A Secret Intimate Elopement At Dixon Art Gallery + Gardens In Memphis, Tennessee | The Hatches Photography

Secret Garden Elopement at Dixon Gallery in Memphis, TN

Mr + Mrs Del Casino - November 3, 2022

Ryan and Jasmine live in Nashville but were visiting Memphis one weekend in October of 2022 to see one of their favorite bands at a locally known favorite bar, Growlers. You can find this hidden gem on Poplar Ave, across from Brooks Museum and The Memphis Zoo. The band they were seeing was also a favorite of ours, Real Friends. While we didn’t get to see the show with them, they did manage to hang out with me on a rooftop downtown for some celebratory engagement photos.

We had been discussing their elopement prior to their engagement photos, but the kicker was that no one else knew about it except their parents. Now we had to keep this HUGE secret until November 3, 2022 where they tied the knot in a beautiful and intimate garden ceremony at The Dixon Art Gallery and Gardens. I had the incredible pleasure to witness their union as well as work alongside the incredibly talented videographers, Cine Garden Films. This was my first time working with Rob and Adalynn and I hope its not the last time, they were absolutely phenomenal!

We started out at this cute little airbnb that was located in the Midtown area. Not too far from Cooper Young District. Jasmine was getting her hair and makeup done by Kimberly Yasmine, a luxury makeup artist, when I arrived to the house. Ryan was safely tucked away in a back bedroom getting ready as well. At this point they had not seen each other yet so they were getting all the excitement of knowing they were about to see each other, finally!

Once they both were ready and mic’d up, we were all set for the first look. You could see the pure joy start to flood their faces as we were getting everyone in their places. We stepped outside into the backyard of this adorable AirBNB and let Jasmine and Ryan set the whole mood.

What a blast we were having already and we hadn’t made it to Dixon, yet!

After we arrived at The Dixon Art Gallery + Gardens, we walked through the pathway to get to the Bowlin Stage. Taking in their surroundings and swaying across the path together, I could tell right away that this was something truly special to witness. The way they were so comfortable around each other and truly being present when they spoke to each other was simply awe-inspiring. I was overwhelmed with gratitude and creativity but I could not have made this magic by myself if I tried.

Jasmine and Ryan : I wish you nothing but the best in life and all of its adventure that it will take you both on. I hope you hold hands like its your first date; every day. Thank you so much for allowing me to witness your incredible love story and for trusting me to document it with lovely photos. I hope you look at these forever. I sure am! <3 Congratulations Del Casinos!

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Venue : Dixon Art Gallery + Gardens | Memphis, TN

Photography : The Hatches Photography

Videography : Cine Garden Films

Hair + Makeup : Kimberly Yasmine

Intimate Garden Elopement at Memphis Botanic Garden | Shelbe + Tevin Moore | The Hatches Wedding + Elopement Photography

Mr & Mrs Tevin Moore

Meet one of my favorite couples to date, Shelbe and Tevin Moore. 

Little backstory : Shelbe is actually a teacher at Senatobia Elementary (my hometown) and one of her students is the daughter of my uncle who recently passed away from Cystic Fibrosis. Layton spoke very highly of her teacher and I can see why! 

We met back in November of 2016 after her fiance, Tevin saw pictures of another couple I had taken and both him and Shelbe wanted Jacob and I for their wedding! 
Needless to say, we met, talked all things wedding and I was completely hooked on them as a couple. I could have talked with them for hours! 

They were planning an elaborate wedding at Hillwood at Davies Manor and things were going smoothly, or so I thought..... 

Until I got that text message from Shelbe saying how STRESSFUL wedding planning was becoming so they were going to elope a couple months ahead of schedule instead with their closest family. They whipped up different plans in a matter of days and we set the new date for August 22, 2017 at Memphis Botanic Garden. 

I. Was. PUMPED. 

The chapel at the Memphis Botanic Garden had been a bucket list venue of mine since I started shooting weddings in 2014. New favorite venue + this stunning couple? YES PLEASE.

They had an intimate ceremony with their closest family and friends and it was an absolute joy to be able to witness such a union between two endearing souls. Tevin cried, their moms cried, I cried.... I think I saw Kelsey with Connor & Co. cry too. 

It might have been incredibly hot being in August in the south but Tevin and Shelbe rocked that heat on their wedding day like it was going in the next issue of Vogue. 

We worked with incredible people, as always, Kimberly Yasmine for make-up and Kelsey Connor with Connor & Co. for her planning, florals and design. 

Here is a glimpse into our day with The Moore's for their intimate garden elopement and we can't wait for their Day After Session! <3 We love you guys!!

A Bohemian Dream Wedding in the Rain | Mint Springs Farm - Nashville, Tennessee | The Hatches

A BOHEMIAN DREAM WEDDING AT MINT SPRINGS FARM NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

SPENCER + ALISHA

First off, I want to apologize in advance for the outrageous number of images in this blog post. If you were in my shoes, you would probably have the same problem. You simply CANNOT choose favorites when it comes to this immaculate wedding. 

Spencer + Alisha have been together for 10 years. YEAH. I am completely convinced that if you looked up he definition of soulmates,  you'd find a picture of Spencer and Alisha probably laughing from their toes and smiling so carefree. They are totally that couple.

This was also the last wedding I shot before giving birth to our third baby boy. Shooting this wedding at 9 months pregnant was a once in a life time experience hahaha.

Alisha is a walking boho goddess, for real. I can attest that she actually looks like that in person. Her contagious laughter and selfless personality makes her even more likable. Spencer adores Alisha in every way. Just listening to him talk about her would warm the coldest of hearts. 

We were beyond stoked to be working along side our faves, KLassey Productions and seeing Mint Springs Farm for the first time. That venue did NOT disappoint. Brides, I must tell you, if your planner isn't Sarah Wizz, you need to get a Sarah Wizz. Seriously she made the day sooo completely smooth and relaxed for Alisha and Spencer and we absolutely loved working alongside her and Ally!

Weather played some tricks for us in shooting but it worked out exactly how we needed it to. Hurricane Harvey was making its way through the mid-south when the Donaldson's were betrothed. The chilly winds and downpour rains made this exceptionally intimate and unique since we were limited in space to use. Alisha never once lost her grin even when she was getting rain blown on her during her bridals and letter reading. She was SUCH a trooper and ready to make the most of this Hurricane Harvey weather. 

"Hurricane Harvey can't stop US"

I could sit here and ramble about all the inside joke, new friendships and priceless memories that were made on September 01 but I'll just let you see it with your own eyes <3

CONGRATULATIONS MR + MRS DONALDSON

Venue, Planning, Design, Decor, Floral | Mint Springs Farm

Mint Springs Farm Planner | Sarah Whisenant

Photography | The Hatches

Videography | KLassey Productions

DJ, Emcee | Snyder Entertainment

Ceremony Musician | Steven Clawson

Catering | G Catering

Cake | Dulce Desserts

Grooms Desserts | B. Jackson's Bakery

Day of Transportation | Five-O Sedan and Limousine

Signature Transportation

Bride, Bridesmaids Getting Ready Tanks | Project 615

Rainy Treehouse Garden Elopement | Eureka Springs, Arkansas | The Hatches : Wedding + Elopement Photography

A Rainy Treehouse Garden Elopement in Eureka Springs

JEREMY + AMANDA MILLER

Where do we even begin with Jeremy and Amanda? We had been waiting what seemed like forever for their wedding day to arrive. Exactly one year ago today, J + A invited us to travel to Eureka Springs with them and witness their union in a beautiful treehouse garden. How could we refuse?! We quickly found lots of common interests during their engagement session at Fall Creek Falls the year prior. Needless to say, they were our kind of people. Netflix bingers, that is ;)

We arrive to their quaint little cabin and instantly fell in love. It was already set for the newlyweds for when they returned from their ceremony later that day which made the perfect getting ready spot. Amanda and I traveled to Dead Swanky for her hair and make up appointment. Yeah the salon was called Dead Swanky..... and it was so freaking adorable. Jacob and Jeremy stayed behind and started getting ready there. We later met them back at the cabin and started getting Amanda ready for their first look. 

We were so honored to have spent a few days with Jeremy and Amanda. We had been watching the weather for a week and it kept calling for rain. Immediately we start looking for places to shoot in case we get a downpour and it never once phased Amanda about getting her dress wet. The rain played with our emotions all day but that didn't stop us from driving all over town to find the best spots for their memorable day. Shooting in the rain has probably become one of my new favorite things to do.

Oh and elopements in beautiful places <3

After their ceremony we found a more secluded place for them to read their personal vows to each other and to share their first dance as husband and wife. Did I mention they danced to a bluetooth speaker under colored string lights we found on the side of the road? WELL THEY DID. I might have cried.

Jeremy + Amanda : We cannot thank you enough for giving us the opportunity to witness such a genuine relationship blossom into a everlasting marriage. Our hearts are beyond full from the amazing adventures we had and the unforgettable memories. We wish you many many years of happiness and comfort in knowing you two have found your soul-mates. We are glad to call you both friends! Happy One Year Anniversary, guys. <3

Venue : Oak Crest Cottages and Treehouses / Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas

MUAH : Olivia at Dead Swanky

Florals : The Bearded Magnolia

Vow Books : Shamara's Pretty Things

Dress : Low's Bridal and Formal Shoppe

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A Lively and Modern Wedding at Annesdale Mansion | Memphis Tennessee | The Hatches : Wedding + Elopement Photographers

A Lively and Modern Wedding at Annesdale Mansion

Kaley & Wes had known of each other for a while through Kaley's brother but one day when Wes came over to Kaley's house to hang beams from her ceiling, something clicked. She kept finding new things for him to come over and fix and then one day, Wes asked Kaley on a date. 

Fast forward to when I met Kaley and Wes at a Starbucks and we hit it off SO well. We bonded over Katy Perry and our love of things old. Speaking of KP, Kaley is actually Katy's first cousin. Yuh, THE Katheryn Hudson now known as Katy Perry. 

How FREAKING cool, right? 

We met again to tour Annesdale, because we had never been to this venue before we definitely wanted to see the venue and get familiar with the grounds. Annesdale is one of THE most beautiful venues here in Memphis and we were completely blown away at all of the detail and history inside! 

On their wedding day, Kaley got ready to all the albums of Katy Perry, even though Katy couldn't be there for family, we kept her there in spirit ;) Kaley was relaxed and enjoying the morning with her girl friends and awaiting the anxious moment of becoming Mrs Belote. <3

Jacob and I were so honored to have been able to witness Kaley and Wes's marriage with their closest family and friends. We are beside ourselves that this is our job and that we get to see joyful moments like this just about every weekend! 

Here are some of our favorites from their STUNNING wedding! Congrats Mr & Mrs Belote! 

Venue: Annesdale Mansion

Photographer: The Hatches

Caterer: CFY Catering

Cake: Cakes by Mom and Me

Flowers: Lynn Doyle Flowers

Hair: Tiffany Wilson

Makeup: Mallory Burnett

Band: The Sensations Band

Officiant: Chad Hampton

Best of 2017 | A Year In Review | The Hatches - Tennessee Wedding & Elopement Photographers

@thehatchesphoto - 2017 Best Nine - Instagram

Where do we even begin? 

It's that time of the year where we reflect on our past year and reminisce on our memories. I don't know if many other photographers felt this way, but I had this overwhelming feeling, that I really didn't do much this year. (I know call me crazy, I was always somewhere doing something) I don't know why I was stuck in this mindset but I'm glad I got stuck there because it pushed me to start going through all of my images from 2017 and prove myself wrong. 

Well that was a mistake. Not a mistake as in that I couldn't prove myself wrong, (because I surely did) but a mistake as in - "shit, how am I going to narrow this down?"

I didn't get all of my stats together this year like I did last year with how many states we visited and how many weddings we shot and yadda yadda because, if we're being honest, the only people who genuinely are interested in that are other photographers so they can figure out how to "one-up" someone else.

JK. (only half kidding) LOL

This year we focused on feelings, emotion and how to sustain images that make you feel like you were there. We really wanted to put into perspective how intimacy meant more than something sexual, but being completely vulnerable with your partner in a way where empathy and adoration poured from your body language. Judging by the images below, i think we did a pretty good job. 

Our main goal was to find ourselves in our work. Meaning : to become what we wanted our images to interpret. Romantic, Fleeting, Intimate and Adventurous. Marriage is a commitment and a journey within itself, just embrace it. 

One of our biggest accomplishments in 2017 (besides bringing our 3rd baby boy into the world) was The Real Workshop. My dear friend, Elizabeth Hoard and I had the chance at hosting our own wedding workshop back in August of 2017. We held it at Petit Jean State Park with 9 incredible speakers, 50 new and established photographers and a rugged trek to a waterfall while 8 and 1/2 months pregnant. Didn't really think that last one through. But we made it out alive. Barely.

I'm not going to sell you on why we started this workshop or how we came across the idea but if you are interested, click the link above and read allllll about it.

We danced, laughed, ate, traveled and saw more this year than we ever have. We learned from mistakes and we broke new grounds. We couldn't be more grateful for 2017 than we already are. Especially, with the amazing clients and new friends it brought us. 

We have SO much to look forward to in 2018. Here's to this past year and all of its glory.

*cheers*

A Rainy Intimate Backyard Wedding | Lauren and Jon | Kentucky | The Hatches Wedding and Elopement Photography

LAUREN + JON AUTRY

Where do I even begin with this couple? Lauren and Jon have the type of love they write books about. Jon was attending a small town festival and Lauren was on her way when she was told there was someone she HAD to meet. 
When they met, it was as if everything had fallen into place in that exact moment. They instantly became enthralled with each other. 

"then we were we" - Lauren Crowder

Lauren is a singer from Nashville and wrote that lyric about their life together. She had it engraved in Jon's ring for their wedding day. 

Their love was ethereal from the day they met. And it continued to grow in that aspect as they decided to become one. They spent their wedding day with their closest family and friends on Jon's family farm in Central City, Kentucky. The property was insanely beautiful and held so much sentimental meaning to both Lauren and Jon. 

Hurricane Nate was brewing the week of their wedding and graced his presence later into the night but the rain held off long enough for their ceremony. Tents went up just in case the rain snuck in. Their ceremony was meaningful and invested. Their vows to each other created this ambience of romance and intimacy that sent goosebumps down your spine. Lauren entered on a horse drawn carriage just after dark. The ceremony was supposed to take place right at sunset but with the storm clouds and scattered rain, it was pushed back just a bit. Honestly, it felt even more surreal to have it in the dark. So romantic.

The details from this wedding were impeccable! Jon had custom made feather bow ties from over seas made just for his groomsmen and Lauren gave each of her bridesmaids a special broach that reminded her of them. Their plates for reception were all distinctive and vintage yet subtle and intricate. Lauren had stephanotis flowers in her hair and laid out in various places throughout their wedding venue because it was the flower that meant "marital bliss". Talk about putting some thought into the smallest details. *holds back tears*

They spent their reception under the tent, as the rain came pouring in. They even did their first dance as husband and wife in the rain. My heart was overjoyed at the closeness shared between them and their guests. Backyard weddings have a special place in my heart as they are more sentimental to the couple which always makes for those emotional images that make hearts skip beats. 

Jacob and I were so honored to have been chosen to photograph this affectionate wedding for Jon and Lauren. This is just a small preview from the day but we hope you enjoy!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Autry. <3

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A Bohemian Inspired Waterfall Wedding | Gatlinburg, Tennessee | The Hatches : Wedding + Elopement Photographers

MR & MRS CHURCHILL

When I first had my meeting with Brianna, she had already filled me in on how determined she was to have us photograph her wedding day. This girl stole my heart from the very start. I couldn't get over her precious little family and her gypsy heart. She was my free spirit bride. Heck if it wouldn't have been 28 degrees during their engagement session, she would have gone barefoot. 
(Note : I looked out for her safety haha, no frozen piggies here!)

Brianna, Kelsey (Connor & Co.) and I all sat down at Muddy's in Midtown and began planning away. The more Brianna talked about her wedding, the more I fell in love. With her, the idea of her wedding and her ADORABLE family. Just wait until you see them, SO CUTE.

It was calling for rain all day for her wedding. Yet there wasn't a cloud in the sky on the day of. We got so much sunshine. It was glorious! Most of everything for their wedding was done by friends and family, and the florals were bought wholesale and put together by Kelsey. I even had the pleasure of helping and donated some decor and made Brianna's floral crown for her. 

This family quickly became my family, too. They're WHOLE family, yes WHOLE, was so inviting and so caring and made sure that Jacob and I were more than comfortable during our stay. We spent the whole weekend with them!

During their reception, Brianna made a special video for Cody. I won't spoil it, I'll let you see as you scroll down ;) But their daughter also had some news that she was too excited to share. So during Brianna's mom's speech, Aubrey announced that she was getting a little baby sister or brother. It was PRICELESS! And a surprise to their guests!

Unfortunately, after a couple of weeks, Baby C was born sleeping. My heart shattered in two for this family. I am so glad that they have become so dear to me and my family. I know that I am attracting the right clients for me because they all become my family by their wedding day.

Brianna and Cody are some of the most genuine hearted people I have ever met. I am honored to call them friends and humbled to have been able to document their milestone in life. 
 

Here are some of our favorites from their wedding day in Gatlinburg! See their awesome vendors at the bottom! <3

Brianna's gift to Cody was simply priceless. She gathered up pictures from all over the world that had notes on them from strangers on Facebook saying how far Brianna's love reached for him. He cried. She cried. Their parents cried. It was so moving. 

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Venue : Serenity Falls Cabins & Rentals

Dress : Coco Medley

Flowers : Kelsey Connor

Floral Crown : Emily Hatch

Coordinator / Planner : Connor & Co.

Photography : The Hatches Wedding + Elopement Photography

Spring Inspired - Intimate Backyard Elopement | Memphis Tennessee | The Hatches Wedding and Elopement Photographers

AARON + ANNA

Connor & Co. and I were itching to play around with lots of florals since all of the greens from spring rains were starting to pop through this dreadfully dead season we've been in lately. We popped into Fresh Market and got lots of pretty colors to use and spent the day making the arrangements and bouquet. 

Aaron and Anna were available to come hang out with us and fight off all the summer bugs for a few hours and boy were we glad! Their chemistry was unbelievable. Not needing any direction from us, they became one together in their movements right before my very eyes. I WAS IN LOVE.

Having been recently married, their love poured outwards even more than I had originally planned to shoot. But I wasn't going to stop them. Sometimes when you just feel it, you go with it. No matter what. And 9 times out of 10, it turns out way better than you anticipated. 

Wall Doxey State Park was our "backyard" for this bright and intimate Spring Inspired Elopement. One of my favorite places to shoot. 

I had an absolute blast getting to know Aaron and Anna this evening. They made me feel like a cool kid. 

One thing I wanted to capture with this styled shoot was the emotion and chemistry between a couple and their interactions to bring out the heart gripping feelings when you're in the presence of someone you love deeply. Anna and Aaron made that extremely easy for me. I love the happy and joyous moments but I also love the soft and serene moments between two people. Every marriage has both along with many other moments. It isn't easy, but its worth it when those hard times pass. There is nothing greater than going through life and all of its curveballs with someone who knows you inside and out better than you know yourself.