Chesley Summar Photography, Lebanon, TN Photographer

Nashville, TN Wedding Photographer – The Hermitage – James & Kristen

chesleys7 — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 00:58:36 +0000

James and Kristen were married last month at The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. This is truly one of Tennessee’s most beautiful landmarks and I love every chance I get to shoot on their grounds. They are immaculate and the most gorgeous setting for any event or wedding! I always love to meet my brides and grooms at least a couple of times before the wedding, but in the case of these two, it just wouldn’t work out due to living in different states, etc. We did get to chat on the phone a few times, but I still had butterflies on the way to my way to their wedding in anticipation of meeting them and photographing their wedding. Fortunately for me, Kristen has one of the most laid back personalities I have ever encountered and one that makes you immediately comfortable!! She has a contagious smile, and was glowing on her wedding day. She paid great attention to details and she and her mom put together a gorgeous wedding and reception, all the way down to doing the flowers themselves!! James and Kristen are so easy together and make love look effortless. I had such an amazing time photographing them, and was so thankful that everything flowed so smoothly! Once again, my wonderful friend, Rebecca Walker, shot along side me and got some fabulous shots, many of which are featured here. So thankful for her and her talent!! Enjoy a sneak peek into this beautiful wedding day!

Franklin, TN Bridal Portraits at the Factory – Lauren

chesleys7 — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 12:35:21 +0000

I blogged Philip & Lauren’s wedding a few weeks ago, and mentioned then that I’d definitely be posting a few of her bridal portraits in the future. We met at The Factory in Franklin for Lauren’s bridal session. Her dress from The White Room is one of my all time favorites. I’m such a sucker for all of those ruffles, and I just love the way that they photograph. Although we scheduled her session for April thinking it would a nice spring day, we ended up with a freezing cold afternoon that even included some sleet. She was such a trooper walking around in her gown and managing to still look amazing while all of us stayed warm in our North Face jackets! My good friend, Rebecca Walker, came along with me to this session to help me out and also grab some fabulous images!! These are just a few of my many favorites from our session! Enjoy and have a wonderful week!! More weddings on the way!!!

Lyndsey and Nathan – Lebanon & Mt. Juliet, TN Maternity Photographer

chesleys7 — Tue, 21 May 2013 17:28:08 +0000

Y’all, the fact that people that I used to babysit are having babies is CRAZY to me!!! I decided I could either sit in the closet and cry about how old I’m getting OR I could be SO SO happy to be photographing them as they begin this wild adventure of parenthood, and so thankful that I get to cuddle their little ones! I feel like I have known Lyndsey for her whole life…I was pretty young when she was born, so I may have blocked out the whole baby part since we had one at our house too, but I definitely remember her as a 4 year old or so and from then on. When I finally got old enough, her parents ~~were crazy~~ let me start babysitting she and her siblings. I remember always trying to talk her into watching The Little Mermaid when I was there because it was my favorite ! She graduated high school with one of my brothers, and has since grown into an amazing, young woman that I’m so glad to call a friend! Nathan’s not too shabby either ! Kidding!! He is so wonderful to Lyndsey, and will no doubt be a great dad!! I helped photograph her younger sister’s wedding a couple of years ago, and now I’m ecstatic to get front row seats as Lyndsey and Nathan become parents. I know I’ve said so many times before how much I absolutely adore maternity sessions, but when it’s people you know and love, it’s even better!! Their baby girl, Emmaline, will be here in a few short weeks, and my heart swells just thinking about seeing them as a new family! THIS is what it’s all about!!! Love you guys, and so thrilled for you!!!

Lebanon, TN Wedding Photographer – Carly & Jon

chesleys7 — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:55:25 +0000

Carly and Jon were married a few weeks ago on a gorgeous April Sunday! These two just radiate love, and I knew the day would be amazing! Carly is full of contagious energy, and that along with her natural beauty equals a beautiful bride!! They chose to get married in the afternoon, which meant we actually ended the day with photos of the two of them. Can I just tell you awesome it is to have that freedom?! They didn’t have anywhere to rush to be (although I’m sure they were excited to leave for their hotel and I knew I wasn’t missing anything else because everyone was gone! I adore this couple and the love they have for one another! It has been so fun getting to know them, and spending time with them over the past several months!! Thank you for choosing me to be a part of your day!! Much love to you guys!!

Again, I have to think my friend and second shooter Rebecca Walker! Thanks for pulling a double header with me !!

Reception Location: Cedars of Lebanon Lodge

Wedding Cake & Catering: Sweet Thing Bakery

Dress: The White Room

Franklin, TN Wedding Photographer – Lauren & Philip

chesleys7 — Fri, 10 May 2013 16:09:28 +0000

Last fall, I had the privilege of photographing Leah & Kevin’s wedding. Leah’s twin sister Lauren had gotten engaged and I got to meet both she and her fiancé Philip at their wedding! I was so excited when Lauren contacted me about shooting her wedding as well. They had the absolute perfect day! The weather was just a little bit cool, but the light, location, and company were wonderful! Old Natchez Country Club in Franklin served as the gorgeous backdrop for the both the wedding and reception. Lauren was a stunning bride! I’m blogging the wedding before I blog her bridal portraits, but no worries, the bridals will be up soon as well!! Thank you so much for trusting me to capture your wedding day, and congratulations!!

I also must give a shout out to my fabulous friend and second shooter for this wedding, Rebecca Walker. You never cease to amaze me, and I’m so thankful that you were there to document this day!!

Thank you also to the wonderful vendors that made this day flow smoothly!!

Venue & Catering: Old Natchez Country Club

Florist: Always in Bloom

DJ: Rick Ryan

Dress: The White Room

Any Day Now – Lebanon & Nashville, TN Maternity Photographer

chesleys7 — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 20:25:58 +0000

It’s no secret that maternity sessions are one of my absolute favorite things to shoot. When you have a couple that is completely in love and they are also full anticipation for a little one that’s on the way, it just doesn’t get much better than that. Leah Beth & Bryson were definitely that couple, and I LOVED their session!! We met up on a late February afternoon, and thankfully, we were blessed with gorgeous, warmer weather! Their little girl was actually due 3 days ago, so hopefully she’ll be making her arrival any day now, and I cannot wait to meet her!! I hope everyone is having a fabulous week !!!!!

Nashville, TN Wedding Photographer – Brittany & Derrall’s Church of the Assumption Wedding

chesleys7 — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:48:38 +0000

This post officially wraps up all of the wedding posts that I’m behind on from last year ! I was honored to shoot this beautiful wedding with my fabulous friend Rebecca Walker last August. Brittany & Derrall’s wedding was held at the Church of the Assumption in Nashville, which provides such a beautiful backdrop for a wedding. These two, along with their bridal parties, were such a fun bunch to spend the day around, and I’m so glad that I got to be a small part of it! Enjoy a small glimpse into their day from my point of view!!

Lebanon & Mt. Juliet, TN Baby Photographer – Cade – 9 months old!

chesleys7 — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 20:28:54 +0000

Oh this sweet boy…. to say he is precious would be an understatement! He belongs to my friend, Kelli, so I get to see him more than most of my clients, and I just love him and his big brother. These boys have the best spirit (just like their parents), and are such a joy to be around. I’m so thankful that I’ve gotten to be a part of both of their first years and get to watch them grow up!! We shot Cade’s 9 mth session in about 20 minutes and still ended up with plenty to choose from. He is a ham, and gave me some pretty hilarious expressions! Love this kid!!

Nashville & Mt. Juliet, TN Newborn Photographer – Judah, 12 days old

chesleys7 — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 16:46:31 +0000

Baby Judah’s big sis is in my sweet girl’s class at Mother’s Day Out. The fact that she was about to get a baby at her house did not go over quite so well at mine ! You know how kids want the same thing that everyone else has?! Yeah, that applies to babies too! Claire seems to think that if her friend Taylor can have a baby brother, then surely we can find a way to give her one too! haha!! She was even more jealous that I got to go hang out at her friend’s house and cuddle her new baby brother for his newborn photos! I can’t really blame her! It is just about the best thing in the world!! Judah is absolutely perfect, and I loved getting the chance to capture these sweet days for his family!! Congratulations you guys!!!

Nashville and Lebanon, TN Wedding Photographer – Michael & Deb – Engaged

chesleys7 — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 11:30:58 +0000

Michael contacted me after he was referred by my amazing friend, Brooke Kelly, who had taken photographs of he and his daughter. He had recently gotten engaged and his fiance, Deb, was only going to be in town from LA for a few days in January and he was hoping to schedule an engagement session while she was in Nashville! We were able to work out a time, and lucky for us, we ended up with a gorgeous, dare I say almost warm(ish) winter afternoon! The week leading up to our session was rainy, dreary, and completely yuck, and while I’m sure these two could’ve warmed up any scenery we had, I was oh so happy to see the sun!! These two are completely head over heels for one another, and have the kind of happy that every one deserves to feel. You know that love where nothing else matters when you’re together? When you forget that other people are even with you? They totally have that, and it was heartwarming to watch them together, and even better to get to capture it! They’re getting married later this year in California, and I’m certain it will be an amazing occasion FULL of laughter, love, and celebrating the life that they will lead together! Congratulations and much happiness to you guys!!! So happy you found one another!!