On April 6, 2024, Tara and Joseph tied the knot in a wedding straight out of a dream in the breathtaking mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This day was extra special for us, not only because it was our first time visiting Gatlinburg, but because of the personal connection we had with the bride. Leonard had worked alongside Tara in the ICU back in Tampa, Florida, so it was incredibly meaningful to go from witnessing her care for patients to capturing one of the most important days of her life.
Spring was just beginning to awaken, with hints of green sprouting across the mountains, creating the perfect backdrop for their celebration. Tara and Joseph exchanged vows at the Anakeesta Resort, perched atop a mountain with panoramic views of the Smoky Mountains. What made this venue even more unique was that Tara was the one and only bride to ever get married there.
Tara and Joseph's wedding colors featured royal blue, beautifully highlighted by stunning floral arrangements with blue roses and matching the blue skies. The drone footage we captured was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing the dramatic blue skyline and sprawling mountain views. Tara's bridesmaids were her three daughters, while Joseph's daughter served as his best woman, a heartfelt nod to the importance of family in their lives.
As Tara walked down the aisle with her dad, there wasn't a dry eye in sight. The emotions shared between them set the tone for the intimate, family-focused celebration that followed. Adding a touch of elegance and warmth to her bridal look, Tara wore a luxurious fur shawl during some of her portraits.
After the ceremony, guests took a golf cart ride down the mountain to the reception venue, a stunning building filled with natural light from large garage doors made of windows, cozy vibes from a crackling fireplace, and beautiful chandeliers. The space was decorated with elegant crystal glassware, fine cutlery, and candlelit ambiance.
The reception was full of heartfelt moments, from a speech from Tara and Joseph thanking their guests to Tara's touching dance with her dad to Joseph's dance with his mom, who beamed with pride the entire time. They also shared individual first dances with each of their children, Tara's three daughters and her son, as well as Joseph's daughter, showing just how much they value their role as loving parents.
Of course, the night wasn't without its fun-filled traditions. A highlight of the evening included a striking blue champagne fountain, the cake cutting and garter toss showcased Tara and Joseph's playful personalities, and the dance floor was packed with energy all night.
To cap off their magical day, Tara and Joseph took a golf cart to the top of the mountain, where they hopped on the ski lift for their grand exit. With a "Just Married" sign attached to the lift, they descended the mountain as we followed behind to capture the moment.
Tara and Joseph's wedding was an unforgettable experience full of love, family, and stunning mountain views.
With love,