One of my favor destination weddings to photograph was Emily and Ben’s beautiful event at Heartwood Hall just outside of Memphis Tennessee. Heartwood Hall is an old plantation property with all of the Southern Charm you could ever want. Speaking of charm, Emily and Ben are just about the cutest couple out there and their love was infectious. Emily wanted pictures of a first look before the wedding ceremony which was taking place at sunset. This was one of the most emotional first looks I have photographed. Ben’s love for Emily on their wedding day was overwhelming. Lets back up to the venue a bit though. As you drive up the tree lined streets towards Heartwood Hall and the beautiful plantation mansion you are overcome by the immense beauty that surrounds you. There are large ponds and an old boat house off to the right and then past that an amazing barn. The barn is where receptions take place. It is newly built but gives one the feel that it has been there for a century or more. Amazing natural wood chandeliers hang from the high ceiling and large wood plank floors under your feet make for the perfect romantic reception. The ceremony site to the other site of the mansion has beautiful gardens surrounding it and an amazing white green house at the other end. This place is beautiful! The only think I loved more then photographing the grounds at Heartwood hall was Emily and Ben. Ben and Emily met in California but now live in Tennessee. Ben is a pastor for a church there, and they both come from deeply religious and amazing families. I was immediately impressed when I met them. After just a short time I felt as though I had known them and their friends and families forever. They truly had the southern kindness and welcoming attitude so famous in the south.
