Ancient Lore Village Wedding

Jay & Deanna’s High Fantasy Wedding

Knoxville, Tennessee

Jay & Deanna’s Ancient Lore Village wedding in Knoxville, Tennessee was the most fun, unique wedding I’ve ever photographed. While they kept a lot of typical wedding day traditions, it was definitely the attention to detail and added events of the day that made it so personal for them. Add in the neatest venue in Tennessee and gorgeous spring weather, and the day was just perfect.

I first met Jay & Deanna at Sarah & Skylar’s wedding that I was photographing in Chicago. Jay was in the wedding, and when it was his and Deanna’s turn to start planning a wedding, they reached out to me. Anytime a couple comes to me from one of my other couples, I just know it’s going to be great. I photographed Jay & Deanna’s engagement photos in the Chicago area, and what struck out to me most is how easily these two laugh with each other. We had a blast at their session because they just wanted to have fun and be themselves. When they told me about their venue and their high fantasy theme for their wedding day, I could not wait. I knew it was going to blow me away!

I arrived at Ancient Lore Village on the wedding day having seen photos online, but really not able to imagine how cool this venue was really going to be. This whimsical “village” has bungalows, waterfalls, rock bridges, and a ceremony space tucked in the woods up the mountain. It’s truly magical, and the perfect setting for a fairytale wedding.

I met up with Deanna in one of the bungalows where she was getting ready with all of her friends. I immediately fell in love with her dress and those BOOTS and got to work photographing the rest of her details. Deanna’s hair turned out beautifully, and I love the details she had in her jewelry and crown. Jay was equally adorned with the best outfit complete with sword, cape and crown. These two looked like they just stepped out of a movie set. After they were both ready, Jay and Deanna had their first look on the rock bridge near the waterfall. And, yes, Jay cried when he saw Deanna.

We had some fun with the wedding party, and then it was time to head up the mountain for the ceremony. I loved all of the touches they added to make their ceremony special . . . and fun! From the sword salute by the groomsmen as Jay walked down the aisle to the surprise song that Deanna sang to Jay to the hilarious “objector” before the vows, the ceremony was so “Jay & Deanna”.

Following the ceremony was axe throwing, archery, drinks, and music to entertain the guests while we did some photos of the newlyweds. Then it was time for the reception, which was kicked off by a lively speech from Skylar and two of their friends who gave a stellar improv performance of the life of Jay & Deanna.

The night ended with a delicious dinner and dancing as the sun set.

Jay & Deanna, it was quite the joy and honor to capture your beautiful day. I hope to see you in the future to document more of your lives.

 

Vendor Team:

Venue: Ancient Lore Village

Planner: Love and Logic Events

Photography: Karen Shoufler Photography

Florist: Dogwood Florals TN

Hair: Glam House Studios

MUA: Courtney Coppa

Officiant: Brian BonDurant

 

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If you are engaged and looking for a timeless, classic and joyful wedding photographer in the Tennessee area or around the world, contact me here or email me at karen@karenshoufler.com.