Some wedding days feel like stepping into a storybook—quiet moments tucked into the morning, happy tears that sneak up on you, and a ceremony backdrop that doesn’t need “help” to be breathtaking. Elizabeth and Cory’s wedding at Waterstone Venue was exactly that: timeless, intentional, and surrounded by the kind of East Tennessee beauty that never stops showing off.

Waterstone is truly one of the most unique venues in our area—set inside a former rock quarry with a serene pond and a dramatic waterfall that makes every “I do” feel cinematic.

A waterfall-side ceremony that felt like a dream

The best part about Waterstone is how the landscape does the work for you. The ceremony site sits right by the water, with towering stone and cascading waterfall views that feel both romantic and wildly peaceful.

As guests arrived and found their seats, the atmosphere felt calm and expectant—the kind of energy you only get when everyone knows they’re about to witness something meaningful. And when Elizabeth stepped in, everything else softened: the chatter, the movement, the nerves. Just her, Cory, and a moment that finally became real.

A day centered on what mattered most

Elizabeth didn’t have a bridal party—no matching dresses, no lineup at the altar—and honestly, it fit her so perfectly. Instead, she spent the morning and the entire day surrounded by so much family and so many close friends, the people who have truly shaped her life. It felt less like “wedding traditions” and more like a really intentional gathering of everyone they love.

One of my favorite quiet detail moments was her Bible. It wasn’t just something pretty she carried for photos—it was lived in. Pages full of notes, underlines, and highlighted verses told the story of her faith, and you could feel that she and Cory were putting what matters first right from the start. Those are the kinds of details that become so meaningful years from now.

Portraits with a natural, editorial feel

After the ceremony, we carved out time for portraits around the property—one of my favorite things about photographing at Waterstone. Between the quarry walls, the water’s edge, and the tucked-away paths surrounded by evergreens, you can move from dramatic to dreamy in a matter of minutes.

Elizabeth and Cory were effortless together—sweet, steady, and completely locked in on each other. Those are always the galleries that end up feeling the most timeless: not overly posed, just genuinely them.

Cocktail hour was a priority (for the best reason)

Cocktail hour wasn’t just a transition between ceremony and reception—it was something they truly valued. Elizabeth and Cory wanted time to be present with the people who traveled in, supported them, and showed up to celebrate. Instead of rushing through portraits and disappearing, they made room to hug everyone, catch up, laugh, and actually enjoy the moment.

Reception celebrations with space to breathe

Their reception was full of personality, but one of the cutest details was the shirts they changed into—with the bride and groom on them (of each other!). It was such a fun, playful touch and totally matched the vibe of the night: meaningful, but not taking itself too seriously.

And then… the dance floor moment no one will forget.

Cory’s backflip moment (and the party never stopped)
At some point in the night, Cory decided the dance floor needed a little extra chaos—in the best way—and he threw a backflip. It was legendary… and also resulted in him smacking his nose and ending up a little bloody.

But here’s the thing: he was totally okay, brushed it off like a champ, and kept dancing like nothing happened. It was one of those moments where everyone went from “OH NO” to laughing and cheering in about two seconds. Truly a “this will be talked about forever” kind of reception story.

Why Waterstone is such a great venue for couples in the Johnson City + Knoxville area

If you want a venue that feels like a destination without leaving East Tennessee, Waterstone is hard to beat. Between the quarry setting, the waterfall, and the ability to host a full wedding day experience on-site, it’s perfect for couples who love nature, want something different, and still want a polished, guest-friendly venue

Planning a Waterstone wedding?

If you’re getting married at Waterstone Venue and want photography that feels true-to-life, romantic, and timeless—with space for candid moments and classic portraits—I’d love to connect.

Vendor Team:

• Venue: Waterstone Venue
• Photographer: Emily Elizabeth Portraits
• Planner: Katie Paxton Designs
• Florist: Rainbows End
• Dress: BHLDN by Anthropology
• DJ/Band: Starr Entertainment
• Bartenders: On the Rocks