I can't even put into words how much JoPhoto made our wedding day. Joe and Kathleen are P H E N O M E N A L .
We first reached out to them mid- to late-June asking about availability for July 15th because it's always been my dream to get marr...ied on my birthday. I received a quick response from Kathleen saying that they were available for that date (eek!), along with tons more information including location options for our small, intimate wedding and referrals to other wedding services - such as hair/makeup, officiant, etc. They also promptly sent over the contract to lock in the date and secure their service. We were able to get everything squared away pretty quick after the initial conversation. Woohoo!
The day of the wedding was even better. Joe and Kathleen had us all meet at a restaurant close to the Greenbrier spot in the Smoky Mountains so we could all carpool. When I arrived, she let me know that there were quite a few families swimming in the river near where the ceremony location was going to be, and said that we could still try it there or we could go to another place in the vicinity that could be a bit more private. I immediately opted in for the secondary location and we were on our way. They already had that back up plan in place and it worked out wonderfully. (On the drive up to the secluded spot, we saw cute little bear cubs and it was perfect!) We were able to unload our folding chairs, get all set up and begin the ceremony on the river's edge. It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. After the ceremony, Joe and Kathleen popped into action to get a spot set up to take family photos with all of our guests. They were both very conscious of our family structure - with divorced parents, siblings, friends, etc - and we began taking photos very quickly and efficiently. Kathleen also had extreme attention to detail from necklaces not being centered to strands of hair out of place (which was common - due to the crazy humidity. hah). She was very quick and concise with her direction and positioning of all of the family as Joe was snapping away, capturing beautiful shots. From start to finish of family photos, it was probably about 30-40 minutes. After that, our family then headed back to Knoxville for our dinner and my husband and I stayed for our bride & groom photos. We took a couple at the ceremony location and then also moved onto the rocks in the river - it's okay because we had Vans and Converse on. We could be adventurous. :) We also drove down toward a couple other river banks and took more photos. Both Joe and Kathleen had tons of beautiful spots picked out for our photos and they were gorgeous. They both had us play a couple games, like closing our eyes and trying to kiss each other which has us both laughing. It made for really cute photos of our genuine smiles. They also asked if we had any specific shots in mind, so we opted in for a couple photos with our beloved Orange Subaru Crosstrek.
I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that our wedding wouldn't have been as great as it was without JoPhoto. They made a huge impact and we are extremely grateful. Since we had to have a small wedding this year due to COVID, we are tentatively planning on having a larger ceremony next July for all family to attend. We will absolutely have them photograph that ceremony as well.
Thank you Joe and Kathleen. You both are amazing and a gift from God.
Love, Nick and Marisa Thompson