Tori and Grayson had the most BEAUTIFUL wedding day at Dara’s Garden in Knoxville, Tennessee. I drove into town early that morning with my wonderful friend and second shooter Allie, and we were greeted by the most cheerful bridal party. Dara’s Garden is a beautiful oasis of flowers and trees, and their shady outdoor ceremony was everything we could have dreamed of, followed by a dance floor that simply couldn’t be tamed. (Really, I think they could have danced until Sunday morning, it was amazing.)

If you missed their dreamy engagement sessions at Mount Hood and at Cannon Beach, Oregon, check them out!

Venue: Dara’s Garden | Video: 148 Films | Dress: Kindred Bridal | Hair & Make-up: Bangs and Blush | Bridesmaid Dresses: Show Me Your MuMu | Cake: Magpies Cakes | Catering: Rothchild | Florist: Melissa Tim

When I was in Oregon for their engagement session, Tori and I went out for tacos (of course) and she told me of her plan to send Grayson’s best man out in her place for their first look. He executed it perfectly, so I hope all of her pranking dreams came true. Once Grayson realized he wasn’t actually going to get to see his bride, she came out and stood behind him as they prayed together on the front porch with a gentle rainfall. It may not have been the “first look” Grayson was hoping for, but it made his first glance down the aisle that much sweeter.

Tori and Grayson’s reception was the sweetest. Guests mingled in the garden while we finished up photos, and the reception began with dinner and toasts. One of Tori’s brothers is in the military, and was unable to make the wedding. When her other brothers got up to give a toast, they also surprised her by streaming a video sent by the eldest brother, bringing pretty much the entire room to tears. It was the sweetest, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Among my favorite moments was the cake-cutting. Tori and Grayson did NOT hold back. While we were in Oregon, they celebrated Grayson’s acceptance to grad school with a cake, that was swiftly smashed into Grayson’s face, and the wedding cake smashing was no less exciting. The entire evening was full of laughter and dancing and celebrating, and they could have danced late into the night. We lined up for sparklers near the end of the reception and wished the couple off to their honeymoon. Tori and Grayson, I have loved becoming your friend through this little love story. Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Niehaus. 🙂