brian’s wedding, because that’s just the kind of person she is (I feel like I learned a lot about “letting go of things you can’t control” just from being around her all day). But, we still wanted to do everything we could to make their photos as amazing as possible. The forecast threatened to change their long-awaited plans to have their ceremony in the forest (which was a huge reason they chose to come from NYC get married in Tennessee). So, we were ready for anything with a list of backup photo locations inside the lodge, and we waited until the last possible second to start taking any photos on the off chance that the rain passed us by… And lo & behold, against (literally) all odds, the rain passed and we were able to take portraits outside as planned AND they still got to carry on with their ceremony, exactly the way they wanted it.

Things don’t always come together so miraculously, but everything from that point forward was truly perfect. Their ceremony in the forest was cozy, spooky, & magical, with everyone snuggled up with blankets as a bluegrass trio string-picked out folk songs. The sun went down as they exchanged their vows and had a traditional hand-fasting with a cord shipped straight from an artisan in Scotland. After the ceremony, everyone walked back to the lodge together, which was a glowing gold beacon against the chilly blue twilight of the sky. And since RT Lodge wrote the book on hospitality, everyone was well taken care of with lit fireplaces, hot apple cider, libations flowing freely, and truly the best charcuterie spread and three course dinner we’ve ever had in our lives (I swear Portugal had an out of body experience eating the pickled green tomatoes). And then everyone danced the night away to the spectacular “The Business” band while late night snacks of homemade ice cream sandwiches and beignets were passed around (Michelle & Brian are fellow foodies- another huge reason they chose to get married at the RT Lodge!)

Genuinely, I can’t say enough good things about these two, their families, and their wedding. They planned every detail with the goal of having the party of the century in the middle of the woods with all the people they love the most (I mean come on, a dream!) Documenting their day was such a joy for us, and we’re so thankful that they gave us the opportunity to finally come to the RT Lodge. We hope you enjoy some of our favorite images from their day!

Vendor Dream Team:

RT Lodge | Venue, Catering, Accomodations
The Effortless Beauty Co. | Hair & Makeup
Elizabeth Johns Couture | Bride’s Dress
Colby West Design | Florals
Caitlyn Cox | Wedding Cake
The Happy Envelope | Paper Goods
All Occasions Party Rentals | Rentals
Sperry Tents | Reception Tent
Rev. Jill Dillner | Officiant
The Business | Reception Band (via East Coast Entertainment)
Mandocyn | Bluegrass Trio (via East Coast Entertainment)