Mary + Daren’s Greek-Arab Wedding at Crescent Bend – Knoxville Wedding Photographer

Mary and Daren’s Greek-Arab Wedding at Crescent Bend in Knoxville

I knew it was going to be awesome.  I knew it, but I really didn’t know it…till I knew it.  As the movie says, there’s just something about Mary…

The bride wore Jimmy Choo’s, had a canary diamond engagement ring and hired a belly dancer for the reception.  Oh yeah.  I’m soooo in!

What started out as a friendship turned to love for Mary & Daren, when neither of them were looking for it.

“Our relationship started off as friends giving us a strong foundation for the start of our love. We met when we least expected it and when we both were not looking for anything but friendship. Six years into our relationship he proposed unexpectedly with a beautiful canary yellow diamond in the kitchen of our house. A place we enjoy spending time together. The ring is rare in color and cut,  truly symbolizing our journey and our love for one another. Being a person of spontaneity it was the perfect moment.  

Our vows spoke instantly to us; I promise to respect you and cherish you as an individual, and a partner knowing that we do not complete, but complement each other. I will dream with you, celebrate with you and walk beside you through whatever our lives may bring.  I will support you, push you, inspire you, and above all love you, in failure and in triumph as long as we both shall live. Through our journey we have learned to embrace change, trust the process, and always communicate.”  ~Mary

Perfect vows for a special couple! Mary’s Greek heritage along with Daren’s Arabic heritage influenced everything from the food to the wine to the reception music and entertainment.  And as you can see from the images, it was insanely fun and beautiful!

I had such a great time with Mary, Daren, and their precious families.  And I think I agree with my 2nd shooter, Shayna Mitchell when she texted me, “BEST. WEDDING. EVER.”

Enjoy!

 Hair:  Jana Burn at Belleza Salon and Spa

“She is so talented I felt comfortable not doing a test run on my hair, she even came to me.  She saw a picture of my dress and had recommendations immediately.  She has vision, talent, and loves making people feel beautiful!” ~Mary

Makeup artist:  Candle Kincade -Independent Makeup Artist.

“All it takes is one picture and she will recreate it on you. I had many trial runs with several different people in town but Candle nailed it the first time I met her. She is talented, artistic, personable, and a joy to be around.” ~Mary

Wedding Dress:  White Room in Nashville.

“The staff were absolutely amazing and the service was first class. My designer was Allure but Sandra G in Knoxville took my vision and created a couture gown that brought tears to my eyes when it was finished. Sandra G is amazing, beautiful inside and out with a true passion for what she does.  I bought my second dress at Bella Boutique Thursday before the wedding. The staff were so energetic and worked hard to find what I wanted. Sandra G hemmed it in one day during her busiest season!” ~Mary

Suit:  Hart Shaffer and Marx- Dillard’s West Town Mall.  “Staff were accommodating and knowledgeable.” ~Mary

Venue:  Crescent Bend House and Gardens.

“Wedding coordinator: Judy McMillan- beautiful location and views, so accommodating making the process stress free.  Judy gave extra effort to

accommodate special requests making the day absolutely perfect!” ~Mary

Florist: Always in Bloom  “Visionary talented staff. The flowers were gorgeous!” ~Mary

Jennifer Couk-Coleman- special touch coordinator.

“She provided every personal touch for our wedding. From the invitations, programs, wine label, well wish bottles, signs , etc. Her talent is outstanding. She can take any idea and give it life beyond your expectations.” ~ Mary

Cake/Bakery: Andrea owner of Daisy Cakes

 “Perfect cake that melted in your mouth. Even if you weren’t a sweet eater you were that night!” ~ Mary

Rentals & Tent Draping:  All Occasions Rentals

“Seamless coordination.  The night was completely magical. Our tent liner was beautiful!” ~Mary

Videography:  Ben Maddux, Ben’s Wedding Videography

 “Hard worker that captured every moment of the night. We will have that day to relive forever.” ~Mary

Caterer– Bettina owner of Luxe Catering– “Personal service with a genuine detail for the bride and grooms personality. Food was amazing as well as attention to detail!”

DJ:  Special Notes – Ogle Entertainment- Ryan Ray  “He rocked the party all night long!  AMAZING!” ~ Mary

Transportation: Steve Wisden owner of Regal Carriages

“So accommodating and personable. His cars are special and added a special touch to our day.” ~Mary

Your favorite and least favorite part of planning?

“I would do every bit of it again. My vendors were amazing making the process fluid and so enjoyable.”

The most memorable moment of your wedding day?

“The toasting.  Having everyone we love in the same place celebrating. The night was full of love.”

What you would change, if anything?

“The power of slowing down time. Everything just went so fast.”

 Where your budget was best spent?

“The tent liner. It made such a difference. It recreated the venue making it nothing short of magical giving it a destination wedding feel.”

Any advice for future brides?

“Talk to your friends that have gone through the process and listen to what they would have done differently. A cheap way to guarantee perfection.  It’s one of the most important days of your life and the beginning of great memories. Do what you want  and what you have always dreamed of. At the end of the day every bit of it is worth it!”

** Thanks, Mary!  It was a pleasure! **

©2014 Bledsoe Photography