Allons, TN: Dale Hollow Lake Wedding - Kristy and Jonathan
Ten years ago, Kristy and Jonathan met at work. Even though they became friends, once they went separate ways, they lost contact. However, after 5 years they crossed-paths again, and this time the friendship stuck. In fact, it became more than a friendship. Last November, Jonathan decided he wanted to take it to the next level. He took Kristy to ride in a Hot Air Balloon. However, after standing in line for 4 to 5 hours when it became too windy for the balloons to go up, Jonathan decided to improvise. There, in front of 5,000 people, the DJ allowed Jonathan to propose to Kristy over his system. His bravery paid off when Kristy said yes.
Just like outside proposals, outside weddings can be tricky, especially when there is a high chance of rain. For Kristy though, it wasn’t a hard decision of where to get married. She loved how gorgeous sunsets are at the Dale Hollow Lake, and wanted to say her vows as the sun set in the background giving off an un-paralleled firework show of peach, red, and orange. She even matched the color theme to the anticipated sunset. When asked what her back-up plan for rain was, Kristy would just smile and say “It’s not going to rain!”
Their wedding day dawned bright, sunny, and hot with big cumulous clouds dotting the sky. A couple of miles up the road from the lake was a cabin full of women bustling about and bumping into each other while getting ready for the big day. Before Kristy had her make-up done, several of the ladies gave her a special gift in memorial of her beloved grandparents to hang on her bouquet. Her love for her grandparents was evident from the tears she shed over the gift, the rings and pearls she wore that were theirs, to the picture memorial board set up at the wedding site. Anticipation grew as Kristy put on her dress and added the finishing touches of the earrings Jonathan had given her the night before for her “something blue.” She put the matching necklace on her soon-to-be-daughter, Avery, before they headed out the door to go meet Jonathan together.
Jonathan was waiting to see his bride and daughter at their favorite spot on a little island overlooking the lake. There, with the gentle lap of the waves on the shore, he turned around to see his family coming towards him in their beautiful dresses. Jonathan’s sense of humor and good naturedness kept Kristy smiling all day, despite the worry about rain, as clouds continued to gather and darken.
Thirty minutes before the ceremony, huge storm clouds rolled into view, and the sky opened up. Colorful umbrellas dotted the landscape as the wedding party scrambled to quickly gather all the décor that would get ruined. As it often happens at the lake, the storm rolled back out, just as fast as it blew in, right before the ceremony was supposed to start. Friends quickly put back out the décor and wiped down seats with towels so the ceremony could commence. Soon all the seats were filled with Jonathan and Kristy’s friends and family, instead of puddles, and sounds of love songs echoed around the lake.
With the sun setting behind the remaining clouds, Kristy walked down the aisle on the arm of her father with a huge smile on her face. There is just something about that moment when everyone stands, and the music swells, that captures how significant the moment is, whether it is the first time the bride and groom see each other that day or not. Tears still flow freely, nerves still swell, and happiness cannot be wiped from faces. Kristy and Jonathan were no exception. There, in front of everyone they held dear, they pledged their lives to each other, and Kristy her commitment to her new daughter Avery. After the ceremony clouds threatened to open up again and thunder could be frequently heard. However, it actually ended up clearing up into a pleasant evening spent celebrating with friends and family with a dinner and dancing under a close-by pavilion.
Jonathan and Kristy, I have to say, I had a blast at your wedding. Kristy, I know the weather wasn’t how you envisioned your wedding, but you rolled with the punches so well. The care and detail you put into your wedding was so evident. Jonathan, you made the day a delight and my job a lot easier, even though I know you had to be miserable in the heat. Thank you for that. Thank you both for choosing me to capture your special day. While it was the first time we met, I hope it won’t be the last! Best wishes for you both and Avery.
Photography: Charity Carpenter Photography Flowers: Carolyn’s Creations Cake: Alicia Foster - Cookeville Cake Lady
