We recently had the pleasure of coordinating a photoshoot with photographer Derek Halkett at a beautiful historic venue in Knoxville, TN. The Bleak House was built in the mid 1850s by Major Lawson D. Franklin as a wedding gift for his daughter and her husband Robert Houston Armstrong. General Longstreet used the house as Confederate headquarters during the Battle of Knoxville in 1863. Evidence of the battle are still visible today in the beautifully restored house. Today, the house is used as a venue for weddings and other special events.

People who have lived in Knoxville for even a short period of time knows we have a saying – “If you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes.” It can often be a bit nerve racking when you have an outdoor event. We were were relieved it didn’t pour like the initial forecast predicted. Instead, there was a lovely cloud cover (perfect for outdoor photos) and a brief drizzle. It wasn’t enough to keep us inside and if you look closely, you may just see droplets in a couple of photos, which in a photoshoot like this one, is quite romantic.

A big, hearty “thank you” goes to the fantastic vendor team. We had talented wedding professionals who contributed so much to making this photoshoot. It was a delight to meet Miss Illinois, Rayni Lasley (she is a lovely person and a great conversationalist) and we congratulate her on being chosen to represent her state in the Miss USA pageant. She and Harrison Harvey did a wonderful job as our bride and groom. We love Derek’s photography style; his images are striking and detailed.