Amber & Jae’s wedding at The Signal, Hotel Chalet, and The Chattanooga Choo-Choo in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Jae & Amber’s wedding at The Signal, getting ready and some photos at Hotel Chalet Chattanooga and around the Chattanooga Choo-Choo was a beautiful treat to photograph.

Some of you may know Jae, he may have photographed your wedding with me. He’s been my second photographer at more weddings than I can count over the past decade. You absolutely get to know a person on long car rides to Atlanta and wherever else we ended up photographing and by spending intense wedding days working together. He is, quite simply, a beautiful human in every way and someone I have a deep respect for.

On those long car rides we chatted about everything from life goals and aspirations to family, friends, and how ridiculous dating can be. I knew Jay wanted a life partner, to be in love, and to find the right person to do that with. I also knew he wouldn’t settle, he wanted the right person for him.

And, in walked Amber. I didn’t question whether they were perfect for each other or not, because I already knew. They went to middle and high school together and reconnected at a class reunion. Their first date was at The Signal, the same place they’d later say, “I do.” Jae proposed on a trip to the beach, and somehow managed to pull off taking his own beautiful engagement photos (that takes a level of skill I do not possess, hah.)

I didn’t actually get to meet Amber until their wedding day. When I walked in to the room where they were getting ready, I instantly felt comfortable, as if I’d known her for years. She’s stunningly beautiful – inside and out, just as I knew she would be. She has a wonderful sense of humor that matches Jae’s completely and I genuinely enjoyed being around her.

All of the friends in their wedding party were amazing. They were fun and funny, helpful and kind, I don’t think anyone could ever ask for a better group of friends.

When I finally found Jae before the ceremony, I could see the nervous excitement in his eyes. I know he doesn’t much like being the center of attention and it had to be awkward being on the other side of the camera, but he was so ready to marry Amber.

Jae’s brother performed the ceremony quite beautifully. The casual reception was lovely, everyone attending was lovely as well. I giggled when Jae asked, “How do we do this?” before cutting the cake, as if he hasn’t seen it done 100 times, and smiled as they lovingly shared bites of cake.

After the reception we took wedding party photos at Hotel Chalet and then couple photos around the Choo-Choo before heading up to the roof of the parking garage to capture one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen in quite a while.

Congratulations Jae & Amber, I don’t have to wish you a lifetime of happiness together because I already know you’ll have that. I’m thrilled that you’ve both found your person.