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Hi there! I'm Emily.

I’m a Tennessee-based wedding and family photographer with over six years of experience. My passion is helping you feel relaxed in front of the camera while capturing meaningful moments that will be cherished for generations.

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Dara’s Garden Wedding || Andrea & Ethan

wedding

December 8, 2025

A joyful farewell to Dara’s Garden

Some days feel like a love letter—to a couple, a place, and a whole community that’s cheered them on. Andrea and Ethan’s wedding at Dara’s Garden in Knoxville was exactly that. On a warm Tennessee day, surrounded by family and friends, they said “I do” at the very last wedding ever held at Dara’s. It felt nostalgic and special, like the garden itself was giving them a beautiful sendoff. Dara’s Garden wedding Knoxville TN.

A first look by the cross

Before guests arrived, we slipped away to the ceremony site for their first look. The wooden cross, draped in a soft floral arrangement, framed them as they saw each other for the first time.

They laughed, they cried, and they took a deep breath together—so clearly ready to get married. There was such a sweetness to those moments: tearful hugs, forehead touches, and the kind of smiles that make you forget anyone else is around.

Classic style with playful, colorful details

Andrea and Ethan chose a classic, timeless look with fun pops of color woven throughout the day. The bridesmaids wore the prettiest dusty blue dresses that photographed beautifully against the greenery at Dara’s Garden.

For portraits, the girls brought out little umbrellas, and they instantly became one of my favorite details—simple, playful props that made the photos feel editorial and fun. The guests mirrored that joy, arriving in colorful outfits that made the entire crowd feel bright and celebratory.

Signature cocktails inspired by their pup

At cocktail hour, guests were treated to signature drinks named after Andrea and Ethan’s dog—a detail that felt so “them.” It’s always my favorite when couples find creative ways to include their pets in the day, even if they can’t physically be there.

Watching guests laugh, mingle, and order “the dog’s drink” set the tone for the rest of the evening: relaxed, joyful, and fully present.

A Christ-centered ceremony

As everyone gathered for the ceremony, there was a reverent stillness in the garden. The service was deeply rooted in their faith, pointing everything back to God. Scripture, prayer, and the words spoken over their marriage made the whole ceremony feel sacred and intentional.

From their vows to the message, you could tell Andrea and Ethan didn’t just want a pretty wedding—they wanted a Christ-centered start to their life together. The crowd smiled through happy tears, cheering them on as they walked back up the aisle as husband and wife.

A live band and a packed dance floor

If the ceremony was soft and sacred, the reception was pure celebration. Under the glow of reception lights, a live band absolutely killed it—the kind of energy that keeps the dance floor full all night.

Guests were more than ready to celebrate this new marriage and, in a way, say goodbye to Dara’s Garden as a wedding venue. There was dancing, singing, and those big, joy-filled moments that feel like the best kind of blur when you look back at the photos later.

As the night went on, it felt like the perfect finale: a beloved venue’s last chapter and Andrea and Ethan’s beautiful first one.

Planning a Knoxville garden wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day filled with meaningful moments, colorful details, and classic portraits you’ll treasure for years, I’d love to be there to tell your story.