Some days, you walk away with full memory cards and an even fuller heart.
This was one of those days.
Chelsea and Jerrard’s wedding at The Venue at Birchwood was everything we imagined and so much more. From the very first moment to the last, it was a day soaked in intention, in covenant and in the most raw and beautiful kind of love.
Chelsea is a photographer herself, and there is truly no greater honor in our work than when a fellow photographer (and one of our own students no less!) trusts us with their once-in-a-lifetime day. She was full of radiance, joy and absolutely stunning.
And then, there’s Jerrard. Her perfect match.
From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Jerrard wasn’t just going through the motions of a wedding day. He was present. Fully, completely, undone-in-the-best-possible-way present.
It started before the ceremony even began, in a quiet, flower-lined chapel, just the two of them, standing back to back. Not quite seeing each other yet. That was intentional. Jerrard wanted the first time his eyes found his bride to be the moment she came down the aisle. So instead of a first look, they chose something just as tender: a first touch.
Hand in hand, back to back, they read the vows they’d each written, laughing, crying, voices breaking (in the sweetest way). No audience. No music. Just them, the Lord, and private words too sacred to rush. It was such a beautiful moment to get to witness and capture up close.
So you can bet, the moment she walked down the aisle was something special.
We have photographed a lot of grooms in our day, but Jerrard’s face in that moment was something we won’t soon forget. He couldn’t hold it together… and he didn’t even try. The tears came, and they kept coming. Through the ceremony. Through the reception. All day long, this strong, loving man wore his heart completely on his sleeve, and it was the most beautiful thing to witness.
That kind of love doesn’t come from nowhere. It comes from knowing what you’re doing and Who you’re doing it for. Jerrard never missed an opportunity to point back to the Lord, to remind everyone in the room what the day was really about. A wooden cross stood at the centerpiece of their aisle. Words of Scripture woven throughout their ceremony. Every moment felt less like a celebration of two people and more like an act of worship. Because that’s exactly what it was. They weren’t just making promises to each other. They were making a covenant, to each other, and to God.
Chelsea and Jerrard, from the very first time we photographed you in Centennial Park to the moment you walked back down that aisle as husband and wife, it has been the purest joy to be a small part of your story. You are a team. The real kind. The kind that’s going somewhere beautiful together, hand in hand, with the Lord leading the way.
We love you both so much. We hope these images always bring you right back to how it felt… to the vows, the tears, the laughter, the covenant. And we pray that every year that passes only adds more depth and beauty to the story God is writing for you.
And we couldn’t finish this post without a huge shoutout to sweet bridesmaid Hannah, Chelsea’s business partner and her right hand girl, who made sure everything ran smoothly and that her friend had everything she needed all day long. She’s the reason we have a portrait together! It was so sweet to be included in the family shot list. From beginning to end, the whole family brought so much warmth into the day and just made us feel so welcomed and honored to be there. We’re so excited to share just a few of our many favorites with you!
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Nievese! Here’s to your next chapter 🤍
The Creative Team for
Chelsea & Jerrard’s Venue at Birchwood Wedding Photos
Wedding Planner: Gabby with the Busy Bride • Venue: Venue at Birchwood • Floral Design: Nashville Flower Market • Content Creator: Blue Sky Maggie • Bride’s Gown: Lavender Park Bridal • Bride’s Shoes: Kailee P • Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Gray • Cake: Baked on 8th • Catering: EJ’s 2 Step Catering • Groom’s Ring: Gossage Jewelers • Groom’s Tuxedo: Studio Suits • Hair & Makeup : Nashville Luxury Bridal • Invitations: Posh Paper Co • Linens: Curated Events & Urquid Linens • Officiant: James Savage •
Click here to see Chelsea & Jerrard’s Nashville, Tennessee fall engagement session!
