Marrying Your Best Friend

Mary and Wade’s love story began when they first met at a mutual friend’s birthday party. At the time, there was an undeniable connection between them as they shared their life stories and bonded over little things, like Wade being from Virginia where Mary’s mom’s family came from. What began as a chance meeting eventually became a deep and meaningful spark. Just over a month later, right after July Fourth weekend, Wade admitted to Mary that he wanted their friendship to be something more. 

In the years that passed, Mary + Wade’s relationship continued to grow stronger than ever. Their days were painted with the simple joy of each other’s company, creating a foundation of love built on shared laughter and a soul-deep friendship. When the friend whose birthday party they met at got married, they even participated as part of the wedding party together. Afterall, without that serendipitous birthday party meeting, Mary + Wade’s love story never would have begun. 

Now, nearly four years later, the two are more in love than ever and are overjoyed to finally be marrying their best friend.

Prepping for the Big Day

After a huge rehearsal dinner with their family, friends, and loved ones at the Common House Chattanooga, it was finally time for Mary + Wade’s big day. For the ladies, the day started off bright and early. Mary and her bridesmaids all arrived at the clubhouse to get their hair and makeup styled. by the talented Cory Hutcheson and Abby Roach of Mane Station Chattanooga. The ladies looked adorable and perfectly relaxed as they lounged in the spacious bridal suite in their matching pale peach silk pajamas. 

When their hair and makeup were done, Mary’s close friend and maid of honor helped her with her final finishing touches. She helped Mary secure her veil and fasten the delicate clasps on her shoes before running to join the rest of the bridesmaids for a special bridesmaids’ first look. With all of her best gals lined up and ready, Mary stepped out of the dressing room to the sound of awed gasps and cheers as all of her bridesmaids surrounded her in a huge group hug. Then, the ladies stepped back as Mary’s father arrived for a sweet father and daughter first look. 

Wade and the groomsmen arrived closer to midday to do their minor last-minute prep. So they didn’t accidentally run into the ladies, the guys hung out on the ballroom terrace with its wide, bird’s eye views of the mountain valley below. While there, Wade’s mom arrived and we were able to capture the sweet moment of her pinning Wade’s boutonniere to his lapel. 

Because Mary + Wade decided not to have a couple’s first look, there was plenty of time to get amazing shots of each half of the wedding party. We took lovely shots of Mary looking like an absolute princess as she descended the steps of the clubhouse in her wedding dress before capturing the ladies having the best time posing by one of the many rock formations on the property. Afterward, we swapped and took Wade and the groomsmen out to the front of the clubhouse to take the guys’ portraits by the towering “Twin Sisters” formations that guard the club’s entrance. 

Forest Ceremony Beside Lookout Mountain’s Iconic Rock Formations

A wedding at the Fairyland Clubhouse wouldn’t be complete without a ceremony among the iconic rock mythical formations that gave the club its name. Mary + Wade’s ceremony was in the center of one of the larger rock grottos. With the biggest formation standing at the precipice of their ceremony space, there was no need for an elaborate ceremony arch or arbor. Anything larger than the simple flower arrangements decorating the aisle and the two tall vases behind their officiant would have taken away from the natural beauty of the sacred space. 

As the gentle melodies of twin harps played by two young family members filled the air, the wedding party slowly emerged from between two other towering rocks at the start of the grotto. When Mary appeared on her father’s arm, the gentle smile on Wade’s face spoke volumes, capturing the profound joy and anticipation of the moment he finally set eyes on his lovely bride. With the sun filtering through the verdant trees overhead, the ethereal glow illuminated Mary + Wade as they exchanged vows in the heart of the grotto and sealed their fairytale romance with a kiss.

Elegant Reception in the Fairyland Grand Ballroom

Following their ceremony, Mary + Wade took family portraits by the rock formations. It was important to them to document and have a lasting memory of all of their loved ones who traveled to be with them on this momentous occasion. Once portraits were done, guests moved to the Pavilion and Court Yard for cocktail hour. There, they were served light appetizers and drinks from the full bar. 

While their guests were enjoying cocktail hour, we took Mary + Wade’s newlywed portraits around the venue property. The mountain views from the Pavilion, unique rock structures, and lantern-lit pathways served as a truly enchanted background for all of their portraits. The two looked positively joyous as they smiled and danced around the grounds, naturally falling into lovely poses for the camera. 

After their portrait session was through, Mary + Wade rejoined their guests for the end of cocktail hour before everyone moved to the Grand Ballroom for their reception. The Fairyland Grand Ballroom is the epitome of classic elegance. The hardwood oak floors, exposed wooden beams across the ceiling, gold chandeliers, and a grand working fireplace are a testament to the English Tudor style design of the historic building, giving it a majestic feel fit for royalty. 

From their grand entrance all the way up to their bubble and golf cart send off, Mary + Wade spent the rest of their wedding simply basking in newlywed bliss and enjoying the company of all of their friends and family.