With the Candoro Marble Building as their backdrop, the groom dips his bride in a sweeping kiss as the wedding party cheers in the background. Bridesmaids in sage green dresses and groomsmen in classic black suits line the facade, clapping and smiling. The romantic gesture and classical venue architecture highlight the charm and excitement of this Candoro Marble Wedding celebration.
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A Joyful Candoro Marble Wedding Full of Heart and Italian Rustic Charm

Filed in Wedding Days — June 16, 2025

There’s something unforgettable about a wedding that so clearly reflects the couple at the center of it. For Sydnie and Blade, their Candoro Marble wedding was equal parts joyful, emotional, and effortlessly stylish—a celebration that honored their past, their people, and their playful, grounded love story.

Inspired by an “Italian Rustic” aesthetic, they turned a historic marble showroom in the heart of Knoxville into something deeply personal: a place to laugh, cry, exchange private vows, and eat ice cream with the people they love most.

Inside the arched marble vestibule of the Candoro Marble Building, the groom twirls the bride beneath a wrought-iron doorway, her hand lifted gracefully in his as her gown flows around her. Light pours in from behind them, illuminating the checkered black-and-white tile floor and the soft movement of the moment. The scene feels timeless and romantic, a joyful dance framed by historic architecture at this Candoro Marble wedding.
The couple stands inside an arched marble alcove at their Candoro Marble Wedding, kissing under a gold vintage chandelier. The bride’s train fans out across the black-and-white tile floor, and detailed floral scrollwork decorates the domed ceiling above them. A romantic, architectural highlight of this unique venue

If you’ve never been to the Candoro Marble Building, you might be surprised to learn that Knoxville was once a major marble hub in the U.S. Tucked into South Knoxville, this venue feels like a hidden European gem—complete with arched exterior hallways, towering columns, and a marble interior that takes your breath away the moment you step inside.

Sydnie and Blade were drawn to the space for exactly that reason. “The marble architecture was absolutely stunning,” Sydnie shared in her post-wedding reflections. And while the art gallery walls were bare on their wedding date, the clean lines and natural light added a softness and elegance that brought their Italian rustic vision to life.

The Morning of Sydnie & Blades Candoro Builiding Wedding

The morning of the wedding began quietly at a nearby Airbnb, where Sydnie got ready surrounded by her closest friends and family. Her mom passed away three years ago, and while her absence was deeply felt, moments of connection and remembrance wove naturally into the day. Sydnie’s older sister helped her into her dress, offering both support and steadiness in a moment that would have otherwise belonged to their mom.

A close-up of a bridal bouquet made of white flowers, including roses and dahlias, wrapped in a piece of lace. Two small framed photos hang from the bouquet: one of a smiling woman with short brown hair, and another of two older women, one with white hair and one with blonde. These memorial charms honor loved ones and add emotional significance to the bouquet.
The bride, wearing a white gown with soft pleating and sheer bishop sleeves, stands in a warmly lit room while her sister helps button up the back of her dress. Her sister wears a forest green dress with a subtle floral pattern and smiles gently at her. The moment is quiet and intimate, surrounded by soft natural light and simple homey decor.

Just before her first look with her father, Sydnie delivered him a handwritten letter. He took a quiet moment to read it in the other room—then gently showed it to her sister, a gesture that spoke volumes about love, memory, and the bond they all continue to share.

The bride’s father, dressed in a black suit with a green patterned tie, holds and reads a handwritten letter while standing beside the bride’s sister. They share a smile as they look down at the page together. The sister holds a small bouquet and wears the same green dress as in the previous image. Their expressions are warm and touched, the moment both emotional and joyful.

A First Look to Remember and Private Vows Full of Emotion

Sydnie and Blade’s love story started over clinking glasses and late-night shifts, back when they were both working at the same restaurant. What began as casual conversations soon turned into something steady, sweet, and undeniable—the kind of love that feels like coming home. Their wedding day was filled with happy tears and spontaneous hugs—and one of the most emotional first looks I’ve ever photographed. There was so much tenderness in the way they saw each other, stayed connected throughout the day, and took time to simply be together.

The bride stands with her back slightly turned toward the camera, smiling brightly as she prepares to tap her groom on the shoulder for their first look. She wears a long-sleeved white gown with a full train that spreads gracefully behind her on the pavement. The groom, in a black suit, stands with his back to her in front of the marble exterior of the Candoro Marble Building.
The groom, visibly emotional with tears in his eyes, reaches out toward the bride during their first look. The bride has just revealed herself and is opening her arms wide, smiling and walking toward him. They stand outside the Candoro Marble Building, near a decorative black iron gate and large stone windows, bathed in soft daylight.

Immediately after the first look, they exchanged private vows. No audience, no rush—just the two of them, making promises in the stillness. Before they spoke those vows, Blade took a quiet moment to read Sydnie a remembrance his father would read in honor of her late mother. It was deeply moving, and a powerful way to hold space for her absence before stepping into the rest of the day. Sydnie later shared that sharing their vows privately was her favorite: “It felt like it was just Blade and I with no distractions.”

The groom stands outside the Candoro Marble Building reading his wedding vows aloud, facing the bride. She looks at him with teary eyes and a soft, emotional expression, holding her vow book close to her chest. The creamy marble backdrop and classic windowpanes ground the scene in warmth and elegance.
The couple shares an emotional hug immediately after exchanging private vows. The groom holds the bride tightly, eyes closed and face buried in her shoulder, while she clutches a vow booklet in one hand and wraps her other arm around him. This powerful moment captured the emotional heart of their Candoro Marble wedding.

The groom gently wipes a tear from the bride’s cheek with a handkerchief while she smiles softly, her eyes still damp from crying. They stand close together outside the marble building, surrounded by classic architectural detail and soft natural light.

Reflections of the Candoro Marble Building

After Sydnie and Blade shared their vows, we wandered through the property for their couple’s portraits—a quiet moment of calm before the rest of the celebration. The Candoro Marble Building is a modest but striking space, with soft natural light, clean architectural lines, and a beautiful balance of historic charm and approachable warmth. It doesn’t try to be grand. Instead, it invites you in with texture and character—from the hand-laid tile floors to the gently aging façade out back.

Sydnie told me early on that it was the marble itself that sealed the deal for them. “It was just so beautiful,” she said simply. And I felt the same.

Inside the marble vestibule of the Candoro Marble Building, the couple extends their arms toward each other, fingertips touching. Light pours through the ornate wrought-iron doors behind them, illuminating their formal attire and the checkered black-and-white floor. An artistic portrait full of symmetry and elegance from this Candoro Marble wedding.

The bride and groom walk arm-in-arm down the aisle, laughing together just after their ceremony at the Candoro Marble Building. The bride holds a bouquet of white flowers and glances at the groom, who playfully leans away with a big smile. Behind them, the cream-colored marble façade and arched doorway of the venue glow in the afternoon sun, surrounded by simple rows of wooden chairs and candles in glass jars.
The couple shares a tender moment, standing close as they gaze into each other’s eyes with wide, genuine smiles. The bride’s fingers rest gently on the groom’s lapel, and she holds her bouquet behind him. Her sheer sleeves and joyful expression evoke warmth and connection.

As a photographer, I was drawn to the subtle palette and unexpected backdrops—especially the quiet, overgrown space behind the building, where the old production warehouse still stands. That contrast between polish and decay is something I love to explore visually, and they embraced the idea! We chased light, leaned into stillness, and let the building guide us. What we created together in that space felt layered, honest, and full of intention.

The bride and groom stand on either side of a black iron railing, reaching out to gently touch fingertips. The bride, wearing a flowing white dress with sheer bishop sleeves and holding a white bouquet, smiles warmly at the groom. The groom, in a rolled-sleeve white shirt, dark vest, and green tie, gazes back with a soft smile. Behind them, an overgrown and crumbling industrial building covered in vines creates a dramatic contrast to their elegant attire, with golden hour light highlighting their connection and the textures around them.

A Thoughtful and Personal Ceremony at this Candoro Marble Wedding

Their Candoro Marble wedding ceremony took place in front of the venue’s grand entrance, framed by marble columns and warm evening light. Blade’s father officiated, opening the ceremony by once again reading those same words of remembrance for Sydnie’s mom—bringing a sense of continuity and shared grief into the most public part of the day.

The groom stands at the front of the aisle, wiping a tear from his eye as he watches his bride approach. Dressed in a black suit and floral tie, he holds his hand to his face, visibly moved. The soft stone façade of the Candoro Marble Building is behind him, grounding this emotional Knoxville wedding moment in a timeless setting.
The bride walks arm-in-arm with her father down a gravel path lined with tall trees, sunlight streaming through the branches. She holds a bouquet of white flowers and wears a long-sleeved white gown with a soft veil. Her father, dressed in a dark suit, appears proud and emotional as they approach the ceremony. A heartfelt father-daughter moment during this Knoxville wedding.

They also included a handfasting ritual, quite literally tying their lives together with joy, reverence, and a few more happy tears. Handfasting is an ancient ritual with roots in Celtic, Norse, and Pagan traditions, where a couple’s hands are bound together with ribbon or cord to symbolize their union. Historically, it represented a betrothal or the binding of two lives in an equal and lasting partnership—a physical representation of the phrase “tying the knot.”

For Sydnie and Blade, incorporating a handfasting into their Candoro Marble wedding brought a sense of timelessness and symbolism to their ceremony. It was more than a gesture—it was a statement of intentionality, of choosing each other not just in words, but in action.

A close-up of the couple’s hands during their handfasting ritual, with a thick ivory rope wrapped around their joined hands. The bride’s sleeve drapes softly while the officiant holds a book in the blurred background.

And, because every wedding has its moment of lighthearted chaos: their best man, Gage, dropped the rings mid-ceremony. Rather than fluster them, it made Sydnie and Blade laugh out loud. “The imperfections make the day memorable,” Sydnie said. I couldn’t agree more. If you look closely at the photo below on the right you can see the rings bouncing off the ground!

View from over the shoulders of seated guests looking toward the wedding ceremony at the Candoro Marble Building. The bride and groom stand facing one another in front of the arched marble entrance, flanked by their wedding party in forest green and black. Guests are turned attentively toward the couple as sunlight filters through the trees, casting a warm, summery glow over this elegant Knoxville wedding ceremony.
A groomsman stands near the ceremony site with a surprised, panicked expression as he drops the wedding bands, bringing a spontaneous and funny moment to the otherwise formal scene. A candid, playful interruption at this Knoxville wedding ceremony.

The couple shares their first kiss outside the Candoro Marble Building, centered beneath the arched black iron door as their entire wedding party applauds on either side. The symmetrical setup, natural light, and joyful expressions create a timeless scene. An iconic celebration moment from this Knoxville wedding.

A Playful and Approachable Celebration at the Candoro Marble Building

As the sun dipped low over South Knoxville, Sydnie and Blade welcomed their guests into a reception that felt like the perfect extension of their personalities: warm, stylish, and full of heart. The courtyard outside the Candoro Marble Building came to life in the golden slant of evening light, casting soft shadows across the marble columns and warming the space with a romantic glow. It was the kind of light photographers dream of—natural, cinematic, and absolutely stunning against the historic backdrop.

Their first dance set the tone for the evening. On a striking black-and-white checkered dance floor tucked beneath the building’s signature arches, they swayed together in a moment that felt both timeless and bold. The combination of that graphic floor, Sydnie’s elegant silhouette, and Blade’s emotional presence made for one of the most visually impactful moments of the entire day.

The couple twirls across a black-and-white dance floor as the bride's dress floats behind her in motion. The Romanesque arches of the reception venue and smiling guests frame the scene, capturing the lively spirit of the wedding reception celebration.

A close-up of the couple embracing during their first dance. The photo is taken from behind the bride, highlighting the corset detail on the back of her gown and a delicate tattoo on her shoulder. The groom’s hands are gently clasped around her waist, wedding ring in view, with the blurred reception crowd in the background—an intimate wedding reception detail.
The bride and groom look into each other’s eyes with beaming smiles during their first dance. Dappled light filters through the tree leaves above them, while guests watch from tables in the background. This sweet moment is full of warmth and connection during the outdoor wedding reception.

Heartfelt toasts followed—each one a reflection of how deeply loved these two are. There were tears, laughter, and moments of unexpected wisdom as friends and family shared stories of loyalty, resilience, and how perfectly Sydnie and Blade fit together. One of the most touching parts was seeing how intentionally they included the people around them in their celebration. You could feel that this wasn’t just a wedding—it was a gathering of their whole world.

A bride and groom sit at their sweetheart table during their wedding reception, sharing a sweet kiss beneath a circular arbor draped in greenery and iridescent ribbons. A carved wooden sign with their last name “Campbell” hangs above them. The table is adorned with romantic vintage glassware, taper candles, and a bouquet of white florals. Plates of pasta and bread are visible in front of them, adding a cozy, personal touch to the scene.
From behind the couple, the bride and groom are seated with arms extended, raising goblets of champagne in a celebratory toast. The bride’s lace-up gown reveals a delicate floral shoulder tattoo, while the groom wears a black satin vest. Guests in the background echo the toast, glasses raised midair, as golden hour light warms the courtyard. A groomsman stands in front of them, mid-speech. This joyful, golden-toned image captures the heartfelt energy of the wedding reception.

The DJ wasted no time spinning crowd-pleasing classics—think Motown, early 2000s throwbacks, and sing-along anthems that had even the self-proclaimed non-dancers on their feet. It didn’t take long for the courtyard to turn into a full-on party, with laughter and golden light lingering in the air. It was the perfect mix of elevated and unbuttoned, and such a true reflection of Sydnie and Blade’s energy.

In a candid and upbeat moment, the bride and groom clap and smile at each other in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by clapping guests. The joyful energy of this wedding reception shines through in their playful interaction.
The bride and groom crouch and reach out toward the camera mid-dance, surrounded by laughing friends and family. The black-and-white dance floor pops beneath them as evening light starts to warm the courtyard. This fun, unposed image captures the carefree atmosphere of the wedding reception.

And in a true highlight moment, we closed out their gallery with photos at the ice cream cart—a playful splurge they absolutely didn’t need, but one that added so much joy to the evening. Their entire day had this balance of elegance and ease, blending marble grandeur with the simple pleasures of laughter, connection, and dessert.

The couple stands side by side at an outdoor ice cream cart with black and white fringe. Each holds a cone—hers strawberry and his chocolate. The bride looks down with a soft smile while the groom takes a big bite, their body language comfortable and fun.
Captured at golden hour outside the Candoro Marble Building, the bride and groom share a quiet moment while holding ice cream cones. The soft light filters through the trees as they look into each other’s eyes beside a white vintage ice cream cart, dressed in their wedding attire.

As a photographer, one of the things I value most is witnessing and preserving moments of real emotion—and this day was filled with them. From the way Blade read his father’s words during the ceremony to the quiet glances they shared throughout the evening, there was a depth to their connection that made every photo feel alive.

It was clear how much thought and care went into every detail, and yet nothing about their day felt forced or overly curated. That’s the magic of a couple who knows what matters most and chooses to stay present with each other.

Reflecting back, Sydnie shared, “The wedding was more beautiful and fun than I could have even imagined. I don’t think I would change anything—except maybe getting a bigger dance floor!”

The newlyweds walk arm-in-arm down a gravel path outside the Candoro Marble Building, smiling at each other in celebration. The bride holds a white bouquet and wears a long-sleeved gown, while the groom walks confidently beside her in a black suit. The soft cream stone and symmetrical architecture of the venue adds historic elegance to this joyful Candoro Marble Wedding day moment.
A close-up of the bride’s hands resting on the groom’s shoulders, displaying her engagement ring prominently against the black fabric of his suit. Her nails are natural with delicate white tips, and the shot is framed by the blurred trees of the Candoro Marble Building in the background.
The couple holds hands and walks across the lawn at the Candoro Marble Building, beaming at each other with joyful smiles. The bride's long-sleeved white gown flows with movement, and the groom grins in a black suit and green tie. The rich greenery behind them provides a serene, romantic backdrop.

Kind Words from the Couple

One of the sweetest parts of my job is hearing from couples after the day is done. Sydnie left this incredibly kind review that means the world to me:

“Lara was our photographer for our wedding at Candoro Marble Building in South Knoxville. I truly cannot say enough good things about her! She was communicative leading up to the wedding and made sure she understood all the different types of pictures we wanted. She made taking pictures easy and fun (which is saying a lot coming from me as I am usually so awkward in pictures!). I would book Lara again every time. She is AMAZING!”

Mid-dance in the grass, the bride and groom hold hands and spin playfully. Her head is tilted back with laughter as she moves, her dress swaying with energy. They are surrounded by soft natural light and lush trees.

Final Thoughts

Sydnie and Blade’s Candoro Marble wedding was a testament to the power of emotion, architecture, and intentional celebration. It was a day filled with tears and laughter, private vows and shared desserts, historic beauty and modern love.

To Sydnie and Blade—thank you for your trust, your warmth, and your incredible energy. I’m so grateful to have walked this day with you, and I wish you a lifetime of joy, adventure, and quiet moments just the two of you.

Vendors Who Brought the Vision to Life

Ready to have your day captured with this much heart and intention?
If you’re planning a wedding at the Candoro Marble Building—or anywhere your love story takes you—I’d love to connect and hear all about it.

Get in touch here to start the conversation.

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