Taylor + Andrew - Nashville, TN Wedding

Taylor and Andrew's wedding was so lovely. It reminded me of a fairy tale all day. Taylor is beautiful to start with, but then put her in a Cinderella ball gown dress and wow! 

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding

Taylor had a first look with her brother, which I thought was so special. The wedding day is a big deal for everyone, not just the bride and groom! And his reaction was so sweet. :) 

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding

Taylor and Andrew did their first look in this beautiful garden, which only added to the fairy tale feel of the day. 

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding

She looks like Cinderella, right!?

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding

This was a first for me. Taylor rode up to her wedding in a HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE! It was so magical!

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville Historical Home Wedding

Andrew Martin - Nashville, TN Birth Story

ANOTHER BIRTH STORY! You know I love a birth story. And this one is completely different from all of the others, so be excited. 

Alyssa contacted me a while back wanting a birth story photographer. I was very nervous about someone from Nashville hiring me for birth story photos, given the nature of birth. The last birth story I shot (which you can see here) I had about eight minutes from being told it was starting to taking pictures of a baby being born on a bed. Naturally, a 2.5 hour drive had me nervous.

Alyssa ended up going past her due date and needing to schedule induction for May 4. I drove to Nashville and spent the morning hanging out in the hospital lobby and drinking coffee from the coffee cart, waiting for the family to be ready for me. Despite the coffee, I became overwhelmingly tired and fell asleep folded up in some ridiculous looking ball on a lobby chair. At some point I shot up from my nap, my neck SUPER stiff from sleeping in the previously mentioned ridiculous looking ball, and checked my phone. I had FOUR MISSED CALLS from Robert from almost half an hour previous, and I was terrified that I had missed the birth because I couldn't stay awake. I started to panic, grabbed my many bags, and asked the person at the lobby desk how to get to their room. It was in a completely different building from where I was (makes sense that I should have been waiting in the Women's Building... but I wasn't). I started running through the rain with my bags flying everywhere and my marked up map from the front desk crumpled in my hand. I seriously looked like a romcom movie trope. If I wasn't already married I bet I would have run crashing into a handsome man who picks up my map and we end up falling in love. I burst dramatically into Alyssa's hospital room all frazzled and drizzly. I had not missed it. Whew.

I only made it by a bit, though. She was having very regular contractions when I arrived and it wasn't long until we met little Andrew Martin.

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

I've shot many birth stories, but I've never actually shot a hospital birth, at least not a traditional one. I was present for the post delivery moments for two c-sections, but that process is different. This was a completely new thing for me. Yes, I acknowledge that it's weird that a hospital birth felt weird to me. I understand that's how most people do it. I'm used to what I'm used to, and it was really interesting to have a completely new experience to add to my understanding of child birth. I was fascinated.

At 1:29 in the afternoon Andrew was born. He was 9 lbs 5 oz and 22 inches long.

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

I LOVE the dad seeing his kid for the first time look. Never gets old.

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

Alyssa meeting her little man for the first time.

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

Robert gave Alyssa a sweet gift, for being a total boss and bearing his child.

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story
Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

Coming soon to the blog, family photos in the Strobel home on Alyssa's very first Mother's Day. 

Stephanie Benge Photography | Nashville, TN Birth Story

Meadow Hills Styled Shoot - Nashville, TN

Earlier this year I threw together this beautiful styled shoot with some amazing Nashville wedding vendors. I'm so thankful to everyone who was willing to donate their time and effort to this project. I think it turned out lovely! 

I love the use of natural color palettes and used neutrals as inspiration for this shoot. 

Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue
Meadow Hills Nashville, Tennessee Wedding Venue

Venue: Meadow Hill Farm
www.meadowhillfarmweddings.com

Planner: Kenzie Events
www.kenzieevents.com

Videography: KLassy Productions
www.klasseyproductions.com

Dress: Posh Bridal Couture
www.poshmn.com

Paper Goods: Mallory Mayhew at Letters from Mal
www.lettersfrommal.com

Floral Design: Robin's Nest
www.robinsnestweddingflowers.com

Cake: Nashville Sweets
www.nashvillesweets.com

5 Tips for Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer

One of the most important choices you'll make for your wedding day is who you have as your photographer. There are a thousand and one different photographers to choose, so how do you know who is right for YOU and YOUR special day? I've compiled five essential tips from my time as a wedding photographer and as a bride myself. 

1. Choose someone you like

I can't emphasize this enough! Many brides don't consider this, but you will spend more time with your wedding photographer than any other person on your wedding day. More time than your mom, more time than your MOH, more time than even your groom. Your wedding photographer will be by your side almost every moment of your big day. If you meet with a potential wedding photographer and think they are arrogant, or annoying, or you don't like their sense of humor, TRUST YOURSELF. Don't hire this person. On your wedding day you want to be surrounded by people who make you happy and make your day the absolute best it can be. You want a photographer who makes you feel content, calm, confident, and comfortable. Choose someone you will look forward to spending all day with. Someone who makes you happy. 

2. Choose someone who responds

It's frustrating when you want to get in touch with someone and they never seem to respond. It's even more frustrating when the person you want to get in touch with is responsible for your wedding photos, or has already taken the photos and you haven't heard from them. Unfortunately, I've had two friends in the past two years who had issues with uncommunicative photographers. One of these friends has STILL never seen her wedding photos (almost two years later). Understandably, not every business owner can respond within the first 24 hours, (though most GOOD ones do) but if you reach out to your photographer and regularly cannot get contact back that is a big RED FLAG. Great customer service is essential when you're talking about something as important and irreplaceable as wedding photos. If someone can't take the time to get back to you, you can find someone else who will be happy to work with you. 

3. Choose someone who fits your needs

You want full day coverage, but this photographer only offers 6 hours? No. You want a bridal session, but this photographer only offers engagement sessions? No. You want to be able to purchase an album, but this photographer doesn't offer that service? No. There are so many wonderful photographers out there in the industry. Find someone who is offering you EXACTLY what you want. 

4. Choose someone who fits your style

The best photographers have a clear style and vision. There are so many different artists with so many different perspectives on wedding photography. Find someone who has the right vibe for you. Don't book someone just because they are local or in your price range. If they don't produce the style of images that YOU want to treasure forever that's ok. But find someone who does.

5. Choose someone who has YOU in mind

Whew, this is a big one. As wedding photographers, it's our job to go to weddings all the time. Duh. I'm sorry, that was obvious. Because of this some photographers will fall into the trap of treating your wedding like a run of the mill day at work. It can be easy for people in this industry to begin to think of your super-special-once-in-a-lifetime-very-important wedding as just another task to accomplish. The cake was prettier at the last wedding I shot and will be better for my portfolio. Uh, if I see ONE MORE bride use navy blue for her bridesmaids dresses. I've already shot at this venue twice this year... BORING! Etc, etc. YOUR WEDDING IS NOT ABOUT THEM. You MUST choose a photographer whose number one priority is making YOUR big day the absolute best it can be. Your wedding is not a portfolio filler. Your wedding is not a future Facebook ad. Will your photographer use your wedding photos for their portfolio and future Facebook ads? Probably. But that cannot be the focus of a great wedding photographer. The focus should be you.

If you're still looking for your perfect wedding photographer I would love to work with you! Head to the contact page to get in touch!

Nashville Wedding Photographer