05 Feb Karen + Derek: Joined | a Memphis Hillwood Wedding

There’s nothing like a classic, traditional wedding! A simple diamond solitaire, a lace gown, a sheer veil, classic black and white, and red roses speak more about a couple than it may seem at first. They say love, above all. They say simplicity is a gift. They say relationships will never go out of style. They say their lives will always have a splash of color. They say that coming together with family, friends, and loved ones is all they need.

Karen and Derek live in Nashville, but came back home to Memphis to get married so that their friends and family could all be present. Ed and I got to know them quite well during our trip to Nashville for their extended engagement session. What we discovered is that they are a no-frills couple full of everything that matters – love, partnership, faith, and fun! What they do, they do together, and in an effort to always strengthen their relationship.

I knew Karen and I were on the same wavelength the day we met. She wanted to beautifully document her wedding day without going overboard. She said she didn’t need a whole lot of wedding photos, but wanted to focus on her family, friends, and the moments of the day. However, she and Derek did want an extra special engagement session. Like me, she knew that those photos would document their real relationship. The real Karen, and the real Derek, living their real, genuine lives. Every day.

Their Memphis Hillwood wedding was the simple, classic celebration that they wanted. It was a day that flowed flawlessly, with lots of relaxation, enjoyment, and no stress! Both Karen and Derek are so good at just going with the flow. At the end of the day, they just wanted to be married. It’s celebrations like this that we always love the most!

Karen had the most lovely lace wedding dress that couldn’t have been more perfect for her! She was so excited getting dressed, and she couldn’t wait for Derek to see it. She knew they shared a taste for the traditional things, and she exclaimed to her bridesmaids as she stepped into her dress, “I don’t think Derek even knows they still make dresses like this!”

Karen wrapped her bouquet in a piece of lace from her mother’s own wedding dress.

Karen, you made such a stunning bride!

Karen is blessed with so many true girlfriends. I had the privilege of photographing her bachelorette party, so I got to meet most of these gals a few days before the wedding. I loved them all, and they all looked amazing in their classic black bridesmaids dresses! I LOVE how un-matched dresses really show off the personality of each girl!

Derek has a style all his own, and his wedding details were some of my favorites! Even though they are both traditional, they managed to keep things casual, like them, and insert pieces of themselves into their wedding day attire. The beard balm was a must!

These guys were so much fun! They left us laughing all day, and they kept requesting more photos in different locations across the plantation grounds. I absolutely adored them for that! Usually, I have to beg guys for photos!

The ceremony was decorated simply but beautifully with splashes of red and lots of candles. Perfect for a winter wedding!

Ed captured this moment of prayer right before walking down the isle.

Derek was thrilled to finally see his bride!

My favorite part of the ceremony was this quiet moment together while Derek whispered tearfully to Karen. So sweet!

Married!

Post-wedding bliss. LOVE.

The ceremony ended right before sunset, which gave us PERFECT light for a few portraits!

They were so happy to finally be married, and they had eyes only for each other.

Time to celebrate!

Karen and Derek, we are so honored to have been a part of your day! Your love is truly something special to witness, and we are so happy we got the chance to know you!

A special thank you to everyone who made this day so lovely:

• Wedding / Reception Venue: Hillwood at Davies Plantation
• Floral Design: Paula Payton
• Cake Artist: Peggy Montgomery
• Entertainment: David Pickett
• Makeup Artist: Tarra Kruzan
• Hairstylist: Shawn Marsh
• Wedding gown: David’s Bridal
• Catering: Draper’s Catering
• Memphis Wedding Photography: Amy Hutchinson Photography