Nashville Wedding Photographer | KRISTYN HOGAN » kristyn

building a home and discovering purpose

kristyn — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:52:16 +0000

I posted the instagram above a few days ago from a devotional I’m reading by Rick Warren. It got a lot of response. I think things involving setting goals and becoming better usually get a pretty positive response. Even from me. The follow through is a bit harder. I’ve never really been one to set New Year’s Resolutions or to lay down very specific goals for my life. I’m not what one would classify as a planner. I married a planner, he married a spontaneous, go-with-the-flow free-spirit. Lucky him…lucky us :)

That being said, in the last couple months I have been feeling God strongly calling me to seek out His specific purposes for my life. To identify strengths, weaknesses, hopes, dreams and fears. To see needs in the world that I have a unique ability to help. To do great things with what I’ve been given.

I think some of this really came about when Matt & I started looking for land to build our home a few months ago (more on that later!). Setting down deep roots is a big step. Learning how to take care of chickens and keep an organic garden alive…even a bigger step :) So this new adventure that we’re on has caused me to really think about the bigger picture of my life. What are the purposes for our home? How am I spending the precious time I am given on earth? What am I doing to nurture the relationships of those I love? What purposes does God have for my life that I haven’t sought out yet? How can I live out my wildest dreams?

I feel like one of those lucky people who gets to marry the man of her dreams, has an amazing family and works at the exact job she was made for. And I am one of those lucky people. So now that God has given me literally everything I could ever hope or ask for, I am reminded of Luke 12:48 “Much is required from the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person to whom much more is given.”

So even though this is a blog about my wedding photography, I also want it to be about my life as a wedding photographer. This amazing journey of meeting wonderful people, documenting life, learning how to live healthy, pinning every possible photo with linen and reclaimed wood known to man, reading as many books as possible, maybe dusting off my oil paints and hopefully making a difference in this world one wedding, one person and one moment at a time. This year I want to share these things with you.

I mean really, who doesn’t want to read about me chasing chickens in my backyard?

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Memphis Wedding Photography ◦ Memphis Country Club ◦ GRACE & EDWARD

kristyn — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:53 +0000

Edward is from Australia. Grace is from Memphis. They met and fell in love in New York City and on their wedding day, friends & family came from all over the world, literally, to celebrate the love these two have found with each other. And can I just say…Australians…you know how to party! You’ll see what I mean later :)

Grace was one of the most laid back brides we’ve ever had and we just loved how the entire day was about spending time with friends & family, having fun and getting married! No stresses, no worries, just plenty of smiles, laughter and love…you can’t ask for a better wedding day than that!

Enjoy a small sneak peek of this beautiful day, with more over on our Facebook page!

Love their First Look :) Grace & Edward had an evening wedding so we did their portraits at twilight…such a classic, wintery look that I love! This little one came to the wedding all the way from Australia! Love the excitement right before they walk down the aisle. Well, at least excitement for some :) Everyone wanted a glimpse of the bride walking down the aisle :) A glimpse of their gorgeous reception at The Memphis Country Club. Edward was a jockey and loves the 21 Club in New York City. Grace & Edward had their first date there so Grace surprised Edward with a 21 Club room in the reception! Even the groom’s cake looked like the 21 Club! And then it was time to party…and let me tell you, they partied like no wedding we’ve ever been to! And we’ve been to a lot! With big thanks to THE best band we’ve ever heard at a wedding. All the way from Atlanta, this group was out of this world. So if you’re looking for a band for your wedding that keeps EVERYONE on the dance floor the ENTIRE night, Simply Irresistible is where it’s at! Congratulations, Grace & Edward! Your wedding day was so much fun for every single person there and we were so glad to be able to document such an amazing celebration!

FLORIST | Garden District

BRIDE’S DRESS | Anna Maier Couture

GROOM’S TUX | Zegna

BAND | Simply Irresistible

GROOM’S CAKE | Cakes by Mom and Me

WEDDING CAKE | Lee Sanders

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

FEATURED ON STYLE ME PRETTY ◦ Liesl & Dean’s Cedarwood Elopement

kristyn — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:47:09 +0000

Liesl & Dean’s Cedarwood wedding was a little slice of heaven and we are so honored to have it featured on Style Me Pretty! If you haven’t already, go check it out!

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ aVenue ◦ KIMBERLY & ERIC

kristyn — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 14:00:53 +0000

What better way to ring in a brand new year than getting married? That’s exactly what Kimberly & Eric did in downtown Nashville this New Year’s Eve and we were so happy to be a part of it! Downtown was full of celebration for New Year’s Eve and created such a fun atmosphere for celebrating what these two have found in each other. As we walked around there were constant cheers and congratulations and I can’t think of a better way to start a new life as husband and wife than with thousands of people cheering you on! But what I love even more than this awesome party of a wedding is who Kimberly & Eric are and who they are together. They are genuine, joyful people who love those around them and completely adore each other. Amidst all that was going on throughout their day, there were so many times when I turned towards Kimberly & Eric and they truly seemed as if they were the only two people in the world. How honored we were to join in a celebration of a love like that.

Enjoy just a small sneak peek of their beautiful day…

Kimberly & Eric have such great friends & family. Kimberly, you were a completely stunning bride. See what I mean about the celebration? Hundreds of people in line for a concert demanding a smooch from the bride & groom :) They had a beautiful candlelit ceremony. The highlight of the reception for every one…Go Dawgs! ;) The mother son dance with Eric’s dad watching on :) And then everyone partied like it was 2012!

And a little sneak peek of the Photobooth because it was so darn fun :)

Congratulations, Kimberly & Eric! Here’s to many more New Year’s Eves together.

The amazing people who made this celebration so great!

CEREMONY VENUE | First Lutheran Church

RECEPTION VENUE | aVenue

WEDDING PLANNER | Simply Stunning Events (Kristin Kaplan)

BRIDE’S DRESS | The Bride Room

FLORIST | Enchanted Florist

RECEPTION BAND | Nashville Blue Tones

CEREMONY MUSIC | Madison Mountaintop Band

CAKE | French Confection

HAIR & MAKE-UP | Eyecandy Salon

LIGHTING | Nashville Event Lighting

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Inspiration ◦ AMERICANA

kristyn — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:00:15 +0000

Oh, these lovelies I’ve been dying to share! We had the honor of working with some of the most amazing wedding creatives in Nashville to bring about this classic Americana inspired day and I just adore it in so many ways.
Event Design, Styling and Paper Goods | Amber Housley

Floral Designs | Brocade Designs

Makeup Artist | Amy Lynn Larwig

Hair Styling | Ashlea Hunter

Cake | Crumb de la Crumb

Vintage Pieces | Jenni Bowlin

Bridal Gown | Vineyard Lindsay, Priscilla of Boston, The Bride Room

Lace Bolero Jacket | Monique Lhuillier

Bridesmaids | Monique Lhuillier, The Bride Room

Menswear | Billy Reid

Ring Pillow | Hey Babe Studio

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ Schermerhorn Symphony Center ◦ AMY & STEPHEN

kristyn — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 14:00:07 +0000

Where do I begin with the gorgeousness of this wedding? Really, there are no words. And where do I begin with how wonderful Amy & Stephen are? No words. Amy & Stephen’s wedding day was the epitome of classic style & romance, perfectly fitting for two of the sweetest people on the planet who share such a timeless love. All I can really say is how honored we were to document their day, how blessed we feel to call them friends and how happy we are for the love they have found in each other.

For more moments from this amazing celebration, visit our Facebook page.

A fabulous pair of shoes is a necessity on your wedding day. These Kate Spades were so perfectly Amy.

Stephen proposed to Amy at the Symphony so it was only fitting that they return there for their wedding day.

And her dress? It’s as if Monique Lhuillier had only Amy in mind when she designed this beauty :)

So excited to be getting married :) Meanwhile the boys were cleaning up pretty nicely. Stephen showing off the amazing gift from his bride. And their first look was oh so sweet. How blessed they are to share a love like this. So much style :)

Love this moment so much, right before they walk down the aisle :) The Schermerhorn Symphony Center is one of the most gorgeous wedding venues. And they danced the night away… Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. May! Your wedding day was wonderful and we know it’s only the beginning of the wonderful life you will share together.

VENUE | Schermerhorn Symphony Center

FLORIST | The Tulip Tree

BRIDE’S DRESS | Monique Lhuillier from The Bride Room

GROOM’S ATTIRE | Ralph Lauren

PAPER GOODS | Erin Pfister with Arboreal Paper

INVITATIONS | Paper Place

WEDDING PLANNER | Elizabeth James

CAKE | Dessert Designs

VIDEOGRAPHER | McNeal Wedding Films

HAIR | Dawson at Trumps

MAKE-UP | Woo Cosmetics

BAND | The Jimmy Church Band

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Engagement Photography ◦ CHRISTINA & ANDY

kristyn — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 14:00:34 +0000

Andy & Christina went to high school together but it wasn’t until Andy went off to West Point and Christina headed to Ole Miss that they actually connected. One summer when Andy was home for a couple weeks he contacted Christina out of the blue and invited her to go on a boat ride with family. As we walked together during their engagement session talking about their relationship, Christina told us she probably never would have agreed to meet up with Andy if it weren’t for the lure of a boat ride, something she had always wanted to do. She agreed to go and at the end of the day they ended up talking for hours. They had to part ways but started writing letters to each other and really, what is more romantic than hand-written letters? They have been together ever since and even through distance they have fallen in love. We can’t wait to document their wedding day next May! Just look how perfect they are together!

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Day After Session ◦ MIA & RYAN

kristyn — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 14:00:49 +0000

Mia contacted me a few weeks ago with a pretty unique but pretty awesome request. She and her husband, Ryan, were married a couple years ago but had to do it quickly as Ryan was in the military and had to deploy so they never got wedding photos. Being an amazing photographer herself, Mia has been wanting a chance to have photos of the two of them together to celebrate their love. And so a big adventure they are about to embark on together made the time for those photos now!

Mia & Ryan have an amazing heart for God and are moving to Cambodia to serve the people there and raise awareness to children in need in the orphanages. They are not only planning to move to Cambodia but have plans to travel all over Asia and have already been all over the world! Mia put together the details for this shoot to reflect the world travel that is so much a part of their lives. The details and styling were perfect but even more special is the relationship these two share together. They are doing so many great things and most importantly, they are doing them together. It was truly an honor for us to document their love. A love that will surely change the world for the better. A moment I will always remember from that afternoon…they were telling us a bit about their wedding and how hurried it was. I told Mia that with all the gorgeous details this was like a wedding day for them. She smiled so completely and said that’s exactly what it felt like to her. And the way they looked at each other, it really was. Thank you, Mia & Ryan, for inviting us to tell a small part of your love story. We can’t wait to follow your adventures!

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Engagement Photography◦ SHAUN & ZACK

kristyn — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:51 +0000

Shaun & Zack are such a sweet couple! They love outdoor adventures and we spent the first part of their session drooling over their tales of the time they spend in Glacier National Park every year…fly fishing, hiking, relaxing, eating great food, reading…and even skiing! It’s always been a place we’ve had on our bucket list and after their session it’s moved up to a must see in the near future. And that’s what I love about these two…they take life as an adventure together. And whatever it is they are doing, they love being together. They are comfortable together and sweet to each other and Zack tells Shaun he thinks she looks cute with her glasses :) It was simply a joy to spend the afternoon with these two and we can’t wait for their wedding at Wolf Den Farm next spring! After spending some time in the beauty of fall we wandered over to downtown Nashville. How cute are they together? Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Engagement Photography ◦ D’ANN & DWIGHT

kristyn — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 14:00:09 +0000

We had so much fun with D’Ann & Dwight! Dwight flew in from North Carolina and we did a little sightseeing around Nashville :) These two have so much style and grace but most of all, they are such genuinely nice people who adore each other, love to enjoy good restaurants together and in a crowd of people, they can truly be the only two people in the room. Documenting the love, laughter and joy they share with each other is truly a delight and we can’t wait for their big day next June! These two claimed to not be good at having their photo taken. Really, they are just too adorable together :)

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Cedarwood Engagement Session ◦ HEATHER & JOSH

kristyn — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 06:34:58 +0000

Heather considers herself a science girl. She loves fall, all things vintage and Josh’s cooking. Josh could name every flower & plant along our path, loves music and simply adores Heather. Together they are perfect for each other and so ready to call each other husband & wife. We spent such a fun afternoon traipsing through the gorgeous Tennessee hills, laughing and talking about their wedding plans. Kentucky will be celebrating in Tennessee next September and we can’t wait! Enjoy this sneak peek of what love looks like for Heather & Josh. Josh is an amazing musician and sang for Heather on their first date so it was only fitting that he bring his guitar to serenade his love :) Oh, how I love fall in Tennessee. And these two lovebirds made it even more beautiful :)

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ Cathedral of the Incarnation & Union Station ◦ EMMA & RYAN

kristyn — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:00:57 +0000

From the moment Emma & her mom walked into our studio, we loved them. They had just found Emma’s wedding dress (gorgeousness from The Bride Room!) and were so excited to be sharing such a special time together, mother & daughter, planning Emma’s wedding. I know it is a time they will cherish for the rest of their lives. So after falling in love with Emma & her mom, we were so excited to finally get to meet the equally wonderful Ryan for their engagement session out at Arrington Vineyards. What we weren’t expecting was the chance to meet some of Emma & Ryan’s amazing family as well. After we were done shooting, we all got to have a little wine & cheese picnic at the vineyards and as we sat there getting to know Emma & Ryan’s story through the eyes of their family, I just couldn’t help but think how blessed we are to be a part of documenting such a story. Not only for a bride & groom, but for the families that they bring together and for the future family they will share together. Emma & Ryan reminded me of that.

So let’s just say, after the time we got to spend together leading up to their wedding, we had pretty high expectations for the day. So it really should be no surprise that their wedding day was so much more.

I could tell you all about their story. How they met, the sacrifices they have had to make throughout their relationship, the amazing family & friends they share, so many wonderful things about these two people. But really, the beautiful things about their wedding day is that I think you can see all those things in these moments. Without a single. word.

For more moments from Emma & Ryan’s wedding day, visit our Facebook page.

Time to get married :) Emma’s brother gave them communion at their wedding. Such a special moment for their family. Husband & wife :) Emma, you are the most stunning bride. We had so much fun! Love this moment between Emma & her mom. And Emma wearing her grandmother’s mink at Union Station, reminiscent of another time. Such classic beauty. The amazing work of Brocade Designs & Simply Stunning made Union Station shine. Loved all the wine corks they used everywhere! And then everyone had to go and make me cry! They had the most touching toasts I’ve ever heard and I’m pretty sure there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. I could put up a whole post of just crying pictures :) So much love in that room! And then it was time to dance! Congratulations, Emma & Ryan! Your love is truly a blessing to so many and it was our joy to document that. Emma & Ryan brought together a pretty amazing group of people for their day!

CEREMONY VENUE | Cathedral of the Incarnation

RECEPTION VENUE | Union Station

WEDDING PLANNER | Simply Stunning

FLORIST | Brocade Designs

BRIDE’S ATTIRE | The Bride Room

INVITATIONS | Social Graces

BAND | NashVegas All Stars

CAKE | Dulce Desserts

And, of course, the best shot of the day :)

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ Cedarwood ◦ LIESL & DEAN

kristyn — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:00:13 +0000

Liesl is from South Africa. Dean hails from Australia. They met on a yacht in Florida. After their meeting, Dean moved to the Caribbean while Liesl headed to France. Dean visited Liesl in Europe where they spent ten amazing days in Tuscany before returning to the yacht Liesl worked on where Dean was offered a position on the same yacht. The next 3 years took them all over the world; the Mediterranean, Egypt, the Caribbean, New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. To say these two are world travelers would be an understatement and to say they are two of the sweetest people we’ve ever met who were completely meant for each other would be quite the understatement as well :)

The wonderful Cedarwood put together the most stunning day for these two. Recalling their amazing trip to Tuscany, these two eloped in the hills of Tennessee. They were married in an intimate ceremony on the dock overlooking Mooncake Lake with a dinner overlooking the hills. There were so many gorgeous details that I just couldn’t share them all, so here is just a small taste of all the beauty!
They had their first look out on the dock. Just love the smiles :) These two should be models. We had to eventually let them get married but I could have photographed these two all day long :) Such a sweet ceremony. Their dinner was straight out of the Talented Mr. Ripley. So much Tuscan style. Cheers from such sweet friends!

And off to South Africa…in a row boat :) Congratulations, you two! It was such a joy to document your wedding day.

This day was perfection because of a few amazing people…

VENUE | Historic Cedarwood

FLORAL, DECOR, PLANNING & STYLING | Cedarwood Weddings Design Team with Jessica Sloane

CAKE | Patty Cakes

PAPER GOODS | Designs in Paper

CATERING | Marche

HAIR & MAKE-UP | Betsy Briggs Cathcart of Studio BBC Salon

LIGHTING | Uplight Events

OFFICIANT | Ralph Griggs

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ Cathedral of the Incarnation & Cannery Ballroom ◦ MICHELLE & JAKE

kristyn — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:00:46 +0000

Where do I begin with Michelle & Jake? Some of the sweetest, funniest people we know whose love for each other was so evident from the time we first met them, through their sweet engagement session and up until their wedding. As we documented their wedding day their love went from being evident to truly inspiring. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to watch the groom’s face as he sees his bride walk down the aisle and in this moment, their was no doubt that Michelle was marrying a man that would adore her for the rest of their lives.

These two know how to laugh together, how to let loose and have fun, how to surround themselves with amazing friends and family and how to have an amazing celebration of their love! And I have proof :)

To tag yourself in these photos, visit our Facebook page!

Hello, Gorgeous Bride :) This group was so much fun! Such joy, peace and love in what they are about to do. Time to party! They are now Mr. & Mrs. West so we couldn’t pass up this location! :) Regalo Designs & the Cannery Ballroom did an amazing job! First dances :) This group knew how to party! Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs. West! Such an amazing wedding day to start such a wonderful life together!

The wonderful people who brought this day together!

CEREMONY VENUE | Cathedral of the Incarnation

RECEPTION VENUE | Cannery Ballroom

WEDDING PLANNING, DESIGN & FLORALS | Regalo Design

INVITATIONS | Southall Eden Paperie

CAKES | Crumb de la Crumb

DJ | Cosmo Creations

BRIDE’S DRESS | Allure from The White Room

BRIDESMAID’S DRESSES | The Bride Room

CATERER | Copper Kettle

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.

Nashville Wedding Photography ◦ Cheekwood ◦ KRISTEN & ZACH

kristyn — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 14:00:13 +0000

As I said in the post about her engagement session (with the hot air balloon!), Kristen was a bride after my own heart. She went to the Rhode Island School of Design, so as a fellow art nerd, we are kindred spirits :) And the day she married her love, Zach? Oh my, was it gorgeous! Full of such detail, laughter and perfect Tennessee autumn goodness. Kristen’s dress (the oh so lovely Maribel dress by Christos) perfectly fit her beautiful bubbly personality. Zach looked pretty dapper himself. Every detail was gorgeous, the dance party was epic and the entire day was simply a joy to be a part of. And if you didn’t already see, who doesn’t love a wedding with some photobooth fun?

These two were simply meant for each other and their day was such a reflection of the joy they share. They had so many friends and family travel from Texas and all over the country to celebrate in the place they first met, Nashville! Kristen & Zach met in the dorms at Vanderbilt where Zach was captivated by Kristen’s sweet baking skills and as they say, the rest is history. And what a beautiful day to begin the newest chapter of their story, as husband & wife!

For more, more, more sweet memories visit our Facebook page!

Kristen wore a necklace made out of all the diamonds from her grandmother’s wedding ring. So many gorgeous details! The First Look :) How sweet are they :) Cheekwood is SUCH a gorgeous place. The flowers were stunning. Love these moments. Kristen’s dad & Zach’s dad having a little chat and Kristen & her maid of honor sharing a sweet moment of their own :) The details from this wedding could have their own post. All the white balloons added such a whimsical touch to the ceremony. Love this moment. Kristen’s dad giving her away. As they walked up the aisle as husband & wife everyone released their balloons! Kristen’s much adored Winston served as flower puppy :) Such a gorgeous gorgeous reception! Kristen & her dad had such an awesome father daughter dance. There are so many fun photos of the dance but I just loved this sweet moment from the very end. And then the party got started! They brought in a laser light show from Dynamic Lighting Systems of Boston, MA, and it was a DANCE PARTY! Just a few of the many many fun moves :) Congratulations, Kristen & Zach! Thank you for inviting us to be a part of such a wonderful day!

The many amazing people who made this day so great!

VENUE | Cheekwood

FLORIST | Enchanted Florist

WEDDING PLANNER | Kitsie Forrest

CAKES | Fiddle Cakes, Dulce Desserts & Dessert Designs

PAPER GOODS | Save the Dates designed by the bride, Invitations by Hound Dog Press

BRIDE’S DRESS | Christos (Maribel dress)

LASER LIGHT SHOW | Dynamic Lighting Systems (Boston, MA)

RENTALS | Southern Events

CEREMONY MUSICIAN | Aaron Scherz

BAND | Lipstick Blonde

Nashville wedding photographer, Kristyn Hogan, documents the spirited, fresh, timeless story of weddings in Nashville and destinations worldwide.