My Approach to Wedding Photography

With ten years of experience and hundreds of weddings under my belt I can honestly say that I love weddings.  I’ve photographed everything from small elopements on mountaintops to multi-cultural weddings in castles with hundreds of guests and everything in between.

I’m not like some photographers who will force you to stare into their cameras for 4 hours on your wedding day while you conjure up fake smile after fake smile.  I’m more interested in the real genuine moments that happen naturally when you are comfortable and relaxed.  And that’s what I specialize in, putting the people in front of my camera at ease.

All those “posed” photos you see of couples in the weddings I’ve photographed are the result of us hanging out while I put them in beautiful light and give them simple prompts and instructions.  Of course I’ll guide you so that all your photos are flattering and you look your best.  But mostly “my secret sauce” comes from allowing you to enjoy your wedding day and us having a great time together.

I specialize in capturing real, authentic, BEAUTIFUL moments that celebrate your love.  If that sounds like what you are looking for go ahead and contact me so we can setup a time to chat.  – John Yates 😍📷

Becky + Alex

Green Door Gourmet | Nashville, TN

I had been looking forward to Becky and Alex’s wedding since I met them earlier this year for their engagement photos.  Green Door Gourmet was the perfect backdrop for their wedding.  There are so many beautiful (and DIY) details that make this day so special.   Everyone that Becky and Alex chose to surround themselves with on their wedding day totally made the experience so filled with joy.  Everyone was present and in the moment throughout all parts of the day.  Click here to see the full story of their wedding day!

Rachel + Bobby

Clementine Hall | Nashville, TN

Rachel and Bobby’s wedding was recently published in Nashville Lifestyles magazine but it’s so gorgeous I had to get it up on my blog as well!  Rachel and Bobby chose to have an intimate wedding ceremony in the backroom at Clementine Hall surrounded by their closest friends and family.  After the ceremony we went into the main hall where we were joined by many more guests for an unforgettable party.

Samantha + Kaleb

Allenbrooke Farms | Spring Hill, TN

Some of my favorite parts from Samantha and Kaleb’s wedding day were the gorgeous photos that we got after their ceremony (gosh that circle floral arch is beyond gorgeous) around the farm. French Fry bar!!! I’ve been a big advocate of late night reception snacks and their french fry bar was a big hit! And all of the perfect details (that invitation suite tho!). But one of my favorite memories has to be the firework and sparkler send off!  Click here for all the epic photos.

Gomi + Nneka

Cloisters Castle | Towson, MD

When we met Gomi and Nneka it felt like seeing some old friends again that we hadn’t seen in awhile.  Gomi and Nneka met in Nigeria and it was so fun seeing all of the different cultural influences come together perfectly to celebrate their love for each other.  Cloisters Castle provided the perfect backdrop for their reception complete with elaborate staircases, beautiful gardens and even suits of armor!  Click here to see the full story of their wedding day!

Tom + Guy

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens | Nashville, TN

Cheekwood is one of my favorite places to visit in Nashville.  Not only are the gardens absolutely picturesque but it has this beautiful serene quality that just makes you slow down and stop and appreciate the beauty of nature.  This was the perfect backdrop for Tom and Guy’s wedding celebration.  We had a really relaxed time before the ceremony to walk around and explore the gardens (and get some great photos).  Throughout the ceremony and during the toasts it was truly evident that this couple’s love is so strong for each other and also reaches out and touches so many others.  And of course there was a really fun dance party that no one wanted to leave to end the night.  Click here to see the full story of their day.

Nicole + Austin

Cason’s Cove | Alvaton, KY

There is so much to love about Nicole and Austin’s wedding. Wow! What a picturesque location. This was my first time photographing a wedding at Cason’s Cove in Kentucky and it was so much fun. There were so many beautiful backdrops to choose from. I absolutely loved the gardens and all the European style architecture. Who knew you could get Italian countryside vibes in Kentucky?  See their beautiful wedding photos here.

Nina + Evan

Christ The King Church | Nashville, TN

Nina and Evan’s ceremony at Christ The King Church was breathtakingly beautiful.  Our plan after the ceremony was to take photos at Centennial Park.  We just missed the rain and were greeted by a rainbow when we arrived in front of The Parthenon for photos before heading to Loveless Cafe for their reception.  Click here to see photos from their timeless wedding.

Barbara + Darrius

Hermitage Hotel | Nashville, TN

I met Barbara and Darrius a few months back for their engagement photos.  We had such a fun time that I knew that their wedding was going to be off the charts.  Both their ceremony and reception were held at The Hermitage Hotel in Nashville and it was so fun seeing that space transformed twice in one day.  I was absolutely blown away by the amount of flowers that complimented the space perfectly.  Can we talk about how stunning Barbara’s dress and veil combination is?  WOW!  After the ceremony we had some beautiful golden hour light that gave us the perfect portraits before we went back into the ballroom and danced the night away.   See more from their beautiful Nashville wedding here.

JILLIAN + SETH

Dreams Resort | Las Mareas, Costa Rica

If I had it my way every couple would have a wedding like Jillian and Seth’s…  Go to a gorgeous location, bring your family and closest friends and have a really awesome party for a few days.  I had such an amazing time in Costa Rica with Jillian and Seth and their family and friends.  They were all so welcoming and really made me feel like I was part of the festivities the whole time I was down there.  I can’t say enough good things about the two of them and their families.  It really shows what an awesome couple they are by the fact that so many people came all the way to Costa Rica to celebrate with them.  And boy was it a celebration!