Knoxville Wedding Photographer
CJ and Danaya’s Heartfelt Knoxville Wedding
CJ and Danaya’s wedding at the picturesque Ijams Nature Center wedding venue in Knoxville, TN, was a celebration of love, music, and heartfelt moments. As college sweethearts who bonded over their shared passion for music and children, their wedding day was a vibrant reflection of their unique journey together. From the joyous chaos of children playing to their emotional first duet as husband and wife, CJ and Danaya’s celebration was full of love and laughter.
CJ and Danaya share a joyful moment as they walk hand in hand during the golden hour.
A Love Story in Knoxville
CJ and Danaya’s journey began during their college years, where they met in gospel choir. A shared love for music and a deep connection with children brought them together. Over the years, their relationship blossomed, growing stronger through shared experiences and unwavering support for one another. Their wedding day at Ijams Nature Center wasn’t just a celebration of their past but also a beautiful beginning to their future as soulmates.
Unique Traditions and Meaningful Moments
CJ and Danaya designed their day to reflect their personalities, opting for non-traditional elements that felt authentic to their story. One of the most memorable moments of their celebration was their first duet as husband and wife. Instead of a traditional first dance, they performed “What I’ve Been Looking For” from Disney’s High School Musical. This heartfelt performance brought so much joy to their guests—there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
Opting for a playlist instead of a DJ, CJ and Danaya curated a bespoke atmosphere that encouraged intimacy and authenticity. Without a DJ, the evening felt more personal. This allowed the couple’s unique music choices to shine creating a relaxed environment which encouraged guests to connect and celebrate.
Stunning Bridal Style
Danaya radiated confidence and beauty on her wedding day, embracing her 34-week pregnancy with grace. She chose two stunning mustard-yellow dresses in her dream color. One for the ceremony and another for an outfit change before their first duet and later festivities. Both dresses perfectly reflected her vibrant personality while adding a splash of bold, joyful color to the celebration.
The reception at Ijams Nature Center was a testament to the power of community. Family and friends came together to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with love and laughter. A beautifully arranged charcuterie spread featuring cheeses, meats, and fresh fruits added a rustic yet elegant touch to the celebration, offering guests a chance to enjoy an intimate, communal dining experience.
The thoughtful involvement of loved ones throughout the day highlighted the sense of togetherness that defined CJ and Danaya’s wedding. From the heartfelt displays of affection to the shared laughter, every moment reflected the strong bonds that support this couple on their journey.
Capturing Emotional Moments
As a Knoxville wedding photographer for the day, I was honored to capture CJ and Danaya’s special day. The moment CJ saw Danaya for the first time as she walked down the aisle was truly priceless, and the love and connection they shared throughout the day were evident in every glance and embrace.
One of my personal favorite memories was The Golf Cart Ride. With Danaya’s pregnancy in mind, I rented a 6-seater golf cart to ensure we could reach the best portrait locations with ease. Due to scheduling challenges, John from Bubba’s Adventure Carts went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. He generously upgraded my original 4-seater golf cart order to a 6-seater and personally delivered it to the venue the night before, so it was ready at Ijams Nature Center first thing in the morning. Bubba’s commitment to exceptional service truly made them the unsung hero of the day, ensuring we had everything we needed for a seamless and memorable experience.
My first time driving a golf cart added an unexpected splash of adventure to the day. It was a bit of a wild ride full of laughs and unforgettable memories as I whipped around corners to keep us on schedule, and it became a memorable part of the wedding story!
Advice for Couples
When reflecting on their day, Danaya shared, “The photography and the memories of the day were the most important, and that’s where I spent the majority of the budget and most of my time researching. LaDonna was amazing! I can be a bit awkward sometimes, and I didn’t want to feel that way on my wedding day. She set up our engagement session so we could meet ahead of time and be comfortable. I’d recommend that for everyone.”
CJ added, “It was worth every penny we spent on the photography and videography.”
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A Wedding to Remember
CJ and Danaya’s wedding was a heartfelt celebration of love, community, and music that beautifully captured their love story. Their thoughtful choices and the meaningful involvement of friends and family made the day uniquely theirs. The natural beauty of the venue at Ijam’s Nature Center, the couple’s unique traditions, and the love that surrounded them created a celebration that will be cherished for years to come. CJ and Danaya’s journey from college sweethearts to soulmates is an inspiration, and I’m so honored to have been a part of their special day.
Thank you CJ & Danaya for trusting me to tell your story. Your love, creativity, and joy were a privilege to document. And we wish you both a lifetime of happiness in the land of Happily Ever After.
