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Lily Lou’s: The Pines | A Woodland Wedding at a Venue in Chattanooga

Filed in Wedding Days — September 8, 2024

bride and groom both wipe tears from their eyes while reciting their private vows on a deck amongst tall pines

Jaylynn’s vision for her’s and Cole’s wedding day was timeless romance. She wanted a classy wedding day, but nothing too over the top. It was really important to both of them that their day be a celebration of their love. In their search for a venue in Chattanooga, they fell in love with The Venue at Lily Lou’s: The Pines for the overall atmosphere and vicinity to downtown Chattanooga (just a half an hour drive away). The thing that really impressed them and clinched their decision was that it is an all-inclusive venue in Chattanooga and the staff really impressed them. Samantha Johnson was their day of coordinator and she ensured that their day went off without a hitch. As a photographer I was impressed by the thoughtful layout of the space and how easily they were able to transport guests around the venue.

Jaylynn splurged on her overall look; I remember asking her if she had found the dress yet and she said “not yet, I’m looking for something simple and classy which is hard because I’m extra!” I laughed and wondered what type of dress she would decide on. Turns out she chose a soft fit and flare dress with a plunging neck line and side with pearl details that matched her hair. It managed to be classy and extra all at once, it was… perfect! 

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When it was finally time for Jaylynn and Cole’s first look we made our way to the tree deck. They were both so excited for this moment and truly wanted to savor it. Cole teared up a little upon seeing her, but the waterworks didn’t really get going until they started reading their private vows. Luckily we had tissues to hand, because they were both beautifully emotional. They made me cry a little- which is one of my favorite things about my job. Jaylynn said this was her favorite part of the day.

From here they legalized their union; Jaylynn’s grandmother notarized the marriage license. This personal touch made the “paperwork” feel so much more magical. 

Jaylynn and Cole held their ceremony outside in the covered ceremony space overlooking the pond. This is one of my favorite ceremony spaces at a Chattanooga wedding venue, as it strikes a great balance of being covered and shaded while still being bright and beautiful.

When Cole saw her walking down the aisle he started crying again, alternating between staring lovingly at her and turning away to wipe his eyes. Their ceremony was short and sweet and filled with joy. After saying I do and sharing their first kiss, they came back up the aisle and their guests popped confetti canons in celebration of their union!

image during wedding ceremony shot from behind the groomsmen, the bride smiles at her groom from between the sides of an arched arbor at Lily Lou's the Pines outdoor chattanooga ceremony space

Jaylynn and Cole made their grand entrance and went directly into their first dance, an intimate moment shared with those there to celebrate with them. When I asked Jaylynn afterwards what advice she would give others planning their wedding she said “Do not stress. This is supposed to be the best day of your life. Not EVERYTHING will be perfect and that’s okay.” She also noted how pleased she was that Lily Lou’s The Pines was all inclusive, she said she felt like she was able to enjoy her day more. 

After dinner Jaylynn snuck off to change into her reception outfit! When she returned the newlyweds cut their towering two tiered cake, that rivaled the hight of most three tiered cakes! It was adorned with white roses and a custom cake topper. They also had a groom’s cake that had a very realistic mallard duck sitting atop the cake. After cutting the cake and toasting with champagne we went out to catch the last moments of sunset. 

When the dance floor opened the energy was through the roof! Shout out to Lily Lou’s in house DJ Mike for keeping the energy high all night! Jaylynn had been super excited to enjoy the dance floor and she absolutely tore it up, able to move freely in her wedding night romper! This is a perfect example of how having a second outfit for the reception can enhance your night. When it came time for the bouquet toss there was a huge scramble, and then one of the groomsmen snuck in and snagged it! He proceeded to present it to maid of honor, which was super sweet!

bride and groom dip kiss on dance floor in wide shot of empty reception hall at Lily Lou's The Pines during private dance at the end of their wedding night

As the night came to a close Jaylynn and Cole shared a last dance privately amongst the twinkle lights, disco balls and chandeliers. They danced playfully with one another, at one point they even reenacted part of the Dirty Dancing dance!  

Let’s raise a glass to the newlyweds! Jaylynn and Cole: may you never stop being playful with one another!

bride and groom hold hands and raise them in celebration during sparkler exit on their wedding day at Chattanooga Wedding Venue Lily Lou's The Pines

A huge shout out to all the vendors who made their wonderful day come to life:

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Venue: The Venue at Lily Lou’s: The Pines

Day of Coordinator: Samantha Johnson

Photography: Lara Morgan

Videography: Garrett Shotts

Content Creation: Between the Vows

Make up: Sadi Heard

Florist: Wildwood Roses

Dress: Monica’s Bridal

Catering: Cloud’s Pizza

Bakery: Uncle Lar’s Outpost

DJ: The Venue at Lily Lou’s: Mike Khapper

Be sure to check out more of my favorite Chattanooga Wedding Venues