Maddie and Derek’s Smoky Mountains Wedding at Howe Farm

Maddie and Derek were introduced by a close friend in college, and immediately hit it off, shortly into dating, Maddie was moving to Nashville to accept a nursing position, and Derek took the leap and moved with her! I, the photographer, have known Derek a long time – we grew up in the same hometown in Florida. When they got engaged, they reached out to take engagement photos, and after my first time meeting Maddie, I knew I needed to photograph their wedding, wherever it was. They chose to get married in the gorgeous Smoky Mountains in Chattanooga, at Howe Farms. It was the most beautiful venue and the sunset over the mountains could not have been more perfect!

This was truly one of the most well-done wedding days I’ve been a part of. It started off very relaxed, everyone was ready early and just enjoying their time with friends and family. Maddie shared a beautiful first look with her dad down the grand staircase, then a first touch and private vows with Derek. The letters they wrote each other were so touching, I had tears in my eyes while I photographed them.

As the guests started arriving they came out to the ceremony location on the back patio to the most gorgeous view of the Smoky Mountains. Maddie and Derek stood next to their closest friends.