At the beginning of our photography career, Chris and I made the decision to always keep our anniversary weekend wedding free so we can celebrate our our anniversary. We made it 6 years to the exact day because the second I read Lauren & Codey’s wedding inquiry last August, I knew that we just had to be apart of their wedding day. Some couples you just know you’re going to click with — and Lauren and Codey were 1000% that couple for us. From our first conversation, Chris and I had this gut feeling that we’d be instant friends, and as the wedding day unfolded, the universe kept dropping little signs that we were meant to be besties. I mean, just look at these coincidences:
- Our wedding anniversaries are the SAME — only the best people get married on October 4th, right?!
- Both mine and Lauren’s hype song is “London Bridge” by Fergie. Out of all the songs in the whole world, what are the odds?! (Keep reading to see how she worked that song into their reception in the best way possible!)
- Their wedding slogan — printed right there on their welcome sign (pictured below) — was “The Party Starts Here.” Which, if you’ve ever visited our website, you’d know that is our exact business slogan. At that point, it was official: we were destined to be friends.
Lauren & Codey’s wedding at Nichols Heir Grand Hall in Sevierville, Tennessee was incredible from start to finish. The fall weather was absolutely perfect and showing off for Lauren & Codey who currently live in Austin, TX. It was warm enough for that golden glow, but just cool enough that no one was melting (which, let’s be honest, is rare for an October day in East Tennessee!). They exchanged personal vows at their first look at the garden overlooking the Smokies, which was so sweet. Their ceremony was absolutely one of the most memorable I have had the honor of photographing. The father of the bride speech was so sweet that I cried multiple times, along with many other people in the room.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for… the celebration. And oh my goodness, did this group know how to party! The Emerald Empire Band kept the dance floor packed all night long — no one even thought about sitting down. Lauren was the most ICONIC bride and surprised everyone by changing into a bright red, bejeweled jumpsuit (because how else are you supposed to do the splits during “London Bridge” by Fergie?). And to top it all off, they passed out red sweatbands for everyone to wear on the dance floor — easily one of the most fun, high-energy receptions we’ve ever photographed. You bet I was in the middle of it all taking photos and dancing alongside them!
But beyond being incredibly fun and full of life, Lauren and Codey are genuinely some of the kindest people we’ve ever met. It was their wedding day, yet every time we walked into a room with someone new, they told them it was our wedding anniversary too. We spent the whole day being showered with “happy anniversary!” wishes from their wedding party, family, and guests. That small gesture made us feel so loved and so seen, and it honestly meant the world to us.
October 4th, 2025, will forever go down as one of our favorite wedding days. From the sunshine to the Smoky Mountain views, from the heartfelt vows to the WILD dance floor — every moment of their day was so perfect and so them. Lauren and Codey, thank you for letting us capture the laughter, the love, and the absolute magic of your day. I was honestly so emotional all day because it truly felt like our life-long friends were getting married. If y’all lived in Knoxville, I know we’d be having game nights every weekend. Guess we’ll just have to settle for joint anniversary trips instead!
We are a husband and wife photography duo that would LOVE to chat with you about your upcoming wedding or portrait needs! Click here to contact us with any questions you have about pricing or booking. We are based in Knoxville, Tennessee, but love to travel to anywhere you are! If you liked what you saw above, follow us on instagram to see more!
Lauren & Codey’s incredibly talented vendor team:
Venue: Nichols Heir
Planner: M Rae Events
Video: Young Videography
Florals: Rose Moss Designs
Band: Emerald Empire Band
Catering: Manis & Co. Catering
Bartending: The Whiskey Wench
Dessert: The Wildflour Bakery
Rentals & Linens: Premier Event Rentals
HMU: Bangs and Blush
Bridesmaids Hair: Wanderlust Salon and Spa
Wedding Gown: Blush Bridal Lounge
Alterations: Needle & Wand
