It was so nice to visit Chattanooga, Tennessee and take Sydney and Jayro’s belated one year anniversary photos in a city that is so special and sentimental to them- they frequented Chattanooga while they were dating and Jayro proposed to Sydney there as well. Sydney and I have actually been close friends for over ten years! So there was a lot of laughter shared and a fun time was had by all- despite the chilly, goose-bump raising temperatures in the evening!

Sydney and Jayro’s anniversary session featured two areas of Chattanooga… One of the first spots we used I would call a “little hidden gem” in the downtown area of Chattanooga- it’s one of those spots you would never really notice and would probably walk past without the slightest glance or hesitation- an ordinary spot that worked perfectly for the look and feel I was going for. It was the underbelly of a concrete bridge! Ha! But really, I adored the architectural beauty of this spot- I love symmetry and neutral colors in natural light, so I was elated that we had the opportunity to shoot there. The second spot was a cliff somewhere in Point Park in Chattanooga- I don’t even know if I could find the cliff again, as we were quite literally chasing light and racing against time to find the perfect spot before sunset. It. Was. Breathtaking. The view of Chattanooga was gorgeous, Sydney and Jayro were gorgeous, that warm sunset light and the pastel tones the sunset gifted us with were just drop dead gorgeous. It was all gorgeous. Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.

If I could share advice based on Sydney and Jayro’s session it would be… 1. Don’t be afraid to suggest sentimental or special-to-you areas to your photographer for your session’s location! You CAN collaborate with your photographer! And sentimental value is everything. 2. Please don’t be terrified when your photographer suggests a strange spot that looks nothing special to you as a backdrop for your photos! We see things a little differently. Your photos that are taken underneath a concrete bridge might just look like neutral-colored, architectural dreaminess when it’s all said and done! (And hopefully, you’ve already done your research and have combed through their portfolio and KNOW their style, that their style is consistent, and that they produce beautiful work that you love and are very comfortable with. 9/10 we won’t spontaneously create photos that are polar opposite to our style on an important or paid shoot- at least, I would NOT.) 3. Location(s) and outfit changes contribute to the variety and uniqueness of your photos. Plan well, my friends! And again, don’t hesitate to collaborate with your photographer to create something unique to you (and your loved ones) with sentimental value!

Photography: Kesia Marie Photography | Location: Downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee + Point Park in Chattanooga, Tennessee

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