kennedy inspired styled shoot at carnton plantation :: nashville wedding photographer

Last week, I had the pleasure of working once again with my one of my favorite Nashville-based wedding coordinators, Liz from CHIC Weddings and Events, on a Jackie O. inspired stylized wedding shoot I'd been dreaming of for months. MONTHS. It all started when I discovered this little number on Rent the Runway, and I just knew it was meant to be. (By the way, brides, this is a fantastic place to get a cute little rehearsal dinner wardrobe or a short and sassy white party dress for your reception). So when I found out I was going to be travelling back to Nashville for theFix, I called up Liz and she SO got my vision.

Carnton Plantation was so generous to allow us to use their beautiful venue (Leigh is awesome!), and we worked with an absolutely AMAZING team of folks to bring the shoot to life. So without further ado, I present to you what may very well be my #1 most favorite styled shoot to date...

Venue :: Carnton Plantation

Event Design :: CHIC Weddings and Events

Photography :: Glessner Photography

Floral Design :: The Tulip Tree

Stationery :: My Lady Dye

Cake Artist :: Silver Box Cake Designs

Hair+Makeup :: Ashley Rose Love

Pillbox Hat :: Fanny+June

Men's Wardrobe :: Street Tuxedo

Men's Sunglasses :: Warby Parker

Dress :: Rent the Runway

Shoes :: Coach

Rings :: Blue Nile

Models :: Ken Thompson + Landy Kay

A great big enormous thank you to all of you who put your time and resources into making this shoot fabulous! If you're reading this, leave them some love in the comment section below :)

To see more Glessner Photography real weddings, visit our gallery.

Like what you see? We'd love to be your wedding photographers! Send us a line and let's have coffee.

the fix :: nashville wedding photographer

As many of you who follow me on Facebook know, this past week has been CRAZY. I flew to Nashville last Sunday, ended up in Kansas City by mid-week, and finally made it back home sweet home around one o'clock this morning. I'm exhausted and overwhelmed, but so thankful that my job allows me to visit family and friends and experience new places and things.

Last Tuesday, while in Nashville, I had the awesome opportunity to attend theFIX at the aVenue (a beautiful venue, by the way... I'm looking forward to Brittany+Jeff's reception there in the fall). I was excited to be at the event not only because I love Jasmine Star (y'all know i love me some J*... girl's got charisma like no other and is just a fountain of talent and smarts), but also because I knew I'd get to see my girl Ashley, who's helping out as part of the crew of theFIX tour.

Before the event, a group of those of us attending went out to dinner (a million thanks to Cory for coordinating) and I am so honored to have met so many friendly, enthusiastic, talented, and fun photographers that I now call my friends. I look forward to keeping up with all of you (in person and via the web) and watching your businesses grow!

I have mad respect for Jasmine and her openness and integrity in an industry filled with "secrets" and naysayers, and her message at this event provided just the dose encouragement and honesty that I needed to hear right now. Throughout the evening, among other things, she talked about her own business, allowing the struggles to be part of your journey, identifying and emphasizing your strengths, and breaking the mold by being you. 

But perhaps the most important thing I heard from Jasmine last Tuesday was the real need for photographers to stop trying to keep each other down and instead, connect with one another. Not just because it will help us survive and thrive in this business (which it will) but because we truly want to see each other succeed. I believe that caring about people and helping one another will get us much further than concerning ourselves with being envious, rude or secretive because of the so-called competition.

We are much stronger together than we are apart.

In the words of J*, can I get an amen?

I know, I know... I'm really starting to sound like a broken record with reiterating this sort of message in my blog posts, but I am so passionate about seeing my peers succeed. I am passionate about helping others. I am passionate about my own business. And I know that we will be more powerful, innovative, and successful as an industry once we learn to not only work together, but to be friends, encouragers, mentors, and supporters.

That all being said, here are a few photos I snapped at the event...

Jasmine, me, and Ashley - aren't these two ladies just lovely? (Please pay no mind to my incredibly fake smile - ahem, Ashley's fault - or the extreme paleness - I need a good dose of Vitamin D ASAP)

kristin+read :: engaged :: nashville engagement photographer

This may be my all time favorite engagement session of all time (yes, i did just say "all time" twice... that's how much I loved this session)... but I could be a little partial. Kristin is a friend who is very near and dear to my heart. We met in a speech class my sophomore year of college, and she soon became my little sister in Alpha Sigma Tau at Belmont University. While I never had any siblings growing up, Kristin is the truly the best sister I could have ever asked for. She's adorable, fun to spend time with, kind, and not at all annoying (which I hear is a pretty common problem among siblings).

Kristin and Read met their freshman year of college and have been together ever since. Spend five minutes with these two and it's easy to see that they absolutely love each another's company... he knows just what to say to make her laugh and she falls into his arms like she knows it's exactly where she belongs.

I was absolutely delighted when Kristin and Read asked us to photograph their wedding this September at the Cathedral of Incarnation, followed by a beautiful reception at the historic Hermitage Hotel in downtown Nashville (shout out to the wonderful Kelly Stack who'll be assisting with their planning!), and I had so much fun running around Nashville this past Saturday with the two of them, discussing dreams of Disneyworld, playing at the park, and trying to avoid getting run over by trains.

For real Kristin... you're GORGEOUS! It's kinda ridiculous (of course, in a good way).

Oh, hello J. Crew ad...

Read is a guitarist and vocalist for the Nashville-based folk/bluegrass band, The Westbound Rangers... be sure to check them out!

Read+Kristin - I love you both so much! Remember to enjoy these last few months of planning... Your wedding day will be here soon, and I know it is going to be absolutely fabulous!