Makalya & Nick
Wedding at cheekwood estate

Makalya and Nick’s wedding wasn’t just a day — it was a full weekend of celebrating their way in their favorite city, Nashville. We kicked things off with a western-themed welcome party at an Airbnb, complete with laughter, custom cowboy hats by Flea Style, a mechanical bull, and good vibes all around. Their wedding day followed at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and the fun didn’t stop there — the day after, we headed to Broadway in Nashville to soak in the city and keep the celebration going.

As a destination wedding photographer, I got to experience the weekend with them from start to finish — not just photographing their wedding, but being part of the energy, the laughs, and the little moments that made their weekend fully theirs. And honestly, that’s the kind of wedding I live to be a part of!

They started their day at the Union Station Hotel in downtown Nashville. Calm energy, space to hang with their friends (no bridal party, but their closest people were fully involved), and little touches of Nashville flair throughout — like custom Yellow Rose Kendra Scott hats to be exact!

Light spilling through the windows, quiet anticipation, and those small, meaningful moments that stick with you — like the private moment between Nick and his brother before the party with their friends picked back up, or when Makalya’s parents gave her a brooch from her grandparents to wear throughout the day.

As a destination wedding photographer, I live for these little in-between spaces — the laughter over inside jokes, the nervous energy in quiet moments, the glances and smiles that don’t feel staged but end up being unforgettable.

A Morning in Downtown Nashville

Makalya and Nick’s ceremony was simple, heartfelt, and surrounded by all the greenery, a bright blue sky, and the estate’s old-world charm. One of my favorite moments? Nick seeing Makalya for the first time — they skipped a first look, and it was so perfectly them. And when her dad lifted her blusher — such a sweet, traditional touch in their already intimate ceremony.

Nothing felt forced. Every glance, every word, every tear was real.

A Ceremony Framed by Nature

As the sun began to dip, we moved into portraits, making the most of the fading light together. Walking shaded paths, exploring corners of the garden, and pausing on open lawns, they were completely themselves. Their chemistry made every shot feel effortless and alive.

Every couple is different. Some need a little guidance with posing, some don’t need any at all, and most fall somewhere in between. My job is to meet you where you are — lean in when it helps, step back when you need space. I’m not here to make you “look perfect” or force anything. My goal is to make you feel comfortable, to capture real moments, and to let your connection shine exactly as it is. All I ask is that you come open to the experience — ready to move, laugh, cry, and just be yourselves! The rest, the light, the little inbetweens, I’ll notice and capture so you’ll have photos that feel like you.

Portraits That Let the Day Breathe

By the time the reception rolled around, the night had completely come alive. Laughter, dancing, and toasts filled the space — and nothing felt performative. Every moment was real, every moment was genuine. The cake-cutting was such a fun, special moment, with everyone watching from their seats and rocking matching cowboy (and cowgirl) hats — a little nod to Nashville’s western flair.

Before the night wrapped up, and after a few of their custom drinks were shared, we took a round of all-film portraits. I always try to carve out a creative, “non-so-traditional” set of film photos at some point during the wedding day, and these ended up being some of my favorites. Film is unpredictable — you never really know what you’re going to get — but for these shots, it felt like my film camera, and I were on the same page, capturing exactly what the moment was meant to be.

A Celebration That Was Truly Them

They also added a Super 8 film by me! I offer Super 8 films exclusively to my wedding photography clients, so it’s always special and unique. The night ended with “Country Roads” from the live band — a perfect full-circle moment for all of us West Virginia University alumni. Honestly, being there to document Makalya and Nick’s love story felt like a full-circle moment for me, too. I’m so grateful to do what I love as a destination wedding photographer, capturing moments like these that feel real, personal, and unforgettable. Being a destination wedding photographer allows me to tell love stories all over the world, and every wedding I photograph reminds me why I love this work.

If you’re planning a wedding that’s intentional, honest, and unapologetically you (no matter the location) — I want to be there. No forced trends. Just real moments, real connection, and storytelling that actually reflect your day and who you two are, together.

capture your love story