Knoxville Elopement Photographer – Courthouse Wedding – Ben and Melanie

Oh Fridays, I love ya! This was my second “wedding”. And I use the quotes because it was really an elopement.

Ben and Melanie contacted me earlier this year and told me they were looking for someone to capture their courthouse wedding. I’ve never done a courthouse elopement before and it was totally different than I ever thought it would be. My cheeks hurt after the day from smiling so much.

I met Ben at the courthouse and he was so giddy and excited. And may I say, he looked like he stepped out of the Downton Abbey set. When Melanie walked through the door, his face lit up. It was like a glorified first look. Yeah, they were surrounded by security guards and clerks but he would probably tell you that it felt like she was the only other person in the room. You could see it on his face.

We went into the clerk’s office and had one of the most intimate ceremonies I have ever had the privelege of being a part of. They said their own vows to each other and I was crying like a little baby. The officiant was light hearted and merry. His parents had been marriage officiators for the clerks office and he wanted to do the same. How precious is that?!

The ceremony lasted about 20 minutes and then it was off for photos. Since there was no reception and family formals, we were able to shoot for 3 hours! I know that sounds like a lot of photos but we were able to take our time getting to different locations like the Oliver Hotel and it’s lofy library bar and then to Ijams, where they got engaged.

These two will also be having a reception with friends and family later this month and I can’t wait to celebrate with them!