Wedding: Briana & Robert – Gallatin First United Methodist Church & Depot Square Event Center, Gallatin (Nashville), Tennessee

I think the first time I photographed his family, Robert was still in high school.  The last time I photographed him, he was getting ready to graduate from college.  Not too long after that, his mom told me he was getting married.  The same Robert that years ago, I photographed on what was once his family’s farm off Taylor Road, with his sisters and their African grey parrot, and a a dog that tried to jump in the car with me when I went to leave.  Time flies, ya’ll.

I didn’t get a chance to meet Briana before the wedding, so I made my way toward Gallatin, Tennessee (just outside of Nashville), I wondered what the girl who stole Robert’s heart would be like.  Over the years, Robert’s mom would keep me updated on how all of her kids were doing, so I knew they had met when they were in school at Wash. U. (aka Washington University in St. Louis – and no I’m not crazy, it’s in Missouri, not Washington, look it up!).  Other than that, I didn’t know much.  Come to find out, she’s a tiny thing with dark brown curls and a big smile, and big googly eyes for a guy named Robert. 🙂

Briana and Robert decided they didn’t want to see each other before their ceremony at Gallatin First United Methodist Church, but they did want to have a private moment to exchange letters.  Their giddiness was contagious, and so were their other emotions.

Since Briana and Robert didn’t see each other before their ceremony, they knew we would need to take some time for pictures afterward.  So to entertain their guests at the reception at Depot Square Event Center, they brought in the pros to teach a swing dancing lesson while we finished up pictures.  You can’t have swing dancing without music, so they had the Moonlighters Big Band there to provide the tunes.

Guests went home with coffee mugs featuring the newlyweds’ names and the popular Bible passage from Corinthians about love.  Why a coffee mug?  In Briana and Robert’s words, “Coffee time has been an important part of Briana and Robert’s relationship – a time to bond, pray together, work out issues, discuss life, and rejoice in the moment.”

Briana & Robert – here’s hoping you aren’t freezing your butts off in Wisconsin.  Thanks for letting me come all the way to Tennessee to be part of your day!

Ceremony Venue: Gallatin First United Methodist Church

Reception Venue: Depot Square Event Center

Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal

Band: Moonlighters Big Band