Larissa and James scheduled an engagement / family portrait session with us the day before their wedding. The weather was beautiful, and their sons had a wonderful time splashing in our creek. By scheduling an engagement session before the wedding, I'm always able to capture more natural images because we have more time and there are less distractions than on wedding day.

The theme of Larissa's wedding was "A Top Hat Affair." Every single guest wore a hand-made hat with a creative theme. This year's election is heating up fast, as you can see with this gentleman's John McCain presidential hat. My first thought was, "Oh! A John McCain fan..." In truth it was worn as a joke to the bride, who is rooting for Obama for president.

Larissa's wedding started out as an unbelievably beautiful summer day in the Smoky Mountains. As the evening progressed, a much needed thunderstorm blew in, rushing everyone inside our barn. Just before the storm hit, I took Larissa and James out for some quick photographs.

The horses were more than willing to cooperate, and I just love the windblown look in Larissa's hair and the horses' tails!

A little later in the evening, a wedding miracle happened. A rainbow appeared! I know this has to be every bride's dream on her wedding day. Rain for luck, and then a rainbow to symbolize the beginning of their new life together.

I couldn't have asked for a better wedding for the two of them!