This wedding was such a sweet experience! Even when there was a little rain shower, it just added to the unique and fun night. Also, a little tip…there may or may not have been a little furry guest as well! 

Also – make sure you make it all the way to the bottom of this post to see the link to Chris & Katie’s proposal video. These two are artists/designers living in NYC – here is a few hints to their proposal story: empty theater & and an animation video made by Chris, and a very surprised Katie.

             Meet  Katie + Chris

What was your favorite moment of your wedding day? 

Chris says: Seeing Katie walk down the aisle. Everything was so secretive and seeing her in her dress for the first time that day and how happy she was felt so wonderful! Katie says: I thought that the unforeseen hail storm was amazing. It gave us a brief moment to just appreciate one another and chat while everyone was getting rearranged in the middle of the ceremony and the ensuing chaos was so funny! I love that everyone laughed it off and we had a more intimate setting to share our vows and an opportunity to have a little goofy madness with all our favorite people!

 What are some of your favorite characteristics about your spouse // What do you most admire about your loved one?

Chris: She’s always so peppy and happy and uplifting to others! Her smile is amazing and I could see it from a mile away. It always makes me feel better and so excited and joyful.
Katie: Chris is incredibly empathetic and kind-hearted. He is always so considerate of how others feel and goes so far to make others feel comfortable, happy, and supported. Everyone who knows him knows he is a treasure! He is also a total goofball and his laugh is hilarious!

Are there any particular items that were part of your wedding day that have an interesting story behind them or hold important meaning/value to you personally?

I gave Chris a pin of his favorite symbol, the ampersand. (&) In design, it is highly appreciated for it’s simplicity and beauty and there are so many different types across different typefaces that it is an ever-shifting piece of art. I put the pin in a box with a card that read, “Through sickness & health, For richer & poorer, in happiness & sad, forever & ever, Me & You.” Needless to say, tears are had and he loved it! It was just the perfect way to symbolize our relationship and our connection in design and incredible love for each other.

Can you share something you learned through the wedding planning process? (ex: what’s important vs. what’s not? something you’d recommend everyone do?)

Don’t sweat the small things. You can try and plan every little thing but there is going to be some small things that fall through the cracks or don’t make there way into the day. And it may seem like a big deal, but you are not going to worry about it on your wedding day. Focus on having fun, dancing, and being with all the people who came to be with you and the little things will disappear!

And here is the promised surprise at the end of this post – a sweet creative & artistic proposal story that will make you smile (or cry happy tears depending on how you handle really happy moments). Click here to see.

Planner/Designer/coordinatior: Bradley Russell at Clean Plate Club

Officiant: Minister Ralph Griggs

Invitation Designer: I designed them! Printed by Atmosphere Printing Company

Caterer: Clean Plate Club

 Floral Designer: Vicky Martin at Scentaments Designs

Cake and/or other desserts: Cake: Juanita Lane at Dulce Desserts | Apple Fritters from Donut Den

Dress Designer: Theia

Bridal Shop: Lovely Bride in NYC

Groom’s suit: The Black Tux

Bridesmaid dresses: Infinity Dresses from Lulu’s

Getting ready robes: PJ’s from Target

Groomsmen’s suits: The Black Tux

Bride’s shoes: Isadola from Dillards

Groom’s shoes: The Black Tux

DJ: Joe at Nashville Party Authority

 Rentals: Grand Central Party Rental

Hairstylist: Jessica at Katie Russo Beauty

Wedding rings:  Brides Ring from: Michael Gabriels | Grooms Ring from: Steve Godspeed Jewelry

Any other Jewelry: Engagement Ring and Necklace from: Catbird Jewelry  | Earrings: Littionary  | Earring Backs: Flesch Shop

Sarah Sidwell is an award winning top photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee. Sarah specializes in wedding, newborn, baby, child, family, and lifestyle documentary photography. Her studio space where she photographs newborns & more is located about 15 minutes outside of Historic downtown Franklin. 

Due to high demand, Sarah accepts a limited number of clients each month, to reserve your date on her calendar contact Sarah here.
Sarah books maternity, newborn, & family sessions One to Six months in advance.
Sarah books weddings up to 18 months in advance. 
Her calendar fills up quickly for Newborns, Family, & Weddings – so contact her today: hello@sarahsidwellphotography.com

For Newborn through family photos Sarah serves the middle Tennessee area including: Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, Murfreesboro, Nolensville, Arrington, Spring Hill, Thompson Station, Bellevue, Belle Meade, Fairview, Leipers Fork, Hendersonville and more. 

For wedding photography Sarah photographs most weddings in the Middle Tennessee area, but does accept a limited number of destination weddings out of state and/or out of country per year. Travel fees apply. 

Thank you for taking time to read this blog post!! 
This post should give you a peak into what you will receive when you commission Sarah to photograph your family or wedding. 

If you have booked a session with Sarah and love this blog post – please send her a link so that she can see what you hope to create in our time together. 

Sarah enjoys her work and is passionate about the importance photographs can play in the development of children. She loves creating beautiful photographs for her clients and is thrilled to provide high quality prints, canvases, & albums that will stand the test of time. Being able to assist you from start to finish from creation of your photo to artwork hanging on your wall provides an effortless experience and high quality service & artwork. 

Studies show that displaying family photos of parents, of children (all phases – newborn through adolescent), and of the family all together can help to boost a child’s self esteem & confidence. This is what excites Sarah most about her work. As a past Art teacher, Sarah loves children and wants to help you preserve your memories, as well as help your children remember how much they are loved by their family. 

Contact Sarah to inquire & reserve your spot!