I met Kendra when she was the maid of honor at Candi's wedding last year, and I am honored to have been her wedding photographer this year. Kendra and Matthew's ceremony last Saturday was at The Knoxville Botanical Gardens on what turned out to be a very hot and humid day. Happily, the girls got ready in the lower level of the house which has stone walls and stayed nice and cool. In addition to all of the beautiful plants and trees, the stone walls and buildings are really what make this particular venue so unique and charming. The reception later that evening was held at Regas Restaurant in downtown Knoxville.
Although they didn't want to see each other before the ceremony, the couple did have a short "meeting" on either side of a heavy door.
Kendra was expecting a romantic kiss on the hand from her loving, soon-to-be husband...
Guests were provided with fans and cold drinks to beat the heat before being seated for a short but sweet ceremony in the greenhouse.
Rather than a candle or sand ceremony, the couple performed a unity tree planting which was especially appropriate given the venue.
After a bubble exit and some dress adjustments, we did a few quick formal, bridal, and couple photos in the gardens.
It was great seeing Candi again as she was Kendra's matron of honor, and Kendra's brother also received leave from the navy to attend the wedding.
Kendra and Matthew's wedding was my last for the year as I am now 31 weeks pregnant (and huge). It's going to be tough taking off from weddings until next year, but I couldn't have ended this year's season with a better couple. Special thanks to Marcus who was wonderfully helpful as always and to Sondra of Leban Photography who graciously withstood the heat to help me with this wedding.