Mackenzie & Kurt's Dashing Wedding

Have you ever met one of those people who is just a supernova of joy? Someone who lights up a room and has a gravity about them that just pulls you in? Well, that is Mackenzie. When you meet Kurt, you meet a perfect match for that energy; strong and grounded, but also sweet and equally exuberant. These two are marrying the loves of their lives, and you can feel it!

As soon as I stepped into the venue, I could hear laughter and music upstairs as Mackenzie and her girls were getting ready. The bridal suite was a sea of pink robes and champagne as the girls did hair and makeup. The highlight of the getting ready photos was when Mackenzie’s dog, Buster, came upstairs for a visit! I love the goofy smile on this good boy’s face as all of these girls circled around to give him some love. He knew something great was happening, but I don’t know if he knew his hoomans were getting married!

Mackenzie’s mom helped her into her stunning wedding dress and then we launched into an impromptu photo shoot on the balcony at the venue! Mackenzie’s laughter was incredible to capture as her friends egged her on in her model poses!

Shortly after that, it was time for the big show!! Guests had arrived and Buster had a front-row seat to the action. Kurt and Mackenzie wrote their own vows, putting a personal touch on a beautiful wedding ceremony, and sealed the deal with a perfect kiss before triumphantly heading back down the aisle.

As the ceremony space was being flipped, it was time for portraits of Mackenzie and Kurt! This is a moment where we really got to see Kurt and Mackenzie’s connection shine. You can see the comfort and strength between the two of them as Mackenzie melts into Kurt’s arms and as Kurt delights in everything Mackenzie does. East Ivy is such an incredible venue. The garden off to the side of the ceremony space is wildly beautiful and it was the perfect setting for this gorgeous couple.

Dinner was served under the twinkling bistro lights in the courtyard, and Mackenzie and Kurt listened to sweet speeches from their friends while enjoying this warm September evening. Soon enough, the wedding was headed to the dance floor! The rest of the evening was spent dancing the night away to an amazing playlist of today’s dance hits and all the glory that is 90’s pop. A fitting end to a joyful and fun wedding day!

- Amanda is a wedding photographer in North Carolina and Tennessee