Intimate summer garden wedding
David & Destiny
This stunning August 2024 wedding unfolded at the beautiful Carriage Lane Inn in Murfreesboro, TN. I was truly honored to be a part of David and Destiny’s special day as they vowed to spend their lives together, surrounded by their closest friends and family.
My Experience
David and Destiny’s August garden wedding was a breathtaking celebration of love and beauty. With Destiny’s background as a florist for a top floral company in the Nashville area, her impeccable taste and passion for flowers were on full display throughout the event. She, her best friend Natasha (Maid of Honor and owner of Larson Floral Company), and the other florists' keen eyes for vibrant colors and unique floral arrangements brought the entire venue to life, adding a burst of elegance and personality to every corner.
Every detail, from the bride’s bouquet to the table centerpieces, reflected Destiny’s creative vision. The rich blooms, paired with natural greenery, created an atmosphere that felt both romantic and lively—making their special day truly unforgettable.
David and Destiny’s connection was undeniable, and their love for one another was mirrored in the joy and excitement of their family and friends. It was clear from the heartfelt speeches and beaming smiles that this was a match everyone was thrilled to celebrate. From the stunning décor to the love that filled the air, their wedding day was a perfect reflection of their beautiful journey together and beginning to forever.
Each of the vendors listed below contributed incredible work to the day and it was a pleasure to work with all of them.
- Main Photographer: Ashtyn Michelle Photography (me!)
- Second Shooter: Kelsey Alex Photography (Major credit to her for capturing so many gorgeous shots and angles that are included in the final gallery.)
- Florist: Larson Floral Company
- Venue: Carriage Lane Inn
Details
The details of the day were absolutely mesmerizing, with every element thoughtfully designed to showcase the vibrant colors of the florals. From the bold hues of the bridal bouquet to the delicate arrangements around the venue, the floral displays took center stage, weaving a vivid tapestry of color that brought the entire venue to life. The rich tones of pinks, reds, and purples, interspersed with soft cream petals, created a breathtaking contrast against the greenery, transforming the space into a lush, romantic garden. Every petal seemed to have been placed with intention, adding a layer of elegance and artistry to the already magical setting. Whether it was the floral arch framing the couple during their vows or the vibrant centerpieces at the reception, the flowers truly defined the spirit of the day—full of life, love, and beauty.
Getting Ready & Pre-Ceremony
When we arrived at the venue, we were greeted by the sight of the bridesmaids and Destiny, all dressed in the cutest matching pink pajama sets. The energy in the bridal suite was light and joyful, and you could feel the excitement buzzing in the air. I always love walking into a lively bridal suite where the atmosphere is fun and relaxed. It's even more special when the bride has thoughtfully curated a playful “getting ready” look for the morning, which makes for some wonderful and candid pre-ceremony photos. The matching pajamas were a perfect touch, creating a sweet, cohesive look before everyone changed into their formal dresses.
One of the most meaningful moments that morning was capturing Destiny with her makeup artist, a close person to Destiny, who played an important role in the day. The bond they shared was evident as the artist carefully applied each stroke, enhancing Destiny's natural beauty. We captured some stunning shots of this intimate process, with soft morning light streaming through the window, highlighting the artistry and care in every detail.
Of course, no bridal suite is complete without those classic, heartwarming moments. We made sure to photograph Destiny’s stepmother lovingly helping her with her jewelry and assisting her as she slipped into her wedding gown. These timeless moments, full of tenderness and joy, are the ones that truly bring a wedding album to life, telling the story of the day in the most authentic and beautiful way.
First Looks
The bride made the heartfelt decision to share intimate first looks with some of the most important men in her life: her father, her sons, and her soon-to-be husband. Each of these moments was filled with emotion and meaning, offering a unique and personal touch to the day.
The first look with her father was especially moving. As the bride approached, his anticipation was palpable, but nothing could prepare him for the moment he saw his daughter in her wedding gown. His reaction was truly priceless—his eyes welled with tears, and in an instant, he was overcome with emotion, unable to hold back the joyful tears that streamed down his face. The love and pride he felt were undeniable, and it was clear just how special that moment was for both of them.
Next, her sons stood anxiously waiting to see their mother as a bride. Their faces lit up the second they turned around to see her, filled with a mix of awe and excitement. It was a sweet, unforgettable moment that reflected the deep bond they shared.
And finally, the first look with her soon-to-be husband was nothing short of magical. As he saw his bride for the first time, the love between them was palpable, radiating in the smiles, soft whispers, and the way they held each other in that quiet, intimate moment before their ceremony began.
Each first look was incredibly personal, each reaction authentic and filled with love, making these moments some of the most cherished memories of the day.
Ceremony
The ceremony was nothing short of breathtaking, filled with raw emotion and heartfelt moments from beginning to end. From the meaningful vows to the radiant smiles exchanged between the couple, every second was charged with love and joy.
One unique and memorable touch that stood out was the couple’s “reverse first kiss." This is where having a second shooter truly shines. While I captured the first kiss from behind the altar, showcasing the couple’s embrace from an intimate, close-up perspective with the guests faces in the background, my second shooter, Kelsey, was able to capture the moment from the front, allowing for a beautiful, traditional view. The ability to document such a pivotal moment from two different angles added depth and dimension to the story of the day. It was as if we were able to freeze that single, unforgettable moment in time from all perspectives—a visual reminder of how love radiates not just between the couple, but throughout the entire gathering. It’s details like these that truly bring wedding photography to life, making each album a personal and multi-dimensional experience.
Bridal, Groom, and Couples Portraits
These images are some of my absolute favorites from the entire day, beautifully capturing the essence of the bride and groom both as a couple and as stunning individuals. Each shot highlights the deep connection and love they share. Whether it’s the way they glance at each other with quiet admiration or the joyful laughter that radiates between them, these moments reflect the unique bond they have. Through these photos, you can truly feel the warmth, affection, and undeniable chemistry that made their wedding day so special. Each frame tells a story of love, partnership, and the beginning of a beautiful journey together.
Reception
From the moment the bride and groom made their grand entrance to the heartfelt dances, touching speeches, and the cutting of the cake, the reception was a celebration filled with beauty and unforgettable moments. The joy and excitement in the room were palpable as the couple entered, greeted by cheers and applause from their loved ones. Each moment seemed to build upon the last, creating a seamless flow of special memories.
The dances were especially emotional, with the couple’s first dance reflecting their deep connection, swaying to a song that seemed to be written just for them. The father-daughter and mother-son dances followed, bringing tears to the eyes of many guests as they watched these tender exchanges between generations.
The speeches were a highlight, full of love and laughter. Family members and friends shared heartfelt stories and fond memories of the bride and groom, each word adding to the significance of the day. Finally, the cake cutting was a sweet moment, both literally and figuratively, as the couple playfully fed each other the first slice, surrounded by smiles and laughter.
From start to finish, the reception was a perfect reflection of the couple’s love, with every detail thoughtfully planned to create a beautiful, meaningful celebration for everyone in attendance.
Final Thoughts
Being part of this day was truly an unforgettable experience. From start to finish, it was filled with so much love, beauty, and carefully crafted moments that made it absolutely incredible. I feel incredibly honored to have witnessed and captured the magic of such a special occasion. None of this would have been possible without the talented team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring every detail to life. From the meticulous planning to the stunning décor, everything came together seamlessly, and I am beyond grateful for the dedication and creativity of everyone involved. It was truly a collaborative effort that made this day as perfect as it was, and I’m so thankful to have played a part in preserving these memories.
