On what was a mostly gloomy weekend, the clouds parted and the weather turned perfect for Rachel and Brian’s lakeside Pavilion at Hunter Valley wedding. Situated on the banks of Bluegrass Lake in West Knoxville, the Pavilion at Hunter Valley boasts gorgeous lake views, alfresco dining, and a white sand beach. Rachel loves the beach, so having a beachfront space for photos made this couple fall in love with the space for their Knoxville wedding. I had previously photographed one of the couple’s closest friends’ wedding. I was so happy they chose me to document their special day (and just a short drive from Georgia).
Rachel and Brian met in grad school at ECU while Rachel was substituting for Brian’s undergrad class. Their relationship started as friends but on one special night over a bowl of mac and cheese, Brian asked Rachel out! After moving to Knoxville together and finding their home, friends, and community, Brian proposed during one of their weekly walks together at a local park.
The couple opted out of doing a first look before the ceremony – and instead wrote personal notes to each other as well as their parents. It was a sweet touch to have a moment to ‘speak to each other’ without seeing each other before the aisle.
Knoxville Wedding Ceremony
This Knoxville wedding ceremony was nestled in the venue’s outdoor amphitheater. Guests enjoyed beautiful lake views while Rachel and Brian exchanged their vows. A unique part of the ceremony was that the couple chose to stand together, just the two of them while their wedding party watched on from the front row.
Pavilion at Hunter Valley Wedding Reception
Rachel and Brian kept things simple and classic when it came to decor. The delicate greenery on the tables mixed perfectly with white blooms and pampas grass amid the venue’s brick accents and minimalist atmosphere.
The night ended with a spectacular sparkler send-off! I had such a great evening with these two. From sweet getting-ready moments, tons of laughs during their portrait sessions and quite the festive dance party. Thank you for choosing to be a CQP couple.
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Pavilion at Hunter Valley Wedding Vendors
Venue & Coordination: Pavilion at Hunter Valley
Florals: Swank Floral
Hair: Styled Darling
DJ: Michael Durham Entertainment
Catering & Bartending: Rothchild Catering
Dress & Accessories: Vow’d
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse, Tommy Hilfiger
Rings: James Allen
Shoes: Keds
Dessert: Rothchild Catering
Officiant: Tim Bubar
Invitation: Paper Affair Dallas
Photography: Christine Quarte Photography
