Your wedding, your rules. You don’t have to choose between a fun wedding, an elegant wedding, or an emotional wedding; it can be all three, all at once. And James and Kiley pulled this off perfectly, hosting a seriously stunning black and white wedding at The Loyston. As a Knoxville wedding photographer, I love weddings that are a whole lotta love and a whole lotta party, so this wedding? An absolute DREAM day. Keep reading to see all the wedding details that I’m freakin’ obsessed with, and all the best moments from this Tennessee summer day!
James and Kiley’s Wedding at The Loyston
James and Kiley wanted their day to be 50/50 intentional and fun, and keep the experience at the center of everything. Seriously, my kinda people! These two were so full of love and the BEST energy, keeping the vibes high all day long. They didn’t want their wedding to feel too serious or stuffy, but instead, they wanted to keep it low-key and authentic. And let me just say: IT WAS A DAMN GOOD TIME!
Getting Ready: A Moment for the Girls
Getting ready is truly the time that sets the vibe for the day. It’s a time for girlhood to thrive; to spend time and make memories with your best gals, before they send you on your way to start forever with the love of your life!!
One thing I loved about the day was that it was super family-focused. The couple was surrounded by so many people who love and support them, so those loved ones all got to play a huge role in the day. One of the sweetest moments to capture this day was when all the important women in Kiley’s life helped her get into her wedding dress. It felt so symbolic: a tangible moment in time of all the women who have had a hand in her life. Don’t mind me crying in the club!
The Ceremony: The Start of Forever
The ceremony? Drop-dead gorgeous. The venue, The Loyston, was cute AF (but I’ll get to that), the black and white decor was stunning, and the emotions ran high. Kiley’s grandfather walked her down the aisle to meet James, and it was absolutely sentimental and heartfelt.
Every little detail felt intentional, not Pinterest-perfect, but heart-perfect (I know cheesy, but SO true). And that’s what I love most about weddings like this: when couples make space to feel it all. To hug their parents a little tighter, to look out at their people and take it all in. Those are the moments that make your day yours.
I’m so honored I got to capture James and Kiley starting their forever. You could just feel how ready they were, the nervous smiles, the soft hand squeezes, the kind of love that’s steady and deep. I just love the way they love each other.
The Reception: For the Love of the Party
Before getting to the dance floor, the couple shared a beautiful, choreographed first dance, perfect for their main character moment. And I seriously can’t get enough! Then came one of my favorite parts: Kiley’s mom gave a toast that was equal parts emotional and hilarious, having everyyyybody laughing through the tears.
This is what I mean when I say make space for your people. The photos of those in-between moments, mom’s teary laugh, best friends losing it on the dance floor, grandpa cutting loose, that’s the real magic.
Fun was at the center of their day, and the reception let that SHIIIINE. The drinks were flowing (champagne towers forever), the dance floor was alive, and the joy was contagious. Nights like this are why I do what I do, because every smile, every song, every “holy crap we just got married” moment deserves to be remembered.
The Private Vows: For the Romance
Instead of doing their private vows at a first look or first touch, James and Kiley chose to sneak away from the reception to do them overlooking the mountains right at golden hour.
Creating a moment to slow down and just be together, that’s what I always encourage my couples to do. Step away from the chaos, breathe, and look at each other. Let the day sink in. Because that’s where the real emotions live, the quiet, beautiful in-between.
The Details: The Cherry on Top
And now, a moment for the cherry on top: the details. Wedding details are what make the day yours, and James and Kiley brought some damn good ones to the table. A magazine of their engagement photos was a hit with the guests, and them having all of their wedding guests wear black to match the decor? No notes.
Another moment that I loved was James’s reaction to Kiley giving him the best wedding gift ever: a book of her boudoir session that we did together a few months prior!
What I Want You to Know
If there’s one thing I want couples to take away from this, it’s that your wedding day should feel like you. Not rushed. Not forced. Just real moments, full hearts, and people who love you. I’ll handle the chaos, the lighting, the timelines, you just live it. Because at the end of the day, I want you walking away thinking, “Damn, that felt good.”
The Vendors: The Dream Team
James and Kiley’s wedding day went so smoothly because of the wonderful vendor team behind it all. I have to give them all shouts, because they killed it!
Planning: Custom Love Gifts and Events
Florals: Melissa Timm Designs
Hair: Knoxville Bridal Hair
MUA: Makeup by Jessie C.
Dress: Glitz Nashville
Catering: Roth Child Catering
Cake: All Mixed Up Cakes
Decor: Lindsey Mae Events and Designs
Planning a Wedding at The Loyston: All the Info You Need
A venue with mountain views, rolling fields, and indoor and outdoor options? Sign me up! Here’s an overview of one of my favorite Tennessee wedding venues I’ve ever worked at:
Maximum Guest Count: 150
On-Site Accommodations?: Yes, for up to 36 people!
Indoor and Outdoor Options: Yes
Exclusive Access?: Yes
Wedding Planner Required?: Yes
Pet-Friendly?: Yes, for the ceremony
Staff On-Site?: Yes
Beautiful?: Hell yeah!
Wild Alchemy Photo | Knoxville Wedding Photographer
As your Knoxville wedding photographer, all I want is for you to live in the present moment on your day, and getting to help my couples do that is the MOST important part of my job. I’ll hype you up, I’ll cry when you cry, and we’ll be best friends before the day is done.
Want your wedding photos to feel authentic and effortless? Whether it’s The Loyston or across the country, I’ll follow you there! You can inquire with me right here. I can’t wait to tell your story: every laugh, every tear, and every unforgettable moment.
Client love:
James: “Jessie is the best photographer hands down, she started mine and Kiley’s love journey with breathtaking engagement photos and we had no choice but to book her for our wedding this past weekend! And of course crushed it, the most beautiful pictures of my Bride and I. Don’t book any other photographer besides her, IM SERIOUS! thanks again Jessie you are so amazing at what you do! Love ya!”
Kiley: “Jessie was easily one of our best decisions made for our wedding. We did engagement photos, wedding photos, and I did a private boudoir shoot with her. Not only did she make me feel absolutely BEAUTIFUL but she has a way of making you feel comfortable in front of the camera, even with no experience. The photos from all 3 sessions look like they came straight out of a magazine. 10/10!!!”
