A Dreamy Destination Wedding in Tennessee

Let me tell you about one of my favorite destination weddings —Katie and Jeremy’s incredible celebration at Southall Farm & Inn located in Franklin, TN! This destination wedding was an absolute DREAM, and not just because of the epic venue (we’re talking 300 acres of pure, picturesque beauty). What made this wedding so special was the time I got to spend with these two throughout an entire season—from their engagement shoot in the Great Smoky Mountains to their rehearsal, all the way to their unforgettable wedding day!!

The Value of an Engagement Shoot

Okay, let’s talk about why you should absolutely do an engagement shoot. I know I know—it might seem like just another thing to add to your already packed wedding planning to-do list. BUT… it’s worth it. When Katie first found me on Instagram, we hopped on a consult call & immediately clicked! She booked me for my Getaway Package, which includes an engagement shoot, rehearsal coverage, and full wedding day photography.

Here’s the thing: doing an engagement shoot isn’t just about getting pretty pictures (though you’ll definitely get those of course!). It’s about building a relationship with your photographer! By the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ve already spent time together, you’ve laughed, you’ve gotten comfortable in front of the camera—basically, we’re friends by then! This makes a HUGE difference on your wedding day because you’ll feel more relaxed and natural, and it shows in your photos!!

A Full Season Together

For Katie and Jeremy, we kicked things off with their engagement shoot in the Great Smoky Mountains near Knoxville, Tennessee. Talk about a stunning backdrop! From the first click of the camera, I could tell these two were special. We had the best time and captured their love in one of the most beautiful spots in the country!

Fast forward to their wedding weekend at Southall Farm & Inn, just outside of Nashville, and it felt like hanging out with old friends. Katie and Jeremy chose to do their rehearsal at Dottie’s Speakeasy, a super cool spot on the Southall property. The relaxed vibe set the tone for the entire weekend, and it was the perfect way to ease into the big day.

Why It’s Worth It to Have the Same Photographer for Everything

When you book the same photographer for your engagement shoot, rehearsal, and wedding day, you’re getting so much more than just someone to snap pictures. You’re getting someone who knows your story, who understands your vision, and who’s genuinely invested in capturing every moment of your wedding journey. Plus, it means you don’t have to spend your wedding day getting to know someone new—you already know we’re on the same page!

Katie and Jeremy’s destination wedding in Tennessee was the perfect example of how awesome this can be. Their timeline was ultra-relaxed, which allowed us to spend a full four hours capturing all the little details, final touches, first look, and couple portraits. Let me tell you, that extra time made all the difference. The day flowed smoothly, everyone was relaxed, and we got some seriously amazing shots.

The Venue: Southall Farm & Inn, Franklin

Let’s talk about Southall Farm & Inn because this place is just UNREAL. With 300 acres of rolling hills, lush gardens, and breathtaking views, it’s basically a photographer’s dream. Every corner of the property offered a new backdrop, and we took full advantage of it. The bluegrass band that played during the ceremony and cocktail hour added such a unique and special touch, making the entire day feel even more personal.

Southall has every amenity you could possibly need to host an entire wedding weekend. From the rehearsal at Dottie’s Speakeasy to the stunning outdoor ceremony space, cocktail hour lawn & banquet hall, this venue had it all. And the best part? Katie and Jeremy’s wedding was a perfect reflection of their personalities—fun, relaxed, and totally in love with each other!

Tips for Your Destination Wedding In Tennessee

1. Book the Same Photographer for Your Whole Wedding Journey: Building a relationship with your photographer makes a BIG difference in how comfortable and relaxed you’ll feel on your wedding day. Plus, it means your photos will truly reflect your unique love story!!

2. Give Yourself Plenty of Time: Just like Katie and Jeremy, consider setting aside extra time in your timeline for detailed photos, final touches, first look, and couples portraits, I suggest 4 hours! Trust me, it’s worth it to keep things relaxed and enjoyable.

3. Choose a Venue with Versatile Spaces: Southall Farm & Inn was the perfect example of a venue that offers a variety of picturesque spots for every part of the day. This not only gives you beautiful photos but also keeps the day feeling fresh and exciting for your big day!

Film Engagement & Wedding Photography

Client Love

"Hire Kari as your wedding photographer (AND your engagement shoot photographer AND onsite therapist for the big day ;) )! She was an absolute dream to work with from start to finish, offering incredible communication and support at every turn. Kari has an amazing ability to match your style and vision, capturing the exact vibe we had dreamed of for our wedding. Her artistic eye is truly impeccable, making every moment feel both natural and breathtaking. Beyond her technical skill, Kari brought such positive and uplifting energy that put us completely at ease in front of the camera. She is not only a talented professional but also a shining light, and we are so grateful to have had her as part of our special day." - The gorgeous bride, Katie

Book Me as Your Destination Wedding Photographer

Katie and Jeremy’s wedding in destination wedding in Tennessee was everything you could want—a stunning location, a relaxed vibe, and a love story that was truly captured from start to finish. If you’re dreaming of a travel wedding that feels like a true getaway, & special experience for your loved ones consider my Getaway Package! We’ll create something unforgettable together, and I’ll be there every step of the way!

So, are you ready to plan the destination wedding of your dreams? Fill out my contact form, and let’s start this incredible journey together.