10 Reasons a Wedding Venue is Better than a Cabin for your Ceremony and Reception

Thinking about getting married in a cabin in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg?

Cabins are certainly a beautiful vacation getaway when you’re in the Smoky Mountains.  They are also an excellent honeymoon choice along with lodging for your wedding guests.  But… when it comes to a wedding ceremony, a cabin often falls short.

Before I explain why a wedding venue is better than a cabin for a wedding, I will go ahead and admit I own a wedding venue.  One of the many REASONS I own a wedding venue is because I have direct experience with how challenging cabin weddings are.  You see, once upon a time I was just a traveling wedding photographer who was paid to go to cabins, churches, and wedding venues.  I knew there just had to be a better way for brides to enjoy their sacred and special commitment than the chaos I experienced 95% of the time… thus Honeysuckle Hills was born. 

I still get brides who call me daily, telling me they’re on the fence about having their wedding at a cabin or at a destination wedding venue like ours.  I take a deep breath, and then I tell them exactly what I’m about to tell you now.

Here’s why I humbly believe that wedding venues are the better choice:

1) If you’re inviting wedding guests, even a multiple bedroom cabin can cramp your style.

No matter how spacious their living room is or how many bedrooms there are, always remember YOU are the center of attention.  Therefore, unless you’re willing to lock your door and turn up a loud fan or music, you’re going to be overwhelmed with family and friends wanting to “help.”  They’re going to want to be in the same room as you, and it’s difficult to maintain any kind of order.

Paint this mental picture.  Clothing on the floor.  Empty water and soda bottles scattered everywhere, especially if there are children present.  Someone borrowed your lipstick and you can’t find it.  No one seems to want to help clean it all up… and this is the place you’re getting married.  In five minutes.

2) Parking.  Ask the rental agent how large the parking area is at the cabin, and how many cars are allowed.  This can be a major problem if parking is unavailable for all your guests.  The guests staying at your cabin might not be a problem, but what about all the other guests coming in just for the wedding itself?  And what about any vendors who will need a larger area to haul in food, equipment, etc.?

3) Seating.  Will it be all right if your guests stand during the ceremony?  Most cabins either do not have enough seating for a higher wedding guest count, or they don’t have the right kind of seating.  Additionally, most cabins have fire codes that limit the number of people allowed inside at one time. 

Some cabins have outdoor covered pavilions or gazebos they allow guests to reserve.  This is a blessing if you can find it.  Be sure you are allowed to lock in a specific time period, and that no other cabin rental guests are allowed at any time. 

4) Decorations.  Who’s going to decorate?  Surely you’re not getting married with that moose over your head, right?  Actually many people love this, but if you don’t…

Most cabins do not come with any type of decoration even remotely related to weddings, so you’re going to have to invest some money and time into making it look like you want.  This includes that pavilion or gazebo area we just talked about.  The time you’re allowed to decorate and when it’s due to be cleaned up is also important to know. 

5) Who’s going to direct your wedding?  If it’s just the two of you getting married, this isn’t as much a concern as it will be if you have guests.  Still, who really wants to yell out their bedroom door to say, “OK honey, it’s time to walk up to the fireplace now.  I’m coming right out!” 

But if you have guests, even a few, it gets crazy.  No one will listen to a familiar family member.  But they will listen to a hired coordinator, and you will appreciate the organization that comes along with having one.  I beg you, if you’re still set on the cabin for your wedding, at least hire a professional like Lindsay from Custom Love Gifts. 

6) Photography.  You’d better hire a seasoned professional who knows what they’re doing, or your pictures will be terrible.  Most cabins have huge picture windows, and while it’s beautiful to marry in front of a mountain view, the lower priced photographers typically either don’t know how to expose this properly and / or don’t have the right equipment to do it.  The result is silhouettes, light flares, and washed out images with no contrast or color “pop.”  Your better photographers will also know how to find locations at the cabin for story-telling wedding images.   This still won’t compare to the scenic gardens and views of a wedding venue.  If you don’t believe me, just look at the cabin next door to yours.  And the two next door on the other side… Oh… and one just happens to be under construction. 

7) Noise.  Speaking of the other cabins next door to your ceremony (yes, even if it’s at their private wedding gazebo there will likely be another guest’s cabin in sight,) there is absolutely nothing you can do about children laughing and screeching or the couple who decided they want to argue loud enough for all to hear about who’s going to make the beer run.

8) Want a DJ or band?  You’d better ask first if the cabin has the electrical requirements for the DJ, and what their ordinances are.   You sure don’t want to pay for a rockin’ sound system only to have your cabin neighbor call the cops on you for being too loud. 

9) The Reception.  Again, seating and tables are going to be an issue inside cabins, along with the space to cook for all those guests, or the space for the caterer to set up, or heaven forbid the amount you’re about to be charged for that glass of wine Aunt Martha just spilled on the carpet. 

10) The Officiant.  Wedding venues often offer better rates for a minister's fee since they do more than one wedding at their location.  Venues are also extremely picky about who they hire to conduct their couples' ceremonies, so you're more likely to get a caring professional with an excellent reputation... instead of the guy with the long beard in the pick-up truck trying to make a quick dollar. 

So, you can see how challenging a cabin wedding is compared to all the conveniences a good wedding venue has.  A destination wedding venue in Pigeon Forge like Honeysuckle Hills will take care of all the items on your wedding checklist.

• ·         Open spaces and gardens for your guests to enjoy
• ·         Yard games like horse shoe, corn hole, and a sand box for the kids
• ·         Privacy (not open to the public, and no one else is allowed during the time you reserve)
• ·         Wedding decorations and multiple ceremony locations to choose from
• ·         Back-up ceremony locations in case it rains
• ·         Seating, tables, and table cloths already in place
• ·         Variety of locations for gorgeous wedding photographs
• ·         Horses who love the wedding guests and provide a romantic atmosphere
• ·         A wedding director to make guests feel welcome and tell the wedding party what to do
• ·         A relaxing mountain stream running through the property
• ·         A miniature mountain waterfall and wishing pond

I always end my more opinionated articles with the statement that I wish to offend no one... this is simply my humble thoughts based on twenty years of experience in the wedding industry.  Everyone is unique.  Every wedding situation is different... so please consider what I've said as related to your own wedding story.   

Now, on with the wedding planning!

Here are some excellent links to help you find what you need to get married in the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain area:

www.honeysucklehills.com

www.cheftonycatering.com

www.fantasybridal.com

www.knoxvegasdjs.com

www.smokymountainsalonandspa.com

www.customlovegifts.com

Weddings in the Wilderness

www.honeysucklehills.com

866-572-7724

The woodland forest…  Its verdant greens in the canopy above and mossy carpet below beckon those who can hear its still, quiet voice.  If you are one of the blessed ones who can hear its calling, you know how precious it is to find your own tree-filled escape.  Aside from National Parks, a private forest of one’s own is rare.

If you want to get married among the trees as the birds sing your processional, Honeysuckle Hills in the Smoky Mountains of East TN has three options that will delight the naturalist’s heart.  

The Willow Tree

Planted nine years ago, our willow continues to stretch its trunk skyward and spread its loving branches down, enveloping our couples as they read their wedding vows. 

The wedding willow tree is easy to get to, especially for family and friends who want to watch you get married outdoors beneath the branches blowing in the breeze. 

The dressing rooms, back-up areas in case it rains, and all other full-service wedding amenities are available with the Honeysuckle Hills wedding willow tree.

The Enchanted Forest Wedding

Fairy-light lanterns, ferns, and a tree-limb bridge complete this romantic wedding-scape.  Listen to the creek that flows practically at your feet, and even the hoof-beats of horses as they gallop up to witness your commitment to each other.

The enchanted forest at Honeysuckle Hills has seating for 20 to 30 of your guests, absolutely perfect for couples who want a private wedding in the wildnerness. 

This area is also at the spacious Honeysuckle Hills venue where you'll find dressing rooms, back-up rain plans, and all the full-service wedding amenities you need.

The Secret Mountain

Are you the couple who takes spontaneous adventures, hiking, fishing, or simply exploring?  Do you delight in finding secret places that no one else knows about? 

If this is you, don’t share your sacred wedding location with anyone else.  Regina can lead you on the romantic adventure of your lifetime in the mountains she grew up in.  These trails are not open to tourists.  It’s all private land with a map to your very own outdoor wedding spot in the middle of nowhere. 

You’ll have a story all your own.  You’ll have memories created in the mountains of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, TN that rival even the best-selling romantic novel!

The private mountain wedding is not located at Honeysuckle Hills.  Just like a back-country camping trip, you'll need to arrive ready to travel by foot.  Bring a back-pack with the essentials (extra shoes, lipstick, cell phone, etc.)  Regina will bring bottled water and the minister.  

To plan your own woodland forest wedding, contact Regina at  green.forest97@yahoo.com

Regina married her sweetheart in the company of their rescue squirrel, "Sassy" in 2016. The mountain location they held their ceremony is an old stomping ground for generations of Regina's family.  Her great-grandfather who lived in those same hills was responsible for carrying many of the timbers for Mt. LeConte with his mules many years ago.

She  created the Honeysuckle Hills wedding venue in Pigeon Forge, TN to share her love for photography, flowers, and YOU.

www.honeysucklehills.com

Why a Smoky Mountain Wedding is Better than the Beach

I've lived in these Smoky Mountains all my life.  I mean literally, I was born at the tiny little hospital in Sevierville that has since been replaced with LeConte Medical Center, and raised where I could run the ridges freely.  I never got snake-bit (I was constantly told to watch for them,) and I've never been chased by a bear (although I chased a few of them with my Daddy.)

Like a lot of you, I get wanderlust from time to time.  When you live in the mountains, you want to see something else, like the beach.  Charleston, South Carolina is my sandy destination of choice.  It's rich in history, there are deer, raccoon, and other wildlife on Seabrook Island, and the people who live there are as friendly as those in my home town.

Once, I even met a couple on one of my vacations there to photograph their engagement session.

One would assume, at this point, that when a girl like me decided to marry her soul mate, she would choose a beach wedding over her own mountains.

Are you NUTS?!

Photograph by Don Fields Photography www.donfieldsphotography.com

Admittedly, a girl who would raise an orphan squirrel given as a present by her sweetheart is not as likely to get married on the beach.  But there are so many other reasons why I personally believe that a Smoky Mountain wedding is so much better.

• Wedding venues at the beach have sand, water, and sometimes have pretty sunsets.  And that's IT.  If you're smart enough to hire a photographer who knows how to expose for the bright sun behind you, and knows how to capture both you AND the sunset, great.  But that's all you're going to have.  If that's all you want... fine.  But mountain girls like me are spoiled with more variety in scenery.

• Unless you have plenty of money to burn, the chances of having any privacy on the beach is slim.  And remember, the wedding crashers at the beach hide very little.  They sure won't be adhering to your dress code.

• The wind and rainstorms at the beach wreak havoc on a wedding ceremony unexpectedly and frequently. That much wind makes it harder to hear the wedding vows, and harder to record voices in a wedding video, too.  I happen to love a good wind-blown hair / veil look, but if you don't, the beach is definitely not for you.

• Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have more types of wedding venues to choose from.  Candlelit chapels, waterfalls, creeks, flower gardens, horse stables, drive-through chapels, mountain views, historic home places... it's endless.  The mountains cater to more personalities and interests.

• Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have more for children.  If you're blending two families together, a good go-kart track or petting zoo is essential.  If that won't do it, Dolly's roller coasters will.  I will bet good money that Dolly's Splash Country beats any water park on any beach, too.

• Instead of getting sunburned on the beach, get a massage at The Island in Pigeon Forge at the Margaritaville Island Hotel.  And by the way, sunburns look horrible in wedding pictures!

• You can look at palm trees all year round.  OR you can feast your eyes on rich wintergreen in December topped with snow, dogwoods in the spring, blooming rhododendron in the summer, and gorgeous auburn and gold leaves in the fall.  Autumn in the mountains is my favorite time to get married in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg.  

• A mountain wedding touches the soul.  There will be more time to slow down and enjoy the moments you join your lives together.  Beach weddings race the sunset, and if anything goes wrong there is no time to adapt.  Sure, a beach wedding can be in the middle of the day, but who wants to stand there in that humid heat?  If you're uncomfortable, that is what you're going to remember.  

Come create mountain wedding memories instead.  You can always go to the beach for your honeymoon...

You know I can't end this story without a plug for my own Pigeon Forge wedding venue, Honeysuckle Hills.  I've pulled all the great things couples desire for a beautiful outdoor wedding in one great place.  (And yes, we sure do have a back-up ceremony area in case it rains)

So whether it's just the two of you, or if you're bringing along 100 guests, come get married with us!

www.honeysucklehills.com

green.forest97@yahoo.com

Elope to the Smoky Mountains

Our new granite stone wedding arch is quickly becoming one of the most popular ceremony locations 

First, I hope your day is as wonderful as mine right now.  Seriously... God has blessed me with acres of beauty that attracts great people like you who want to get married.  I never take this blessing for granted.  There hasn't been a single person in ten years I've met here that I haven't loved.

You want to elope. Or, maybe you want to renew your wedding vows.  Either way, you want the most beautiful venue in Pigeon Forge to share these vows and commitment to each other.  Welcome to Honeysuckle Hills!  It's not just our gardens, landscaping, and horses that will make your day special.  It's the personal experience we're going to share with a family touch.

You are too important to me for it to be anything less. 

If we were sitting together beneath the willow tree getting to know one another, that would be perfect. But since you're on your phone or computer researching instead, I can still help.  

How Honeysuckle Hills may be perfect for your elopement...

• Your photographs will be out of this world creative... because Honeysuckle Hills has the best wedding photographer in the southeast.  We guarantee your images will rival anyone else's.  Period.

• What if it rains?  No worries.  It's good luck, and luckily for you we have three different ceremony areas ready to go in case the weather gets bad.

• Multiple ceremony locations... There are more choices at Honeysuckle Hills than anywhere else.  By a flowing creek, beside colorful flower gardens, under a white arbor, stone arch, willow tree, in an enchanted forest, under a chandelier...  http://honeysucklehills.blogspot.com/2015/05/choosing-your-wedding-ceremony-location.html

• Privacy.  You will not have to share your special moments with the public.  Our venue is private, and no other wedding will take place while you are our special guests.

• Dressing Rooms.  There is a dressing room for BOTH of you, and Regina will assist the bride with her dress if necessary.  

• Caring Ceremony Officiants.  We have a variety of wedding officiants, both Christian and civil.  They are all caring individuals who respect your wishes with a sincere desire to make your ceremony what you wish it to be.  

If you love a romantic willow tree, I planted one eight years ago.  Every year I've watched it grow, just as I know your love for each other will through the years.

Our couples only wedding packages include a flash drive of all your beautiful images and a product credit toward professional prints, canvases, giclees, or albums.  Our albums are of much higher quality than you'll find on your own.  This also makes it easier to have an album in hand quicker.  (Instead of constantly putting off when you're going to "get to it.") 

Albums start at only $300 for a beautiful glossy coffee table book like you see below.

This album is an 8x8" hard cover, glossy book with up to 45 of your favorite images.  You will get to approve its design, before it is produced and shipped right to your door.

Pricing

All prices below already include Sales Tax

Military, either active or retired, please accept a 10% discount as a small token of my appreciation to you.

All wedding packages include

• Scheduled visit on a day before your wedding to choose ceremony site, allow Regina to get to know you, and make a plan for the photography
• Choice of ceremony location, including back-up plan for rain
• Minister
• Wedding Director
• Photography
• Flash drive of all wedding images
• Credit toward professional prints, canvases, or albums.  (or take this as a discount off the package price)

"Lickety Split" Love 

 $650  All Days
  Includes $50 product credit

A 30 minute reservation that allows enough time for the ceremony and formal portraits in one location. Our staff will lovingly guide you through the ceremony and provide heart-warming images to enjoy from one location on our farm.  Please understand the photography time is VERY short and limited in this package.  It was created for couples who want to get married in a beautiful place and have charming, traditional photographs, but they don't want to spend the time required for variety and creativity.

An Hour of Beauty

 $1200 Wednesdays through Saturdays
   Includes $100 product credit

Excellent choice for the couple who wants more time for Regina to be creative, but does not wish to have photographs with the horses or at the mountain ridge view.

Wild Horses      

$1800 Wed-Fri            

$2000 Saturdays
  Includes $150 product credit

      
Our most popular, this package is perfect whether you want the breathtaking images with our horses that are trained to run behind you, or if you simply want more photography time for the most variety possible.  This reservation is a full hour and a half.

It's also a great choice for a couple bringing their young children.  Instead of pictures with the horses, more time can be devoted to your babies.  It often takes a little more time for little ones to adjust to the excitement and new surroundings.

The Outdoor Adventure

$2500 Wed-Fri             

$2900 Saturdays  
  Includes $200 product credit         

Two hours of the most creative wedding images possible.  This package allows for enough time to travel three short miles from Honeysuckle Hills to private property bordering the National Park.  An old chimney, mountain views, mountain creek falls, and another vintage barn are possibilities there.  You may also choose to have the full two hours at the Honeysuckle Hills property.

I urge you to give me as much time as you possibly can.  Instead of walking around with a camera around my neck, I'm using a tripod, assistant, hauling lights, etc.  I can't create images like you see on our website unless you give me the time to use these powerful tools and take the time to know you.    If all you want is a good exposure from an expensive camera, there are literally hundreds of other places you can obtain this, and much cheaper.  To me, you are priceless.  

How to Book Your Couples Only Wedding

1) Let's find your perfect wedding date!   Email me at  green.forest97@yahoo.com or text me at 865-368-5569. 

2) You'll need a place to stay.  The cabins closest to Honeysuckle Hills are at Caney Creek.  Our favorite is "Starkey's Cabin."  www.caneycreek.com  Another beautiful cabin company within 15 minutes of us is www.summitcabinrentals.com

3) Need hair and make-up?  I love www.smokymountainsalonandspa.com, only ten minutes from us.  However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing your hair and makeup yourself so you feel more natural.  Even if I think you're gorgeous, if you're not comfortable "all made up," then it shows in the pictures.

4) Need a bouquet?  Kelly and Kris at From the Heart Florist will fix you right up.  865-774-5588.  You're also welcome to bring your own bouquet.  

5) Want to rent the dress, tux, or a few accessories?  Jeff at Fantasy Bridal has never let any of my couples down... www.fantasybridal.com

6)  The marriage license is so easy to get!  If you don't live in Tennessee, you do have to get a license here, but it's so quick to do.  You can even start the process on-line.  If you already live in Tennessee, just bring your license with you from your home county courthouse.

http://www.seviercountytn.org/index.php%3Foption%3Dcom_content%26view%3Darticle%26id%3D273%26Itemid%3D251

I sincerely can't wait to hear all about you... if you're ready to get married in the Smoky Mountains, there's no better time to start planning than today.

I love romance, and I love using light.  It defines a mood like you see here.

So many places to photograph... if you're adventurous we'll hike up a hill.  It's worth it.

Love the rain?  If doesn't fall from the sky, I can make it fall from my water hose!

Sugar is sweet, but she's also silly sometimes.  

Our brides are the happiest...and most beautiful!

We love your babies, too!  If you're not giggling right now something's wrong...

Don't worry about a traditional dress.  This one was hand-made, Native-American style.  Do what's right for YOU.

I love emotion... which is why I also love putting my light where I want it, even on a cloudy day.

Our brides are the most BEAUTIFUL.  Period.

The Perfect Pigeon Forge Wedding for 100 guests

Are you planning a wedding in the Gatlinburg, Tennessee area with as many of your family and friends as possible?  Honeysuckle Hills is one of the larger destination wedding venues in the area, accommodating up to 100 of your guests.  If you need an even larger venue, let Regina know and she can refer you to one of the other great places in town that has an equal reputation for putting their couples first.

Afraid all the guests you invite won't come?  Honeysuckle Hills has a 90% RSVP rate, no matter where in the USA your guests are coming from.  Seriously.  We're in Pigeon Forge, a highly popular tourist destination in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  You simply give them that extra incentive they need to schedule a full-blown family vacation.  And once they visit our website, www.honeysucklehills.com, that's all it takes.  They already know they love you and want to see you get married, so let's start planning this celebration!

The Perfect Wedding Package 

The Honeysuckle Hills all-inclusive wedding for 100 guests

• A full one hour rehearsal the day before the wedding
• Access from 8am to dark on wedding day
• Minister's services (Deduct $125 if you have your own)
• Ceremony director (to seat guests, arrange and direct the wedding party, work with you to create the itinerary, and coordinate with vendors,)
• Buffet meal provided by the famous Chef Tony for 100 (your choice of menu and non-alcoholic drinks) www.cheftonycatering.com
• Wedding cake to serve 100 (your choice of design and flavors by Chef Tony as well)
• A $500 credit at From the Heart Florist (can be removed if you prefer to bring your own flowers, otherwise they'll work with you and deliver)
• DJ service by Scott Goebel, playing from ceremony until end time www.knoxvegasdjs.com
• Three hours of our creative photography
• Flash drive of all wedding images and a $300 product credit toward prints, canvases, or professional wedding albums

Pricing, including the 9.75% sales tax is as follows:

$11,000 Wed thru Fri with photography

$ 9,000 Wed thru Fri without photography

$12,000 Saturdays with photography

$10,000 Saturdays without photography

Regina's top five reasons the "Perfect Wedding"all-inclusive package is right for you:

• The wedding back home will force you into having so many guests the budget will rival the cost of a down payment on a house.  You still want a larger celebration, but you want it to be a lot more manageable.  

• You don't want the stress and labor of renting chairs, decorating, landscaping, working, planning, or having all your friends in your own back yard.  Nor do you want the sterile environment of a hotel banquet hall or public areas that have no privacy or back-up plans in case of bad weather.  You especially don't want all the work required to make one of the cheaper, "bare bones" venues look beautiful, and surprise... even the largest cabin has parking challenges.

• You're not a country club bride, but you're definitely a down home country girl with a lot of great friends who are going to need some room to spread out and have some fun.  I might add here that if you're a city girl that works, too... Regina will claim you as one of her country cousins before you leave.

• You love flowers, creeks, mountains, horses, and the great outdoors, but you also want all of conveniences needed for a wedding.

• Most importantly, you just want to feel special.  And you know what?  You sincerely are to Regina.  Without YOU, she can't carry on the family history or do what her heart loves every single day.

Chef Tony takes pride in his table spreads of delicious food and drinks!  He will also box up any leftovers for you to keep.

Chef Tony will also work with you to design a wedding cake.  You may want simple, or you may have other ideas.   This is an "Alice in Wonderland" themed cake that I guarantee no one but Chef Tony could have done so beautifully.  

Plenty of seating, with your choice of either white or chocolate brown linens 

Chocolate brown linens are popular for fall weddings in the Smoky Mountains.  It gives a richer, cabin-like feel.

Aunt Sharon created these center pieces for every reception table.  She starts with a base of white and cream flowers.  The log slices on the tables are also included.

Here is an example of Aunt Sharon's addition of other flowers with color.  She can add flowers that closely match your own wedding colors, included in your package.  You may also wish to use your flower credit for live centerpieces instead.

The pavilion just outside the barn in fall... This area is loved for dancing and for a back-up plan in case it rains.  Your guests will tend to gravitate here to socialize and enjoy the views at our venue.  They'll also enjoy the stream as they lean across the back railing.

 

Our gardens and ceremony locations abound with flowers, especially May through October.  (Though there is always something to enjoy in our landscaping year-round, whether it's flowers, fences, streams, or horses...)

Walking over this bridge to the white arbor is an exhilarating feeling when you're getting married in the Smoky Mountains!  It sits right at the edge of one of the tall mountain ridges that hug our wedding venue. 

Fall weddings are extremely popular in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, so be sure you book early.

The stone wedding arch is quickly becoming a popular ceremony site. The horses will come to greet you as you walk down the aisle, too!

If your eyes need more photographs, please visit www.honeysucklehills.pixieset.com.  All weddings are in chronological order, making it easy to see what our venue will look like during the time of year you wish to be married.

Honestly, the best way to experience all the spacious beauty Honeysuckle Hills has to offer is to visit.  Call or text Regina any time at 865-368-5569 with questions or to schedule your tour. 

Regina's top five tips for a successful wedding with a large guest count:

• If photography is important to you, schedule the majority of the posed images BEFORE the ceremony.  A "first look" can be done so that your loved one doesn't feel cheated, and guess what?  They get to experience this without the anxiety of having 100 pairs of eyes on them as they do it.  It's a personal, private moment that belongs to you alone.  Your make-up is fresh, and you won't feel the pressure of guests waiting to see you while you're having pictures done after the ceremony.

• Ask for a private area to dine alone for about fifteen minutes.  Time and time again I see our couples return their fork to their plate as guest after guest comes to their table to express their love.

• Do not, I repeat DO NOT feel bad if you don't like all the suggestions your friends, mothers, wedding party, aunts, teachers... you name it... give you.  Always remember it's your wedding, and Regina will back you up with any decision you make.

• Be realistic when it comes to your itinerary, and consider the recommendations of your wedding planner.  They've seen a lot, and a good planner knows what to ask and how to schedule it so that you're utilizing the time wisely.  A good planner will also listen to your own unique ideas, and will not discourage you.  They might give advice, but your wish is always their priority.  Just keep an open mind to the suggestions they give to carry out your desires best.  The better wedding venues will have planners as I've just described, instead of ones with a corporate check-list that must be followed to the letter.  

• Decide from the beginning if you want to do as much as possible yourself, or if you want your wedding planner to take the burden away from you.  Our "Perfect Wedding" package was decided specifically for couples who want long-time professionals to do the hard work for them.  They want the best chance for things to go smoothly, and they want their family to enjoy the day instead of work so hard they spend all night in their cabin's hot tub soothing their exhaustion.  (There are much better uses for hot tubs...)

Absolutely can't wait to hear all about you... I'm dedicated to making sure your wedding at Honeysuckle Hills is the best it can possibly be.  Let's start planning...

green.forest97@yahoo.com

regina@honeysucklehills.com

Deciding Who to Photograph Your Wedding

Photographers knowledgeable in different lighting techniques can be the "spice" in your wedding photographs 

Honeysuckle Hills is a wedding photographer's paradise!  Our entire venue was created and landscaped with the artist in mind.  If you're searching for a place to get married in Pigeon Forge with the most natural beauty, we're hard to beat.  Our flower gardens, wooden fences, flowing creek, enchanted forest, and weeping willow tree are among the scenes your photographer may choose.

Our wedding packages allow you to use the wedding photographer of your choice.  Just as no two photographs are alike, no two brides feel the same way about how they want to look in their images.

If you're not sure yet who will photograph your wedding, this article will help make your decision.  Finding the right photographer is as important as finding the right venue.  Very few couples tell me they don't want to remember their wedding day.  How your remember it is enhanced by the different styles, techniques, and mood a photographer brings with them.

Before I go further, let me assure you that I believe there is no right or wrong way to choose.  I am a strong believer in giving information, and then stepping back to allow our couples to do what's right for their lives and their situation.  

The Three Types of Wedding Photographers

1)  The family member or friend who has an expensive camera and enjoys photography 

Your best friends or family members who have a great camera are one of the first people our couples consider.   Right off the bat the positives here are free photography and the ability to be relaxed around someone you know.  Most cameras these days take excellent exposures.  And... it's hard not to love any picture that has people you love in them.  Since you won't have any other photographic style to compare your pictures to, you will never know what you missed.  Some couples have personal experience with their friends' photography, so they already know they like how they look in the images.  If this is the case, it's a win-win!   I recommend that you at least have an engagement session with your free photographer prior to the wedding, in time to book an alternative if you don't happen to like the results.  

2)  Low Priced Photographers (part time photographers)

A quick internet search for "affordable photographers" will yield literally hundreds, if not thousands of results.  These photographers are everywhere... Photography is so enjoyable that many will sacrifice making a profit just to be able to do it.   I could give you the spreadsheet... but it's rather boring.

The term "less" is subjective here.  I hesitate to give a solid figure, because I do not in any way wish to hurt anyone's feelings.  In no way do I wish to condemn new photographers or artists.  I, too, was once in their position.

The part-time photographer should have more experience photographing weddings than the family friend.  Look for one who has maintained their on-the-side business for more than a few years.  Many enjoy having a hobby that happens to make them extra money, but they prefer to keep their reliable full-time job to pay the bills.  Please carefully consider the ones who are new and "building their portfolio."  Let them build it with an engagement or bridal session.  Your wedding day is not the time for them to experiment.

Be sure to view several galleries of entire weddings when considering these photographers.  By viewing more than the few images they pull out of each wedding that are good, you'll be able to tell how consistent they are.  You'll also get a good feel for how well they will be able to handle the logistics of the wedding venue you choose.

These photographers typically use only natural light, so be sure you schedule your wedding at a time of day they can handle.  Lower light or harsh weather conditions will be an extreme challenge for them.  Ask them what time of day they prefer, and schedule your wedding accordingly.

Be sure to ask them what happens if they get sick or if they experience equipment failure.  Too often the part-time photographer does not have the insurance or resources to assist you in times of trouble.  Your wedding is NOT the time to have to deal with this.  (This can also be said of the friend or family member doing it for free.)


3)  The Professional Photographer (Those with more than one or two years of experience who make a full-time living with photography)

The over-all best, if you have the budget for it, is a wedding photographer who's been around for at least five years or more.  Pricing here is going to be higher, because there's a good reason they're still in business.  They are NOT over-charging you.  I promise.  Again, I could bring out the trusty spreadsheet, but it's b-o-r-i-n-g.

Hire this photographer for the images the person with the camera alone cannot achieve.  They are worth the money a hundred times over if you want more than to show the wedding just happened... instead, you want photographs that thrill the soul.

You know the old term, "Even a blind hog finds an acorn sometimes."  This is not the mantra used by the photographic professional.  They would rather kiss that hog's rear end than be associated with this phrase.

These photographers will have better equipment with the knowledge of how to use it, and most will bring along an assistant.  They know how to use any kind of light, any time of day, and have external light sources as well as ways to reduce light.   Their years of experience allow them to make split second decisions in challenging situations.  They know how to pose (couples and larger groups) to make everyone look their best.  They have a desire to listen to you, know you, and tell your story.

Printing is not dead, people!  If you're not good at finding a good printing source or don't have a desire to design your own wedding album, this is another great reason to use a professional.

I know I want to hire a professional photographer.  Now what?

If you're getting married at Honeysuckle Hills in Pigeon Forge, we happen to have one of the best photographers with almost twenty years of experience.  I could list her awards and education here, but to me it's about as boring as a spreadsheet.  All you really need to do is look at her work.  As with any photographer, how strongly you are moved by the images will tell you how much they have invested in their life's work.  And guess what?  In turn,they will invest in YOU.

Remember... this is your choice.  By all means, if you've decided you want to pay the extra money for the professional, go the extra mile to further choose the one who matches your style and personality. 

Regina's style is romantic with deep emotion.  She will dig deeply to find out what kind of emotion is yours.  Sometimes her brides like laughter and lifestyle images.  Others are more sensual.  Her favorite types of images look best as art pieces framed for your home, especially with a water-color or painterly look.  She also has a high tendency for using edge lights for a romantic glow.

If you want photographs with the Honeysuckle Hills horses, you are required to use Regina.  This is not just a liability issue.  Our horses are trained with specific commands and gestures, and have an expectation of how to behave when people enter the horse field.  However, we can always feed our sweet animals by the fence if you use someone else.

Regina believes in handing over more than just a disk of images.  You will also receive a high-end wedding album.  The kind of album you receive depends on how many hours you've booked her for.  Upgrades are also available if you reserve less time but want one of the larger, more unique albums.

How long do I reserve the Honeysuckle Hills photographer?

This question can also be asked of any professional you're hiring for your wedding.

Please... I beg you... give your photographer the time required to use their imagination and talents.   Our venue is so spacious and wonderful that you will also need time to walk from one outdoor scene to another.

We recommend at least one hour for images of the two of you alone.  When using Regina, add one more hour for images of the ceremony and family.  Please do not try to squeeze in the ceremony, family, and bride and groom images in an hour.  Regina prefers not to rush her work.

You may absolutely reserve Regina for the entire time you're at our venue.  However, most couples will allow their guests to photograph dancing, bouquet tossing, etc.  Remember, you want to hire the professional for the images a person with a camera alone cannot achieve.

How much is the Honeysuckle Hills Wedding Photographer?

Regina charges $750 per hour, and this includes a download and flash drive of all your wedding images, along with a wedding album. You must have an equal amount of venue time reserved.  However, you do not have to reserve photography for the entire number of hours you reserve our venue for.  (For example, you may reserve three hours of venue but only one hour of photography.)  The type of album you receive depends on how long you reserve, but upgrades are always available for a larger or more unique book.  This price already includes the 9.75% sales tax.  You may take a 10% military discount for both active or retired status.  We appreciate your service to our country!

Enough with words... let's see some wedding photographs! 

Feel free to post images by your favorite photographer in the comment section.   We welcome any fresh artistic views with pleasure, especially if this helps our couples find the photographer they're looking for.

We'll close with some of Regina's images as well so you can view them alongside the other photographers you're considering.  Good luck, couples!  With sincerity, we can't wait to see how beautiful you are on your wedding day!

Hire a professional photographer to deliver imagery that a person with a camera alone cannot achieve.  Here, a back-light was added during the original capture.  Regina's assistant lifted the train of the dress to show motion.  In post-process, a layer was added with clouds and a ray of sunlight (to fill in with the original clouds present at capture.)  A second layer of blue texture was added for the painterly water-color look.

Typical image from a photographer with less experience using the camera in "program" mode as dusk sets in.  Even when the on-camera flash is used, the background appears dark.

Close up to show the back-light in the hair.  The sun had already set at the wedding venue, so unless a light was added to make the hair stand out from the dark background, the bride would not stand out nearly as much.  The camera's manual settings were also used to increase the ISO and shutter speed to compensate for the low light.

Natural light can't be beat.  This wedding photograph can be loved on its own without the addition of lights.

But... just look what a little extra "pop" of light from behind can do for the emotion.  Suddenly it's more romantic, and the eye goes more quickly to the couple.  This is why Regina has a love for the edge light.

A carefully placed, soft light can make a huge difference, and so can an assistant who makes the bridal veil flow, as if a gentle breeze just happened to blow past.  This image could only be achieved by photographers who use natural light alone if the sun had actually been setting in that direction.  

Matching shade to bright light is another difficulty faced by family members or friends with the expensive camera.  The camera alone cannot handle this challenge.  An external light source must be used, and one with enough power to compensate for the bright light in the background.  Family and friends will avoid situations such as this, claiming that "the light is not right in that location."  Some with a little more experience will expose for the couple, but the background will appear white, obscuring the bridge and trees.  

The addition of a soft back-light can make a couple stand out, especially when the sun isn't there to do it for you.

Ready... set... Go get your wedding photographer!