Lisa and Chris were married on March 25th, with a ceremony at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and a reception at the Memphis Peabody Hotel.

On the day of the wedding, the forecast called for a 90% chance of rain. Somehow, we lucked out, and we only had 30 minutes of rain—even if there was a little wind. Of course, that was the only break we got that morning, since the wedding was in the middle of March Madness. Downtown Memphis was a zoo all weekend. My second shooter, Sophie Clay, and I spent 30 minutes that morning desperately running around looking for a place we could stage an epic shot for the dress. Unfortunately, the beautiful Peabody lobby was way too crowded to make use of it as a backdrop. 

We ran back to the Charlie Vergos Rendezvous restaurant to photograph the groomsmen having lunch before we went back to work with Lisa as she got ready in the hotel room. Even though things started out a little bit stressful, it all melted away when we set up the first look in the ballroom were Lisa and Chris would later celebrate their reception. As soon as Lisa saw Chris, the stress was gone. We were even able to get some stunning rooftop shots on top of the Peabody Hotel. What an iconic Memphis wedding shot!

I can’t say enough good things about how well this wedding was set up. Lisa and her mother, Grace Ann, didn’t overlook a single detail—with help, of course, from Mona Dunlap. Mona Dunlap Events is a top wedding planner for luxury weddings in Memphis. I’m always thrilled when I get to work with her, because I know the wedding is going to be top notch. Between these three talented women, the wedding was beautiful. Lisa even drew a map for the wedding party!

In addition to all the stunning planning and details, there was real heart in this wedding, and you could see it in everything they did. For example, Chris’s father had passed away, but they made sure to take the time during the ceremony to light a candle in the church grotto in his honor. Those are the cherished moments that make all the difference. 

After the ceremony, we managed to grab some family photos at the church before the bottom finally fell out and it started to rain. Thankfully, it only lasted for about 20 minutes, and then it was off to the reception to dance the night away and have a blast. I especially loved when Chris got on stage and rapped—it was awesome!

Thank you, Lisa & Chris, for letting us share a beautiful weekend with you. You both have amazing and loving families, and we were touched that even in the middle of your big day, so many people stopped to speak with us about our hard work. A huge thank you also goes out to Mona Dunlap Events for making the weekend absolutely flawless, as usual.

Vendors

Event Design and Planning: Mona Dunlap, Mona Dunlap Events

Brunch: Terrace at the River Inn 

Rehearsal: The University Club of Memphis  

Post Toast Music: Will Tucker 

Dress: Rivini Boutique: Bridals by Lori

Hair: Jodie Daugherty from Neuvo Salon 

Makeup: Makeup by Kendrick

Reception: The Peabody Memphis

Church: St. Mary’s Catholic Church 

Rentals: White Door Events

Flowers: Paula DeClerk, DeClerk Wray Designs

Cake: Cakes by Mom and Me LLC 

Band: Al Paris & The Heartbreakers

Video: Jamie Hill, Five Hill Studios

Stationary: RSVP Stationers and RSVP Baby