It’s the weekend, which means it is time for another blog post of a recent wedding of mine! This wedding was extra special for me because Alicia has been one of my close friends for about a year and a half. I tear up at every ceremony I photograph, but I found myself getting a little extra emotional when I saw my sweet friend marry her soulmate.

Alicia and Vern got married at Big Ridge State Park in Maynardville, Tennessee on the Saturday before Memorial Day. Alicia had created all of the decorations herself, and her bridesmaids pitched in to decorate the venue on the day of the wedding. Her brother walked her down the aisle to marry the love of her life, and Vern didn’t see Alicia in her wedding dress until that very moment. There were people out on the water enjoying the hot Memorial Day weekend weather, and they stopped canoeing and swimming to watch the ceremony take place.

I LOVED the way that Alicia had styled the baby’s breath flowers in different styles of vases.

Alicia’s bridesmaids got emotional when reading their letters from her and opening their gifts.

This was the moment when Vern saw Alicia for the first time.

We took some formal photos of Alicia and Vern with their bridal party, but I think the laughing photos fit this group a lot better!

Alicia’s bouquet was made from different pins and jewels, some of which had very special meanings.