Weddings are beautiful any time of the year, but something about Katrina and Nick’s autumn wedding at the RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee during peak fall foliage was just extra magical and romantic. The RT Lodge is a unique location where you are able to book the venue for the entire weekend of your wedding for you and all of your guests! Located near Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the RT Lodge provides spectacular natural settings along with many elegant, comfortable interior spaces. Having one location for guest accommodations, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception, while having several days to explore and visit with your guests is one of the many things that attracted our couple to the incredibly elegant and cozy RT Lodge.
We started the wedding day, on a perfect fall morning. I met Katrina in the bridal suite and began with some detail shots of the wedding invitation and rings. Their custom invitation suite was designed by The Happy Envelope and thoughtfully included the wedding colors along with a map of the property. We then got right into the getting ready photos with our bride and her bridesmaids. Meanwhile, my second shooter was over with Nick and his groomsmen shooting their getting ready photos. The Groom and groomsmen all wore traditional black tuxes, while the bridesmaids wore matching copper dresses, that really went well with the fall wedding aesthetic. It then came time for Katrina to put on her wedding dress. Katrina's mom and sister helped put on her beautiful MG Couture gown. Her dress was stunning with a soft square neck and delicate appliques flowers throughout.
We then moved on to our couples first look and bridal party photos. We walked down to RT Lodge’s private road that was surrounded by English ivy filled woods and fall foliage everywhere. From the brisk air to the golden colored trees, the scene that surrounded us was truly awe-inspiring. When Katrina and Nick laid eyes on each other for the first time that day, the smile on their faces was magical. You could truly feel the love and happiness shared between the two. We snapped some beautiful portraits of the couple around the venue and then met the wedding party and family for some fun group photos. The groomsmen even decided to throw Nick up in the air. We love it when our couple and the wedding party are able to loosen up and just have a good time!
It was then time to tuck away, while waiting for the ceremony to begin. This fall ceremony in the forest was cozy and magical. It took place along another private winding road on the RT Lodge’s venue property. The long road was decorated beautifully with 30 rows of seating, lined with candles and surrounded by the ivy filled woods in peak fall colors. After the ceremony, everyone walked back together to the lodge where the cocktail hour began. The cocktail hour was hosted outside on the lodge’s patio where guests shared some light bites and drinks. There was also a fun champagne tower that Katrina and Nick got to pour themselves!
Our couple then welcomed everyone into the reception tent. The tent was filled with the most gorgeous autumn floral decorations. The burnt oranges, browns, yellows and pinks were just divine. Wither and Bloom Designs truly outdid herself with the fall floral display at the entrance of the tent. Those florals continued inside along with decor and designs from Luma Designs, McCabe Rentals, and All Occasion Party Rentals. There is no better time of year for twinkling string lights, long wooden tables, romantic candles and forest views. They all embraced the fall season while adding a touch of glamor to create the perfect fall wedding.
Once the first dances, speeches and dinner were over, our bride had a quick outfit change into a cute beaded mini dress and came back to get the party started! Katrina and Nick danced the night away alongside their closet family and friends. The couple also opted to add 35mm film photos to their wedding package so we were able to snap some fun shots on film for them as well! We then ended the night with a classic sparkler exit. We had such a great time shooting this stunning fall wedding at RT Lodge!
Vendors –
Venue: RT LODGE
Planner: Ali Johnson with RT LODGE
Photo: Grace Torres Photo
Florals: Wither and Bloom Designs
HMUA: The Effortless Beauty
Draping: Luma Designs
Rentals: McCabe Rentals and All Occasion Party Rentals
Stationary: The Happy Envelope
Dress: MG Couture
Cake: Caity Lou with RT LODGE
This blog post of, A Dreamy Fall Wedding at the RT Lodge in Maryville, Tennessee, was written by Florida editorial wedding photographer and videographer, Grace Torres Photo.