Christina + Gerald’s
Fall Wedding at Knoxville Botanical Gardens
What a beautiful fall day for Christina and Gerald’s wedding at Knoxville Botanical Gardens. You never really know what October will be like in east Tennessee. It could be 80 degrees or it could be snowing. We could have the remnants of a hurricane looming or perfectly overcast skies. This day? This was a day that the Lord hath made in more ways than one, and it was perfect.
eHarmony and Homework
Christina and Gerald met online, as many modern couples do. eHarmony has it’s perks, y’all! They took things slow and did their homework by reading ‘The Sacred Search,’ by Gary Thomas. Christina says, “It changed our whole perspective and set the stage for a clear direction for our future.” Gerald waited patiently… on his second proposal, she said yes!
Blended Family
The ladies all got beautified at my photography studio in the morning, then we headed to the gardens for a first look in the Secret Garden. The two exchanged personal gifts, had a sweet little prayer time, and then prepped for their wedding ceremony in a field overlooking the mountains. Christina and Gerald celebrated becoming a blended family along with their children in a sand ceremony in lieu of a unity candle. Afterward, guests strolled to the Dogwood Center and feasted on yummy food from the Soup Kitchen, cake, and gluten free cupcakes! I managed to snag a GF cupcake that was left in the kitchen because of less-than-ideal icing…to me, it was PERFECT!
My fave parts of this wedding were the Unknown Soldier table, the Green Beret tribute song (a surprise gift from the bride), the entire guest congregation singing, “In Christ Alone,” during the ceremony, and of course, the gluten free cupcakes.
Enjoy a few memories from this fantastic wedding day, and congrats Mr. & Mrs. Valentin!
WEDDING PROS:
Venue: Knoxville Botanical Gardens. Caterer: Publix & The Soup Kitchen. Florist: Powell Florist, Heather Smith. Cake: Publix. Wedding Planner/Coordinator: All About Weddings, Janna Fowler. Wedding Dress: The Gilded Gown. Tux: Regal Tuxedo. Makeup: Effortless Beauty. DJ: K & B Entertainment, Buddy Briggs.
View more wedding photography at Knoxville Botanical Gardens:
© Shanell Bledsoe Photography – Knoxville, Tennessee Wedding Photographer
I wasn’t able to be there on your special day but Thank God for digital pictures so we can see everything and feel like we were there. Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos.
I pray and wish for you all the happiness and healthy years to come for your growing family. May you both grow closer together with God as you go through life together.
I love you dearly. Aunt Edith.